NFL Divisional Round 2025: Biggest Winners and Losers From Saturday’s Playoff Games
Saturday’s NFL Divisional Round delivered everything football fans could hope for—spectacular plays, shocking upsets, and plenty of drama. Apart from the final scores, it was a day of standout performances and heartbreaking moments that will be talked about for years. From individual heroics to team-wide struggles, this round showcased the intense highs and crushing lows that come with playoff football.
Let’s get into the top eight winners and losers from the day’s unforgettable matchups and see who shined brightest and who faltered under pressure.
Winner: Travis Kelce’s Playoff Magic Continues

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Travis Kelce silenced critics of his regular season by leading the Chiefs to a 20-12 win over Houston. He posted 117 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions, accounting for 66% of Patrick Mahomes’ passing yards. Kelce proved once again why he’s one of the most clutch postseason performers in NFL history.
Winner: Jayden Daniels’ Commanding Performance

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Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels dazzled in Washington’s 45-31 win over Detroit. Daniels showed poise and skill under playoff pressure with 299 passing yards, 51 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He helped the Commanders convert three fourth-down plays and delivered four touchdowns in four red-zone trips, solidifying his status as a rising star.
Winner: Kansas City’s Pass Rush Erupts

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The Chiefs’ defensive line dominated Houston with a season-high eight sacks. George Karlaftis led with three, while five other defenders joined the sack parade. This pressure limited Houston’s offense and ensured Kansas City’s defense played its best game of the season at the perfect time.
Winner: Andy Reid Joins Coaching Elite

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Andy Reid earned his 300th career win, joining coaching legends like Don Shula and Bill Belichick. With Kansas City heading to its seventh straight AFC Championship Game, Reid’s leadership continues to make history. As for his team, it remained a top contender for a third consecutive Super Bowl win.
Winner: Dan Quinn’s Masterful Coaching

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Washington’s defense forced five turnovers against Detroit. It showed the tactical genius of head coach Dan Quinn. His ability to maximize a unit plagued by injuries was pivotal. Quinn’s defensive adjustments stopped the Lions’ high-powered offense in its tracks and gave the Commanders their first NFC Championship berth in 33 years.
Winner: Chris Jones’ Defensive Impact

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Chris Jones reminded everyone why he’s one of the NFL’s best defensive tackles. Anchoring the Chiefs’ line, he disrupted Houston’s offense with constant pressure and drew double teams, allowing teammates to shine. His presence remains a game-changing factor for Kansas City’s Super Bowl hopes.
Winner: George Karlaftis’ Career-Best Performance

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Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis had a breakout game against the Texans, recording a career-high three sacks in Kansas City’s 20-12 victory. His relentless pressure helped the Chiefs’ defensive front dominate, contributing to their season-high eight sacks and neutralizing Houston’s offense. Karlaftis showed he’s indeed a star in the league.
Winner: Washington’s Fourth-Down Brilliance

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The Commanders went for it on fourth down four times against Detroit, converting three. Head coach Dan Quinn trusted his team, and they delivered. These bold plays demoralized the Lions and energized Washington’s offense, proving the importance of calculated risks in high-stakes games.
Loser: Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell

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Dan Campbell’s stellar season ended in heartbreak. His 15-2 Lions fell apart at home, committing five turnovers and failing to contain Washington’s offense. Despite years of progress under Campbell, this loss was a crushing reminder of how quickly championship hopes can fade in the postseason.
Loser: Jared Goff’s Turnover Troubles

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Jared Goff’s four turnovers—including two game-changing interceptions—cost Detroit dearly. His poor decisions led to a 24-14 deficit by halftime, and the Lions never recovered. It was a disappointing end to an otherwise impressive season for the veteran quarterback.
Loser: Texans QB C.J. Stroud Takes a Beating

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C.J. Stroud faced relentless pressure from Kansas City’s pass rush, taking eight sacks and aggravating a knee injury. Despite his resilience, Stroud lacked the weapons to compete, and his team fell short of expectations in a tough 20-12 loss.
Loser: Texans Special Teams Collapse

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Houston’s special teams struggled in crucial moments. A missed field goal, a botched extra point, and a blocked kick left points on the board. These errors deflated the Texans and made an already challenging matchup against the Chiefs nearly impossible.
Loser: Lions Defense Falls Apart

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Detroit’s defense couldn’t handle Washington’s versatile offense, allowing 45 points and failing to pressure Jayden Daniels. Injuries to key players like Aidan Hutchinson showed, and the Lions couldn’t stop the Commanders’ run game or red-zone efficiency.
Loser: Texans’ Injury Woes Continue

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Houston’s depleted roster proved too much to overcome. Missing key contributors like Nico Collins and Joe Mixon, the Texans struggled to find consistency. Injuries to offensive linemen further exposed Stroud to Kansas City’s relentless pass rush, derailing Houston’s playoff hopes.
Loser: Ka’imi Fairbairn’s Missed Opportunities

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Texans kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn missed a 55-yard field goal and an extra point, leaving vital points on the field. These misses proved costly in a tight playoff game and symbolized Houston’s overall struggles in high-pressure moments.