2025 NFL divisional round predictions, picks: Back Eagles to win, cover

We're coming off an NFL Wild Card Weekend that wasn't nearly as competitive as some predicted.

Will that change this week with some more interesting games? I think that answer is yes.

Let's dive into my best bets — featuring several player props — for the divisional-round matchups.

(All times ET)

SATURDAY, JAN. 18

Texans @ Chiefs (4:30 p.m., ESPN)

The Chiefs host Houston in the divisional round after the Texans got a surprising 32-12 win as 3-point underdogs over the Chargers during Wild Card Weekend. 

This game is a rematch of a Week 16 contest that Kansas City won 27-19 at home. The Chiefs' starters have not played a meaningful snap of football since clinching the No. 1 seed with a win over the Steelers on Christmas Day. 

This rest is much-needed for their veteran players, including tight end Travis Kelce, who had an unexpectedly large workload again this season after some injuries and youth forced the Chiefs to target Kelce more often. 

Kelce had 133 targets and 97 catches during the regular season, which was more than last season and more than 2021. 

There’s no player who will benefit more from that long break than Kelce, and I’m going to wager on it.

When Kelce is on the field for a playoff game after a week or two of rest, he instantly becomes the top priority in the passing game. He is Patrick Mahomes' safe answer for every question. He’s always open, and they have a connection and chemistry unlike any other duo in the NFL. 

Since the start of the Chiefs' Super Bowl run, dating back to the 2019 season, Kelce has played in eight games when coming off extra rest. He’s been targeted at least six times with at least six receptions in all eight of those games. In the six games that weren't a Super Bowl