The field for the 2026 NFL Divisional Playoffs is officially set following an intense Wild Card Weekend. Eight teams remain in the hunt for Super Bowl LX, with the top two seeds in each conference now entering the postseason after earning first-round byes.
The Divisional Round represents the final step before the Conference Championship Games, featuring elite teams, major rivalries, and home-field advantages that can define a season.
AFC Teams in the 2026 NFL Divisional Playoffs
The AFC Divisional Round includes a mix of top seeds and dangerous road teams that survived the Wild Card round.
- Denver Broncos (No. 1 seed)
The Broncos earned the AFC’s top seed and home-field advantage after finishing with the conference’s best record. - Buffalo Bills (No. 6 seed)
Buffalo advanced by winning on the road during Wild Card Weekend and now faces a difficult matchup in Denver. - New England Patriots (No. 2 seed)
New England handled business in the Wild Card Round and will host their Divisional matchup at home. - Houston Texans (No. 5 seed)
The Texans continued their breakout season with a Wild Card upset to reach the Divisional Round.
NFC Teams in the 2026 NFL Divisional Playoffs
The NFC Divisional Round features strong division rivals and a balance of youth and playoff experience.
- Seattle Seahawks (No. 1 seed)
Seattle enters the postseason rested after a bye and will host a familiar divisional opponent. - San Francisco 49ers (No. 6 seed)
The 49ers advanced with a road win and now face a high-stakes rivalry game in Seattle. - Chicago Bears (No. 2 seed)
Chicago survived a dramatic Wild Card matchup and will host their Divisional Round game. - Los Angeles Rams (nfl team)
The Rams’ postseason experience helped them advance and earn a road trip to Chicago.
2026 NFL Divisional Round Matchups
AFC Divisional Games
- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots
NFC Divisional Games
- San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
The Divisional Round games are scheduled for January 17–18, 2026, with kickoff times and broadcast networks announced by the NFL closer to game week.
What Makes the Divisional Round Important?
The Divisional Round is often considered the most competitive stage of the NFL playoffs. Top-seeded teams return after a week of rest, while lower seeds arrive with momentum from Wild Card wins. Every matchup directly determines who advances to the AFC and NFC Championship Games.
What Happens After the Divisional Round?
The four winners will advance to the Conference Championship Games on January 25, 2026. Those winners will then move on to Super Bowl LX, scheduled for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Key Takeaways
- Eight teams remain in the 2026 NFL Playoffs.
- Broncos, Patriots, Seahawks, and Bears host Divisional games.
- Divisional Round winners advance to the Conference Championships.
- Every game is one win away from the Super Bowl.