NFL Divisional Round Preview: Matchups, Edges & Betting Angles

The field is down to eight as the 2025 NFL Playoffs head into the divisional round. After a wild-card weekend defined by late-game heroics and defensive dominance, each remaining team now sits just one win from a conference championship appearance.

Here’s a clean breakdown of every matchup, with the key storylines and betting angles that matter most.

NFC DIVISIONAL ROUND

49ers at Seahawks

Saturday | 8:00 PM ET | Seattle (-7)

San Francisco continues to push forward despite mounting injuries, relying on scheme, discipline, and efficiency. The 49ers remain dangerous through the air and benefit from extra preparation time, which could help them counter Seattle’s aggressive defensive approach.

Seattle, however, has earned its top seed behind the league’s most dominant defense. The Seahawks shut down San Francisco in their most recent meeting and thrive on limiting explosive plays, especially at home. If Seattle controls the trenches and forces long drives, it can dictate the game.

Betting angle: Seattle has the defensive edge, but the rivalry and coaching chess match suggest a tighter game than the spread implies.

Rams at Bears

Sunday | 6:30 PM ET | Rams (-4.5)

The Rams enter as one of the most complete teams remaining, led by a quarterback who consistently delivers in pressure moments. Los Angeles owns a clear efficiency advantage offensively and can create disruption up front on defense.

Chicago remains unpredictable but dangerous. The Bears showed resilience with a dramatic wild-card comeback, fueled by big throws and timely turnovers. Still, slow starts and inconsistency could be costly against a polished Rams team.

Betting angle: Rams control the matchup on paper, but Chicago’s turnover potential keeps the door open.

AFC DIVISIONAL ROUND

Bills at Broncos

Saturday | 4:30 PM ET | Denver (-1.5)

Buffalo finally exorcised its road playoff demons, largely due to another fearless performance from Josh Allen. His ability to extend plays and generate offense under pressure makes the Bills a threat in any setting.

Denver counters with balance. The Broncos feature an elite defense capable of limiting both the pass and the run, along with an offense that has quietly played its best football late in the season. Home field could prove decisive.

Betting angle: One of the tightest games of the weekend; small edges matter on every drive.

Texans at Patriots

Sunday | 3:00 PM ET | New England (-3)

Houston arrives with momentum built on a dominant defense that thrives on pressure and turnovers. If the Texans disrupt early, they can turn this into a grind-it-out battle.

New England’s advantage lies in its passing efficiency. The Patriots lean heavily on a precision aerial attack that consistently produces positive results, especially at home. Protecting the quarterback will be the key to advancing.

Betting angle: Patriots hold the edge if they stay clean, but Houston’s defense gives this matchup upset potential.

Final Take

The divisional round is where matchups, coaching, and execution decide everything. With fewer mistakes and narrower margins, expect disciplined game plans, physical football, and several outcomes that come down to the final possessions.

Four teams will move on. The rest will be left wondering what went wrong.