2026 NFL Divisional Round Schedule: Dates, Matchups, and TV Info
The NFL just dropped the official schedule for the 2026 Divisional Round, right after a wild, unpredictable Wild Card Weekend. If you love football, you’re in for a treat—these matchups are loaded with drama, big names, and, let’s be honest, probably a few surprises.
This year, you’ve got heavy hitters like the Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, and a bunch of others all battling for a shot at the Conference Championships. Let’s take a look at what’s on tap, how to watch, and a few storylines that might actually matter.
Contents
Saturday’s Showdowns: Broncos vs. Bills and Seahawks vs. 49ers
Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
Saturday, January 17, 2026, things kick off with the Denver Broncos hosting the Buffalo Bills at Empower Field at Mile High. Coverage starts at 4:30pm ET on CBS, and you can stream it on Paramount+ if that’s more your speed.
The Broncos are the top seed, but the Bills have fought through a tough season to get here. There’s a lot riding on this one.
Key Storylines:
- Can Denver’s defense slow down Buffalo’s offense, or will the Bills just keep rolling?
- Is Buffalo’s quarterback ready for the spotlight and the pressure?
- Does playing in Denver’s altitude really make a difference? Some folks swear it does.
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
Later that night, the San Francisco 49ers head to Seattle to face the Seahawks at Lumen Field. FOX and FOX Deportes have the broadcast at 8:00pm ET, and you can catch the stream on FOX One.
It’s a classic NFC West rivalry—these two just don’t like each other, and it usually shows.
Key Storylines:
- Will the 49ers’ defense manage to shut down Seattle’s offense?
- Does home-field advantage actually matter in Seattle’s electric atmosphere?
- Who’s going to make the big play on special teams or force that crucial turnover?
Sunday’s Clashes: Patriots vs. Texans and Bears vs. Rams
Houston Texans at New England Patriots
Sunday kicks off in Foxborough, where the New England Patriots play host to the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Kickoff is 3:00pm ET on ESPN and ABC, plus streaming on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes.
The Patriots have a reputation for showing up in the postseason, but the Texans are hungry and have nothing to lose.
Key Storylines:
- Will the Patriots’ coaching staff outsmart Houston, or can the Texans flip the script?
- Can Houston’s young quarterback keep his poise in a tough road environment?
- Is the Foxborough weather going to be a factor? In January, it’s hard to rule out.
Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
The weekend wraps up under the lights at Soldier Field, with the Chicago Bears taking on the Los Angeles Rams. That one starts at 6:30pm ET on NBC and Peacock, and it’ll also air on Telemundo and Universo.
Both teams bring tough defenses and a few playmakers who can change the game in a hurry.
Key Storylines:
- Can Chicago’s defense keep the Rams in check?
- Will the Rams’ stars step up with everyone watching?
- How much will the winter weather in Chicago mess with the game plan?
Looking Ahead: Conference Championships and Super Bowl LX
After the Divisional Round, it’s on to the AFC and NFC Championship Games on Sunday, January 25, 2026. The AFC game’s at 3:00pm ET on CBS, and the NFC follows at 6:30pm ET on FOX.
Winners punch their ticket to the big one—Super Bowl LX. That’s happening Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, with kickoff at 6:30pm ET on NBC.
Super Bowl LX will decide it all for the 2025 NFL season. If history’s any guide, expect a spectacle: wild plays, huge performances, and maybe a little chaos. Would you really want it any other way?
Get Your Tickets and Tune In
Fans who want to catch these matchups live can grab tickets through the official NFL website.
If you’d rather kick back at home, there are plenty of ways to watch. TV coverage and streaming options span networks like CBS, FOX, ESPN, NBC, and a few others.
For the complete NFL playoff schedule, along with game times, TV listings, and ticket info, check out the official schedule page.
