The Houston Texans have parted ways with team president Greg Grissom following the franchise’s divisional round playoff exit at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs.
“We want to thank Greg for his contributions to the organization,” Texans CEO Cal McNair said in a statement. “Since he became our president in 2021, Greg helped me implement numerous initatives to help our organization fearlessly evolve and grow in many ways, which we are thankful for. We wish Greg and his family all the best in the future. We will provide updates regarding the team’s next president in the coming days.”
“Leading the Houston Texans business operations has been the opportunity of a lifetime,” Grissom said. “After almost 25 years with the Texans, including the last four as president, I feel it’s the right time to embrace new challenges and opportunities. I want to thank Janice McNair and Cal McNair and Hannah McNair for their support and the opportunity to help lead this organization.”
Grissom had been a part of the Texans organization since 2002 and earned several promotions up to president throughout his two-plus decade run in Houston.
The Houston Texans have announced that they have parted ways with team president Jamey Rootes following their divisional round exit in the playoffs.
Rootes had been with the Texans for over 20 years, serving as the team’s president since 2019. His departure comes after the Texans fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round of the playoffs, marking another disappointing end to their season.
The decision to part ways with Rootes comes as the Texans look to make changes and move in a new direction following a tumultuous season that included the trade of star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and the firing of head coach Bill O’Brien.
The Texans have not yet announced who will be taking over as team president, but it is clear that changes are on the horizon for the franchise as they look to turn things around and build towards a brighter future.
Football Zebras has confirmed the officiating crews for the Divisional Playoffs. Officials are listed with their uniform number, years of NFL experience (including this season), the crew each official worked with in the regular season (by the referee’s name), college, and outside occupation.
Five alternates are assigned to each game: a referee, an umpire, a line of scrimmage official (down judge or line judge), a deep wing official (field judge or side judge), and a back judge.
The prior playoff experience that is listed for the crew chief includes his service as an NFL official, including as referee and any other crew position (excluding alternate assignments). Also of note, the eventual Super Bowl officials are on the field for this weekend’s games, but not all are from the same crew.
All times are Eastern.
Saturday, Jan. 18
Texans at Chiefs, 4:30 p.m. ESPNESPN2ABCESPN+
Clay Martin will be the referee for Texans-Chiefs, who is in his 10th season and 7th as referee. This is Martin’s 6th postseason assignment, including 4 Wild Card Playoffs and 2 Divisional Playoffs.
R
19
Clay Martin
10
Oklahoma Baptist
retired high school administrator and basketball coach
U
127
Scott Campbell
2
Blakeman
California-Davis
firefighter
DJ
79
Kent Payne
21
Rogers
Nebraska Wesleyan
agribusinessman
LJ
32
Walter Flowers
2
Allen
FJ
72
Jason Ledet
2
Hochuli
Nicholls State
physical therapy and rehabilitation
SJ
95
James Coleman
20
Blakeman
Arkansas
electrical engineer
BJ
38
Greg Yette
15
Rogers
Howard
defense contractor
RO
Matt Sumstine
7
Novak
Phoenix
real estate
RA
Tim England
3
Novak
ALT
R
Craig Wrolstad
22
Washington
athletic director
ALT
U
Tab Slaughter
5
Eck
Arkansas State
chief operating officer
ALT
LOS
Sarah Thomas
10
Allen
Mobile
sales representative
ALT
DEEP
Dominique Pender
5
Clark
Howard
trade support, finance and banking
ALT
BJ
Jim Quirk
14
Hochuli
Middlebury
financial advisor
Commanders at Lions, 8:15 p.m. Fox
Ron Torbert will head the crew as the Commanders take on the Lions, who is in his 15th season and 11th as referee. This is Torbert’s 13th postseason assignment, including 4 Wild Card Playoffs, 7 Divisional Playoffs, 1 Conference Championship, and Super Bowl LVI. His Super Bowl assignment was as a referee.
