NFL · 2 months ago

4 NFL Teams That Should Be Worried Heading Into the Divisional Round

Paul Connor

Host · Writer

4. Chicago Bears (NFC No. 2 Seed)
Why They Should Be Worried: The Bears are riding high after a thrilling 31–27 comeback win over their arch-rival Packers, but the emotional toll of that game, combined with the defensive vulnerabilities they exposed, is a red flag. Chicago’s defense gave up 27 points at home, and they now welcome a Los Angeles Rams offense that is firing on all cylinders.

The Rams just went on the road and dropped 34 points on the Carolina Panthers, proving they can score in bunches away from SoFi Stadium. Los Angeles has the postseason pedigree and explosive playmaking ability that can turn a game into a track meet. If the Bears' defense starts slowly or suffers an emotional hangover from the Green Bay victory, the Rams have the firepower to silence Soldier Field early.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Divisional Round Schedule
Saturday, Jan. 17`
- 4:30 p.m. ET: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
- 8:00 p.m. ET: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
Sunday, Jan. 18
- 3:00 p.m. ET: Houston Texans at New England Patriots
- 6:30 p.m. ET: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
1. Denver Broncos (AFC No. 1 Seed)
Why They Should Be Worried: Despite clinching the AFC's top seed with a 14–3 record, the Broncos enter the Divisional Round with a target on their back and legitimate questions about their offensive volatility. While their defense has been championship-caliber (ranking in the top tier in red-zone efficiency and sacks), the offense under second-year quarterback Bo Nix remains a concern. Nix finished the regular season with the league's 26th-ranked passer rating and has been prone to inconsistency, often relying on the defense to bail out stalled drives.

Denver now faces a Bills squad led by arguably the best player in football, quarterback Josh Allen, who's coming off a stellar performance in the Wild Card round. If Nix and company are forced into a shootout, the Broncos' magical season could end abruptly at Mile High.

Have all the intel you need? Free, actionable information is just one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.
3. New England Patriots (AFC No. 2 Seed)
Why They Should Be Worried: The Patriots snapped a seven-year playoff win drought with a 16–3 victory over the Chargers, but the manner of the win should worry fans in Foxborough. The offense, led by Drake Maye, sputtered for long stretches, managing only one touchdown and relying heavily on special teams and defense to control the game.

That formula may not work against the Texans, who are arguably the hottest team in the AFC. Houston just decimated the Steelers 30–6, showcasing its usual suffocating defense. The Texans have thrived on the road this season (6–3 record) and possess the pass rush to disrupt Maye’s rhythm. If New England’s offense remains anemic, they are at serious risk of being upset by a Houston squad that looks ready for the bright lights.
4. Chicago Bears (NFC No. 2 Seed)
Why They Should Be Worried: The Bears are riding high after a thrilling 31–27 comeback win over their arch-rival Packers, but the emotional toll of that game, combined with the defensive vulnerabilities they exposed, is a red flag. Chicago’s defense gave up 27 points at home, and they now welcome a Los Angeles Rams offense that is firing on all cylinders.

The Rams just went on the road and dropped 34 points on the Carolina Panthers, proving they can score in bunches away from SoFi Stadium. Los Angeles has the postseason pedigree and explosive playmaking ability that can turn a game into a track meet. If the Bears' defense starts slowly or suffers an emotional hangover from the Green Bay victory, the Rams have the firepower to silence Soldier Field early.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Divisional Round Schedule
Saturday, Jan. 17`
- 4:30 p.m. ET: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
- 8:00 p.m. ET: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
Sunday, Jan. 18
- 3:00 p.m. ET: Houston Texans at New England Patriots
- 6:30 p.m. ET: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears

‌

4 NFL Teams That Should Be Worried Heading Into the Divisional Round

BETTING NEWS

FUTURES

EDITOR'S PICKS

For the Best of SportsGrid, Grab the App

BETTING NEWS

FUTURES