The NFL playoffs reach the divisional round this weekend, with four crucial matchups set to determine who advances to the conference championship games. Key games include the Buffalo Bills visiting the Denver Broncos and the San Francisco 49ers facing the Seattle Seahawks, all covered with expert picks and predictions.
The divisional round of the 2026 NFL playoffs kicks off today, Saturday, January 17, featuring a slate of highly anticipated games that will shape the path to Super Bowl LX. After a wild card weekend filled with dramatic finishes and historic victories, the remaining eight teams are poised for battle, with previews and predictions highlighting the storylines.
Last weekend’s wild card games provided no shortage of excitement, with four contests decided by four points or fewer, setting a playoff record for close finishes. The Houston Texans made franchise history by securing their first-ever road playoff win with a dominant 30-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, led by a defensive unit that scored two touchdowns. Other highlights included the Los Angeles Rams’ last-minute comeback against the Carolina Panthers and the Chicago Bears erasing a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Green Bay Packers.
In the AFC, the top-seeded Denver Broncos, enjoying a first-round bye, will host the Buffalo Bills in a Saturday afternoon showdown. The Broncos are making their first home playoff appearance in a decade, while the Bills are riding high after a road win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, marked by Josh Allen’s clutch performance. On Sunday, the New England Patriots will face the Houston Texans, with the Patriots’ defense looking to contain a Texans team that has shown resilience on both sides of the ball.
The NFC matchups are equally compelling, with the Seattle Seahawks hosting the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night. These division rivals split their regular-season meetings, adding extra intrigue to this playoff clash. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears will welcome the Los Angeles Rams to Soldier Field for their first home divisional game in 15 years, a testament to their resurgence this season.
Key storylines abound, such as the Broncos’ attempt to capitalize on home-field advantage against a Bills team dealing with injuries, and the 49ers’ challenge to overcome short rest after their wild card win. Experts point to the quarterback duels, with players like Allen, Russell Wilson, and Brock Purdy under the spotlight, while defensive matchups could prove decisive in low-scoring affairs.
Injuries and weather conditions may also play roles, particularly in the Patriots-Texans game where cold temperatures and snow are forecasted. Teams have been monitoring key players, including the Bills’ Josh Allen and the Texans’ Nico Collins, whose availability could sway outcomes.
Looking ahead, the winners of these games will advance to the conference championships on January 25, with the AFC and NFC titles on the line. The ultimate prize, Super Bowl LX, is scheduled for February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, where the league’s best will compete for the championship.
As fans gear up for another weekend of playoff football, the divisional round promises to deliver high-stakes drama and unforgettable moments, setting the stage for the climax of the 2025 NFL season.
