NFL Divisional Round 2026 Betting Predictions: Four Games Ahead
17/01/2026|SB Staff|NFL Tips & Predictions
The NFL playoffs started last week, and we had some incredible action.
The Chicago Bears recorded a double-digit fourth-quarter to see off the Green Bay Packers when they looked down and out. The New England Patriots held the Los Angeles Chargers to just a field goal. The defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, lost to the San Francisco 49ers.
The Buffalo Bills needed some fourth-quarter magic to overcome the Jacksonville Jaguars, while the Los Angeles Rams beat the Carolina Panthers. Now, those who advanced to the NFL Divisional Round will be joined by the #1 seeds, the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks.
Matches to be played are as follows:
- #1 Denver Broncos vs #6 Buffalo Bills (Sunday, January 18, 08:30 AEDT)
- #1 Seattle Seahawks vs #6 San Francisco 49ers (Sunday, January 18, 12:00 AEDT)
- #2 New England Patriots vs #5 Houston Texans (Monday, January 19, 07:00 AEDT)
- #2 Chicago Bears vs #5 Los Angeles Rams (Monday, January 19, 10:30 AEDT)
NFL Divisional Round 2026 Betting Preview
The most impressive game of the weekend was undoubtedly the NFC North clash between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers. Caleb Williams led the Bears to 25 points in the fourth quarter, helping them to win 31-27. The Rams were good against the Panthers, making things count in the first quarter of that game before staying toe-to-toe with Carolina in terms of scoring.
The Bills saw Josh Allen come up clutch in a game in which he was roughed up. He took several hits, but the quarterback delivered when needed. A match against the #1 seed, the Broncos, will need him and his teammates to be at their very best once again. With the Super Bowl betting odds shifting after each round, every performance matters.
The Patriots played complementary football against the Chargers; Drake Maye scored a touchdown in their 16-3 victory, while the defence kept Justin Herbert quiet, dominating the quarterback. For those looking for NFL tips and predictions, New England's defensive prowess has been a key storyline this postseason.
Seattle will face the 49ers for the third time this season, having beaten them 13-3 in the final game of the regular season. In the first game of the season, they lost 17-13 at home. However, Sam Darnold and his team have been one of the best in the league, entering the playoffs with a seven-game winning streak. His performances have even boosted his standing in the NFL MVP odds.
NFL Divisional Round 2026 Betting Predictions
Let's consider the latest NFL betting odds and make our NFL Divisional Round 2026 betting predictions below:
- Broncos vs Bills: Josh Allen to lead the Bills to win. James Cook to score the 1st touchdown offers value.
- Seahawks vs 49ers: Seahawks to win, given the winning streak. Sam Darnold 225+ Yards looks good value, having thrown 198 in the most recent game.
- Patriots vs Texans: We think the Patriots win. The Under 41.5 total points offers value, as we expect this game to be tight.
- Bears vs Rams: Rams will win as the Bears' slow starts hurt them; LA will power on quickly and leave Chicago behind.