Answer: This weekend’s 2026 NFL Divisional Playoff features four matchups – Seahawks vs Rams, Ravens vs Dolphins, Broncos vs Browns, and Chiefs vs Giants – with broadcast details, key storylines, and playoff implications explained so fans know which games to watch and why they matter.
Divisional Schedule at a Glance
- Saturday, Jan 4 – 3:30 p.m. ET: Seattle Seahawks (1) vs. Los Angeles Rams (5) – NBC
- Saturday, Jan 4 – 8:15 p.m. ET: Baltimore Ravens (2) vs. Miami Dolphins (6) – FOX
- Sunday, Jan 5 – 3:30 p.m. ET: Denver Broncos (3) vs. Cleveland Browns (7) – CBS
- Sunday, Jan 5 – 8:15 p.m. ET: Kansas City Chiefs (4) vs. New York Giants (8) – NBC
Wild Card Recap
The Wild Card round delivered major upsets. The top‑seeded Seahawks fell to the 11‑seeded Rams, shaking the West Coast hierarchy. The Broncos rebounded from a narrow loss to the Jaguars by edging the 12‑seeded Bills in overtime, reasserting their defensive strength. Meanwhile, the Ravens survived a tight battle with the Bengals, the Dolphins upset the Texans, and the Chiefs dispatched the Eagles to secure their playoff relevance.
Matchup Analyses
Seahawks vs Rams
Seattle’s high‑octane passing attack will test a Rams secondary that struggled against deep routes this season. A victory propels the Seahawks to the conference championship and keeps their Super Bowl hopes alive.
Ravens vs Dolphins
Baltimore’s balanced offense, featuring a strong run game and versatile passing, meets Miami’s dual‑tight‑end scheme. The Ravens’ turnover‑forcing defense aims to stifle the Dolphins’ quick‑strike capability, with a win securing the AFC’s top seed for the next round.
Broncos vs Browns
Denver’s league‑leading pass‑rush faces Cleveland’s powerful ground attack. The Broncos must rely on their veteran quarterback’s clutch play to stay ahead of the Browns’ relentless rushing, with a win marking Denver’s first playoff advancement since 2015.
Chiefs vs Giants
Kansas City’s high‑tempo offense, led by the league’s most prolific quarterback, challenges a Giants defense that surprised with a stout front line. A victory keeps the Chiefs on the path to a potential third Super Bowl in five years.
How to Watch
All games air on the listed broadcast networks and stream live via each network’s digital platform (NBC Sports app, FOX Sports Go, CBS All Access). Set your DVRs or stream on mobile devices to catch every pivotal moment.
Playoff Implications
The outcomes determine conference‑championship pairings. If the Seahawks and Broncos advance, the AFC could feature a rare West‑Coast showdown in the final, a scenario not seen since the 2002 realignment. Upsets by the Rams or Browns would open the door for lower‑seeded teams to make deep runs, reshaping the postseason narrative.
Final Thoughts
This Divisional weekend blends legitimacy with unpredictability. Top seeds can reaffirm dominance, while underdogs have the chance to rewrite history. With prime‑time slots, national broadcasts, and high‑stakes stakes, football fans have every reason to tune in, set their reminders, and enjoy a weekend that could shape the NFL’s future for years to come.
