The Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs kicks off today, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Both No. 1 seeds are set to defend home turf, while their opponents hit the road on short rest, looking to keep their Super Bowl dreams alive. It’s a classic playoff setup-top dogs vs. underdogs with momentum-and it’s all going down this afternoon and evening.
Game 1: Bills at Broncos - AFC Heavyweights Collide in Denver
We start in the Mile High City, where the top-seeded Denver Broncos welcome the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round. Denver’s back in this position for the first time since 2015-the same year they last hoisted the Lombardi Trophy-and the energy around this team feels reminiscent of that championship run.
Buffalo, meanwhile, arrives fresh off a dramatic win over Jacksonville. Josh Allen capped off a gritty performance with a 1-yard touchdown run in the final minutes to seal a 27-24 comeback victory. It wasn’t always pretty, but it was the kind of win that builds character-and confidence-heading into a hostile environment like Denver.
The Broncos have had the luxury of rest and preparation, while the Bills are operating on a short week and heading into high altitude. That’s no small challenge.
But Buffalo’s been in playoff dogfights before, and Allen’s ability to extend plays and make magic happen late is always a factor. Denver will look to control the tempo, rely on its top-seeded defense, and lean into the home-field advantage that’s served them well all season.
Kickoff is set for 3:30 PM Central on CBS and Paramount+. If the Broncos come out on top, they’ll host the AFC Championship Game next weekend.
If Buffalo pulls off the upset, they’ll hit the road again-this time to face the winner of tomorrow’s Houston vs. New England matchup.
Game 2: 49ers at Seahawks - Round Three Between NFC West Rivals
Tonight’s primetime clash takes us up to Seattle, where the Seahawks and 49ers square off for the third time this season. It’s a rubber match between two NFC West rivals who know each other inside and out-and this time, it’s win or go home.
San Francisco took the first meeting back in Week 1, grinding out a 17-13 win in Seattle. The Seahawks returned the favor in Week 18, walking into Levi’s Stadium and coming away with a 13-3 victory that helped them secure the NFC’s top seed. Now, they meet again with a trip to the NFC Championship Game on the line.
The 49ers are coming off a hard-fought 23-19 win over Philadelphia. Despite dealing with a seemingly endless string of injuries, they just keep finding ways to win. That resilience has been a defining trait all season, and they’ll need every ounce of it in a tough road environment like Seattle.
One storyline to watch: Sam Darnold’s status. He’s officially questionable with an oblique injury suffered late in the week. If he’s limited-or can’t go at all-that could shift the dynamic of San Francisco’s offense, which has leaned on his steady hand in recent weeks.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM Central on FOX. If the Niners win, they’ll travel to face either the Bears or Rams in next week’s NFC Championship Game. If the Seahawks hold serve at home, the road to the Super Bowl will run through the Pacific Northwest.
Two games. Four teams.
One step closer to the big one. Buckle up-it’s going to be a wild ride.