NFL divisional round predictions: which No 1 seed is set for an unpleasant shock?
Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos (Saturday, 4:30pm ET/9:30pm GMT)
Bills' Strategy:
- Maintain dominance in short-yardage situations, building on the success of Josh Allen's fourth-down tush push, which gained 10 yards against Jacksonville.
- The Bills' offensive coordinator, Joe Brady, must create opportunities for Allen to leverage the team's strengths in crucial moments.
Broncos' Strategy:
- Emulate the Jaguars' success, especially with their running back, James Cook, who struggled against the Bills. Cook's limited carries (46 yards on 15 attempts) almost led to a victory.
- The Broncos' strong defense, led by Nik Bonitto, a top pass rusher with 13.5 sacks in 2024 and 14 in 2025, will be a significant challenge for the Bills.
Key Player:
- Nik Bonitto, an elite pass rusher, will be a force to reckon with, potentially disrupting Allen's performance.
Prediction:
- Bills over Broncos.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (Saturday, 8pm ET/Sunday 1am GMT)
49ers' Strategy:
- Embrace adversity and show no fear, building on their recent success despite injuries.
- Brock Purdy's fearless attitude and deep ball accuracy will be crucial against Sam Darnold, who is questionable with an oblique injury.
Seahawks' Strategy:
- Punish the 49ers' weak run defense, utilizing Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet's rushing abilities to control the game.
- Devon Witherspoon, a brilliant cornerback, will be key to the Seahawks' defense.
Key Player:
- Devon Witherspoon, a versatile cornerback, will be a challenge for quarterbacks, contributing to the Seahawks' strong defense.
Prediction:
- Seahawks over 49ers (with Darnold's participation being a significant factor).
Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots (Sunday, 3pm ET/8pm GMT)
Texans' Strategy:
- Rely on their defense to pressure the Patriots, who struggled against the Chargers' pass protection.
- Christian Kirk's emergence as a key receiver will be vital, especially if Nico Collins is out with a concussion.
Patriots' Strategy:
- Target the Texans' offensive line, blitzing CJ Stroud to force mistakes.
- Rhamondre Stevenson's versatility as a runner and receiver will be crucial for the Patriots' offense.
Key Player:
- Rhamondre Stevenson, a versatile back, will be a significant factor in the Patriots' success.
Prediction:
- Patriots over Texans.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears (Sunday, 6:30pm ET/11:30pm GMT)
Rams' Strategy:
- Utilize Sean McVay's playmaking skills and offensive weapons, focusing on Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua's production.
- Nacua's involvement should be maximized to overwhelm the Bears' defense.
Bears' Strategy:
- Prepare for the Rams' pass rush, led by Quentin Lake, who can disrupt quarterbacks.
- Ben Johnson must scheme the offense to avoid giving the Rams' pass rushers opportunities.
Key Player:
- Montez Sweat, a defensive end, will be crucial for the Bears, needing to make plays to counter the Rams' offensive threats.
Prediction:
- Bears over Rams.
