The Divisional Round of the 2025 NFL Playoffs is in the books. Here is how each team graded out on Sunday.
Getty Image / Timothy T Ludwig
We were treated to a sensation 2025 NFL Divisional Round over the weekend. All four games were competitive and produced some great moments.
Here is how teach team graded out this weekend, keeping expectations, championship windows, and other factors in mind.
Washington Commanders: A+
45-31 (W) @ Lions
This is the easiest A+ grade I’ve handed out all year. The Commanders went to Detroit as near double-digit underdogs and outplayed the Lions for four quarters. Jayden Daniels was terrific, the offensive line was excellent, and the defense forced timely turnovers. The Commanders, yes, the Commanders, are one game from the Super Bowl. Just as important, it looks like Jayden Daniels will have them as contenders for years to come.
Detroit Lions: F
45-31 (L) vs. Commanders
Yes, the defense is the most injured unit in the playoffs. But, frankly, no defense filled with NFL players, backups or not, should ever play as bad as Detroit’s did on Saturday against an offensive line that is suspect and a rookie (albeit fantastic) quarterback in a playoff home game. A whopping five turnovers didn’t help matters, either. The Lions are still one of the youngest teams in the league. They *should* be even better next year with a healthy defense. But, the NFL is a you-never-know league. You never know if you’ll be the Super Bowl favorites again with this core, and they just blew a golden opportunity.
Houston Texans: C
23-14 (L) @ Chiefs
Yes, their season is over for the second straight year in the Divisional Round. But, despite injuries on the offensive line and coming in as huge underdogs, they went toe-to-toe with the Kansas City Chiefs. CJ Stroud and the defense played great, and they actually outgained Kansas City. Next year could be the year the Texans see a real breakthrough in the postseason.
Kansas City Chiefs: B+.
23-14 (W) Vs. Texans
A playoff win is never bad, and the Chiefs made the plays that they needed to to win. The pass rush was phenomenal, too, and we know how important a pass rush is in the NFL Playoffs. But, this offense surely has to hit its stride if they want to win the Super Bowl, right? It definitely didn’t on Saturday, outside of the Mahomes-Kelce connection.
Philadelphia Eagles: B+
28-22 (W) Vs. Rams
Saquon Barkley continues to be the best football player on the planet this season, and the run game could take them all the way. But, frankly, did any other facet of the Eagles play well on Sunday? The defensive line was solid, I guess. That being said, they’re going to enter the NFC Championship Game as heavy favorites. You can’t ask for much more.
Los Angeles Rams: C
28-22 (L) @ Eagles
It’s never great when your season ends. But, a Rams team that is probably a year ahead of schedule from true Super Bowl contention once again. But, Matthew Stafford showed that in year 16, he can still be a phenomenal postseason quarterback. A young defense frequently made plays in the backfield. And, they showed fight when they went down two scores late, nearly pulling off an incredible comeback. The Rams have reestablished themselves as a contender in the NFC.
Baltimore Ravens: F
27-25 (L) @ Bills
There’s no sugarcoating this loss, folks. The Ravens have a loaded roster, have a quarterback in Lamar Jackson playing at an all-time great level all year, and choked away a playoff game with mistakes and turnovers. Two of the three turnovers were Lamar Jackson’s fault, and one turnover and an essentially game-ending drop on a two-point conversion to tie the game with just over a minute left fall on the shoulders of Mark Andrews. Windows in the NFL don’t last forever, and the Ravens keep making huge mistakes in the playoffs.
Buffalo Bills: A+
27-25 (W) Vs. Ravens
The Divisional Round has been the Bills’ bugaboo for years, losing three straight years in this round. Unlike in those losses, the Buffalo Bills played and coached a clean football game, and let their opponent make backbreaking mistakes. Josh Allen made plays when they needed to, the defense forced three takeaways, and they ran the ball well all game long. Now, they’re just one game away from a long-awaited return to the Super Bowl after four straight losses in the Super Bowl in the 1990s. New Orleans bars need to start planning ahead right now.