R
62
Ron Torbert
15
Michigan State
attorney
U
42
Duane Heydt
3
Allen
South Carolina
statistician and real-estate investor
DJ
21
Max Causey
3
Hussey
Louisiana Tech
financial advisor
LJ
47
Tim Podraza
17
Hochuli
Nebraska
business performance consultant
FJ
31
Mearl Robinson
8
Blake
Air Force
retired U.S. Air Force instructor
SJ
41
Boris Cheek
29
Smith
Morgan State
retired director of operations and management
BJ
120
Jonah Monroe
10
Blakeman
Arkansas
engineer
RO
Kevin Brown
6
Allen
Purdue
retired air traffic controller
RA
Durwood Manley
6
Allen
Lubbock Christian
sales territory manager
ALT
R
Alex Kemp
11
Central Michigan
insurance agent
ALT
U
Barry Anderson
18
Torbert
North Carolina State
builder/developer
ALT
LOS
Frank LeBlanc
5
Torbert
Lamar Institute of Technology
neighborhood services manager
ALT
DEEP
Allen Baynes
17
Hussey
Auburn
realtor
ALT
BJ
Matt Edwards
7
Hussey
Western Michigan
real estate investment specialist
Sunday, Jan. 19
Rams at Eagles, 3 p.m. NBCPeacock
The crew in Philadelphia will be headed by referee Shawn Smith, who is in his 10th season and 7th as referee. This is Smith’s 9th postseason assignment, including 5 Wild Card Playoffs, 2 Divisional Playoffs, and 2 Conference Championships.
R
14
Shawn Smith
10
Ferris State
finance
U
92
Bryan Neale
11
Rogers
Indiana
sales consultant
DJ
84
Jay Bilbo
2
Smith
Ottawa (KS)
information technology
LJ
75
Mark Stewart
7
Novak
Pittsburg State
rancher
FJ
107
Dave Hawkshaw
6
Martin
Justice Institute of British Columbia
firefighter, former CFL official
SJ
80
Alonzo Ramsey
3
Martin
Howard
banking
BJ
105
Dino Paganelli
19
Smith
Aquinas College
educator
RO
Tyler Cerimeli
7
Blake
Arizona State
high school officials coordinator
RA
Brian Davies
2
Cheffers
ALT
R
Bill Vinovich
19
San Diego
certified public accountant
ALT
U
Roy Ellison
22
Hill
Savannah State
IT engineer
ALT
LOS
Jerod Phillips
9
Martin
Northeastern State
real estate agent
ALT
DEEP
John Jenkins
11
Eck
St. Mary’s
sales executive
ALT
BJ
Brad Freeman
11
Clark
Mississippi State
sports park director
Ravens at Bills, 6:30 p.m. CBSParamount+
The final officiating crew of the weekend will be headed by Carl Cheffers, who is in his 25th season and 17th as referee. This is Cheffers’s 20th postseason assignment, including 6 Wild Card Playoffs, 8 Divisional Playoffs, 3 Conference Championships, and Super Bowls LI, LV, and LVII. All three of his Super Bowl assignments were as a referee.
R
51
Carl Cheffers
25
California-Irvine
sales manager
U
22
Brandon Cruse
3
Cheffers
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
management consultant
DJ
63
Mike Carr
8
Cheffers
Wisconsin
athletic director
LJ
98
Greg Bradley
16
Hill
Tennessee
chemical engineer
FJ
57
Joe Blubaugh
5
Rogers
Pittsburg State
regional sales manager
SJ
33
Nate Jones
6
Cheffers
Rutgers
firefighter/EMT FORMER NFL PLAYER
BJ
133
Martin Hankins
2
Cheffers
Memphis
court clerk
RO
Chad Adams
7
Blakeman
Cincinnati
operations
RA
Ken Hall
4
Wrolstad
ALT
R
Land Clark
7
Sevier Valley Tech
chief building official
ALT
U
Paul King
16
Clark
Nichols College
teacher
ALT
LOS
Patrick Turner
11
Blake
Cal State-Long Beach
plant manager
ALT
DEEP
Dale Shaw
12
Eck
Allegheny
pharmaceutical sales
ALT
BJ
John Hussey
23
Hussey
Idaho State
nonprofit founder and CEO
Football Zebras have announced the referees for the upcoming Divisional Playoff games. The officiating crew will be led by veteran referees Martin, Torbert, Smith, and Cheffers, who are some of the most experienced and respected officials in the league.
Fans can expect these referees to uphold the highest standards of fairness and accuracy as they oversee the pivotal matchups that will determine which teams advance to the Conference Championships. With their proven track records of excellence, Martin, Torbert, Smith, and Cheffers are sure to provide a steady hand in ensuring a smooth and competitive playoff experience for all teams involved.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Divisional Playoff games and the crucial role that these referees will play in determining the outcomes. Let’s give a round of applause to Martin, Torbert, Smith, and Cheffers for their dedication to the game and their commitment to upholding the integrity of the sport.
