The Divisional Round: The point in the playoffs that separates the good from the great. No matter who you are a fan of, there is no denying that divisional football calls for special games.
The 2025 NFL Divisional Round was incredible from start to finish (unless you’re a 49ers fan). This year, there is a new level of physicality that is taking place. One that we have not seen for about ten or more years. More physical hits, more fumbles, interceptions, and explosive plays. The tensions are only rising as we recap the Divisional Round.
Broncos vs. Bills: This game had everything. Early on in the game, the Broncos took the momentum with a turnover from Bills’ RB James Cook. This led to a touchdown to take the lead 10-7 early in the 2nd quarter. Another key play that occurred was when QB Josh Allen fumbled the ball in what appeared to be a purposeful lateral throw to the ground. The fumble would give the Broncos a ten-point lead after making a long field goal as the clock hit zero. The Bills, however, would not give up on this game as they would go on to tie the game up and bring the two teams to overtime. After an interception that would cause an uproar on social media, the Broncos prevailed and kicked the game-winning field goal to cap off an incredible 33-30 win.
Seahawks vs. 49ers: This was a very highly anticipated game, one that 49ers fans were beyond excited for until 13 seconds into the game, when KR Rasheed Shahid would return the kickoff from one endzone all the way to the other for the very early lead. This lead would prevail as the Seahawks would prove that their defense and strong running core is just too much for the 49ers. RB Kenneth Walker III would go on to have the best rushing performance by any running back in the playoffs with 116 yards and 3 TDs. As for the 49ers, their offense would have a hard time moving the football throughout the entire game, as their offense would be quieted to just six points. The Seahawks look strong going into the NFC Championship game, winning 41-6, the second biggest blowout of the season.
Patriots vs. Texans: If there was one word to describe this game, it would be “defense.” Both teams would actually begin this game with early scores and a 10-7 lead for the Houston Texans. However, it was later in the second quarter that would change everything as QB C.J. Stroud would throw his second interception of the half, and this one would get returned for a touchdown to put the Patriots up 14-10. The turnovers would not stop for either team after this, as the Texans’ offense would let up five turnovers to the Patriots, including four interceptions from Stroud, as the Patriots would let up three turnovers as well. But they would eventually seal the game with a beautiful catch from Patriots’ WR Kayshon Boutte. This game would end up being 28-16 in favor of the Patriots as they would prevail from the best defense in the league and move on to the AFC Championship game against the Broncos.
Rams vs. Bears: It was quite obvious that this would be a low-scoring game from the start. The Bears were building more momentum than the Rams; however, they couldn’t come away with many points, which would keep Matthew Stafford and the Rams in this game. The biggest moment of the game was in the final seconds of regulation when the Bears were down 17-10 with enough time to make one more play to score a touchdown. QB Caleb Williams would take the ball and run 20 yards backwards before throwing the ball from the 40-yard line and completing an improbable 14-yard TD to tie the game and go into overtime. Unfortunately, their late-game magic would finally run out as the Rams would drive their way towards a game-winning field goal, capping off a classic at Soldier Field. WR Puka Nacua and the Rams are fired up and ready to go up against the Seattle Seahawks in a matchup that is bound to become an instant classic.
We are only two games away from Super Bowl LX as the NFL season is quickly coming to an end. We have been treated with incredible games all year long, and now is no time to skip out on what remains for this 2025-2026 season. Drake Maye vs. Jarrett Stidham. Sam Darnold vs. Matthew Stafford. The stages are set, and it is only a matter of time before we get to see who is really ready to play in the brightest lights of football.
As for you, all you have to do is watch and enjoy. Be loud, get hyped. It’s on to the Conference Championship games.