The road to Super Bowl 60 continues this weekend as the NFL enters the Divisional Round, with the league’s top seeds finally joining the postseason action. After a Wildcard Weekend packed with late comebacks, narrow escapes, and standout performances, expectations are sky-high for another unforgettable round of playoff football.
With just eight teams remaining, the race for the Lombardi Trophy feels as open as it has in years. Every remaining contender has a legitimate case to reach the Super Bowl in Santa Clara next month — making predictions tougher than ever.
Here is a full breakdown and expert analysis of all four Divisional Round matchups.
Divisional Round Schedule (All Times GMT)
Saturday, January 17
- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos – 21:30
- San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks – 01:00 (Sunday)
Sunday, January 18
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots – 20:00
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears – 23:30
Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
AFC Divisional Round
Few quarterbacks shoulder more responsibility than Josh Allen, and once again the Buffalo Bills will rely heavily on their franchise star as they face the top-seeded Denver Broncos on the road.
Allen delivered a landmark performance last week, securing Buffalo’s first road playoff win in decades. However, the physical toll was evident, and the Bills arrive in Denver battered, particularly at wide receiver. Their running game has also struggled against elite rush defenses — a concerning sign against a Broncos unit built to dominate the trenches.
Denver, meanwhile, enters fresh off a bye week and boasts one of the league’s most disciplined and resilient defenses. They have shown an ability to win close games and thrive under pressure, finishing the regular season with an outstanding record in one-score contests.
The matchup may ultimately hinge on whether Allen can overcome limited support and whether Buffalo can contain Denver quarterback Bo Nix, whose mobility could exploit one of the Bills’ defensive weaknesses.
Edge: Denver Broncos in a tight, physical contest.
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
NFC Divisional Round
This NFC West clash brings together two teams trending in opposite directions.
The 49ers have battled through a relentless injury crisis all season, losing key stars on both sides of the ball. Despite their resilience and championship pedigree, San Francisco enters the game severely depleted, particularly in pass rush and defensive leadership.
Seattle, by contrast, appears to be peaking at the right time. Their defense has tightened significantly, and their rushing attack has surged late in the season. Quarterback Sam Darnold, once considered a liability, has quietly reinvented himself and now leads an efficient, confident offense.
Playing at home, with a raucous crowd and a healthier roster, the Seahawks have multiple advantages — including a more consistent pass rush and improved ball control.
While San Francisco’s winning culture cannot be discounted, the odds appear stacked against them in this matchup.
Edge: Seattle Seahawks, potentially by a comfortable margin.
Houston Texans at New England Patriots
AFC Divisional Round
This matchup pits one of the league’s most disruptive defenses against one of its most disciplined organizations.
The Houston Texans have emerged as a defensive powerhouse capable of wrecking game plans and forcing turnovers. Their performance last week delivered a statement road win and showcased their championship potential.
However, New England counters with balance and poise. Quarterback Drake Maye has combined mobility with improving decision-making, helping the Patriots manage pressure and extend drives. Houston’s chances are further complicated by injury concerns in their receiving corps, placing more responsibility on quarterback CJ Stroud.
The Patriots’ recent playoff history also looms large, having won eight consecutive Divisional Round games. Coaching, situational football, and composure may prove decisive in what is expected to be a low-scoring battle.
Edge: Split opinion, but slight lean toward Houston Texans if Stroud limits mistakes.
Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
NFC Divisional Round
Perhaps the most intriguing matchup of the weekend unfolds in Chicago, where the Bears host the Los Angeles Rams amid freezing conditions and soaring expectations.
Chicago’s resurgence has been one of the season’s biggest stories. Quarterback Caleb Williams has shown remarkable composure in late-game situations, leading multiple fourth-quarter comebacks and energising the fanbase with belief that something special is brewing.
The Rams, however, bring unmatched playoff experience at quarterback. Matthew Stafford remains the only signal-caller left in the postseason with Super Bowl experience, supported by offensive mastermind Sean McVay and elite weapons capable of changing a game in moments.
Weather conditions could neutralise some of Los Angeles’ offensive advantages, turning the contest into a test of nerve and execution in the final minutes.
This game may come down to which quarterback gets the ball last.
Edge: Chicago Bears, driven by momentum and home-field magic — but only just.
Final Thoughts
With no clear favourite emerging, the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs promises tension, drama, and defining moments. Whether it’s Josh Allen’s individual brilliance, Seattle’s defensive surge, Houston’s ferocious pressure, or Chicago’s late-game heroics, this weekend could reshape the Super Bowl picture entirely.
One thing is certain: the margin for error is gone. It’s win or go home.
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