Divisional Round Preview and Predictions

I’ll be the first to admit it — I was wrong about the Wild Card round (and happily so). I went into it thinking we’d get a couple of blowouts, maybe one decent finish, and a lot of games that felt over way too early. Instead, we got chaos in the best way possible. Drama, heartbreak, insane moments in the final seconds, and legitimately beautiful football. That slate of games was awesome entertainment, which we haven't had in quite some time for the Wild Card round.

But although I was wrong about the entertainment, I will say that I went 5-for-6 on my Wild Card predictions, with the only miss being Bears–Packers. I’ll take that every time. 4 of the 6 games ended up being tight, stressful, and way more competitive than expected, which just reinforces how wide open this postseason really is.

Now that we’re past that, let’s get into the next round.

Bills at Broncos- As much as I respect what the Denver Broncos have built on defense, I just don’t trust Bo Nix to consistently show up in a game this big when he's still this young. That defense is real, no question, but I’m still taking experience over youth here. Buffalo Bills know what these moments feel like, and Josh Allen has shown time and time again that he’s willing to put the entire team on his back when it matters most. I think that continues, even if it’s not pretty the whole way.
My prediction: Bills 30 Broncos 24.

49ers at Seahawks- This game feels like one of those games where circumstances matter just as much as talent. I didn’t trust Sam Darnold much in the playoffs to begin with, and I trust him even less now with the oblique injury hanging over him and threatening him to be watching from the sidelines. The Seattle Seahawks defense is rock solid, but I’ve said this before and I’ll keep saying it: defense can win championships, but you still need an offense. I don’t see enough firepower there to take down a banged-up but extremely well-coached San Francisco 49ers team that knows how to survive these games. I think it’s close, stressful, and uncomfortable — but San Francisco finds a way.
My prediction: 49ers 27 Seahawks 26.

Texans at Patriots- Might be the game I’m most excited to watch. The Houston Texans defense is downright ridiculous, and it’s been carrying them for months now. At the same time, Drake Maye has been excellent all season — not flashy, not reckless, just really smart football. C.J. Stroud and the Texans offense haven’t exactly been lighting it up, especially last game, and the Patriots defense is elite. This feels like a grind-it-out game where every possession matters, and I’m going to lean toward the team that’s been calmer and more efficient all year.
My prediction: Patriots 20 Texans 16.

Bears at Rams- Could be another classic. I can’t even remember the last time the Chicago Bears didn’t give us a game that came down to the final minutes. That’s just who they are right now. I'd expect the Rams jump out early, which is somehow right where the Bears seem most comfortable. The question is whether Chicago can finally break through and reach the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 2011. I think it’s going to be another wild game that makes no sense — but in the end, I think the Rams’ experience wins out by just enough.
My prediction: Rams 34 Bears 30.

If the Wild Card round taught us anything, it’s that nothing is guaranteed this year. Every game feels like it could swing on one drive, one mistake, one unbelievable play. And honestly, after the chaos we just watched, I wouldn’t have it any other way.