The Joe Quarterback Podcast

Let’s be real for a minute – Wild Card weekend was…well, wild. With an average margin of victory of only 8.5 points (which is only as high as it is because Houston’s defense turned into a touchdown juggernaut), there were a lot of close games. A couple of them close enough that I’m getting nervous about my Super Bowl prediction. But we press ahead with our peek at the upcoming weekend’s divisional matchups!

Buffalo Bills (6) vs. Denver Broncos (1) – Denver makes its debut in this year’s playoffs taking on the team that dropped them in the first round last year. Thanks to a ridiculous tie breaker with New England (win percentage in common games), Denver got an extra week of rest while Josh Allen and the Bills absolutely slugged it out with third-seeded Jacksonville. Buffalo’s wide receiver room is running on fumes with the loss of Gabe Davis to a torn ACL. But even with the wizard, Sean Payton, calling the shots, the Broncos feel a bit like a team that’s missing one or two key pieces to be a major threat against the #1 overall pass defense of 2025. It will be a close one. Buffalo 22, Denver 19.

Houston Texans (5) vs. New England Patriots (2) – This one feels a little bit like the immovable object (Houston’s defense) meets the unstoppable force (Patriot’s offense). Honestly, you could probably swap those analogies and it would be just as accurate. This matchup features what are likely the two most complete teams in the divisional round. Two strong defenses take on two high speed offenses on short weeks. And Foxborough can be a formidable place to play. New England 17, Houston 13.

San Francisco 49ers (6) vs. Seattle Seahawks (1) – Another game that falls into the category of “don’t we get to see these guys play each other enough?” The 9ers and the ‘Hawks split their regular season contests including the week 18 match up that determined the #1 overall seed. Those games were won by an average of only 7 points, and San Francisco has already beaten Seattle on their home turf. However, Seattle’s extra week of rest should prove beneficial after the heavyweight bout San Francisco just had with Philadelphia losing their All-Pro tight end in the process. Lightning isn’t going to strike twice in the Emerald City. Seahawks 17, 49ers 10.

Los Angeles Rams (5) vs. Chicago Bears (2) – Hollywood comes to the Windy City. There’s a lot being made about Matthew Stafford’s record in cold weather games (1-9 when it’s below freezing). So, what do you do? Pound the rock. Rely on the one-two punch you’re getting from Kyren Williams and Blake Corum in 13 personnel against the 27th ranked run defense from the regular season. And when you do have to pass, Puka will be ready. Again, it’s going to be tight. Los Angeles 20, Chicago 17.