High-stakes football in January just hits different. You can feel the tension through the screen when the temperature drops and the season is on the line. Today, the 2026 NFL Divisional Round kicked off with a double-header that basically redefined "home-field advantage" for the AFC and NFC frontrunners.
If you were looking for scores around the nfl today, you likely saw a mix of veteran poise and absolute playoff chaos. We’re down to the final eight teams, but after today’s results at Mile High and Lumen Field, that circle is getting even smaller. Honestly, watching the top seeds try to shake off "bye-week rust" against battle-tested Wild Card winners is always the best part of this weekend.
Denver Defends the Peak: Bills vs. Broncos
The Buffalo Bills walked into Empower Field at Mile High today with all the momentum in the world after their gritty 27-24 win over Jacksonville last week. Josh Allen has been playing like a man possessed, but Denver is a different animal in 2026. Bo Nix has matured significantly under Sean Payton’s system, finishing the regular season with 3,931 passing yards and a composure that usually takes years to develop.
Denver didn't just win; they controlled the tempo.
It’s tough to play at altitude when the Broncos' pass rush is pinned back. Nik Bonitto, who finished the season with 14 sacks, was a constant nightmare for the Buffalo offensive line. The Bills tried to lean on James Cook III to soften the defense, but Denver’s front seven stayed disciplined. While Josh Allen used his legs—as he always does—to keep drives alive, the lack of a deep threat against Patrick Surtain II eventually stalled the Bills' late-game comeback attempt.
👉 See also: Why the Marlins Won World Series Titles Twice and Then Disappeared
The atmosphere in Denver was electric. You’ve got to admire how Payton has turned this franchise around from the basement to the AFC’s top seed.
The Pacific Northwest Slugfest: 49ers at Seahawks
Later in the evening, the focus shifted to the "Emerald City" for a classic NFC West trilogy. The Seattle Seahawks, holding that coveted #1 seed with a 14-3 record, hosted a San Francisco 49ers squad that is arguably the "scariest" #6 seed in recent history.
Brock Purdy is coming off a miracle comeback against the Eagles, where he found Christian McCaffrey for a 4-yard dagger late in the fourth. That win was expensive, though. Losing George Kittle to a lower leg injury last week clearly changed how Kyle Shanahan had to call this game. Without the "People's Tight End" clearing lanes and providing that safety valve, Purdy had to rely heavily on Jauan Jennings and Deebo Samuel.
Seattle’s Lumen Field is easily the loudest stadium in the league.
✨ Don't miss: Why Funny Fantasy Football Names Actually Win Leagues
Geno Smith has been surgical this year, and with the Seahawks' defense playing at a top-five level, the 49ers found themselves in a hole early. Seattle’s ability to limit McCaffrey—who was the hero of the Wild Card round with those two touchdowns, including that wild trick-play toss from Jennings—was the story of the first half.
Why the Scores Around the NFL Today Change Everything
People often underestimate the "reset" that happens in the Divisional Round. You have the #1 seeds who haven't hit anyone in two weeks going up against teams like the Texans or Rams who are playing with house money.
Tomorrow's slate is just as heavy.
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots: C.J. Stroud vs. Drake Maye. It’s the future of the AFC.
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams is coming off a 361-yard performance against the Packers. Can he do it against Matthew Stafford?
What most people get wrong about scores around the nfl today is focusing solely on the final digits. The real story is the attrition. Look at the 49ers; they beat the defending champ Eagles last week but entered today's game with Saquon Barkley (who put up 106 yards against Philly) and McCaffrey both nursing bumps. Playoff football isn't just about who has the better QB; it's about who has enough healthy bodies left to play in February.
🔗 Read more: Heisman Trophy Nominees 2024: The Year the System Almost Broke
The path to Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium is becoming clearer. If the top seeds hold serve, we are looking at a collision course between the most consistent teams of the 2025-26 season. But as we saw with the Bears' wild comeback from 21-3 down against Green Bay last Saturday, "clutch" is a requirement, not a suggestion.
Navigating the Remainder of the Bracket
If you're tracking your bracket or looking at the betting lines for tomorrow, keep a close eye on the injury reports coming out of tonight's games. The winner of the Bills-Broncos game will face the winner of Texans-Patriots, while the NFC side will see the Seahawks/49ers winner take on whoever survives the Rams-Bears showdown at Soldier Field.
Actionable Insights for NFL Fans:
- Watch the Weather in Chicago: Soldier Field has been a frozen tundra lately, and with snow in the forecast, the Rams' high-flying passing attack might be forced to ground the ball more than they'd like.
- Keep an eye on the "Rest vs. Rust" factor: The Patriots and Broncos both had byes, but the Texans and Rams are currently on 10-game and multi-game win streaks respectively. Momentum is a real thing in the NFL postseason.
- Review the 2026 Tiebreakers: Remember that New England and Denver both finished 14-3, but Denver's record against common opponents gave them the edge for the top seed. This home-field advantage is proving to be the deciding factor in these tight games.
The road to Santa Clara is paved with heartbreak and highlight reels. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just checking the latest tallies, the intensity of this weekend is exactly why we watch.