Isn’t this the time of year when everything just feels bigger? The stakes, the pressure, the expectations. Wild Card Weekend came and went with all the drama of a mid-season snooze fest (except for the Commanders’ kicker going full drama queen in Tampa). Now, we’re staring down the barrel of the Divisional Round, and honestly, the questions surrounding these teams are juicier than your uncle’s overcooked holiday turkey. Let’s break down the seven biggest ones, shall we?
1. Kansas City Chiefs: Too Much of a Good Thing?
Here’s the deal: The Chiefs haven’t played a truly meaningful game since Christmas. That’s 23 days to rest, heal, and—let’s face it—probably overthink everything. Andy Reid is the king of post-bye brilliance (29-3 record, by the way), but there’s always that nagging worry: Does rest morph into rust? Especially when you’re facing a Texans defense that just embarrassed the Chargers. Mahomes and his crew better hope they’re shaking off the cobwebs and not battling sluggish legs come Saturday.
2. Buffalo Bills: Can James Cook Keep Cooking?
James Cook gave us a masterclass in patience and power against Denver. The Bills leaned on him like a clumsy dude at a middle-school dance, and it worked beautifully. Buffalo owned the clock, wore down the Broncos, and left Josh Allen with just enough energy to drop a few bombs later in the game. But here’s the kicker: Buffalo’s going up against a Ravens defense that bullied them in Week 4. Cook needs to bring that same vibe again, or it’s going to be a long, cold night for Bills fans.
3. Baltimore Ravens: Is Todd Monken Ready to Be That Guy?
The Ravens’ offensive coordinator went full Picasso against Pittsburgh, painting a masterpiece of ground-and-pound football. But here’s the twist: Can he stick with what works? Last year’s AFC Championship debacle against Kansas City happened because Baltimore tried to get too cute, forgetting they’re a team built to smash mouths and break wills. Monken’s playbook might hold the key to a rematch with Buffalo. But will he stay in his lane or get tempted by the shiny object of Lamar Jackson’s arm?
4. Houston Texans: Can the Defense Keep Doing This?
Oh, the Texans’ defense. What a ride it’s been. They bullied Justin Herbert, turned turnovers into points, and stuffed the run like it was Thanksgiving dinner. But now they’re stepping into Kansas City’s haunted mansion, where Patrick Mahomes doesn’t just beat you—he embarrasses you. If the Texans’ pass rush doesn’t show up and their secondary doesn’t snag a pick or two, this Cinderella story might turn back into a pumpkin real fast.
5. Detroit Lions: How Long Can They Dodge the Injury Bug?
The Lions are like that scrappy underdog in a sports movie—beat up, written off, but somehow still standing. Losing Aidan Hutchinson and a slew of other key players hasn’t slowed them down yet. But let’s be real: Injuries have a way of catching up with you, especially in high-stakes games. With the Commanders rolling into Detroit, the Lions need every healthy body they can find. Will their defense step up again, or is this the week the wheels fall off?
6. Philadelphia Eagles: What’s Up with the Passing Game?
Jalen Hurts looked rusty. A.J. Brown wasn’t at full speed. And yet, the Eagles still walked all over the Packers. But let’s not kid ourselves—this won’t fly against a team with a legit offense. If Hurts can’t get back to his MVP-level play, and the passing attack doesn’t click, Philly might be in trouble. The defense and Saquon Barkley can only carry them so far. The next round demands fireworks, not fizzling sparklers.
7. Washington Commanders: Can the Defense Do It Again?
The Commanders’ defense showed up big time against Tampa Bay, shutting down a red-hot Buccaneers offense. But facing Detroit in their own den? That’s a whole different beast. The Lions are the NFL’s top-scoring team for a reason, and Washington’s defense will have to bring every trick in the book to slow them down. Can they stop Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery? Will they find a way to pressure Jared Goff into mistakes? Or will this be the game where their magical run hits a brick wall?
The Divisional Round is where the NFL playoffs get real. The pressure’s cranked up, the margins are razor-thin, and the questions surrounding each team loom larger than life. For the advancing squads, it’s about seizing the moment. For the eliminated, it’s time to face some hard truths.
And for the rest of us? It’s popcorn, cold beer, and a front-row seat to the chaos. Bring it on.
P.S. I wrote this while nervously refreshing my fantasy basketball scores. Multitasking at its finest.