Six teams were eliminated from the 2025 NFL playoffs – which will determine the champion for the league’s 2024 season – on wild card weekend. The divisional round will feature another culling of the herd, as the eight remaining squads will be cut down to just four in a span of just over 24 hours.
Plenty of quality opponents remain on both sides of the bracket. The Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens matchup in the AFC figures to be the marquee matchup of the four-game slate while the Washington Commanders will look to pull off a second consecutive seeding upset and play spoiler on the NFC side of the bracket.
Here’s what to know about the NFL’s divisional round schedule and how the league’s playoff bracket works in 2025.
Four NFL playoff games will be played as the league’s postseason bracket moves onto the divisional round. They are as follows, by conference:
AFC divisional round games
NFC divisional round games
NFL wild card playoff schedule
The NFL’s divisional round will see games played on both Saturday and Sunday. There will be two games played on each day, and the action will begin with the Chiefs vs. Texans game at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.
There will not be a “Monday Night Football” game in the divisional round of the playoffs. The league’s “MNF” schedule came to an end with the Rams’ 27-9 win over the Minnesota Vikings in the wild card round.
Below is a full look at the NFL’s divisional weekend schedule.
All eight of the remaining NFL playoff teams will be in action on divisional weekend. The only two teams not yet to play a game entering Saturday’s action were the No. 1 seeds – the Chiefs and the Lions – who earned wild card weekend byes for finishing with the best record in their respective conferences.
Here is a look at the full NFL playoff bracket for 2025, which will be updated for the divisional round results:
AFC playoff bracket
NFC playoff bracket
How does the NFL playoff bracket work?
The NFL playoff bracket doesn’t begin as a fixed one. The No. 1 seed in each conference is granted a bye to the divisional round of the postseason while the remaining six teams in each conference play on wild card weekend.
Once the victors are determined, the No. 1 seed in each conference draws the lowest remaining seed for the divisional round. This can be any team seeded from Nos. 4-7, depending on the results of the game; in 2025, the AFC’s top-seeded Chiefs drew a matchup with the 4-seeded Texans while the NFC’s No. 1-seeded Lions drew into a matchup with the No. 6-seeded Commanders.
The other conference semifinals are between the two remaining teams on either side of the bracket. Once those matchups are set, the bracket becomes fixed. The winners of the divisional round games will play one another in their respective conference championship games to determine which squad gets to go to the Super Bowl.
This differs slightly from the NFL’s previous playoff bracket, during which the No. 2 seed in each conference also got a bye week. The NFL changed that rule in 2020, when it expanded its playoff field from 12 to 14 and began having the No. 2 seed face the No. 7 seed, the latter of which previously didn’t make the postseason.
The new format creates a wider variation of potential matchups for the divisional round, as the No. 1 seed faces the possibility of playing one of four teams instead of just three. It also creates more of an advantage for teams that get the bye, as they don’t have to win an extra game as they look to make a Super Bowl run.
When will divisional round winners know their opponents?
The NFL’s conference championship game matchups will be set by Sunday night, once the league’s divisional round action wraps up. The Bills vs. Ravens game will be the last contest to finish play, but once that result is booked, each conference will have two remaining teams.
Saturday’s winners will also know their two potential championship game opponents going into Sunday’s games because of the now-fixed bracket. There aren’t as many scenarios about which to worry as there are on wild card weekend; the winning teams will simply face the other surviving squad from their conference.
Full NFL playoffs schedule
The NFL playoffs kicked off on Saturday, Jan. 11 with the league’s wild card weekend and will conclude on Feb. 9 with Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans.
Below is a look at the schedule, scores and results for that contest.
Wild card round
All times Eastern
Saturday, Jan. 11
Sunday, Jan. 12
Monday, Jan. 13
Divisional round
Saturday, Jan. 18
Sunday, Jan. 19
Conference championship round
Sunday, Jan. 26
NFC championship game: 3 p.m.
AFC championship game: 6:30 p.m.
Super Bowl 59
Date: Feb. 9, 2025
Location: Caesars Superdome (New Orleans)
Time: 6:30 p.m.
TV: FOX
With the wild card round of the NFL playoffs officially in the books, it’s time to look ahead to the divisional round games. Here is the schedule and bracket update for the upcoming matchups:
Saturday, January 22nd:
– Cincinnati Bengals vs. Tennessee Titans at 4:30 PM ET
– San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers at 8:15 PM ET
Sunday, January 23rd:
– Los Angeles Rams vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 3:00 PM ET
– Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs at 6:30 PM ET
The winners of these games will advance to the conference championship round, with the ultimate goal of making it to the Super Bowl. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as we continue to follow the exciting journey of the NFL playoffs.
