The 2026 NFL Divisional Round promises some great football as the final eight teams battle for spots in the Conference Championships and a trip to Super Bowl LX on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. After one of the most exciting Wild Card Weekends in recent memory, featuring four games decided by four points or fewer, epic comebacks (Bears over Packers), major upsets (49ers over Eagles), and dominant shutouts (Texans 30-6 over Steelers), the matchups are set.
Divisional Round Schedule & TV Broadcasts (All Times ET)
The No. 1 seeds in the 2026 NFL Playoffs, Denver Broncos (AFC) and Seattle Seahawks (NFC), enter fresh off byes, while road warriors like the Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, Houston Texans, and Los Angeles Rams look to keep their momentum rolling. Here’s a full preview, including schedule, TV/streaming details, key storylines, predictions, and how to use our updated printable bracket.
- Saturday, January 17
- No. 6 Buffalo Bills at No. 1 Denver Broncos – 4:30 PM on CBS (stream on Paramount+)
- No. 6 San Francisco 49ers at No. 1 Seattle Seahawks – 8:00 PM on FOX (stream on FOX Sports app)
- Sunday, January 18
- No. 5 Houston Texans at No. 2 New England Patriots – 3:00 PM on ESPN/ABC (stream on ESPN app)
- No. 5 Los Angeles Rams at No. 2 Chicago Bears – 6:30 PM on NBC (stream on Peacock)
Winners advance to the Conference Championships on January 25 (AFC ~3:00 PM on CBS/Paramount+; NFC ~6:30 PM on FOX/FOX Sports app; higher seed hosts). All games feature flex potential for networks, but these are the confirmed assignments.
Matchup Previews & Predictions
Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos (Sat 4:30 PM ET, CBS)
Josh Allen and the Bills (coming off a gritty 27-24 road win over Jacksonville) face a tough altitude test at Empower Field against the top-seeded Broncos, who rested after their bye. Denver’s elite defense will pressure Allen, but Buffalo’s late-game heroics make this a near pick’em. Early odds had Bills as slight road favorites (~1.5 points), but home-field and rest tilt it slightly.
Prediction: Broncos win a close one, 24-20. Denver’s defense forces turnovers late.
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (Sat 8:00 PM ET, FOX)
NFC West rubber match: These teams split the regular season (49ers won opener, Seahawks took Week 18 for the division/No. 1 seed). Seattle is well-rested, but San Francisco arrives hot after upsetting the Eagles 23-19-despite injuries (e.g., George Kittle out for season). Brock Purdy vs. Sam Darnold in a defensive battle at Lumen Field. Seahawks favored (~7.5 points in some lines).
Prediction: Seahawks 20, 49ers 17. Home rest and familiarity edge it for Seattle in a low-scoring grind.
Houston Texans at New England Patriots (Sun 3:00 PM ET, ESPN/ABC)
C.J. Stroud and Houston’s No. 1-ranked defense (fresh off a dominant 30-6 rout of Pittsburgh for franchise’s first road playoff win) visit Drake Maye and the resurgent Patriots (16-3 defensive win over Chargers in Maye’s playoff debut). New England’s first Divisional since 2018; Texans’ road confidence high. Early lines favor Texans slightly (~3 points).
Prediction: Texans 23, Patriots 17. Houston’s defense stifles Maye, Stroud makes key plays.
Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears (Sun 6:30 PM ET, NBC)
Matthew Stafford (MVP-caliber season) and the Rams visit Caleb Williams and the Bears, who host their first home Divisional in 15 years after a thrilling 31-27 comeback over Green Bay. Chicago’s momentum vs. LA’s experience; weather could factor in Soldier Field. Odds favor Rams (~3-4.5 points), but home underdog vibe strong.
Prediction: Bears 27, Rams 24. Chicago’s crowd and late magic carry them in an upset.
Paths to Super Bowl LX & Overall Outlook
- AFC Championship potential: Broncos vs. Bills/Texans winner-could be a defensive slugfest or Allen/Stroud showcase.
- NFC Championship potential: Seahawks vs. Bears/Rams winner-NFC West dominance continues?
Current Super Bowl odds favor Seahawks and Rams (tied ~+300 range), with Bills rising post-Wild Card. Broncos strong but vulnerable at home; Patriots/Texans as dark horses.
Printable Bracket & How to Use It
Our updated 2026 NFL Divisional Playoff Bracket PDF includes blank projections for filling in scores, winners, and your path to Super Bowl LX. Perfect for office pools, family brackets, or personal tracking. Print multiple copies, mark your picks, and follow along all weekend!
The Divisional Round kicks off Saturday-don’t miss the action. Check back for live updates, Conference Championship previews, and more printables on SportsBrackets.net. Who advances? Let the games decide! You can also get the complete NFL Playoff Bracket here too.
