2026 NFL Divisional Playoffs: Schedule, Injury Reports, and Preview
NEW YORK, January 17, 2026 – The road to Super Bowl LX narrows this weekend as the NFL’s Divisional Playoffs kick off. The top-seeded Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks host crucial matchups, while key injury questions surround several contenders, including Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold and Houston’s receiving corps.
Today’s Divisional Playoff Slate
The action begins Saturday night with the AFC’s top seed in action. The Buffalo Bills, riding a four-game win streak, travel to face the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Later, the prime-time NFC clash features the San Francisco 49ers visiting the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in a bitter division rivalry.
Key Facts & Injury Report
| Matchup (Time, Network) | Key Injury Status |
|---|---|
| Buffalo Bills @ Denver Broncos Saturday, 9:30 PM ET, CBS | Bills WR Curtis Samuel (elbow) and DT Ed Oliver (biceps) are listed as questionable. Broncos report no major new injuries. |
| San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks Sunday, 1:00 AM ET, FOX | Seahawks QB Sam Darnold (oblique) is officially questionable but is expected to start. 49ers LB Fred Warner is out for the season. |
| Houston Texans @ New England Patriots Sunday, 8:00 PM ET, ABC | Texans WR Nico Collins (concussion) has been ruled out. Patriots enter relatively healthy. |
| Los Angeles Rams @ Chicago Bears Sunday, 11:30 PM ET, NBC | Rams DE Desjuan Johnson (illness) is questionable. Bears are without significant new injury concerns. |
Playoff Standings & Context
The Broncos (14-3) and Seahawks (14-3) earned the coveted first-round byes and home-field advantage for this round. In the AFC, the New England Patriots (14-3) host on Sunday, while the NFC’s Chicago Bears (11-6) await the Los Angeles Rams. The wild-card round saw the Bills, 49ers, Texans, and Rams advance to set up these compelling matchups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do the NFL playoff games start today?
The first game today is the Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos at 9:30 PM Eastern Time. The San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks follows at 1:00 AM ET on Sunday morning.
Is Sam Darnold playing for the Seahawks?
Yes, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald has expressed optimism that quarterback Sam Darnold, listed as questionable with an oblique injury, will start against the 49ers.
Who is out for the Houston Texans?
Wide receiver Nico Collins has been ruled out for the Texans’ game against the Patriots due to a concussion suffered last week.