NFL Divisional Round: Bills vs Broncos & 49ers vs Seahawks - Preview & Predictions

The playoff action heats up with intense matchups and high stakes in the divisional round.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:58pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football game, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes in vibrant colors representing the strategic complexity and raw energy of the playoff action.The divisional round of the NFL playoffs promises intense, high-stakes matchups as teams battle for a spot in the conference championships.Denver Today

The NFL playoffs are in full swing, with the divisional round featuring marquee matchups. The Buffalo Bills, led by Josh Allen, face the Denver Broncos in a rematch, while the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks renew their rivalry. Both games promise high-stakes action as teams battle for conference championship spots.

Why it matters

The divisional round of the NFL playoffs is a crucial stage, with the remaining teams one step closer to the Super Bowl. These matchups feature some of the league's top teams and players, showcasing the talent and strategy that make the playoffs so captivating for fans.

The details

In the Bills-Broncos game, Josh Allen and the high-powered Bills offense will face a stiff test against the league-leading Broncos defense, which recorded 68 sacks in the regular season. The Broncos, led by quarterback Bo Nix, will also have the advantage of playing at home in the mile-high altitude. Meanwhile, the 49ers-Seahawks showdown pits two teams with strong road records against each other, with the Seahawks aiming to capitalize on the absence of 49ers star tight end George Kittle.

  • The Bills-Broncos game kicks off at 4:30 p.m. ET on Sunday.
  • The 49ers-Seahawks game follows at a later time slot on Sunday.

The players

Josh Allen

The dynamic quarterback of the Buffalo Bills, who led his team to a thrilling road win over the Jaguars in the previous round.

Bo Nix

The quarterback of the Denver Broncos, who seeks revenge after last year's playoff loss to the Bills.

George Kittle

The star tight end of the San Francisco 49ers, who will be absent from the game against the Seahawks.

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What’s next

CNN Sports will provide live coverage of both games, starting with the Bills-Broncos kickoff at 4:30 p.m. ET. The divisional round promises more thrilling action and analysis as the playoffs unfold.

The takeaway

The divisional round of the NFL playoffs features high-stakes matchups between some of the league's top teams and players. These games will showcase the talent, strategy, and intensity that make the playoffs such a captivating spectacle for football fans.