NFL Conference Championship berths on the line in second weekend of postseason play

The GIST: Playoff football continues this weekend with eight squads hoping to book their ticket to next weekend’s Conference Championships. Read on for all the deets then, however you make your picks, complete our bracket challenge for your shot at gridiron glory. Hut, hut, here we go.

American Football Conference (AFC)

No. 4 Houston Texans vs. No. 1 Kansas City Chiefs — Tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. ET: KC quarterback (QB) Patrick Mahomes has never lost in the Divisional Round, the Chiefs are well-rested after enjoying their first-round bye, and the Texans’ offense, despite putting up 32 points last week, has been more inconsistent than your bestie’s love life. All signs point to a KC dub.

No. 3 Baltimore Ravens vs. No. 2 Buffalo Bills — Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET: The juiciest of this weekend’s games, this heavyweight showdown has the potential to be the best game in NFL history (no, seriously). Ravens QB Lamar Jackson and Bills QB Josh Allen have been dueling all season for league MVP, but only one can reign supreme.

• The Bills are undefeated at home this year, posting a perfect 8-0 regular-season record at Orchard Park; however, they have yet to host the one-two punch of Jackson and running back (RB) Derrick Henry, a duo that lit them up for 35 points in Baltimore in September.

National Football Conference (NFC)

No. 6 Washington Commanders vs. No. 1 Detroit Lions — Tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET: With RB David Montgomery back in the lineup, watch for the already fierce Lions to be even more dynamic, especially against a mediocre District defense.

• Yes, the Commanders are livin’ on a prayer, but rookie QB Jayden Daniels knows a little something about tossing Hail Marys and balled out in his playoff debut last week.

No. 4 LA Rams vs. No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles — Sunday at 3 p.m. ET: Eagles RB Saquon Barkley was an absolute menace for the Rams when these squads faced off in Philly’s Week 12 win, rushing for 255 yards, the ninth-best single-game showing in NFL history.

• LA will have to clamp down on Barkley in order to give their surging offense, led by QB Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Puka Nacua, the opportunity to shine. Go time, baby.