While no one is Lamar Jackson, the Buffalo Bills are doing their best to emulate in practice what they will be facing when Jackson and the Ravens come to town for Sunday night’s AFC divisional round showdown.
The Bills have signed Anthony Brown, a three-year veteran quarterback who broke into the NFL with the Ravens back in 2022. Brown played in two games that season, throwing for 302 yards with two interceptions while completing just 44.9% of his throws. Like Jackson, Brown is capable of extending and making plays with his mobility, which is the main reason why Bills head coach Sean McDermott signed him.
“If you just put a mobile person back there when you’re planning on working on the scrambles or the quarterback run game (in practice), the defensive players know this is one of those plays, right?” McDermott said. “If you just have to sub out one of our normal quarterbacks for a mobile player like that.
“In order to hide that, what Anthony brings to the table is both. He can throw it, he can run it, and so there’s a little bit more of a true, honest look. … Whether he’s handing it off, dropping back or and some of the things, conceptually, at least, that Lamar does.”
As McDermott alluded to, Brown can “conceptually” provide similar looks to what Buffalo’s defense will see on Sunday night. But no NFL player can mimic what Jackson does on a football field. Jackson is, after all, the most prolific running quarterback in NFL history having broken Michael Vick’s career rushing record for quarterbacks earlier this season.
In Saturday’s wild-card round win over the Steelers, either Jackson or Derrick Henry carried the ball on all but one of a 13-play, 85-yard drive that was done entirely on the ground. Jackson, running the read option to near perfection, ran for 81 yards on 15 carries. Henry rumbled for 186 yards and two touchdowns while tying Hall of Famer Terrell Davis’ postseason record by recording his fourth game of at least 150 rushing yards.
He isn’t Jackson, but Brown will nonetheless help Buffalo’s defense prepare for what could be an instant classic. After years of trying and coming up just short, both teams are hoping to get over the hump while superseding the Chiefs as this year’s AFC representative in the Super Bowl.
The Buffalo Bills have made a strategic move ahead of their divisional round matchup by signing former Baltimore Ravens quarterback to mimic Lamar Jackson. With the Bills set to face off against the Ravens in a highly anticipated showdown, they are pulling out all the stops to prepare for the dynamic playmaking abilities of Jackson.
The newly signed quarterback, who has experience playing in a similar dual-threat style to Jackson, will be tasked with emulating the elusive speed and agility that makes the Ravens quarterback such a force to be reckoned with. By bringing in a player who can replicate Jackson’s unique skill set in practice, the Bills are hoping to gain a competitive edge and be better prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
As the Bills continue to fine-tune their game plan and hone in on their defensive strategies, this signing serves as a clear indication of their commitment to leaving no stone unturned in their quest for victory. With the divisional round matchup looming large, all eyes will be on how this strategic move pays off for the Bills as they look to advance in the playoffs.
For each game he broadcasts during the 2024 NFL season all the way through Super Bowl LIX, FOX Sports lead NFL analyst Tom Brady is awarding his LFG Player of the Game to that one player he sees on the field who makes him say …
“LET’S F***ING GO!!!”
In the divisional round, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels took home the award after leading his team to a monumental 45-31 upset over the Detroit Lions. The win marked one of the biggest upsets in recent NFL playoff history, and Daniels moved one game closer to becoming the first rookie quarterback to start in a Super Bowl.
Tom Brady’s LFG Player of the Game: Commanders’ Jayden Daniels
Daniels made several pivotal plays on Saturday night. He torched the Lions’ secondary, particularly in the second quarter. He guided the Commanders to a lead over the Lions in the highest-scoring quarter in NFL playoff history, as he completed 14 of 21 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns with a 137.4 passer rating in the first half.
Daniels didn’t add too many yards in the second half, but he continued to execute on plays when they mattered the most. He converted on two fourth-down attempts, running for a 3-yard gain on a fourth-and-2 and targeting Terry McLaurin on a fourth-and-1, to set up touchdowns.
In the final five minutes, Daniels made another big throw. He connected with backup tight end John Bates for a 20-yard gain on a third down that helped the Commanders run the clock even more.
Those plays made Brady impressed with Daniels’ poise as the FOX cameras showed the rookie appearing stoic through all of Saturday’s chaos. Brady wondered what made Daniels so composed in those key moments in Detroit.
