NFL 2025 Divisional Round Preview: Eight Teams, One Step from the Conference Championships

The NFL 2025 Divisional Round represents one of the most competitive stages of the postseason, where the margin for error narrows and every game carry championship implication. This round feature four teams from each conference, including top seeds returning from byes and battle-tested Wild Card teams that already survived elimination. History shows that seeding alone does not guarantee success—Wild Card teams have often risen to the occasion and knocked off favorites. A prime example is the Tennessee Titans’ upset of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2020 Divisional Round, when the Titans’ defense limited Lamar Jackson despite widespread expectations that Baltimore would represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. That same tension and unpredictability define the 2025 Divisional Round, as elite teams must now prove they can execute under maximum pressure to advance to the Conference Championship Games.

One of the most anticipated matchups is the Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos on January 17, 2026, at Empower Field at Mile High. Buffalo’s path to victory depends on offensive efficiency—using spread formations to create running lanes, operating in manageable third-down situations, and sustaining long drives. Defensively, the Bills must disrupt the timing of Denver’s offense. However, Denver’s opportunity lies in exploiting Buffalo’s biggest weakness: run defense. The Bills allowed 2,315 rushing yards at 5.1 yards per carry and 24 rushing touchdowns, making outside-zone concepts a critical tool for the Broncos. Denver must stay committed to the run and pass selectively against a strong Bills secondary in this 4:30 p.m. ET showdown.

Later that night, the San Francisco 49ers face the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in a divisional clash loaded with familiarity and physicality. San Francisco’s offense must use spread formations to isolate Christian McCaffrey against linebackers, establishing the run early to open up play-action passing. Defensively, the 49ers must pressure Sam Darnold and force turnovers. Seattle’s success hinges on balance—running outside-zone schemes effectively while minimizing offensive mistakes. Defensively, the Seahawks must attack the football, as the 49ers have shown vulnerability to turnovers, and prioritize containing McCaffrey in both the run and passing game. This primetime matchup kicks off at 8:00 p.m. ET.

On January 18, 2026, the Houston Texans visit the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in a classic AFC postseason setting. Houston’s offense must focus on ball control, sustaining drives, and scoring efficiently in the red zone rather than relying on deep shots. Defensively, the Texans need to stop New England’s rushing attack and force Drake Maye to win through the air. For the Patriots, the game will be decided in the trenches. Their offensive line must protect the quarterback, dominate the line of scrimmage, and create running lanes through inside and outside zone schemes. New England’s defense must consistently pressure C.J. Stroud with hits and sacks to disrupt Houston’s rhythm. This chess match begins at 3:00 p.m. ET.

The Divisional Round concludes with the Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in a cold-weather test at 6:30 p.m. ET. The Rams’ formula for success starts with committing to the run—inside or outside—to protect Matthew Stafford from turnovers and force Chicago to respect play-action passing. Defensively, Los Angeles must maintain gap discipline, tackle collectively, and avoid giving up explosive plays downfield. For Chicago, offensive balance is essential. The Bears must establish the run and attack the middle of the Rams’ defense through the air, while their defense must generate pressure and turnovers against Stafford. This matchup pits experience against youth, making execution and discipline decisive factors.

As the NFL 2025 Divisional Round unfolds, each game presents a distinct strategic battle shaped by personnel strengths, scheme flexibility, and situational football. Only four teams will survive and advance to the Conference Championships, bringing them one step closer to Super Bowl 60. This is the round where contenders separate themselves—and where postseason legacies begin to take shape. 🏈