For the second time since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, a conference welcomes back the same four teams from to the divisional round of the playoffs as the year before. The matchups are different than a year ago.

The two-time defending champion Chiefs are stout, but the matchup with Kansas City is better for the Houston Texans than a rematch with the Baltimore Ravens.

It’s probably going to be hard to sleep,” Araiza told The Star on Tuesday with a smile. “But yeah, I’m excited. I’m looking forward to it.” Araiza is part of a small but significant faction on the Chiefs roster that begins this weekend’s postseason in a unique position.

The first round of the NFL postseason kicks off this weekend with Wild Card Playoffs in both the AFC and the NFC conferences — but the reigning Super Bowl champs will not be playing a game. The Kansas City Chiefs clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC following their 2024 Christmas victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Back-to-back Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs enter the NFL Playoffs this Saturday night as they face the Houston Texans. Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and co clinched the AFC’s No.1 seed

DeMeco Ryans understands what it’s like to play for Andy Reid. He was the leading tackler at middle linebacker for the Eagles during Reid’s 14th and final season with the franchise in 2012. Reid called Ryans a “leader” and a “tough,