“Just the preparation,” Daniels told Brady. “[Commanders offensive coordinator] Kliff [Kingsbury] and me, we talk countless hours about everything, how we want to attack the defense. I see what I see. I trust my eyes and I prepare for these moments like this.”
The preparation from Kingsbury has helped Daniels put up arguably the best rookie season of all time for a quarterback. He led the Commanders to a 12-5 record in the regular season — an eight-win turnaround from where they were last year — and threw for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions to go with 891 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.
As Brady noted Daniels’ confidence throughout Saturday’s game, he wondered who enabled him to feel certain about his abilities.
Commanders’ Jayden Daniels converts CLUTCH fourth down, leading to a TD to help defeat Lions
“I think it’s the whole offensive staff,” Daniels said. “They do a great job of putting what I know I can handle on my plate, which I feel like is a lot and they feel that too. And I just prepare. I prepare the right way. I don’t cheat the game. You’ve got to put in the work to put the product out on Sundays. So, I just thank my coaching staff, really.”
That coaching staff has now helped Daniels reach the NFC Championship Game as a rookie. Before Daniels prepares for next week’s title tilt, Brady wanted to know one last thing: Does Daniels think he’s a better thrower or runner?
“Man, I think it’s the best of both worlds,” Daniels said in response. “There’s guys in the league that make plays with both, and I consider myself one of them.”
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In a thrilling Divisional Round matchup, Commanders QB Jayden Daniels shines as the LFG Player of the Game, leading his team to a decisive victory against the defending champions. Check out the post to see how Daniels outplayed Tom Brady and solidified his status as a rising star in the league. #JaydenDaniels #LFGPlayerOfTheGame #CommandersWin
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Tom Brady, LFG, Player of the Game, Divisional Round, Commanders QB, Jayden Daniels, NFL playoffs, standout performance, key plays, game highlights, post-game analysis
As the NFL playoffs begin, there were eight former Ole Miss Rebels who competed during the Wild Card Weekend.
After round one of elimination games, four of the seven total Rebels in this year’s playoffs are one step closer to the Super Bowl. Tavius Robinson (Ravens), Dawson Knox (Bills), AJ Brown (Eagles) and Laremy Tunsil (Texans) will all be participants in the Divisional round of the playoffs, with another win advancing their respective teams to a conference championship game.
Two defenders had big games in losses, D.J. Jones of the Denver Broncos and Deane Leonard of the Los Angeles Chargers. Jones stuffed the stat sheet against the Buffalo Bills, finishing with seven tackles, one for a loss, one quarterback hit, and a huge sack on third and goal to hold the Bills to a field goal. Jones finished with five solo tackles, tied for the most on the team.
Leonard made the most of his opportunity this weekend, finishing with one tackle, one pass defended, and hauled in his first career interception. The cornerback picked off CJ Stroud in the second quarter of their game against the Houston Texans.
The NFL Wild Card weekend did not disappoint, with several former Ole Miss Rebels making big plays and helping their teams secure victories. Let’s take a look at how these NFL Rebels performed in the Wild Card round and which teams will be moving on to the Divisional round:
– DK Metcalf: The Seattle Seahawks wide receiver had a standout performance against the Philadelphia Eagles, catching 7 passes for 160 yards and a touchdown. Metcalf’s big plays helped the Seahawks secure a 17-9 victory and advance to the Divisional round.
– Evan Engram: The New York Giants tight end also had a solid game in the Wild Card round, catching 6 passes for 83 yards. Despite his efforts, the Giants fell short to the Green Bay Packers, losing 23-20.
– Mike Hilton: The Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback had a strong showing against the Cleveland Browns, recording 5 tackles and a key interception in the Steelers’ 48-37 loss.
With the Wild Card round in the books, several former Rebels will now be moving on to the Divisional round of the NFL playoffs. DK Metcalf and the Seattle Seahawks will take on the Green Bay Packers, while Mike Hilton and the Pittsburgh Steelers will face the Kansas City Chiefs. Evan Engram and the New York Giants may be out of the playoffs, but they can hold their heads high after a hard-fought game against the Packers.
Stay tuned for more updates on how these NFL Rebels perform in the Divisional round!
The Buffalo Bills will face the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round. Here’s the latest fantasy football news and advice to help you with your lineups this week and moving forward, especially regarding TE Dawson Knox.
Ready to optimize your DFS lineups? Check out our FREE DFS Optimizer to help you with your lineups!
