NFL divisional round preview: 4 marquee matchups including No. 1 seeds Broncos and Seahawks joining in
The NFL playoffs shift to the divisional round, where the surviving wild-card winners will face rested top seeds in what promises to be another electrifying weekend of football. Here’s an early look at the matchups:
NFC Matchups
(6) San Francisco 49ers at (1) Seattle Seahawks
49ers’ Path: Overcoming the loss of George Kittle (torn Achilles) requires another masterclass from coach Kyle Shanahan. The defense, led by coordinator Robert Saleh, must create turnovers against Sam Darnold to compensate for a limited offense that managed only 3 points against Seattle in Week 18.
Seahawks’ Path: The NFL’s top-ranked scoring defense, orchestrated by guru Mike Macdonald, stonewalled the 49ers just two weeks ago. Seattle’s balanced offense (3rd in scoring) and home-field advantage make them formidable, provided Darnold avoids critical mistakes.
Momentum Check: Seattle has confidence from its recent shut-down performance, but the 49ers are battle-tested in adversity. The Kittle loss, however, looms large in a hostile road environment.
(5) Los Angeles Rams at (2) Chicago Bears
Rams’ Path: The Stafford-Nacua connection remains the postseason’s most potent offensive duo, supported by a deep roster and Sean McVay’s coaching. Their defensive front can disrupt Chicago’s rhythm.
Bears’ Path: A team of resilience with eight one-score wins, including an epic 18-point comeback against Green Bay. Caleb Williams’ magic, an improving offense under Ben Johnson, and a vulnerable Rams secondary give Chicago a clear big-play avenue.
Momentum Check: The Bears ride a wave of destiny after their historic comeback. The Rams’ narrow escape against Carolina did little to dispel concerns about a late-season slump.
AFC Matchups
(6) Buffalo Bills at (1) Denver Broncos
Bills’ Path: It starts and ends with Josh Allen, whose superheroics (evident in the wild-card win over Jacksonville) mask the team’s flaws. His unique ability to extend plays and deliver in clutch moments gives Buffalo a chance against any opponent.
Broncos’ Path: Built on a ferocious, league-leading pass rush (68 sacks) and the tactical mind of Sean Payton. The offense, led by the inconsistent Bo Nix, often relies on late-game execution, but the defense can single-handedly dominate.
Momentum Check: Denver’s offensive inconsistencies (scoreless in Week 18) create unease despite the bye. Buffalo’s confidence is entirely vested in Allen’s transcendent talent.
(5) Houston Texans at (2) New England Patriots
Texans’ Path: The NFL’s most dominant defense, which scored two touchdowns in the wild-card win, must carry the load again. The offense, buoyed by rookie RB Woody Marks’ breakout, needs just enough production against a stout Patriots unit.
Patriots’ Path: MVP candidate Drake Maye faces his toughest test against the league’s top yardage defense. New England’s own defense, fresh off stifling the Chargers, should feast on a limited Houston attack potentially missing WR Nico Collins (concussion).
Momentum Check: A true toss-up. Houston has won 10 straight behind a historic defense, while New England has won 14 of 15, fueled by Maye’s brilliance. This showdown is the weekend’s premier chess match.
The stage is set for a weekend where defensive prowess, quarterback legends, and second-year sensations collide with a trip to the conference championships on the line.
