Patrick Mahomes reminded everyone of his playoff bona fides, and C.J. Stroud served notice he's going to be a factor for years to come. A trip to Buffalo awaits Mahomes and the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs, while Stroud and the Houston Texans face the ultimate test in the top-seeded Baltimore Ravens.
On the NFC side, both North teams advanced. The Green Bay Packers stunned the second-seeded Dallas Cowboys, while the Detroit Lions held off the Los Angeles Rams. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers steamrolled last season's Super Bowl runner-up Philadelphia Eagles.
4. Houston at 1. Baltimore (Saturday, 4:30 p.m., ESPN)
3. Kansas City at 2. Buffalo (Sunday, 6:30 p.m., CBS)
Playoff Momentum: The well-rested Baltimore Ravens and presumptive MVP Lamar Jackson kick off the Divisional round with a tantalizing matchup against the upstart Texans and rookie QB C.J. Stroud.
Divisional opponent: vs. HOU
Playoff Momentum: QB Josh Allen got it done with his right arm (three touchdowns) and his legs (74 yards, one touchdown) to lift the Buffalo Bills past the Steelers. Next up, a rematch with the Chiefs, whom the Bills defeated 20-17 in Week 14 at Kansas City.
Divisional opponent: vs. KC
Playoff Momentum: Patrick Mahomes was masterful as the Kansas City Chiefs endured freezing elements and re-established themselves as a playoff threat with their dismantling of the Dolphins. Another game in wintery conditions awaits in upstate New York.
Divisional opponent: at BUF
Playoff Momentum: After blasting the Browns, it's fair to ask to what heights can Stroud and coach DeMeco Ryans lead the Houston Texans to ... this year.
Divisional opponent: at BAL
7. Green Bay at 1. San Francisco (Saturday, 8:15 p.m., Fox)
4. Tampa Bay at 3. Detroit (Sunday, 3 p.m., NBC)
Playoff Momentum: The well-rested San Francisco 49ers will face the surging Packers, whom they've defeated in four consecutive postseason meetings and are 7-4 against since 2012.
Divisional opponent: vs. GB
Playoff Momentum: The Detroit Lions held off the Rams to win a playoff game for the first time since 1991 and just the second time since 1957, when they last won an NFL championship. Next up, the Buccaneers, whom the Lions defeated 20-6 at Tampa in Week 6.
Divisional opponent: vs. TB
Playoff Momentum: Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers accomplished something Tom Brady couldn't do last season, defeat an NFC East wild-card team, this time the Philadelphia Eagles.
Divisional opponent: at DET
Playoff Momentum: After routing the second-seeded Cowboys, QB Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers can turn the tables on the top-seed 49ers, who knocked off the top-seeded Packers in the divisional round two years ago at Lambeau Field.
Divisional opponent: at SF
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