Get ready for some intense NFL action as we dive into the Divisional Round! Our panel of experts is here to predict the winners and analyze the matchups, so buckle up!
The Ultimate Showdown: NFL Divisional Round Predictions
Our NFL.com editors, Ali, Brooke, Dan, Gennaro, and Tom, are ready to share their insights and predictions for every game in the 2025 NFL season. Get ready for an exciting ride as they combine their football expertise with a healthy dose of enthusiasm and punctuation!
Let's dive into their picks for the Divisional Round:
SATURDAY, JAN. 17
Bills vs. Broncos
Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver
Time: 4:30 p.m. ET, CBS and NFL+
Moneyline: Bills -105, Broncos -115
Spread: Broncos -1.5, Over/Under: 45.5
Expert Predictions:
- Ali: Bills 26-20
- Brooke: Bills 26-22
- Dan: Broncos 24-23
- Gennaro: Broncos 26-21
- Tom: Broncos 24-21
Why the Broncos?
Gennaro believes in the power of the AFC's top seed, returning to full strength after a week of rest, and playing at home in the thin Denver air. With a Super Bowl-winning coach and a feisty defense, the Broncos have the ingredients for success. But the real question is: can they stop Josh Allen?
The Allen Factor:
While the Broncos have their advantages, Josh Allen is a force to be reckoned with. Our experts are divided on whether to pick the better team or the best player. Last week, Allen proved his worth, making our panel look foolish for unanimously picking the Jaguars. So, what makes this week's matchup different? Denver's defense is a step up, capable of replicating the Jaguars' ground control and pressuring opposing quarterbacks. However, Allen's battered body could be a concern for Buffalo.
Denver's Offense: Wild Card or Weakness?
Denver's offense might not be as imposing, but Bo Nix remains a wildcard. Sean Payton might not rely solely on Nix's arm, especially considering the Bills' weak run defense. The Jags averaged an impressive 6.7 yards per rush last Sunday, but Liam Coen's decision to stop exploiting that advantage could be a game-changer. Payton won't make the same mistake.
History Repeating?
Last year, the Bills ended Denver's season in Buffalo. Gennaro expects the Broncos to return the favor in Denver, but he's prepared for Allen to prove him wrong, just as he did last week.
SATURDAY, JAN. 17 (continued)
49ers vs. Seahawks
Location: Lumen Field, Seattle
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET, FOX and NFL+
Moneyline: 49ers +275, Seahawks -345
Spread: Seahawks -7, Over/Under: 45.5
Expert Predictions:
- Ali: Seahawks 24-20
- Brooke: Seahawks 27-23
- Dan: Seahawks 21-13
- Gennaro: Seahawks 27-17
- Tom: Seahawks 26-20
The Seahawks' Advantage:
Dan believes the Seahawks have the upper hand, especially after their dominant performance against the 49ers two weeks ago. Seattle controlled the game from start to finish, holding San Francisco to a mere 173 total yards. With the No. 1 seed secured and a bye on Wild Card Weekend, the Seahawks have the rest advantage, a factor that has historically favored teams in the playoffs.
History and Weirdness:
Oddly enough, these teams are the first in NFL history to play in the first week of the regular season, the last week, and now in the playoffs. While the 49ers have a perfect 7-0 record in the Wild Card and Divisional Rounds under Shanahan, the Seahawks have the rest advantage and a solid defense. Robert Saleh's magic on defense and Sam Darnold's ability to create opportunities could be the X-factors.
SUNDAY, JAN. 18
Texans vs. Patriots
Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET, ESPN, ABC, and NFL+
Moneyline: Texans +145, Patriots -175
Spread: Patriots -3, Over/Under: 40.5
Expert Predictions:
- Ali: Patriots 23-21
- Brooke: Texans 22-16
- Dan: Patriots 19-17
- Gennaro: Texans 19-16
- Tom: Patriots 22-17
Brooke's Defense Pick:
Brooke is all about elite defenses, and the Houston unit has her attention. With the No. 2 scoring defense and the No. 1 overall defense in the regular season, the Texans have been impressive. They overwhelmed the Steelers last week, and now they face Drake Maye and the Patriots.
Maye's Challenge:
Maye and the Patriots face their toughest test yet against Houston's top-five scoring and total defense. Maye has been good, but not great, against top defenses. He relies on Stefon Diggs and his other pass catchers, but Houston's pass rush and ball-hawking secondary could be a challenge. Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, Jalen Pitre, and Calen Bullock each had four interceptions during the regular season, and Bullock added a pick-six in the Wild Card game.
Stroud's Redemption:
On the other side, C.J. Stroud aims to bounce back from a poor performance in Pittsburgh. The Texans' defense has been on a roll, winning 16 straight games when scoring 20+ points (a feat they've achieved in every game since Week 12). Houston's ability to score and defend makes them a strong contender to reach the AFC Championship Game for the first time in franchise history.
SUNDAY, JAN. 18 (continued)
Rams vs. Bears
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago
Time: 6:30 p.m. ET, NBC, Peacock, and NFL+
Moneyline: Rams -198, Bears +164
Spread: Rams -3.5, Over/Under: 48.5
Expert Predictions:
- Ali: Bears 27-24
- Brooke: Rams 23-21
- Dan: Rams 28-26
- Gennaro: Rams 30-20
- Tom: Bears 25-22
Tom's Bold Pick:
Tom's pick for the Bears might surprise you, but he has his reasons. While L.A. has the talent and scheme to dominate, the Bears have had a thrilling ride to the second seed, relying on gutsy rallies and narrow escapes. It's a tricky team to predict, especially against a well-rounded opponent like the Rams.
Weather and History:
The forecast calls for brutal wind chill and arctic conditions, which could favor the Bears. The Rams' coldest game this season was a loss in Carolina, and the Bears have a solid record when the temperature drops. Additionally, the Rams' defense has been slightly less dominant without injured DB Quentin Lake, and they surrendered 31 points to the Panthers last week. If the defenses are close, and the weather caps the offenses, it could be a close game - and that's when the Bears' superior record in one-score games comes into play.
So, there you have it! Our experts have shared their predictions and insights. Now, it's time to sit back, enjoy the games, and see if our panel's picks come true! Who do you think will advance? Let us know in the comments!
