Another week in the NFL playoffs and another four teams have been eliminated this past weekend. The divisional round showed nothing but who stands on top after each game and who is going to move ahead. At least three out of four of these games were close calls and actually ran into overtime.
Denver Broncos 33, Buffalo Bills 30
One of the two NFL Divisional Round Saturday night matchups saw the Denver Broncos pull off a statement road win over the Buffalo Bills to advance to the AFC Championship Game. It was the first game that started off the divisional round weekend.
Denver set the tone early with a balanced offensive attack, controlling time of possession and keeping Buffalo’s offense off rhythm. The Broncos’ quarterback delivered in key moments, converting multiple third downs and leading a pair of long touchdown drives.
Defensively, Denver came up with the biggest play of the night late in the second half, forcing a turnover that immediately led to points and swung momentum. Buffalo threatened in the fourth quarter, but Denver’s defense tightened in the red zone and forced a critical stop. It wasn’t an easy game but the final call that was made was an interception allowing Denver to kick the field goal in overtime. In the end, Denver’s composure, physical defense, and efficiency in big moments sealed a hard-fought divisional round victory.
Seattle Seahawks 41, San Francisco 49ers 6
Saturday night’s NFL Divisional Round game was a one-sided domination as the Seattle Seahawks steamrolled the San Francisco 49ers by a final score of 41–6.
The Seahawks jumped out early and never let up. Seattle scored in all three phases and put the game out of reach before halftime. The Seahawks’ offense was explosive and efficient, consistently attacking mismatches and finishing drives with touchdowns rather than field goals.
Defensively, Seattle overwhelmed San Francisco’s offensive line, forcing turnovers and completely shutting down the run game. The 49ers struggled to sustain drives and failed to generate any momentum, settling for limited scoring chances. By the fourth quarter, the outcome was long decided as Seattle cruised into the NFC Championship Game with its most complete performance of the postseason.
New England Patriots 28, Houston Texans 16
Sunday night’s NFL Divisional Round matchup saw the New England Patriots pull away from the Houston Texans with a 28–16 victory.
New England took control in the middle quarters, scoring unanswered points to flip what had been a tight, physical game. The Patriots’ offense found its rhythm with efficient drives, converting key third downs and finishing in the red zone.
Defensively, New England limited Houston’s explosive plays and forced the Texans into long-yardage situations throughout the second half.
Houston stayed competitive early but struggled to sustain drives once New England tightened coverage and increased pressure. They had multiple turnovers during this game.
In the end, the Patriots’ balance, discipline, and ability to capitalize on mistakes proved to be the difference on Saturday night.
Los Angeles Rams 20, Chicago Bears 17
The last game of the divisional round took place between the Los Angeles Rams and the Chicago Bears.
Chicago appeared finished late in regulation before they launched a desperation Hail Mary as time expired, tying the game to force overtime. The miracle throw completely shifted momentum and briefly put the Rams on their heels.
In overtime, however, Los Angeles quickly regrouped and leaned on execution and composure. The Rams’ offense marched down the field, capitalizing on defensive fatigue and ending the game with a decisive scoring drive.
Despite the Bears’ unforgettable last-second heroics, it was Los Angeles that ultimately closed the door and advanced with a hard-earned overtime victory.
