The NFL's divisional round this past Saturday delivered a shockwave through the league, with unexpected outcomes and standout performances.

One top-seeded team advanced to the next stage, while another faced a hard-to-swallow defeat.

The Kansas City Chiefs showcased their resilience against a spirited Houston Texans team, surviving a scare to earn their spot in the AFC Championship game.

This marks the Chiefs' seventh consecutive appearance in this pivotal match-up, with six of those games held at the iconic Arrowhead Stadium. However, the Detroit Lions’ journey came to a heartbreaking end at the hands of the Washington Commanders, who advanced to their first conference title game since 1991.

Winners: Bright Stars of the Day

Jayden Daniels: The rookie sensation painted a masterpiece on the field.

With an impressive completion rate, Daniels went 22 for 31, racking up 299 yards and two touchdown passes, along with 52 rushing yards. A pivotal play was his 12-yard strike to Terry McLaurin on a crucial fourth down, propelling Washington to a commanding lead.

This performance cements Daniels' place as one of the most remarkable rookie quarterbacks in NFL history, turning heads and leading his team with poise.

Kliff Kingsbury: The Commanders’ head coach deserves accolades for his masterful play-calling.

Kingsbury perfectly utilized his rookie quarterback's strengths, establishing a balanced offense that ran for 183 yards and three touchdowns. Washington amassed a stunning 45 points, their highest ever in a playoff game on the road, showcasing their offensive prowess.

Travis Kelce: In a standout performance, Kelce broke a longstanding record by achieving his ninth career playoff game with over 100 receiving yards.

He tallied seven receptions for a season-high 117 yards, including the game-winning touchdown. This feat brings him tantalizingly close to overtaking Jerry Rice in postseason touchdown receptions.

Losers: Stumbles on the Road

Jared Goff: Unfortunately, the Lions' quarterback suffered another tough night in the spotlight.

Goff's performance involved multiple turnovers, including a devastating pick-six and a fumble, significantly hampering Detroit's chances. With his postseason record now at 4-5 between his time with the Rams and Lions, questions arise about Goff's ability to deliver under pressure, especially after a substantial contract extension just last year.

Lions Defense: The Detroit defense, which had been a point of concern all season, faltered significantly against Washington's offense.

Dealing with injuries and a lack of pressure—especially following Aidan Hutchinson's season-ending injury—the defense was unable to contain Daniels, leading to a dismal showing that led to their early playoff exit.

C.J. Stroud: Although he played brilliantly, Stroud’s efforts came up short in the loss against Kansas City.

Even after suffering a knee injury, he displayed grit, throwing for 245 yards and leading critical scoring drives.

Officiating Woes: The officiating during the Chiefs-Texans clash drew notable criticism, with key calls against Houston raising eyebrows.

These questionable penalties, particularly ones concerning unnecessary roughness on Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, left players, fans, and analysts questioning the consistency of calls.

George Karlaftis: The Chiefs' defensive end shone brightly with three sacks, including a key tackle on fourth down.

Karlaftis was pivotal in disrupting the Texans' rhythm, contributing greatly to Kansas City's defensive success.

Conclusion: As the dust settles from this exhilarating divisional round, all eyes will turn to the championship games.

With unexpected twists and incredible performances, the NFL playoff landscape continues to surprise fans, igniting excitement for the upcoming matches. Can Jayden Daniels keep up the momentum? Will Jared Goff redeem himself in future seasons? The answers await as we move deeper into the playoffs!