Divisional Round: ESPN’s Projected Victors and What to Expect
As the NFL postseason progresses, fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter: the Divisional Round. This crucial phase of the playoffs is filled with high-stakes matchups where the stakes are even higher than the Wild Card Round. The teams who make it this far are some of the best in the league, and the battle for a Super Bowl spot is heating up. ESPN analysts have weighed in, predicting the potential winners and looking at what makes each team formidable.
In this article, we will break down ESPN’s projected victors for the Divisional Round, examining each matchup’s key players, strategies, and what fans can expect from this thrilling week of playoff action.
NFC Divisional Round: Key Matchups
1. San Francisco 49ers vs. Dallas Cowboys
ESPN’s Projected Winner: San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers and Cowboys have been two of the most dominant teams in the NFC this season, but according to ESPN analysts, the 49ers hold the edge. The 49ers’ defense is arguably the best in the league, led by stars like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. San Francisco’s ability to limit opponents’ scoring is a significant advantage in the postseason, where every point matters. Additionally, the 49ers’ offense, led by quarterback Brock Purdy and playmakers like Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey, is incredibly well-rounded.
Purdy, a rookie sensation, has turned heads all season with his poise and decision-making. With McCaffrey providing balance in the run game and Samuel offering explosive plays in the passing game, the 49ers are tough to beat. Their offensive line is also playing at a high level, allowing Purdy to operate efficiently and without pressure.
On the other side, the Cowboys have their own star power. Dak Prescott has been inconsistent this season but showed flashes of brilliance. Ezekiel Elliott, once the centerpiece of the Cowboys’ offense, remains a physical presence in the backfield, although Tony Pollard has emerged as the more explosive option. The Cowboys also boast a strong defense, with Micah Parsons leading the charge. However, the 49ers’ ability to neutralize Parsons with their offensive line and use their variety of weapons on offense should give them the edge in this matchup.
2. Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants
ESPN’s Projected Winner: Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles, led by quarterback Jalen Hurts, have been the top team in the NFC all season. Hurts’ development into a dual-threat quarterback has transformed the Eagles’ offense. With Hurts at the helm, the Eagles can move the ball both on the ground and through the air. Miles Sanders has been a reliable running back, and A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith have formed one of the most dangerous receiving duos in the league.
The Eagles’ defense, featuring stars like Darius Slay, Javon Hargrave, and Fletcher Cox, is also one of the best in the league. They have the ability to shut down both the pass and the run, making them one of the most complete teams in the league.
The New York Giants, led by head coach Brian Daboll and quarterback Daniel Jones, have had a surprising run this season. Jones has shown improved decision-making and the ability to take over games with his legs when needed. Saquon Barkley has been a dynamic playmaker in the backfield, providing the Giants with an elite weapon.
Despite the Giants’ improvements, ESPN projects the Eagles to win this matchup. The Eagles’ well-rounded attack on both sides of the ball, especially their ability to pressure Jones, should be too much for the Giants to handle. The key for the Eagles will be limiting Barkley’s impact and forcing Jones into difficult passing situations.
AFC Divisional Round: Key Matchups
3. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
ESPN’s Projected Winner: Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs, led by MVP candidate Patrick Mahomes, are perennial Super Bowl contenders, and ESPN believes they will continue their dominant playoff run in the Divisional Round. Mahomes’ ability to make plays both inside and outside the pocket is unmatched, and his connection with All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce is one of the most lethal combinations in the NFL.
The Chiefs’ offense, while sometimes inconsistent, is capable of putting up big numbers in an instant. Mahomes has a talented supporting cast, with playmakers like running back Isiah Pacheco and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster helping to keep defenses on their toes. The Chiefs’ offensive line has improved this year, providing Mahomes with better protection than in previous seasons.
