NFL Playoffs 2026: Four Teams Will Remain After Today's Divisional Round Drama
We’re closing in on the final four. After today’s divisional round action, the NFL playoff picture will be down to just four teams-two in each conference-vying for a trip to Super Bowl 60 in Santa Clara. And if yesterday’s games were any indication, we’re in for another wild ride.
Let’s start in the AFC, where the Denver Broncos punched their ticket to the conference championship with a thrilling 33-30 overtime win over the Buffalo Bills. Denver’s defense bent but didn’t break against Josh Allen, and the offense did just enough to pull out the victory at home.
But the win came at a steep cost-rookie quarterback Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle and is out for the rest of the postseason. It’s a brutal blow for a team that’s been riding Nix’s poise and playmaking all season long.
Now, the Broncos will need to regroup quickly with a backup under center as they prepare to host the AFC title game.
Meanwhile, out west, the Seattle Seahawks looked like a team on a mission. They took the opening kickoff to the house and never looked back, steamrolling the San Francisco 49ers 41-6 in a game that felt over by halftime.
Seattle’s offense was clicking, the defense was flying around, and the Niners simply had no answers. That kind of dominance, especially in a divisional rivalry game, sends a message: the Seahawks are peaking at the right time.
Today’s Slate: Cold, Clashes, and Championship Stakes
The action continues today with two more heavyweight matchups. First up, the New England Patriots face off against the Houston Texans.
The Patriots are back in the postseason spotlight after winning their first playoff game since the Tom Brady era. Now, it’s rookie quarterback Drake Maye’s turn to carry the torch.
Maye has looked the part of a future MVP, but he’ll be tested today by a Texans defense that’s fast, physical, and opportunistic.
Houston’s front seven, led by Will Anderson, has been disruptive all season, and cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. is capable of erasing top receivers. Head coach DeMeco Ryans has this young squad believing-and with a win, the Texans would reach their first-ever AFC Championship Game. That’s no small feat for a franchise still carving out its identity two decades into its existence.
Later, it’s a clash in the cold as the Chicago Bears host the Los Angeles Rams in what’s shaping up to be one of the coldest games in NFL history. Temperatures in the single digits could make the passing game a challenge, which is notable given the firepower on both sides.
Chicago is riding high after rookie Caleb Williams engineered a comeback win over the rival Green Bay Packers in the wild card round. Williams has shown incredible poise for a first-year QB, and he’ll need every bit of it today against a Rams team that’s built to win now.
Matthew Stafford is still slinging it with precision, and he’s got two elite targets in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Add in a defense that’s as tough as any in the league, and you’ve got a team that many picked to go all the way.
But don’t count out the Bears, especially at home in the elements. If they can establish the run and keep Williams upright, this one could go down to the wire.
Looking Ahead: Super Bowl 60 on the Horizon
The road to Super Bowl 60 is narrowing. The big game is set for Sunday, February 8 at 6:30 p.m.
ET, live from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. It’s the second time the home of the 49ers will host the NFL’s crown jewel.
The last time? Super Bowl 50, when Von Miller and the Broncos shut down Cam Newton’s Panthers in a 24-10 defensive showcase.
This year’s Super Bowl will be broadcast on NBC, with Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth in the booth and Melissa Stark on the sidelines. Fans can also stream the game on Peacock or Fubo (which offers a free trial for new users).
Halftime Spotlight: Bad Bunny Takes the Stage
When the teams head to the locker room, the spotlight shifts to the halftime show. This year’s headliner is global superstar Bad Bunny. The Puerto Rican artist has racked up Grammy wins and chart-topping hits, and now he’ll bring his signature energy and style to one of the biggest stages in entertainment.
Last Year’s Super Bowl: Eagles End Chiefs’ Reign
Before we crown a new champion, let’s not forget how last season ended. The Philadelphia Eagles ended Kansas City’s bid for a three-peat with a dominant 40-22 win in Super Bowl 59.
Philly’s defense got after Patrick Mahomes all night, sacking him six times and forcing three turnovers. Jalen Hurts took home MVP honors, accounting for three touchdowns and nearly 300 total yards.
But the Eagles are out of the picture this year after a wild card exit, so the door is wide open for a new champion to emerge.
Playoff Schedule: What’s Left
Here’s a quick look at the remaining playoff schedule:
- Divisional Round: Jan. 17-18
- Conference Championships: Jan. 25
- Super Bowl 60: Feb. 9 (NBC)
By the end of today, we’ll know which four teams are left standing. From there, it’s just one more win to the Super Bowl-and a shot at NFL immortality.