Get ready for an intense NFL Divisional Round! Our expert analysts are here with their predictions and insights, and trust me, it's a wild ride.
The Battle for Supremacy: NFL Divisional Round Preview
Our NFL.com editors, Ali Bhanpuri, Tom Blair, Brooke Cersosimo, Gennaro Filice, and Dan Parr, are back with their bold predictions for the 2025 NFL season. These football enthusiasts are ready to dive into the Divisional Round, using their unique blend of analysis and enthusiasm to guide us through these crucial matchups.
Let's dive into their picks and uncover the secrets behind their choices!
Bills vs. Broncos: A Tale of Two Teams
Where: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver
When: 4:30 p.m. ET, CBS, NFL+
Moneyline: Bills -105, Broncos -115
Spread: Broncos -1.5, O/U: 45.5
Predictions:
- Ali: Bills 26-20
- Brooke: Bills 26-22
- Dan: Broncos 24-23
- Gennaro: Broncos 26-21
- Tom: Broncos 24-21
Gennaro's Take: Why back the Broncos? Well, they're the AFC's top seed, returning to full strength after a week's rest, and playing at home in the thin Denver air. With a Super Bowl-winning coach and a feisty defense, they're a force to be reckoned with.
But here's the catch: the Bills have Josh Allen. Yes, that Josh Allen.
Last week, Allen proved that he's a game-changer, making our experts eat their words. So, what makes this week's matchup different? Denver's defense is a step up, capable of replicating the Jaguars' ground control and bringing relentless pressure on Allen.
However, Buffalo's offense is a force, and Allen's ability to make plays with his arm and legs is a game-changer. The Broncos' offense, led by Bo Nix, is unpredictable, but the Bills' weak run defense could be their Achilles' heel.
Will Allen's magic continue, or will the Broncos return the favor and end Buffalo's season? Only time will tell!
49ers vs. Seahawks: A Grudge Match
Where: Lumen Field, Seattle
When: 8:00 p.m. ET, FOX, NFL+
Moneyline: 49ers +275, Seahawks -345
Spread: Seahawks -7, O/U: 45.5
Predictions:
- Ali: Seahawks 24-20
- Brooke: Seahawks 27-23
- Dan: Seahawks 21-13
- Gennaro: Seahawks 27-17
- Tom: Seahawks 26-20
Dan's Perspective: The Seahawks dominated the 49ers in their last meeting, controlling the game from start to finish. Seattle held San Francisco to a meager 173 yards, a career-low for Kyle Shanahan's team.
Despite splitting the season series, the Seahawks have the advantage of rest, a key factor in playoff success. Since 1984, teams with an eight-day rest advantage are undefeated in the playoffs.
But here's the twist: these teams have a unique history, playing each other in the first week, last week, and now in the playoffs. It's a first for the NFL!
The 49ers have an impressive record under Shanahan in the Wild Card and Divisional Rounds, but Seattle's defense and rest advantage could be the difference-maker.
Can the Seahawks take the rubber match and advance, or will the 49ers pull off an upset?
Patriots vs. Texans: Defense Rules
Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
When: 3:00 p.m. ET, ESPN, ABC, NFL+
Moneyline: Texans +145, Patriots -175
Spread: Patriots -3, O/U: 40.5
Predictions:
- Ali: Patriots 23-21
- Brooke: Texans 22-16
- Dan: Patriots 19-17
- Gennaro: Texans 19-16
- Tom: Patriots 22-17
Brooke's Analysis: As a defense enthusiast, I'm all in on Houston's elite unit, even against an MVP candidate like Drake Maye. The Texans' defense dominated the Steelers last week, and they're ready to take on the challenge of facing Maye and the Patriots.
Maye has had a solid season, but this will be his toughest test yet, facing a top-five scoring and total defense. The stakes are high, and the Texans' defense is up for the challenge.
On the other side, C.J. Stroud will need to rebound from his poor performance in Pittsburgh. The pressure is on to move the ball against Mike Vrabel's defense, which has been impressive all season.
Houston's defense has been a force, and their ability to score touchdowns off turnovers is a game-changer. With a 16-game winning streak when scoring 20+ points, the Texans are a confident pick to reach the AFC Championship Game for the first time.
Rams vs. Bears: A Tale of Two Styles
Where: Soldier Field, Chicago
When: 6:30 p.m. ET, NBC, Peacock, NFL+
Moneyline: Rams -198, Bears +164
Spread: Rams -3.5, O/U: 48.5
Predictions:
- Ali: Bears 27-24
- Brooke: Rams 23-21
- Dan: Rams 28-26
- Gennaro: Rams 30-20
- Tom: Bears 25-22
Tom's Take: Choosing the Bears isn't an easy decision, but it's one driven by belief. While the Rams have the star power and talent, the Bears have thrived on gutsy rallies and narrow escapes.
The setting plays a crucial role. The Rams, used to warm weather, will face brutal wind chills and arctic conditions, something they're not accustomed to.
The Rams' defense, without Quentin Lake, has slipped in recent weeks, and the Bears' record in close games gives them an edge.
Injuries and Stafford's finger injury are concerns, but so is the Rams' recent form. Will the Bears pull off another thrilling win, or will the Rams dominate and advance?
As we head into the Divisional Round, these matchups promise excitement and drama. Who will advance and continue their journey towards the Super Bowl? Only time will tell, but these expert predictions give us a glimpse into the potential outcomes.
Stay tuned, football fans, and enjoy the ride!
