Read on foxsports.comNFL Divisional Round 2026: A Comprehensive Look at the Betting Odds and Matchups
The 2026 NFL Divisional Round is set, featuring four compelling matchups that will determine who advances to the conference championships. This analysis breaks down the latest betting odds, point spreads, and moneylines for each game, drawing from official sportsbook data. We examine the key storylines, including the surprising home underdog status of the Chicago Bears and the playoff pedigree of teams like the Los Angeles Rams. For fans and bettors alike, understanding these odds provides crucial insight into the perceived strengths and potential outcomes of this pivotal playoff weekend.
The NFL postseason narrows its field as we enter the Divisional Round, where the remaining eight teams battle for a spot in the conference championships. This stage often produces the most dramatic and high-stakes football of the year. Based on the latest odds from DraftKings Sportsbook as of January 18, 2026, we have a clear picture of how sportsbooks view these critical matchups. This analysis provides a professional overview of the lines, spreads, and the contextual narratives shaping each game.
AFC Divisional Round Matchups and Odds
The American Football Conference features two intriguing contests. The first game pits the No. 6 seed Buffalo Bills against the No. 1 seed Denver Broncos. According to the odds, the Bills are slight road favorites with a spread of -1.5, suggesting a very close game is expected. The total points line, or Over/Under, is set at 45.5. In the other AFC matchup, the No. 5 Houston Texans travel to face the No. 2 New England Patriots. The Patriots are favored by 3 points at home, with the game's total set at a lower 40.5 points, indicating expectations for a more defensive struggle.
NFC Divisional Round Matchups and Odds
The National Football Conference presents one lopsided result from the previous round and one highly anticipated duel. The No. 1 seed Seattle Seahawks dominated the No. 6 San Francisco 49ers, covering a 7-point spread with a 41-6 victory. The focus now shifts to the other NFC game, which carries significant betting interest. The No. 5 Los Angeles Rams are set to visit the No. 2 Chicago Bears. Despite the seeding, the Rams are established as 3.5-point road favorites. The moneyline odds further emphasize this, with the Rams at -205 and the Bears at +170. The total for this game is the highest of the weekend at 49.5 points.
Key Storyline: The Chicago Bears as Home Underdogs
The most notable narrative emerging from the odds is the status of the Chicago Bears. For the second consecutive playoff game, the Bears are home underdogs. This occurred in the Wild Card round against the Green Bay Packers, a game in which Chicago staged a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback to win 31-27. The Bears' recent playoff history is sparse, with only one victory since 2010 prior to this year. This contrasts sharply with their opponents, the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams possess considerable playoff experience, having appeared in the postseason for three consecutive years, winning the Super Bowl in 2021 and appearing in another in 2018. The combination of the Bears' historical struggles and the Rams' pedigree, led by potential MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford, is a primary driver behind the betting line.
Conclusion and Betting Context
The Divisional Round odds reflect a blend of team seeding, recent performance, historical context, and key injuries—such as the season-ending injury to Broncos quarterback Bo Nix. While the spreads suggest several competitive games, the clear focal point is the Rams-Bears clash, where betting markets heavily favor the road team's experience. As always, these odds are a snapshot of probability, not prediction, and the unpredictable nature of playoff football is what makes this round so compelling. Understanding these lines provides a foundational layer of insight for fans engaging with the games, whether for entertainment or informed wagering.