On the other side, the Jaguars, led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence, have been one of the league’s most exciting young teams. Lawrence has made significant strides in his second season and is proving to be a franchise quarterback. With weapons like Christian Kirk and Travis Etienne, Lawrence has the tools to create big plays. However, facing the Chiefs’ playoff-tested defense, led by Chris Jones, will be a tall order for the Jaguars.
ESPN’s analysts project the Chiefs to come out on top in this matchup. The Jaguars’ defense, while improving, doesn’t have the firepower to contain Mahomes and Kelce. The Chiefs’ experience in big games and their explosive offense will likely prove to be too much for Jacksonville.
4. Buffalo Bills vs. Cincinnati Bengals
ESPN’s Projected Winner: Buffalo Bills
This matchup between two high-powered offenses features two of the league’s best quarterbacks: Josh Allen for the Bills and Joe Burrow for the Bengals. Both teams boast potent offenses, but the key to this game will be the defenses, and ESPN’s analysts believe the Bills’ defense, led by stars like Von Miller, Tre’Davious White, and Matt Milano, will give them the edge.
Allen has had an MVP-caliber season, with his ability to make plays both with his arm and his legs making him one of the toughest quarterbacks to stop in the NFL. Stefon Diggs is his top target, but Allen has a number of weapons at his disposal, including Gabriel Davis and Dawson Knox. In the backfield, Devin Singletary and James Cook provide stability in the run game.
The Bengals, however, have been red-hot down the stretch. Burrow, alongside wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, has formed a lethal passing attack that is difficult to defend. Joe Mixon is a capable running back, and the Bengals’ offensive line has improved throughout the season. On defense, the Bengals’ secondary, led by cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, has been solid, but they will face a tough challenge in containing Allen and the Bills’ offense.
Despite the Bengals’ firepower, ESPN predicts that the Bills’ defense and Allen’s ability to take over games will give Buffalo the victory in this matchup. The Bills’ special teams and overall depth also play a role in their projected win.
Analysis: Key Factors for Each Projected Winner
- San Francisco 49ers: Defense and Balanced Offense The key to the 49ers’ success in the Divisional Round will be their defense. With Bosa and Warner leading the charge, the 49ers can stifle the Cowboys’ offense and force Dak Prescott into tough decisions. Offensively, Brock Purdy’s poise and decision-making will be crucial. If the 49ers can keep the game close and let their defense shine, they will emerge victorious.
- Philadelphia Eagles: Dual-Threat Jalen Hurts and Elite Defense Jalen Hurts’ ability to move the ball both with his arm and his legs makes him one of the toughest quarterbacks to defend in the postseason. The Eagles’ defense, which can shut down the run and the pass, will likely limit the Giants’ offense, giving the Eagles a significant advantage.
- Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes’ Playmaking and Offensive Firepower Patrick Mahomes is the difference-maker in this matchup. His ability to lead the Chiefs’ offense, even when things break down, will likely be too much for the Jaguars’ defense to handle. With a talented supporting cast and an improved offensive line, Mahomes should have enough to outlast the Jaguars.
- Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen’s Dynamic Playmaking Josh Allen’s ability to take over games, combined with the Bills’ defense and special teams, gives Buffalo the edge. The Bengals have the tools to make it a close game, but the Bills’ ability to make plays in all three phases of the game will be crucial for their success.
Conclusion
The Divisional Round is poised to be an exciting weekend of playoff football, and ESPN’s projections provide a fascinating glimpse into the most likely outcomes. The matchups are filled with star power, from Jalen Hurts to Patrick Mahomes and from Dak Prescott to Joe Burrow. While each team brings its own strengths to the table, it seems that the projected winners—San Francisco, Philadelphia, Kansas City, and Buffalo—have the right mix of offensive firepower, defensive prowess, and playoff experience to make deep runs.
For fans, this will be a weekend filled with excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments. As these elite teams clash, it will be a thrilling ride to see who emerges victorious and moves one step closer to a Super Bowl title. The road to the big game is far from over, but the Divisional Round promises to be one of the most entertaining and high-stakes weekends of the season.