Published: January 12, 2026
The NFL postseason is shifting into its most intense phase, and the divisional round picture is getting clearer. Two major matchups are already locked in, setting up a rivalry rematch in the NFC and a heavyweight clash in the AFC.
In the NFC, the Seattle Seahawks hold the No. 1 seed and will host the San Francisco 49ers next weekend. It’s a familiar showdown after their dramatic Week 18 meeting that decided the NFC West. The 49ers earned the trip to Seattle after upsetting the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild-card round, while the Seahawks benefited from the bye week and now get home-field advantage at Lumen Field.
The other NFC divisional matchup will see the Chicago Bears host the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field, with both sides entering the round coming off big wins to open the playoffs.
Over in the AFC, the Denver Broncos secured the conference’s top seed and will host the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo advanced by beating the Jacksonville Jaguars in a tight wild-card game, setting up a road test at Empower Field at Mile High. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots will face the winner of the final wild-card game between the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers, which closes out wild-card weekend.
Divisional Round Weekend Schedule (Early Window)
- 49ers at Seahawks — Saturday, Jan. 17 (kickoff time TBD), Lumen Field (Seattle)
- Rams at Bears — Sunday, Jan. 18 (kickoff time TBD), Soldier Field (Chicago)
- Bills at Broncos — Saturday, Jan. 17 (kickoff time TBD), Empower Field at Mile High (Denver)
- Texans/Steelers at Patriots — Sunday, Jan. 18 (kickoff time TBD), Gillette Stadium (Foxborough)
TV networks and exact kickoff times are still to be finalized, but the matchups alone guarantee a high-voltage weekend— especially with the Seahawks and 49ers meeting again with a trip to the conference championship on the line.
For the full bracket breakdown and schedule details, read the original report here: Yahoo Sports divisional round schedule update .
