NFL Divisional Round Picks, Predictions, Schedule & Odds: Full Weekend Preview

Friday, January 16, 2026 · NFL Playoffs · Divisional Round

The Divisional Round of the 2025 NFL Playoffs brings four heavyweight matchups loaded with quarterback star power, cold-weather variables, and razor-thin betting lines. From Josh Allen heading into Denver to Caleb Williams hosting Matthew Stafford in freezing Chicago, this weekend is built for drama — and for the kinds of tight, possession-by-possession finishes that define January football.

For the official playoff bracket and kickoff times, fans can also follow updates directly from NFL.com’s playoff hub, while the latest betting lines and totals are tracked across major sportsbooks and aggregated by ESPN’s NFL odds board.

Divisional Round Schedule (ET) + Odds

(6) Buffalo Bills at (1) Denver Broncos

Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET · CBS · Broncos -1.5 (45.5)

This matchup is defined by one question: can Buffalo keep Josh Allen upright long enough to land explosive plays? Denver’s pass rush finished the regular season among the league’s most disruptive units, and Buffalo enters the weekend managing injuries at wide receiver while leaning heavily on its quarterback.

If the Bills are going to steal it, they’ll likely need a controlled script — run efficiency, quick-game rhythm, and one or two timely deep shots. Denver’s edge comes from forcing long drives and tightening in the red zone, a theme that has shown up repeatedly in playoff football.

(6) San Francisco 49ers at (1) Seattle Seahawks

Saturday, 8:00 p.m. ET · FOX · Seahawks -7 (45.5)

Seattle already delivered a defensive blueprint in Week 18, choking off yards after the catch and forcing the 49ers to grind for everything. The Seahawks’ ability to dictate pace and win early downs gives them a clear path to repeating that performance under the playoff spotlight.

(5) Houston Texans at (2) New England Patriots

Sunday, 3:00 p.m. ET · ESPN · Patriots -3 (40.5)

Houston has reached this stage again, but history looms large. The Texans are still searching for their first-ever divisional round win, while New England looks comfortable in a familiar role: slowing the game, forcing long drives, and leveraging home-field advantage.

(5) Los Angeles Rams at (2) Chicago Bears

Sunday, 6:30 p.m. ET · NBC/Peacock · Rams -3.5 (48.5)

Weather takes center stage in Chicago, where sub-freezing temperatures could reshape play-calling and execution. The Bears’ best counter to the Rams’ pressure-heavy defense may be quarterback mobility, while Los Angeles leans on experience and red-zone efficiency to separate late.

Picks at a Glance

Looking for more playoff previews, predictions, and NFL analysis? Explore all of our latest coverage in the Swikblog NFL section, where we break down matchups, storylines, and postseason trends as the road to the Super Bowl continues.