Is Dawson Knox Playing vs. the Ravens?
Knox was not listed on the injury report this week. Barring any last-minute setbacks, he is expected to play this weekend.
Should You Start or Sit Dawson Knox in the Divisional Round?
We see a lot of offenses that come without much of a role for their tight end, but the remaining eight teams all can carve looks out for their TE1; that means I’m not venturing down to Dawson Knox.
The Bills can score with the best of them, and Dalton Kincaid’s lack of counting numbers could generate some interest in Knox, but that’s too thin for my liking. He hasn’t seen more than three targets in six straight games and has seen his snap share tick down to 54.7% over his past three (season: 60.5%).
I remain intrigued by Kincaid, and with his success in the first matchup, that’s the direction I’m going if I have to pick a pass catcher in Buffalo.
The 2023 Ravens led the league in scoring defense but only ranked 10th in Defense+. This year’s Ravens fell to ninth in scoring defense but fared better in Defense+.
That improved form held true in the Wild Card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. While Baltimore’s 75.3 (C) grade was nothing special, that’s usually all this offense needs to win. The Ravens were able to exploit Russell Wilson‘s tendency to hold the ball, averaging their second-highest sack rate (11.8%) of the season.
Since moving Kyle Hamilton to safety in Week 11, the Ravens rank first in points per drive, first in EPA per dropback, first in third-down defense, and first in red-zone defense (including playoffs).
Paired with a run defense that has been elite all season, Baltimore suddenly looks like one of the scariest No. 3 seeds in recent memory. With the offense playing at an elite level led by presumptive MVP Lamar Jackson, Baltimore could be better equipped to make the Super Bowl than last year’s team, even without the advantage of the top seed.
1) Sam LaPorta | DET (vs. WAS) 2) Travis Kelce | KC (vs. HOU) 3) Mark Andrews | BAL (at BUF) 4) Dallas Goedert | PHI (vs. LAR) 5) Dalton Kincaid | BUF (vs. BAL) 6) Zach Ertz | WAS (at DET) 7) Isaiah Likely | BAL (at BUF) 8) Dalton Schultz | HOU (at KC) 9) Noah Gray | KC (vs. HOU) 10) Tyler Higbee | LAR (at PHI) 11) Dawson Knox | BUF (vs. BAL) 12) Grant Calcaterra | PHI (vs. LAR) 13) Cade Stover | HOU (at KC) 14) Colby Parkinson | LAR (at PHI) 15) Brock Wright | DET (vs. WAS) 16) John Bates | WAS (at DET) 17) Charlie Kolar | BAL (at BUF) 18) Davis Allen | LAR (at PHI) 19) Hunter Long | LAR (at PHI) 20) Ben Sinnott | WAS (at DET) 21) Shane Zylstra | DET (vs. WAS) 22) Peyton Hendershot | KC (vs. HOU) 23) Quintin Morris | BUF (vs. BAL)
Ravens at Bills Trends and Insights
Baltimore Ravens
Team: Lamar Jackson was the MVP in 2019. The next season …
*Won on Wild Card Weekend (he had 179 pass yards)
*Derrick Henry was the home RB in that Wild Card game
*Advanced to play a 13-win Bills team
Jackson was the MVP in 2023. This season …
*Won on Wild Card Weekend (he had 175 pass yards)
*Derrick Henry was the home RB in that Wild Card game
*Will play a 13-win Bills team
QB: Since Week 9, Jackson has completed 75.8% of his non-pressured passes with 20 touchdowns and just one interception on those 161 attempts.
Offense: Over their past five games (all wins), Baltimore has scored a touchdown on 40.8% of their drives (they were one of the elite offenses prior to this run with a 33.3% rate).
Defense: Opponents are 0-of-6 on fourth downs against the Ravens over the past four games (prior: 12-of-23).
Fantasy: On Saturday, Derrick Henry became the first player in NFL history to have four games in a season with 130 rushing yards and multiple rushing touchdowns when he was 30+ years of age.
Betting: Baltimore has covered six of eight road games after failing to do so in the season opener at Arrowhead.
Buffalo Bills
Team: All four of Buffalo’s losses this season have come following a blowout result the week prior.
QB: Excluding the one-snap Week 18, Josh Allen is 13-of-16 with two touchdowns and zero interceptions on third down over his past two games.
Offense: The Bills have not committed a turnover in six of seven games since their Week 12 bye.
