The current NFL game is an excellent feast with a great list of rivalries. Recently, the wild card entries ended, and they have led the teams to the next round, the NFL Divisional Round. The NFL Divisional Round is the most expected event as it leads to the Conference Championship rounds. From each division, teams are contending to clinch the qualification for Conference contention. Eventually, four finalized teams will qualify for the Conference Championship rounds, which will lead to the Super Bowl. Ultimately, the NFL Super Bowl is the superior event, which decides the winner in a single game. So, to know the Super Bowl prospects, this Divisional Round is hugely awaited by fans. For the upcoming NFL games, we have given predictions and expert picks. Know more about the upcoming Divisional Round. To keep getting more NFL updates, click here.
NFL Wild Card Round – A Quick Recap
Carolina Panthers vs Los Angeles Rams
After the Wild Card Round, several teams from the same division have been eliminated. The Carolina Panthers lost their chance to play in the Divisional Round to the Los Angeles Rams. In the first quarter, the Carolina Panthers were scoreless against the Los Angeles Rams’ 7. After that, the Los Angeles Rams sustained 3-points and continued to stay equalized for the next two quarters. Matthew Stafford’s brilliance earned them the win. Get in touch with Bettingpremier’s exclusive sports insights.
Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers
The Chicago Bears entered a fierce duel with the Green Bay Packers, where the Bears won over the Packers. Jordan Love amazed with four touchdowns, but still, the Green Bay Packers lost the game to the Chicago Bears. After being inconsistent for the first three quarters, the Chicago Bears performed relentlessly in the fourth quarter and won.
New England Patriots vs Los Angeles Chargers
Despite having a decent record, the Los Angeles Chargers couldn’t beat the Patriots. This game was a close contest, and the Los Angeles Chargers scored only one field goal. In contrast, the New England Patriots won the game by a huge margin. This was a commanding victory against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Houston Texans
The Pittsburgh Steelers, besides having a good record, lost terribly to the Houston Texans. After having scored two field goals in the first two quarters, the Steelers struggled to register points further. But the Houston Texans scored in the final quarter, scoring 23 points in the game. The Texans had a more versatile performance and a higher offensive output. Keep getting more American football updates, exclusively on Bettingpremier.
NFL Divisional Round Predictions and Schedule
Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills
The Denver Broncos will welcome the Buffalo Bills on 17th January 2026 at Empower Field at Mile High, Denver. This NFL game will begin at 04:30 p.m. ET.
Standings
The Denver Broncos rank first in the AFC West standings.
The Buffalo Bills are ranked 2nd in the AFC East rankings.
Denver Bronco’s Form
The Denver Broncos arrive with strong momentum as they lead the AFC West Division. They have a strong winning momentum and have a two-game winning streak. Regarding their home form, the Broncos tend to dominate teams more aggressively. Defensively, they have a positive points differential, indicating strong blocking efficiency. The Denver Broncos’ quarterback efficiency is notably higher than that of the Buffalo Bills. Bo Nix’s passing game is a definitive trait that strengthens the team. His running game is effective and produces more points more frequently. Defensively, the Denver Broncos are good at blocking their opponents and have a good interception rate.
Buffalo Bills’ Form
The Buffalo Bills have a decent record, but they struggle to score on the road. Their offensive production is one of their main strengths, having been able to score in clutch moments. They also have a positive points-difference, indicating a strong defensive side. Quarterback Josh Allen’s game is a strong factor that strengthens their scoring side. But their receiving game is significantly poorer than the Broncos’. This will enable the Broncos to easily outperform the Bills’ offensive output.
Prediction
The Denver Broncos have the highest chances to win in this NFL game.
Seattle Seahawks vs San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers will visit the Seattle Seahawks on 17th January 2026. This NFL event is scheduled to occur at Lumen Field at 08:00 p.m. ET.
Standings
The Seattle Seahawks are ranked 1st in the NFC West standings.
The San Francisco 49ers are at 3rd spot in the NFC West division.
Seattle Seahawks’ Form
The Seattle Seahawks are one of the few teams with elite performance and a solid league record. Their passing game is their biggest strength, providing a significant offensive boost. Moreover, their Quarterback, Sam Darnold, brings an elite passing game, with 4048 yards. His passing game further strengthens their scoring efficiency. They are also stronger in defensive interceptions, which makes them strong against the rushing game. Their fumble rates are solid, highlighting their ability to block and break down their opponents’ running. Compared with the San Francisco 49ers, the Seattle Seahawks are far superior.
San Francisco 49ers’ Form
The San Francisco 49ers are making it more deliberate to contain their opponents regardless of their scoring. They focus extremely on the defensive side, trying to block their opponents’ progression. But their passing yardage is not as effective as the Seahawks’. They lag far behind the Seattle Seahawks in the running game, with only 2167 yards. Brock Purdy remains their only offensive pillar, whose game is not as effective as Sam Darnold’s. Additionally, their away game against the Seahawks comes with equal risks as well.
Prediction
The Seattle Seahawks are predicted to win in this NFL game.
New England Patriots vs Houston Texans
The New England Patriots will face the Houston Texans in the upcoming NFL game. This clash will begin at 03:00 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium on 18th January 2026.
Standings
The New England Patriots are 1st in the AFC West standings.
The Houston Texans have secured a 2nd rank in the AFC South.
New England Patriots’ Form
The New England Patriots are absolutely stunning the entire league with their regular-season momentum. With Drake Maye, the New England Patriots bring a solid current form. They appear more consistent and are currently one of the best in the league. Technically, their defense is their main strength that often cripples their opponents’ scoring ability. In addition, the New England Patriots have an undeniable offensive presence. Drake Maye’s yardage is singularly more than the Houston Texans’ total passing yards. With a good form and a solid scoring efficiency, the New England Patriots are expected to outscore the Houston Texans.
Houston Texans’ Form
The Houston Texans have their nine-game winning streak as their biggest strength. Their turnover ratio also shows a positive sign for the team. Strategically, the Houston Texans will try to bring down Drake Maye and terminate his running game. Although they have a strong momentum, the New England Patriots are more consistent. Above all, the Houston Texans’ defensive stats are underwhelming when compared with the Patriots’. This is where the New England Patriots gain a solid edge over the Houston.
Prediction
Based on both teams’ capabilities, it is apparent that the New England Patriots will win in this NFL clash.
Chicago Bears vs Los Angeles Rams
The Chicago Bears will play against the Los Angeles Rams on 06:30 p.m. ET at Soldier Field. This event is scheduled for 18th January 2026.
Standings
The Chicago Bears lead the NFC North standings.
The Los Angeles Rams are 2nd in the NFC West rankings.
Chicago Bears’ Form
The Chicago Bears are in good shape, having a solid record of 11-6-0 in the current league. Caleb Williams’ Quarterback efficiency is good enough, and their passing yardage is elite. However, they are prone to frequent sacking. It causes a poor scoring efficiency. Their rushing yardage is also comparatively poorer than that of the Los Angeles Rams. But as a team, the Chicago Bears are an overall good team with decent ability.
Los Angeles Rams’ Form
The Los Angeles Rams, on the other hand, come with a threatening form. They have a strong league record and have a well-rounded current form. In the 17 games, they have won 12, scoring a staggering 518 points. But away games are their only concern, which is not a pressing issue, but needs attention. If they can go past the minor setbacks, the Rams could sustain against the Bears’ pressure.
Prediction
This clash will be a close contest with a slight advantage for the Chicago Bears to win.
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