Football in January just feels different, doesn't it? The air gets thinner, the hits get louder, and honestly, the margin for error basically disappears. If you’ve been keeping an eye on the last week's nfl football scores, you already know we just survived a weekend that shifted the entire landscape of the Super Bowl LX race. We’re deep into the 2025–26 postseason, and the Divisional Round has already started trimming the fat from the bracket in ways that honestly felt a little personal if you're a fan of certain "underdog" stories.
The big story? The top seeds finally showed up. After watching the Wild Card round chew up and spit out teams like the Eagles and the Steelers, people were wondering if the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks would be rusty after their week off.
Spoiler: They weren't.
The Divisional Round Kickoff: Denver and Seattle Hold the Line
Saturday was a reality check for the "momentum" crowd. The Buffalo Bills headed into Mile High looking like they could actually pull off the upset of the decade. They had just come off a gritty 27–24 win against the Jaguars, and Josh Allen was playing like a man possessed. But Denver is a different beast in January.
The Broncos took the Bills to the limit and then some. We ended up in overtime—the kind of game where every breath feels like it’s being sucked out of your lungs by the altitude. Denver eventually secured a 33–30 victory, officially ending Buffalo’s road-warrior dreams. It’s kinda heartbreaking for Bills fans who have been waiting for that deep run, but Sean Payton has this Broncos squad playing some of the most disciplined football I’ve seen in years.
Then you had the nightcap. Seattle. Lumen Field.
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If you like defensive masterpieces, you probably loved watching the Seahawks absolutely dismantle the San Francisco 49ers 41–6. Yeah, you read that score right. It wasn't even a contest. The 49ers had squeaked past the Eagles 23–19 in the Wild Card, but they looked completely gassed. Seattle’s defense was flying around like they were shot out of a cannon. It makes you wonder if anyone in the NFC can actually go into that "12th Man" environment and come out with a win.
Honestly, it looked like a varsity team playing the freshmen.
Looking Back: How the Wild Card Results Set the Stage
To really understand where we are, you’ve got to look at the chaos from a few days prior. The last week's nfl football scores from the Wild Card round were some of the most volatile we've seen in a long time.
Take the Chicago Bears, for example.
They barely survived a dogfight against the Green Bay Packers, winning 31–27. Caleb Williams showed some serious poise, specifically on that 25-yard strike to D.J. Moore that basically sealed the deal. It was one of those games that makes you think the Bears might actually be "back." But as they head into their Divisional matchup against the Rams today, you have to ask: did they spend too much emotional energy on Green Bay?
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The Rams themselves are coming off a nail-biter. They beat the Carolina Panthers 34–31 in a game that felt more like a Big 12 shootout than an NFL playoff game. Matthew Stafford is still Slingin' it, finding Puka Nacua and Colby Parkinson when it matters most. That 19-yard touchdown pass to Parkinson in the fourth quarter was vintage Stafford—just total trust in his guys.
AFC Wild Card Snapshot
- Patriots 16, Chargers 3: This was a slugfest. New England’s defense is legit terrifying right now. They didn't even let the Chargers sniff the end zone.
- Texans 30, Steelers 6: C.J. Stroud made the Steelers' defense look ancient. It was a clinical performance that set up today's massive clash at Foxborough.
- Bills 27, Jaguars 24: This was Buffalo’s peak before the Denver heartbreak. Josh Allen ran for two scores and basically willed them to victory.
What’s On the Line Today?
As of Sunday morning, January 18, 2026, we still have two massive spots left in the Conference Championships.
The Houston Texans are heading into Foxborough to face the New England Patriots. This is the "unstoppable force meets immovable object" game. Stroud is playing with house money, but going into Gillette Stadium in January is a rite of passage that breaks most young quarterbacks.
Later tonight, the Los Angeles Rams visit Soldier Field. If the weather holds up, it’s a track meet. If it’s typical Chicago weather—cold, gray, and miserable—the advantage shifts to the Bears’ ground game.
Making Sense of the Bracket
The road to Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium is narrowing. With Denver and Seattle already punching their tickets to the Conference Championship, the winners of today's games will have exactly seven days to prepare for the biggest games of their lives.
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What most people get wrong about these last week's nfl football scores is focusing too much on the stats. In the playoffs, it’s about the "three-and-out" you force in the third quarter or the 46-yard field goal Harrison Mevis nails while the wind is swirling.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Playoff Party
- Watch the Trenches: In the Texans/Patriots game, watch the New England pass rush. If they get to Stroud early, it’s a long day for Houston.
- Weather Reports: Keep an eye on the Chicago forecast. A slippery ball favors the veteran Stafford less than you'd think, as it levels the playing field for the defenses.
- Rest vs. Momentum: Seattle and Denver just proved that the bye week is a massive advantage. Don't bet against the rested team in the next round.
If you're following along, the Conference Championships are set for Sunday, January 25. Denver will host the winner of Texans/Patriots, and Seattle will wait for the winner of Rams/Bears. The stakes couldn't be higher.
For those planning their Super Bowl Sunday, remember the big game is February 8. Based on what we've seen from these recent scores, the power remains out West. But in this league? Honestly, anything can happen in sixty minutes of football.
Keep your eyes on the injury reports for the winning teams this evening. A "minor" ankle sprain for a key lineman today could be the reason a team loses next Sunday. That's the brutal reality of the NFL playoffs.