Defense: Buffalo allowed Baltimore to score a TD on all four of their red zone trips in their Week 4 meeting – they’ve allowed two red zone scores on six trips over their past three games (Denver was 0-of-1).
Fantasy: The Bills didn’t lead for a single second of the first game with the Ravens – James Cook’s production over expectation this season is 16.4% higher when playing from ahead as opposed to behind.
Betting: The Bills have rotated covering with not covering in seven straight games (they covered easily against the Broncos on Sunday).
As we head into the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs, it’s important to stay updated on the latest injury news, DFS guidance, start/sit advice, projections, and more. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know heading into this weekend’s games:
Injury Update:
– Patrick Mahomes (concussion) is expected to play in the Chiefs’ matchup against the Browns, but his status should be monitored closely leading up to game time.
– Cooper Kupp (knee) is questionable for the Rams’ game against the Packers, so fantasy managers should have a backup plan in place.
– Antonio Gibson (toe) is expected to play for Washington against the Buccaneers, but his workload could be limited.
DFS Guidance:
– Look for value plays at the running back position, as several backup running backs could see increased volume due to injuries.
– Consider stacking quarterbacks with their top pass-catching options in high-scoring games, such as the Bills vs. Ravens matchup.
Start/Sit Advice:
– Start Lamar Jackson against the Bills, as his rushing ability gives him a high floor and ceiling in fantasy.
– Sit Ronald Jones against Washington, as the Buccaneers could opt for a committee approach in the backfield.
Projections:
– Josh Allen is projected to be the highest-scoring quarterback of the weekend, with a favorable matchup against the Ravens.
– Davante Adams is projected to be the top wide receiver, as he has a strong connection with Aaron Rodgers and a favorable matchup against the Rams’ secondary.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as we approach kickoff for the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs. Good luck to all fantasy managers this weekend!
When Tyler Bass was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2020, little did we know that he would become the franchise kicker for the team. In the last couple of seasons, Bass has faced a little bit of criticism for his lack of production. It even got to the point where Bass was challenged when the Bills brought in kicking competition this past season. Since the, he has delivered for the Bills week in and week out.
He has converted 82% of his extra point attempts and has converted on 92% of his field goal tries. Prior to the 2023 season, Bass was gifted with a four-year, $20.4 million deal. It was for sure a questionable contract and last season was definitely rough for him. However, nothing was worse for Bass then when he missed a game-tying field goal against the Kansas City Chiefs in last year’s divisional round game. The Bills ended up losing 27-24 and suffered yet another heartbreak.
Tyler Bass may have the chance to change the narrative vs. Ravens
A year ago, Bass saw his kick cost the Bills a chance at a trip to the AFC championship game. His missed kick cost the Bills their third consecutive divisional round game. Now that the Bills are back at home, in the same position they were in a year ago, Tyler Bass could ultimately change the story if given the opportunity.
CBS Sports writer Pete Prisco has made the ultimate prediction of the Bills defeating the Ravens, 31-30. However, the way Prisco has the Bills winning it would make Tyler Bass the fan-favorite for the week. Prisco is projecting that the Bills will beat the Ravens due to Tyler Bass hitting a late field goal.
One, if the game came down to the point, we all know how we would be throughout the game if it was back-and-forth. Two, could you imagine the reaction from the fans in the stands when the ball goes through the goalpost to help the Bills advance to the conference championship? It would be an amazing sight.
The biggest walk-off win that Bass has given the Bills this year was when he booted a 61-yard game-winning field goal against the Miami Dolphins. If the Bills are in a position where they need to depend on Bass’ leg to get them past the Ravens, it will be even a bigger kick than a 61-yard attempt.
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CBS Sports predicts that Bills fans will have even more reason to love rookie kicker Tyler Bass in the divisional round of the playoffs. Bass has been an integral part of the team’s success this season, showcasing his strong leg and accuracy on field goals and extra points.
In their prediction, CBS Sports foresees Bass making a game-winning kick in a close matchup against their opponent, solidifying his place as a reliable and clutch kicker for the Bills. Bills fans can only hope that this prediction comes true, as Bass continues to prove himself as a valuable asset to the team.
With his impressive performance throughout the season, it’s no surprise that Bills fans have grown to love Tyler Bass and have high hopes for him in the divisional round. Stay tuned to see if CBS Sports’ prediction comes to fruition and if Bass can continue to shine under pressure in the playoffs. #GoBills #TylerBass #PlayoffsBound
Divisional Round Prediction: Isaiah Likely More Than 34.5 Receiving Yards
Without No. 1 wide receiver ZayFlowers, the Ravens targeted IsaiahLikely on 21% of his routes run, and he tied for the lead in total targets in a comfortable win over the Steelers.
