We learned a lot this weekend. With the excitement of the wild card out of the way, the divisional round provided more unexpected results. Whether you’re a fan of a team eager to hoist a trophy, or a team whose season ended abruptly and tragically, you probably came away with some important conclusions. Today we’ll take a look at those conclusions for each team, and see what the future holds for them.
Denver Broncos: JK Dobbins’ value is irreplaceable
Nov 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins (27) runs the ball in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The week prior, Jacksonville highlighted Buffalo’s Achilles heel, the run defense. However, unlike the Jaguars, Denver found little to no success on the ground. Quarterback Bo Nix was the team’s leading rusher, with just 29 yards on 12 carries. JK Dobbins’ value to this team is clear. With Jarrett Stidham set to start, the Broncos will need their ground game to be up to scratch more than ever. If JK Dobbins is cleared to play, his presence may be able to breathe new life in for the team.
Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen still plays hero ball
Jan 17, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) drops to throw during the fourth quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The drop off in the rate that Josh Allen has turned the ball over has been one of the biggest reasons why he’s been catapulted into conversations regarding best QB in the league. However, against the Broncos, we saw that old habits die hard. While he doesn’t shoulder all the blame for his quadruple turnover statline, Allen’s tendency to play hero ball bit the Bills in this one. You take any of those four turnovers away, chances are the reignited debate on what is defined as a catch doesn’t form, and the Bills make their way to the championship round.
Seattle Seahawks: They’re unbeatable if Darnold keeps it up
Jan 17, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) warms up prior to a game against the San Francisco 49ers in an NFC Divisional Round game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
The defense is suffocating, the special teams is momentum-swinging, the run game is punishing and the receiving core is top-tier. All the Seahawks need is for Sam Darnold to maintain his respectable play. Darnold has racked up some big numbers this year. Regardless, the threat of implosion always looms over him. After the team throttled the niners, it feels like unless Darnold starts seeing ghosts, Seattle’s path to a Lombardi is secured.
New England Patriots: Will Campbell must step up
Jan 11, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots offensive tackle Will Campbell (66) blocks Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Da’shawn Hand (91) during the second half in an AFC Wild Card Round game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
The fourth overall pick is going through a rough playoff stretch. Granted, the opposing rushers Will Campbell has faced are nothing to scoff at. Nevertheless, allowing 9 pressures, 6 hurries and 3 sacks in just two playoff showings is a recipe for disaster. It isn’t going to get any easier for Campbell, as he’s set to face the ferocious Broncos d-line. He’ll need to up his game and be the man New England drafted him to be. Otherwise, the Patriots won’t relive the glory days like they hope to.
Houston Texans: CJ Stroud hasn’t earned an extension
Jan 18, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) after the game against the New England Patriots in an AFC Divisional Round game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Houston’s signal-caller burned a lot of cash on Sunday. If he simply rode the wave of the defense and kept the ball out of harm’s way, chances are a 250 million dollar check would be come his way. Now, the Texans are at a crossroads. Stroud’s rookie season was a beacon of hope. Since then, he’s continually regressed, and just cost the team a legitimate shot at the super bowl. His fifth year option should be picked up, but Houston’s front office will need to hold their horses on a long-term deal.
Chicago Bears: The receiving room needs work
Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) reacts after catching a pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter of an NFC Divisional Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
A few years ago, Chicago’s core of receivers made the Bears one of the best destinations for a first overall pick ever. Rome Odunze, DJ Moore and Cole Kmet formed a unit that at first glance seemed to be perfect for a rookie QB. Following the showing against LA, the need to improve at the position has become clear. Drops and a lack of effort sucked the life out of the Bears sidelines. While the team’s pair of rookie pass catchers of Loveland and Burden have shown flashes, the unit will likely shuffle some pieces this offseason.
Los Angeles Rams: The offensive line needs to be better
Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon (6) sacks Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the second quarter of an NFC Divisional Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Stafford has aged like fine wine, but the rust shows whenever he’s on the run. The Rams otherwise stout offensive line failed to keep their QB upright. What’s especially damning is that one of Chicago’s key weaknesses is the pass-rush. They’ve ranked near the bottom in almost every pass-rush stat. And yet, they were able to make Stafford feel uncomfortable in this one. Stafford is at his best when leaning on his pocket passing ability. Every possible matchup left for him has a top ten defensive line. They can’t have a repeat of this performance, otherwise their opponents will feast on the QB.
If you enjoyed this article please like and follow us here on MSN! Thank you for reading and have a great day!
