The Bracket is Locked: Your Official Divisional Round Preview
Key Takeaways
- AFC Rematch: The Cincinnati Bengals head to Baltimore to face the top-seeded Ravens in a heated division rivalry.
- NFC Cinderella: The No. 7 seed Chicago Bears face the No. 1 Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
- Quarterback Battles: Josh Allen hosts C.J. Stroud; Jalen Hurts takes on the Lions’ high-powered offense.
- Schedule: Games kick off Saturday, Jan 17 at 4:30 PM ET.
NEW YORK — The dust has settled on a chaotic Wild Card Weekend, and eight teams remain in the hunt for the Lombardi Trophy. The pretenders have been sent home (goodbye, Chiefs and 49ers), and the contenders are digging in.
Here is the official slate for the NFL Divisional Round.
AFC: The heavyweight Battles
(6) Cincinnati Bengals at (1) Baltimore Ravens
When: Saturday, 4:30 PM ET (CBS)
The Storyline: Bad Blood. These AFC North rivals split their season series, and now Joe Burrow heads into M&T Bank Stadium looking to knock off Lamar Jackson and the top-seeded Ravens. After upsetting the Chiefs, the Bengals are battle-tested, but the Ravens are rested. Expect a physical, defensive war.
(4) Houston Texans at (2) Buffalo Bills
When: Sunday, 6:30 PM ET (NBC)
The Storyline: Fire vs. Ice. C.J. Stroud’s high-flying aerial attack travels to the frozen tundra of Highmark Stadium to face Josh Allen. The Bills just dismantled the Colts in the snow, while the Texans put up 42 points indoors. Can Houston’s speed translate to the Buffalo cold?
NFC: The Upsetters vs. The Kings
(7) Chicago Bears at (1) Seattle Seahawks
When: Saturday, 8:15 PM ET (FOX)
The Storyline: Noise Control. Caleb Williams just conquered Lambeau Field (figuratively) and Soldier Field (literally), but now he faces the 12th Man. The Bears are the lowest seed remaining, trying to achieve the impossible against a Seahawks team that has dominated the NFC all year.
(5) Philadelphia Eagles at (2) Detroit Lions
When: Sunday, 3:00 PM ET (ESPN/ABC)
The Storyline: Grit City. Two of the most physical teams in football collide at Ford Field. Saquon Barkley is coming off a 160-yard game, but the Lions’ run defense has been elite all season. This game will be won in the trenches.
Updated Super Bowl Odds
Following the Wild Card results, Vegas has reshuffled the deck:
- Baltimore Ravens: +320 (Favorites)
- Buffalo Bills: +380
- Detroit Lions: +450
- Seattle Seahawks: +500
- Philadelphia Eagles: +750
- Cincinnati Bengals: +900
- Houston Texans: +1100
- Chicago Bears: +1400
What They Said
“It doesn’t matter who we play or where we play. The goal hasn’t changed. We have to go through the best to be the best.” — Lamar Jackson, Ravens QB