His 3 receptions totaled 53 yards, almost double the next closest Ravens receiver.
And that was in a blowout win.
This game is likely to be a much more back-and-forth affair, and the Ravens will likely find themselves in more third downs needing to pass the ball.
Back in Week 4 against the Bills, Likely had only 2 targets but still hit 26 receiving yards, and that was in a 35-10 blowout with Flowers in the lineup.
The Bills would be smart to load the box in an effort to slow the run game of DerrickHenry and the Ravens.
If they do that, solid opportunities to exploit will exist against a defense changing structure against their will.
With the defense needing to be ever mindful of Lamar Jackson‘s legs on scrambles, it will be impossible to cover a dynamic player like Likely while simultaneously devoting resources to the box to slow Henry and spy Jackson.
As we head into the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, one player to keep an eye on is Isaiah Likely of the Kansas City Chiefs. Likely has been a key weapon for the Chiefs all season long, and his performance in the Wild Card round showed just how dangerous he can be.
In the Wild Card round against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Likely racked up an impressive 112 receiving yards on 7 catches. He was a constant threat downfield and was able to make big plays when his team needed them most.
Looking ahead to the Divisional Round matchup against the Buffalo Bills, Likely will once again be a key player to watch. With his speed and route-running ability, he has the potential to have a big game and put up some impressive receiving yards.
While the Bills have a strong defense, Likely has shown that he can excel against tough opponents. Look for him to be a major factor in the Chiefs’ passing game and potentially put up over 100 receiving yards in this crucial playoff matchup.
Keep an eye on Isaiah Likely in the Divisional Round, as he looks to continue his impressive play and help lead the Chiefs to victory.
The NFL schedulers have really outdone themselves this time, teeing up what could be a legendary matchup between two of the league’s best quarterbacks. Whoever wins Sunday night — Josh Allen’s Buffalo Bills or Lamar Jackson’s Baltimore Ravens — will move on to next weekend’s AFC championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs. It would give the winning superstar QB a shot at a first Super Bowl.
The tale of the tape for these two this season is sensational:
Allen’s Bills finished the regular season 13-4, while Jackson’s Ravens went 12-5, with Baltimore cruising to a 35-10 win over Buffalo in Week 4. Derrick Henry was the star of the show that night in Baltimore, rushing for 199 yards and two scores.
How to watch Ravens vs. Bills: AFC divisional playoff
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET Location: Highmark Stadium | Orchard Park, N.Y. TV Channel: CBS Streaming: Paramount+, Fubo
Live8 updates
Another snow game today? YES PLEASE
In Philadelphia, the Eagles advanced to the NFC title game with a snowy win over the Rams
Philadelphia needed a late 4th down stop to secure the win, but Saquon Barkley’s 205 rushing yards — and two MORE 60+ yard touchdown runs against the Rams — were the difference in the snow. The Eagles will now host the Commanders in the NFC Championship game next Sunday afternoon.
Lamar Jackson is ready to rock in Buffalo
The Snow is already falling at Highmark Stadium
Snow is possible in the forecast for the 7pm and 8pm ET hours in Orchard Park
Bills reciever Mack Hollins arriving for the game
It is 19 degrees in Buffalo right now. Mack Hollins DOES NOT CARE.
Bills inactives for divisional round vs. Ravens
Ravens inactives for divisional round vs. Bills
In a highly anticipated matchup, the Baltimore Ravens are set to take on the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs. Both teams are coming off impressive wins in the wild card round and are looking to advance to the AFC Championship game.
The game features a showdown between two of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks, Josh Allen of the Bills and Lamar Jackson of the Ravens. Allen has had a breakout season, throwing for over 4,500 yards and 37 touchdowns, while Jackson has continued to dazzle with his dual-threat ability.
As the game gets underway, fans are eager to see which quarterback will come out on top and lead their team to victory. Stay tuned for live updates on the score and key moments of the game as Baltimore visits Buffalo for what promises to be an exciting and high-stakes matchup.
Who do you think will come out on top in this clash of titans? Let us know in the comments below! #RavensvsBills #NFLPlayoffs #JoshAllen #LamarJackson
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Ravens vs. Bills score, live updates, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Baltimore, Buffalo, divisional round, NFL playoffs, game analysis, touchdown highlights, game-winning plays
