Round two of the NFL Playoffs failed to disappoint as fans were treated to incredible football yet again this past weekend. After an unforgettable Wild Card weekend, including four one-score games, the Divisional round exceeded expectations and delivered some of the best moments of the 2025 season.
The first game of the divisional round featured two AFC powerhouses, the Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills, facing off at Denver’s Mile High Stadium. The No. 1 seed Broncos were viewed as slight favorites, but many believed the game could end either way.
The Bills, known for their high-octane offense led by 2024 MVP Josh Allen, looked to build on their Wild Card victory in Jacksonville last Sunday. For the Buffalo faithful, known as the “Bills Mafia,” a win was expected and a loss unacceptable.
After 59 minutes of back-and-forth play, the Broncos had 60 seconds to make something happen. Down four points with two timeouts remaining, quarterback Bo Nix found Marvin Mims Jr. in the endzone to convert a 26-yard touchdown.
Down by three, the Bills needed a field goal to push this game into overtime. Thanks to short gains and a perfectly executed hook and ladder, Buffalo was able to get into field goal range and tie things up.
After an untimely interception and several controversial pass interference calls, the Bills’ chances were fading fast. With the Broncos needing only a single score to tie, they opted to kick the 23-yard field goal.
Broncos 33. Bills 30.
Directly after the game, Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton announced Denver Quarterback Bo Nix will be out for the remainder of the season due to a broken ankle. Either way, the show goes on as Denver will opt to backup Jarrett Stidham in their quest to win the Super Bowl.
The afternoon game on Saturday was not as thrilling as the one at Mile High. While Seattle fans were surely pleased with the final result, the Seahawks vs. 49ers game was uncompetitive.
Thanks in large part to Seattle’s defense and Kenneth Walker’s run game, the Seahawks came home with a resounding 41-6 victory on their home turf.
“Today was one of our most complete games, for sure,” star defensive tackle Leonard Williams said. “I think this is truly one of the only times I’ve been on a team where we are good in all three phases.”
On Sunday, the afternoon slate featured the Houston Texans taking on AFC’s best New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass. Just like old times, the Pats found themselves back in the winners’ circle come playoff time, downing Houston 28-16.
Though the Texans dominated opponents all season long with an incredible defense, they couldn’t topple New England’s much-improved offense. It didn’t help that quarterback C.J. Stroud threw for four interceptions and swallowed three sacks.
Houston fans surely weren’t expecting such a performance, but they can be proud of the Texans’ efforts to reach this point.
On the other hand, things couldn’t be better for New England. In a season marked by Drake Maye’s terrific sophomore campaign, the Patriots are now on the brink of making their first Super Bowl since Tom Brady’s reign.
The Chicago Bears took on the Los Angeles Rams in Soldier Field for the final game of the divisional round. The Sunday Night Football matchup was sure to be close, with the favored Rams looking to take home a victory on a snowy Chicago evening.
The Bears, who made a complete turnaround in their 2025 campaign, sought to clinch their first NFC Championship game appearance in 15 years with hopes that quarterback Caleb Williams would lead the charge for Chicago.
After being held scoreless in the first, Chicago clawed back to tie things up with the Rams by halftime. While they had opportunities to take a commanding lead after 30 minutes, the Bears seemed content with their position heading into the second half.
As the night progressed, though, conditions became more severe and scoring turned into a rarity for either side. As a response, the Rams opted to favor the run game and used Kyren Williams to his maximum extent. With eight minutes left in regulation, Los Angeles took their first lead of the half with a Williams rushing touchdown.
The Bears weren’t done yet, though.
Quarterback Williams found wide receiver Rome Odunze after a gritty 17 yard rush to put the Bears on the Los Angeles 5-yard line. However, Chicago couldn’t convert as they turned the ball over on downs with three minutes left in the fourth.
Thanks to a crucial stop, the Bears had one more chance to make something happen. On a wing and a prayer, Williams threw a shot in the endzone and found Cole Kmet with 18 seconds left on the clock.
With all the momentum on Chicago’s side, it seemed as though nothing could go wrong for the Bears. But when Kam Curl picked off Caleb Williams in overtime, a Bears loss was almost imminent.
Los Angeles ended up walking away with a 20-17 victory and will now play the Seahawks in the NFC Championship game.
“In these moments, you feel that you let your team down, you feel this and that,” Williams said following the game. “I’m excited for what’s to come, but obviously going to go back and watch this and see how I can be better.”
