This year’s Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs is one of the most unpredictable sets of matchups in recent NFL history. That has created an atmosphere of mystery and excitement as the start of the divisional playoffs gets closer. This week, the Denver Broncos, as the #1 seed in the AFC, are being viewed as underdogs against the Buffalo Bills and quarterback Josh Allen. In the NFC, there is a grudge match game between the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks, who split their regular-season series. In addition, we are seeing a battle of generations between the young Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and the seasoned veteran Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, and a battle of two of the best defenses in the NFL between the Houston Texans and New England Patriots.
#8 Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams have one of the most explosive offenses left in the NFL playoffs, led by the dynamic duo of quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Puka Nacua. However, despite having the ability to quickly put points on the scoreboard, they barely escaped their wild-card matchup against the Carolina Panthers. This week, the Rams face a Chicago Bears offense that has the potential to take over on the ground, then come back with big plays in the passing game. Consequently, there are two strategies the Rams can use to reach the NFC Championship game: either improve their run defense or jump out to a big lead offensively and keep scoring, thereby negating the Bears’ running game. Ultimately, if the Rams cannot implement at least one of these strategies, they could be playing their last game this week.
#7 San Francisco 49ers
During the 2025 season, the San Francisco 49ers have had to manage numerous injuries to many of their top playmakers. However, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and his coaching staff have found ways to build game plans to work around those missing players. Last week, the 49ers extended their season by going on the road and picking up a hard-fought win against the defending Super Bowl champion in Philadelphia. On the other hand, that win came at a familiar cost, which was the loss of tight end George Kittle, who left the game with a torn Achilles tendon. This week, the 49ers will have to continue building their game plan around missing star players and, simultaneously, find creative ways to use running back Christian McCaffrey to avoid repeating the weak offensive performance they had when they faced the Seahawks in Week 18.
#6 Chicago Bears
The “Cardiac” Chicago Bears have taken an unusual path to the Divisional Playoffs. In the last two games the Bears have played, they have allowed the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers to take double-digit leads, then relied on their defense to give their offense a chance to get back in the game at the end. That strategic model does not appear to be sustainable this week, as they face a Rams team that is one of the most explosive units in the league to remain in the playoffs. In addition, the Bears’ defense is the lowest-ranked defense left in this season’s playoff field. Therefore, the Bears need to be ready to change their game plan this week and lean heavily on their #3-ranked running game, led by D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, to limit the Rams’ possessions.
#5 Houston Texans
This week, the Houston Texans are heading into the next round of the playoffs riding their 10-game winning streak into a road game against the New England Patriots. A big part of the Texans’ ability to pick up big wins, as they did against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week, is their dominant pass rush led by defensive ends Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. However, the Texans’ offense and quarterback C.J. Stroud have struggled to score touchdowns in the red zone, settling for field goals instead. Last week, the Texans blew out the Pittsburgh Steelers, but that was due to two defensive touchdowns. The Patriots also have a strong defense, so winning this game will require the Texans’ offense and Stroud to play their best game of the year.
#4 Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills, powered by quarterback Josh Allen, go on the road once again to face the #1 seed Denver Broncos. While the Denver Broncos have one of the top defensive units in the NFL, the Bills feel confident their offense, led by Josh Allen, can overcome the Broncos’ dominant pass rush, which has produced 68 quarterback sacks this season. On the other hand, Josh Allen is the most dominant offensive player remaining in the playoffs, and he can negate the Broncos’ pass rush with his running ability. In addition, the Bills need to get running back James Cook going early in this game to provide balance to an offense that leaned on Allen for 85% of its production against the Jaguars.
#3 Denver Broncos
This week, the Denver Broncos have home-field advantage and a week’s rest as they prepare to face a dangerous Buffalo Bills team. Defensively, the Broncos have been dominant due to their elite pass rush led by edge rushers Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper. On the other hand, the Denver Broncos’ offense’s success depends on their ability to protect quarterback Bo Nix. Nix had shown an outstanding ability to manage Sean Payton’s offense and allow the Broncos to take advantage of opportunities produced by their defense. Nix has struggled to maintain his consistency under pressure, and the Bills’ defense is expected to bring heavy pressure, forcing him into mistakes and turnovers.
#2 New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are one of the most balanced teams in the AFC, and they remain in the playoffs. New England’s defense has played excellent football, including holding the Los Angeles Chargers offense to only 175 yards last week. In addition, the Patriots have a balanced offense based on the dynamic play of quarterback Drake Maye and a strong running game featuring Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson. For the Patriots to win this week’s matchup against a dominant Texans defense, they will need to take care of the ball while also playing aggressively in the red zone and finishing their drives with touchdowns rather than settling for field goals. Early in the season, the Patriots’ offense struggled with fumbles, a problem they have solved, but turnovers will most likely determine how far the Patriots can go in the playoffs this season.
#1 Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are the most complete team in the NFL playoffs this year. Defensively, Mike McDonald’s unit has become the most dominant in the NFL. In Week 18, the Seahawks defense completely shut down the 49ers offense, and they will need to recreate that performance again this week. Offensively, the Seahawks have a strong running game led by Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet, along with an efficient passing game led by Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The only weakness the Seahawks have is when Darnold gets frustrated against a defense and starts turning the ball over. It will be critical for the Seahawks to protect Darnold this week.
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