The divisional round of the 2025 NFL playoffs provided fans with an array of memorable moments and significant outcomes, revealing key insights into the league’s current landscape.
One notable statistic is the Chicago Bears’ inability to replicate their regular-season success in the playoffs, with their season ending largely due to a lack of takeaways—having led the league in the regular season with 33. Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers faced a shocking defeat at 41-6 against the Seattle Seahawks, marking Kyle Shanahan’s first loss in the divisional round after multiple seasons of playoff success.
Quarterbacks took center stage this weekend, particularly with the potential of Jarrett Stidham stepping in for the Denver Broncos. If he starts in the conference championship, he will join Roger Staubach as one of only two quarterbacks to make their first start in such a crucial game since 1972. Stidham is tasked with continuing the Broncos’ playoff legacy while replacing the injured Bo Nix.
The Seahawks’ performance has been impressive, as they became the No. 1 seed in the NFC, replicating their previous successes by advancing to the Super Bowl whenever they’ve held that position before. The playoffs have been riveting, with half of the games decided by four points or fewer, showcasing the competitiveness of the current teams.
The Houston Texans are still searching for their playoff breakthrough, having now faced elimination in the divisional round for the fifth time without ever progressing to a conference championship game. This week, the Buffalo Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen made history with the most playoff wins without a Super Bowl appearance, further emphasizing the tough competition for the elusive title.
Highlighting coaching changes, the Atlanta Falcons have named two-time Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski, a move that drew attention amidst the playoff excitement. On the field, notable performances came from the Chicago Bears’ Joe Thuney, who successfully filled in at left tackle against a formidable Rams defense, and rookie Colston Loveland, whose record-breaking 193 receiving yards in a single postseason are a remarkable achievement for a tight end.
Looking ahead, the upcoming championship weekend poses exciting possibilities as it will be the first in 15 years not featuring either Tom Brady or Patrick Mahomes, hinting at a new era in the NFL. As the playoffs progress, fans remain hopeful for fresh contenders to rise and compete for the coveted Lombardi Trophy, illustrating the evolving dynamics of the league.