Divisional Round
AFC
(6) Cincinnati Bengals @ (1) Denver Broncos
This would be an extremely fun matchup. We have seen the Broncos and Bengals have some fun finishes. The two teams met near the end of the 2024 season, with Cincy winning in overtime. The Bengals visited the Broncos in early 2025, but Burrow was hurt and not in for that one.
Something that I have maintained about the Bengals this offseason is that I am truly getting 2021 vibes from them, as back in 2021, Cincy added a great deal of defensive talent and kind of came out of nowhere.
While Cincy’s potential is more known at this point, they have missed the playoffs three years in a row, so some may be truly shocked to see them in the playoffs this year. With that said, they go into Denver and upset the Broncos thanks to the presence of Burrow, who is one of the quickest processors in the game.
His being able to get rid of the ball quickly would negate the Broncos high-end pass rush.
(4) Baltimore Ravens @ (2) Houston Texans
Houston has never been to a conference title game, but that changes this year. With an improved year from Stroud, and the defense actually getting better on paper this offseason, Houston may truly be the most complete team in the sport, and they’ll knock off the Ravens in this one in a low-scoring, perhaps even ugly playoff game.
NFC
(7) Detroit Lions @ (1) Los Angeles Rams
The Lions are a fun team with a high-end offense, but it won’t be enough to takedown the Rams. Los Angeles wins this one and keeps the dream season alive. The moves Los Angeles made this offseason honestly feel like moves that can’t possibly fail, as they added two studs in the secondary and also added a future Hall of Famer along the defensive line.
(5) Seattle Seahawks @ (3) Philadelphia Eagles
As critical as I have been of the Eagles this offseason, Philly does sometimes flip a switch in the playoffs and elevate their game. That happens in this one, as they welcome the defending champions into their house, but a stifling defense is too much for Seattle to overcome.
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