Entering the divisional round, the Detroit Lions have emerged as clear favorites, driven by their potent offensive capabilities. Quarterback Jared Goff has been instrumental in their success, notably leading the team to a 36-27 victory, where he amassed 256 yards and threw four touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans face challenges due to their inconsistent offense since losing Stefon Diggs to a knee injury in Week 8. They rank 27th in expected points added (EPA) per play on offense from Week 9 onwards. The Texans are looking to improve their performance as they prepare to face formidable opponents.
The Kansas City Chiefs have been a thorn in the Texans' side, having defeated them 27-19 in their Week 16 matchup. Their last playoff encounter occurred in the 2019 wild-card round when the Chiefs executed a dramatic comeback, overturning a 24-0 second-quarter deficit to triumph over Houston 51-31. This victory paved the way for the Chiefs to secure the Super Bowl title that season. The Chiefs are eager to repeat history, while the Texans aim to counter with a strong pass rush, a key element of their defensive strategy.
In another compelling matchup, the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills will revisit their Week 4 clash, where Baltimore handed Buffalo a decisive 35-10 loss. The Bills, who had not yet hit their stride prior to facing the Broncos, are seeking to showcase their full potential this time around. The Ravens, renowned for their nearly unstoppable running attack, will rely on their ground game to maintain dominance.
The Lions' defense has shown remarkable improvement, particularly in their season finale against the Vikings, where they delivered their best performance. The defense's success was largely attributed to an aggressive blitz strategy, applying pressure on 56% of Minnesota's dropbacks. As the Lions advance into the divisional round, maintaining this defensive prowess will be crucial to their continued success.
The Texans' offense has struggled since Stefon Diggs' departure in Week 8, reflected in their poor offensive rankings. They have encountered challenges with negative EPA per play on both dropbacks and designed runs against teams like the Chargers. To make an impact in the divisional round, they must find a way to overcome these hurdles.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs continue to demonstrate their offensive strength and resilience. Their ability to perform under pressure was evident during their comeback against the Texans in the 2019 playoffs. With a proven track record of playoff success, Kansas City remains a formidable contender this season.
The Ravens' offensive strategy hinges on their powerful running game, which has consistently posed challenges for opposing defenses. Their ability to control the tempo of the game through ground dominance makes them a formidable opponent for any team they face.
On the defensive side, the Texans' pass rush is anticipated to play a critical role in their quest for victory. By pressuring opposing quarterbacks and disrupting offensive plays, they aim to level the playing field against high-powered offenses.
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