Fri Jan 16 12:20:00 UTC 2026: ### NFL Experts Predict Divisional Round Winners: Bold Choices and Calculated Risks
The Story:
NFL.com’s panel of experts released their predictions for the 2025 Divisional Round playoff games, factoring in team performance, player health, and even weather conditions. The picks showcase a variety of perspectives, with some analysts prioritizing dominant defenses and others highlighting the impact of star quarterbacks. From the Bills-Broncos clash to the Seahawks-49ers rubber match and Texans-Patriots showdown, each game’s unique dynamics are dissected, leading to some potentially surprising choices.
Key Points:
- Gennaro Filice picks the Broncos over the Bills, citing Denver’s dominant defense, home-field advantage, and Josh Allen’s injuries.
- Dan Parr favors the Seahawks over the 49ers, emphasizing Seattle’s Week 18 victory and the 49ers’ injury woes.
- Brooke Cersosimo selects the Texans to defeat the Patriots, banking on Houston’s elite defense to stifle Drake Maye, even with concerns about C.J. Stroud’s performance.
- Tom Blair predicts a Bears victory over the Rams, citing the brutal Chicago weather and the Rams’ recent defensive struggles.
- DraftKings lines were locked as of 11:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, January 15.
Key Takeaways:
- Defense is a major factor in many of the expert’s predictions, particularly for the Broncos and Texans games.
- Home-field advantage and weather conditions are being considered, influencing the Bears pick in particular.
- Injuries and player health (Allen, Stafford, Kittle, Gonzalez) are playing a significant role in the decision-making process.
- The experts are willing to go against the grain, recognizing that playoff success doesn’t always follow regular-season narratives.
- Upsets are anticipated, fueled by matchups favoring teams with specific strengths.
First Piper 