The NFL Divisional Round is set, and it's loaded with intriguing matchups. After a wild Wild Card Weekend, we're down to eight teams fighting for four spots in the Conference Championships.
Here's our algorithmic breakdown of every game this weekend.
Saturday, January 17, 2026
(6) Buffalo Bills @ (1) Denver Broncos - 4:30 PM ET (CBS)
The Bills are back in the Divisional Round after handling business last week. Now they travel to Denver to face the #1 seed Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Key Factors:
- Altitude advantage: Denver's 5,280-foot elevation affects conditioning and kicking
- Rematch potential: These teams met in last year's Wild Card (Bills won 31-7)
- Road warriors: Buffalo has proven they can win anywhere this postseason
(6) San Francisco 49ers @ (1) Seattle Seahawks - 8:00 PM ET (FOX)
The rubber match. San Francisco and Seattle split the regular season series, making this winner-take-all showdown a must-watch.
Key Factors:
- Injury impact: George Kittle is done for the season with an Achilles injury
- Lumen Field: Seattle's 12th Man factor is real in January
- Rivalry intensity: These NFC West foes know each other inside and out
Sunday, January 18, 2026
(5) Houston Texans @ (2) New England Patriots - 3:00 PM ET (ESPN/ABC)
The Patriots are hosting a Divisional Round game for the first time since 2018. The Texans are looking to prove their Wild Card win was no fluke.
Key Factors:
- Gillette Stadium: New England's home-field advantage in January is legendary
- Young QBs: Both teams feature dynamic quarterback play
- Defensive chess match: Expect a physical, low-scoring affair
(5) Los Angeles Rams @ (2) Chicago Bears - 6:30 PM ET (NBC)
The Bears are hosting their first Divisional Round game in 15 years. Soldier Field will be rocking as Chicago looks to continue their magical season.
Key Factors:
- Weather watch: January in Chicago means anything is possible
- Historic moment: Bears fans have waited over a decade for this
- Rams experience: LA has postseason pedigree from recent Super Bowl runs
What Wild Card Weekend Told Us
The road teams dominated Wild Card Weekend. The Bills, Texans, Patriots, 49ers, and Rams all won away from home. That trend rarely continues in the Divisional Round when higher seeds have had a bye week to rest and prepare.
Conference Championship Preview
The winners advance to the Conference Championships on Sunday, January 25. Super Bowl LX is set for February 8 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
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