NFL Divisional Round Delivers Upsets, Injuries, and Playoff Drama

**NFL Divisional Round Delivers Upsets, Injuries, and Playoff Drama**

Key Takeaways:

  • Denver Broncos advanced to the AFC Championship despite losing QB Bo Nix to injury
  • Seattle Seahawks dominated an injury-depleted 49ers to secure NFC title game berth
  • Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers exit playoffs after costly mistakes and injuries

New York, NY — The trending search for “nfl games today” reflects surging interest in the NFL Playoffs after this weekend’s pivotal Divisional Round matchups. Two games on Saturday delivered surprises, heartbreak, and playoff breakthroughs, propelling the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks to their respective conference championship games.

Broncos Win Thriller, But Lose Bo Nix for Season

The Denver Broncos outlasted the Buffalo Bills in an overtime thriller, winning 33-30 at home to advance to the AFC Championship Game. However, celebration quickly shifted to concern as head coach Sean Payton confirmed that starting quarterback Bo Nix broke his ankle in overtime. Nix had thrown three touchdowns and orchestrated a late go-ahead drive before leaving injured. The Broncos, top seed in the AFC, will now rely on backup QB Jarrett Stidham.

Seahawks Steamroll 49ers Behind Darnold and Defense

In the NFC, the top-seeded Seattle Seahawks overwhelmed the short-handed San Francisco 49ers in a dominant 41-6 win. Quarterback Sam Darnold delivered an efficient performance, while running back Kenneth Walker III rushed for 116 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Rashid Shaheed opened the game with a 95-yard kick return touchdown. Seattle’s defense smothered San Francisco, which was missing star tight end George Kittle and had a limited Christian McCaffrey.

Turnovers and Injuries Reshape Playoff Picture

The Bills turned the ball over five times, including two fumbles and two interceptions from Josh Allen, unraveling a game they statistically dominated with 449 total yards. Allen’s struggles, coupled with a key fumble by James Cook, proved costly. Conversely, the Broncos defense stepped up after suffering from a lack of takeaways all season, forcing critical turnovers that flipped momentum. Meanwhile, the 49ers never recovered from a raft of injuries sustained in previous weeks, including the Wild Card victory against Philadelphia where Kittle suffered a season-ending Achilles tear.

Looking Ahead to Sunday’s Matchups and Conference Finals

Two more Divisional Round games are set for Sunday: the Houston Texans visit the New England Patriots, and the Los Angeles Rams face the Chicago Bears. Winners of those matchups will determine the opponents for Denver and Seattle in the upcoming conference championship games. With Bo Nix sidelined, all eyes are on Payton’s ability to manage with Stidham at quarterback. Meanwhile, Seattle will be favored at home in the NFC Championship, boasting momentum and health that eluded their weekend rivals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is nfl games today trending?
A: Fans are searching for updates and schedules after Saturday’s dramatic NFL playoff games, which included a Broncos overtime win and a Seahawks blowout.

Q: What happens next?
A: Sunday features Texans vs. Patriots and Rams vs. Bears. Winners will face Broncos and Seahawks in the conference championship games next weekend.

#NFLPlayoffs

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