After Wild Card Weekend thinned the field, the NFL playoffs move into the Divisional Round this weekend, January 17, 2026. This is where the top seeds finally enter the picture, fresh off a bye, while Wild Card winners try to keep their momentum alive.
Here’s a breakdown of the Divisional Round matchups, including who played last weekend and who earned a bye.
Divisional Round Matchups (January 17)
Buffalo Bills vs Denver Broncos
How they got here
The Bills punched their ticket to the Divisional Round by winning on Wild Card Weekend, showing why they’re one of the most dangerous teams in the AFC. Buffalo leaned on offensive execution and playoff experience to advance.
The Broncos, meanwhile, earned a first-round bye after finishing near the top of the AFC standings. Denver enters this matchup rested and prepared, but without the benefit of last week’s live-game reps.
What to watch
Can Buffalo carry momentum into a tough road matchup, or does Denver’s extra rest give them the edge? This game may come down to which team starts faster.
San Francisco 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks
How they got here
San Francisco advanced by surviving Wild Card Weekend, relying on physical football and defensive discipline. It wasn’t flashy, but it was playoff football at its core.
Seattle enters the postseason after earning a bye week as one of the NFC’s top seeds. The Seahawks avoided Wild Card Weekend entirely and now jump straight into a familiar divisional matchup.
What to watch
These teams know each other extremely well. Expect a physical, low-margin game where turnovers and field position matter more than style points.
Los Angeles Rams vs Chicago Bears
How they got here
The Rams looked dominant on Wild Card Weekend, backing up their status as one of the biggest favorites of the opening round. Los Angeles handled business and comes into this game confident and battle-tested.
The Bears advanced by winning one of the tighter games of Wild Card Weekend, grinding out a tough victory and showing playoff toughness. Chicago now faces a Rams team firing on all cylinders.
What to watch
The Rams have the offensive edge, but Chicago’s defense has shown it can keep games close. If the Bears can slow the pace, this one could get interesting late.
Houston Texans vs New England Patriots
How they got here
Houston advanced with a strong Wild Card performance, continuing what’s been a breakout season. The Texans played fast, aggressive football and looked comfortable in a playoff environment.
What to watch
This game feels like a clash of momentum versus experience. Houston wants to keep pushing the pace, while New England will try to slow the game down and force mistakes.
What This Weekend Tells Us
- Bye-week teams get rest, but Wild Card winners bring momentum.
- Familiar matchups like 49ers vs Seahawks usually turn physical and unpredictable.
- Every remaining team is good enough to make a championship run.
- One bad quarter can end a season.
Final Thoughts
The Divisional Round is where the NFL playoffs usually separate the true contenders from the rest. The bye teams finally step into the spotlight, and the Wild Card survivors try to prove they belong.
By the end of the weekend, only four teams will remain on the path to Super Bowl LX.
Check back on Foolieo all weekend for reactions, breakdowns, and postgame takes — and let us know which team you think has the toughest matchup.