Overview
- Audie Dennis secured the competition after a 5-1 wild-card week, expanding a nine-game edge to 10 with seven games left.
- Updated records: Audie 191-86-1, author 181-96-1, Charlie Schmidt 163-114-1.
- Divisional-round picks from the column project wins for the Broncos over the Bills, 49ers over the Seahawks, Texans over the Patriots, and Rams over the Bears.
- The Broncos pick leans on Denver’s defense after Buffalo’s narrow win over Jacksonville, citing a 34% opponent third-down rate, 51% on fourth down, and a league lead in sacks.
- Supporting logic highlights San Francisco’s postseason experience versus Sam Darnold’s inexperience, Houston’s momentum with Drake Maye’s recent turnovers, and Los Angeles’ experience after Chicago advanced against a faltering Green Bay.