The 2026 National Football League (NFL) Divisional Round schedule has been officially announced, presenting a series of compelling matchups as only eight franchises remain in contention for Super Bowl LX. This final collection of teams was largely unpredictable at the commencement of the current season, adding an element of surprise and excitement to the postseason.
The Divisional Round commences with a notable fixture: the Buffalo Bills will travel as an unusual road favorite to challenge the top-seeded Denver Broncos. This game promises an intriguing battle on the gridiron. Following this, football enthusiasts will be treated to a rubber match between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks. These two fierce rivals have already split their regular-season encounters, with the visiting team emerging victorious in both previous contests, setting the stage for a dramatic third confrontation.
Further into the weekend, the Houston Texans, fresh off a dominant performance in the Wild Card Round where their pass rush seemingly debilitated veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, will face a different kind of challenge. They are set to encounter Drake Maye and the New England Patriots, a team that presents a formidable obstacle in the next phase of the playoffs. The concluding game of the Divisional Round is anticipated to be a cinematic spectacle, pitting the Los Angeles Rams against the Chicago Bears, promising a high-stakes showdown.
The full lineup for the 2026 NFL Divisional Round is as follows:
Saturday, January 16:
The #6 Buffalo Bills will visit the #1 Denver Broncos at 4:30 p.m. ET, broadcast on CBS. Later, the #6 San Francisco 49ers will challenge the #1 Seattle Seahawks at 8 p.m. ET, airing on FOX.
Sunday, January 17:
The #5 Houston Texans will take on the #2 New England Patriots at 3 p.m. ET, with coverage on ESPN/ABC. The final matchup of the round will feature the #5 Los Angeles Rams against the #2 Chicago Bears at 6:30 p.m. ET, broadcast on NBC.
This slate of games represents a pivotal moment in the quest for the championship, with each team bringing its unique strengths and strategies to the forefront. Fans are eagerly anticipating these contests that will ultimately determine which four teams advance to the Conference Championships, moving one step closer to Super Bowl LX.