The 2026 NFL Divisional Round begins this Saturday, January 17, bringing us one step closer to Super Bowl LX. Over two electrifying days, the “Elite Eight” will battle for a spot in the Conference Championships, with action unfolding on the same NFL Divisional Round TV networks that brought you this season’s biggest games.
This phase of the NFL Playoffs sees the top-seeded Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks finally return to action after earning first-round byes. Joining them are six battle-tested teams riding the momentum of Wild Card Weekend. But the road only gets tougher from here as home-field advantage kicks in for the conference leaders.
Looking to watch every snap? Keep scrolling for NFL Divisional Round TV details, kickoff times, and my game predictions for the weekend.
Upgrade your Super Bowl party with a $300 gift card from T-Mobile
Get up to $300 back on T-Mobile 5G Home Internet just in time for the Big Game when you sign up for a qualifying internet plan. That's enough cash to throw one heck of a Super Bowl party. Curious? Click on the button below to see if a T-Mobile 5G Home Internet plan is right for you.
What channels are the NFL divisional playoffs on?
This season’s four NFL Divisional Round games will air on CBS, ESPN/ABC, FOX, and NBC.
You can also stream every down. CBS matchups are available on Paramount+, while FOX games are available on FOX One and the FOX Sports app (with a TV login). ESPN/ABC games stream on ESPN Unlimited, and NBC games stream on Peacock Premium.
Want radio coverage? You can catch Westwood One’s coverage of every NFL playoff game on SiriusXM NFL Radio (ch. 88) or through the NFL app with an NFL+ subscription.
2026 NFL Divisional Weekend schedule
Divisional Weekend takes place on Saturday, January 17, and Sunday, January 18. The slate features classic rivalries and fresh matchups, kicking off in the thin air of Mile High Stadium and concluding under the lights at Soldier Field.
Check out the complete Divisional Round networks and TV schedule below.
TV listings for every NFL divisional playoff game
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos | Saturday, Jan. 17 | 4:30 p.m. | CBS, Paramount+ |
| San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks | Saturday, Jan. 17 | 8:00 p.m. | FOX, Fox Deportes |
| Houston Texans at New England Patriots | Sunday, Jan. 18 | 3:00 p.m. | ESPN, ABC, ESPN Deportes |
| Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears | Sunday, Jan. 18 | 6:30 p.m. | NBC, Peacock |
Data effective as of post date.
NFL divisional playoff predictions
My score predictions for the Wild Card Round were a bit off. But hey, kudos to the Texans for their sharp play against a disappointing Pittsburgh squad. (I have no comment on the Chargers’ disasterclass against the Patriots.) Let’s move on and see which teams will punch their ticket to the Conference Championships.
Will the higher seeds with home-field advantage take care of business, or will we see some upsets? Here’s a quick preview of all four Divisional Round matchups.
AFC: #6 Buffalo Bills at #1 Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos (14–3) have been the AFC’s juggernaut all season, boasting a suffocating defense that’s earned the team the conference’s top seed. They host a Buffalo Bills (13–5) squad fresh off a gritty road win, but the “Mile High” altitude is a different beast. Sean Payton has had two weeks to prepare for Josh Allen, and I think Denver’s pass rush will be the difference-maker in a tight, physical contest.
Score prediction: Bills 17, Broncos 24
NFC: #6 San Francisco 49ers at #1 Seattle Seahawks
It doesn’t get better than a heated NFC West rivalry in the playoffs. The Seattle Seahawks (14–3) nearly swept the division this year behind a revitalized offense, earning them the right to host the San Francisco 49ers (12–5) . While the Niners have a championship pedigree, Seattle’s home-field advantage at Lumen Field will likely force just enough mistakes from San Francisco to tip the scales.
Score prediction: 49ers 23, Seahawks 27
AFC: #5 Houston Texans at #2 New England Patriots
The Houston Texans (12–5) looked explosive in their Wild Card rout of Pittsburgh, with C.J. Stroud continuing his ascent to superstardom. But going into Foxborough to face the New England Patriots (14–3) is a tall order. This game feels like a shootout waiting to happen. I’m betting on Stroud’s playmaking ability and Houston’s defense to edge out a victory in a stunner on the road.
Score prediction: Texans 27, Patriots 21
NFC: #5 Los Angeles Rams at #2 Chicago Bears
History collides at Soldier Field as the Chicago Bears (11–6) host the Los Angeles Rams (12–5). The narrative here is rich: Matthew Stafford returns to the NFC North to face Caleb Williams and a Bears team riding a “team of destiny” vibe. The Rams have the offensive firepower, but Chicago’s defense has been lights-out in cold weather. Expect the Bears to grind this one out late, as usual.
Score prediction: Rams 17, Bears 20
Best TV plans for watching the NFL Divisional Round
YouTube TV is my top recommendation for watching the NFL Divisional Round. It offers access to every playoff channel and includes NFL Network for additional postseason content. You’ll also get unlimited DVR storage and innovative multiview capabilities, perfect for catching the most sports coverage.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to watch, an over-the-air (OTA) antenna is a fantastic option. All playoff games air on major broadcast networks, and an OTA antenna like the Mohu Leaf 50 delivers free, reliable reception in many suburban areas. But before you tune in, I recommend checking channels available in your area using Antennas Direct’s TV Transmitter Locator.
Want to explore more playoff TV plans? Click the button below to view my complete NFL playoff guide.
How to watch the NFL Divisional Round FAQ
Who broadcasts the NFL Divisional Round?
Broadcasters for the four 2026 NFL Divisional Round games include CBS Sports, ESPN, FOX Sports, and NBC Sports. Matchups will air across each broadcaster's core TV networks (CBS, ESPN, FOX, and NBC), among other channels and streaming platforms.
What are the divisional playoffs in the NFL?
The Divisional Round is the second stage of the NFL Playoffs. The top-seeded teams from each conference make their playoff debut, hosting the lowest-seeded winners from the Wild Card Round. Meanwhile, the other wild card winners face off, all aiming to secure a spot in the Conference Championships.
Which teams are in the NFL Divisional Round?
The 2026 NFL Divisional Round features the following eight teams from the league's two conferences.
- AFC: Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills
- NFC: Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com Sports Editor, Taylor Kujawa, analyzed the complete NFL Divisional Round schedule, verifying the broadcast and streaming details for every game. He evaluated each matchup’s viewing options across cable, satellite, and streaming platforms to identify the most convenient and cost-effective ways to tune in. Taylor also examined the on-field matchups to provide thoughtful predictions for each game.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
