The energy in Seattle is different this year. If you walk into any sportsbook today, January 18, 2026, the screens are glowing with a very specific set of numbers that would have looked like a glitch back in August. We are officially in the thick of the Divisional Round, and the current playoff odds nfl have shifted so violently over the last 48 hours that even the sharps are a little dizzy.
Honestly, did anyone actually have Sam Darnold leading the Seahawks to a 41-6 blowout over San Francisco in the playoffs? I didn't.
Seattle isn't just winning; they are erasing teams. After that demolition of the 49ers on Saturday night, the Seahawks have solidified themselves as the +135 favorites to win Super Bowl LX. Mike Macdonald’s defense looks like a modern-day reincarnation of the Legion of Boom, but faster. They just allowed a measly six points in a playoff game. In 2026. That’s basically impossible.
The AFC Power Vacuum and the Bo Nix Factor
While the NFC seems to be a "Seattle vs. Everyone" situation, the AFC side of the current playoff odds nfl just got hit with a sledgehammer. Denver was the darling of the conference. They just escaped a 33-30 overtime thriller against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, but it cost them everything.
Bo Nix is out.
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A broken ankle in the fourth quarter has sent the Broncos’ odds tumbling from +700 down to +950. Now, the Mile High city has to put its faith in Jarrett Stidham. Can he keep the ship upright? The markets aren't so sure. Because of that injury, the New England Patriots—led by a surging Drake Maye—have jumped up to +450. They look like the new "safe" bet in the AFC after they dismantled the Chargers 16-3.
It’s weird seeing the Patriots back in this position without Brady or Belichick, but here we are. Drake Maye is playing with a level of poise that makes you forget he’s still essentially a kid.
Why the Rams are the Ultimate Playoff Spoiler
If you’re looking for where the "smart" money is moving today, keep an eye on the Los Angeles Rams. They are sitting at +340 to win it all, and for good reason. They just handled the Carolina Panthers in a 34-31 shootout that proved Matthew Stafford still has that "it" factor when the lights get bright.
The Rams are currently 3.5-point favorites heading into their Sunday evening clash with the Chicago Bears. This is a fascinating matchup for the current playoff odds nfl because Chicago has been the ultimate "vibe" team this year.
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- Seattle Seahawks: +135 (The heavy favorites)
- Los Angeles Rams: +340 (The veteran threat)
- New England Patriots: +450 (The new AFC frontrunners)
- Houston Texans: +750 (The dark horse)
- Denver Broncos: +950 (The wounded giant)
- Chicago Bears: +1800 (The longshot with a home-field edge)
Chicago's defense is stout, but can Caleb Williams out-duel Stafford in a win-or-go-home scenario? The oddsmakers don't think so. The Bears are home underdogs despite the Soldier Field crowd likely being louder than a jet engine today.
The Houston Texans: Don't Sleep on CJ Stroud
We need to talk about Houston. They are currently +750, and while they aren't the favorites, they might be the most "complete" team left. They didn't just beat the Steelers in the Wild Card round; they embarrassed them 30-6.
CJ Stroud is playing mistake-free football. In the playoffs, that is worth its weight in gold. They face the Patriots today, and while New England is favored by 3, the Texans have been covering spreads all season. If Houston pulls the upset in Foxborough, expect their Super Bowl odds to slash in half by tonight.
What Most People Get Wrong About These Odds
People see a "+135" and think it's a lock. It isn't. The NFL playoffs are a single-elimination meat grinder. One bad snap, one wet patch of grass, or one Jarrett Stidham interception, and the entire landscape flips.
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The biggest misconception right now is that Seattle’s path is "easy" because they dominated the Niners. The reality? They likely have to face either the Rams or the Bears next week. The Rams already beat Seattle once this season by making Stafford look like he was 25 again.
Also, the "injury tax" on Denver might be overblown. Their defense is still the same unit that led the league in takeaways. If Stidham can just be a "game manager"—a term players hate but coaches love—the Broncos at +950 actually represent some decent value.
Actionable Insights for the Divisional Sunday
If you're tracking the current playoff odds nfl to inform your own picks or just to understand the conversation at the water cooler, here is how the board is actually leaning:
- Monitor the Oblique: Sam Darnold is dealing with an oblique strain. He says he's fine, but if he starts grimacing early in the NFC Championship, those +135 odds for Seattle are going to evaporate.
- The Over/Under Trap: Today’s Rams/Bears game has a surprisingly low total. With the wind picking up in Chicago, the "under" is seeing a massive influx of cash.
- Hedge Your AFC Bets: With the QB uncertainty in Denver, the smart move is looking at New England or Houston to represent the AFC in Santa Clara for Super Bowl LX.
- Live Betting is King: In 2026, the pre-game odds are just a suggestion. Watch the first two drives of the Texans/Patriots game. If Houston's pass rush is getting home early, jump on them before the bookies adjust.
The road to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara is narrowing. By tomorrow morning, four teams will be gone, and the odds will look completely different once again. For now, it’s Seattle’s world—everyone else is just trying to find a way to survive it.
Keep an eye on the injury reports coming out of the Patriots' camp about twenty minutes before kickoff; that’s where the real movement will happen. If you’re holding a Seattle ticket from the preseason at +8000, you’re feeling like a genius right now. For the rest of us, it’s about finding the value in the chaos of the Divisional Round.