Overview
- Four single-elimination games run Jan. 17–18 with Denver, Seattle, New England and Chicago hosting for spots in the conference championships.
- Denver earned the AFC’s top seed behind an elite defense (68 sacks and top-tier run stopping) and altitude advantage, while Buffalo QB Josh Allen is on the injury report but expected to play; an AI model gives Denver a slight 52% edge.
- Seattle enters as the NFC’s No. 1 with the fewest points allowed in the league and a daunting Lumen Field setting, while San Francisco is without George Kittle; AI projections lean to Seattle at roughly 65% in a low-scoring game.
- New England hosts Houston with the Patriots favored at home against a Texans team riding a 10-game winning streak and potentially missing top receiver Nico Collins under concussion protocol.
- Chicago’s forecasted deep freeze could test the Rams, as Matthew Stafford is 1–8 in games below about 20°F, while the Bears have specialized in late comebacks this season.