The 2026 NFL Playoffs are entering the second stage. The 2026 NFL Divisional Round takes place over the weekend, bringing us one step closer to the championship games and the Super Bowl. With them come our 2026 NFL Divisional Round picks, which we’ll break down further in the text below.
The wild card chaos produced some exciting matches. The Bears had a stunning comeback, while the Buffalo Bills endured a thriller win. It’s time for the number 1 seeds to come into play, and it’s safe to say that the Divisional Round matchups are as tempting as they come. We’ll cover more below, along with an NFL Divisional Round injury report, which can say a lot about team’s chances.
2026 NFL Divisional Round Betting Predictions
The full 2026 NFL Divisional Round picks are listed further below. The Top Canadian betting sites at stakereviews already have their NFL Playoff odds 2026 posted, allowing bettors to place their wagers on outrights or bet on the upcoming divisional rounds.
Let’s take a look at the matches over the weekend:
| Match | Date |
| (1) Denver Broncos vs (6) Buffalo Bills | Saturday, January 17 @ 22:30 |
| (6) San Francisco 49ers vs (1) Seattle Seahawks | Sunday, January 18, 02:00 |
| (5) Houston Texans at (2) New England Patriots | Sunday, January 18, 21:00 |
| (5) LA Rams at (2) Chicago Bears | Monday, January 19, 00:30 |
With the Divisional Rounds set, let’s take a look at the NFL best bets this weekend.
Saturday’s AFC Clash: (6) Buffalo Bills at (1) Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos enter the NFL Divisional round as favorites and the first pick. If you have a look at the Bills vs Broncos odds, Denver is ahead. NFL betting lines will change before the match, but not by match. The reason for this is the Bills’ scrappy win against the Jaguars that left them more battered than a pinata at a kids’ birthday party.
Buffalo has only four healthy WRs. The defense is in bad shape, and Josh Allen went through hell in the win against the Jaguars. This is a problem against Denver’s elite defense. Allen is an MVP favorite, but Denver’s defense should handle whatever the Buffalo Bills throw at it. Additionally, Broncos’ man-centric defensive schemes will match up the Bills’ depleted corps perfectly at Empower Field at Mile High.
Most top Canadian online sportsbooks have the line at -1.5 for the Broncos. What players should keep in mind is that the Bills have won six out of the last eight meetings against the Broncos. However, Denver’s had two weeks of rest, so it’s a strong pick for the NFL best bets this weekend.
Unless the possessed Josh Allen playoff warrior shows up, Denver should win this one.
Saturday’s NFC Rivalry: (6) San Francisco 49ers at (1) Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks beat the 49ers in NFL Week 18 in a game that clinched home-field advantage. That might prove too much to overcome for the 49ers, and losing George Kittle per the latest NFL Divisional Round injury report will sting.
San Francisco will have to lean on Christian McCaffrey, but against the top rushing defense in the NFL this season, this will be a challenge. Most expert 49ers vs Seahawks predictions lean in heavily on Seattle. Of course, NFL Playoffs betting has seen its fair share of surprises before, but we can’t see past the Seahawks as one of the better 2026 NFL Divisional Round picks.
Let’s not forget that the 49ers are known as road warriors, and come off a win against the reigning champ Philadelphia Eagles. The Seahawks are a different challenge, but the 49ers are strong enough to at least pose a challenge all night long.
Look for a tight matchup that may open up live betting NFL opportunities. Player props will offer strong value, too, especially when it comes to Brock Purdy and Sam Darnold. Darnold has never won in the playoffs, and maybe this is his first win on the way to the Super Bowl.
Sunday’s AFC Battle: (5) Houston Texans at (2) New England Patriots
On NFL Sunday, we probably have the closest game this Divisional Round. It features the Pats and Texans, two of the NFL’s top-five scoring defenses. Pressure will be on the QBs. It’s a tight game from start to finish, but the New England Patriots have a strong weapon in their arsenal – Drake Maye.
He’s been playing out of his mind this season, and is rightfully in the MVP conversation. Most 2026 NFL Divisional Round picks favor the Pats by a touchdown or so. Texans’ defense has proven strong on the road, and it will be a challenge for Maye. While he was sacked five times against the Chargers, he also hit 66 rushing yards.
The Patriots are 6/2 when favored by a touchdown or less. Their key strategy will be to force mistakes from CJ Stroud. They were a fringe contender before the season, but now, it looks like the Pats are headed to the AFC Championship game. Maybe the Super Bowl, too? It’ll depend on Drake Maye.
Drake Maye player props are a solid opportunity for bettors from Canada. Look for over rushing yards, or stick to unders value for the match. Experts believe the 40.5 line is one of the NFL best bets this weekend, unless something exciting happens. Maye should pop-up in the clutch to keep the Pats alive, and possible lead them to the championship game.
Sunday’s NFC Nightcap: (5) LA Rams at (2) Chicago Bears
The rams have an ATM as low as -3.5, with other bookies pricing them at -4.5. Matthew Stafford’s injury on the throwing hand can be a problem, which adds value to the Bears’ +4 against the spread value.
Chicago’s explosive attach can be a problem for the LA Rams. The Chicago Bears are having adream season under first-year coach Ben Johnson. Caleb Williams is a key player for the Bears, but can he take them to the NFC Championship age. Chicago is 4-2 as an underdog on 3.5 points or less. The only two losses came against the Eagles and Ravens. Williams is playing sublime, and the Bears find ways to close out late games.
For the Rams, Stafford’s finger injury can become a problem. He’s been driving the offense with Nacua and Davante Adams, with low turnovers on the road. However, the Rams have given up 30+ points in three of the last four, which is a concern.
Bettors should consider the over/under for this match, as well as player props. Keep in mind that Chicago’s cold weather can definitely impact the NFL betting markets. Look for value in totals and props, as the game is too close to call, even with the Rams’ moneyline advantage.
Final Verdict: Our 2026 NFL Divisional Round Picks
We’re almost reached the NFL Divisional Round, and our divisional round betting predictions and best NFL bets are live right now. The best bets this weekend are listed above, with a preview of all the exciting matches in the NFL playoffs this season.
Players should take a look at the NFL divisional round injury report as the games draw near, which will definitely have an impact on the NFL playoff odds 2026. Check out the latest NFL playoff odds at stakereviews, and place your bets at the best Canadian online sports betting sites.
