The 2026 NFL playoff divisional round kicks off with a thrilling matchup between the Denver Broncos and the Buffalo Bills. Scheduled for Saturday, the game promises to be a compelling clash as both teams seek to advance in the postseason.
Matchup Overview
The Denver Broncos, boasting an impressive 14-3 record, enter the game as the AFC’s No. 1 seed after a strong finish to the regular season. They earned a bye in the first round of the playoffs and will host the Bills at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. The Buffalo Bills, with a 12-5 record, have been in good form, winning six of their last seven games, including a nail-biting 27-24 victory against Jacksonville in the Wild Card round. However, they will be missing key player Jordan Poyer due to a hamstring injury.
Betting Odds and Trends
As of now, the Broncos are favored in this matchup, listed as 1.5-point favorites by DraftKings Sportsbook after opening as underdogs. The total points over/under is set at 45.5. Historical data shows that Buffalo has performed well against Denver in recent meetings. In their last nine encounters, the Bills hold a notable 8-1 record against the spread.
Reasons the Bills Could Cover
The Bills have a strong track record against the Broncos, having won decisively in their previous playoff matchup last year. Buffalo’s offense looks poised to take advantage of a Broncos defense that has struggled with turnovers, as Denver has recorded the fewest turnovers forced in the playoffs this season. The Bills are undefeated when they do not commit turnovers, emphasizing their ability to capitalize on offensive opportunities while minimizing mistakes.
Reasons the Broncos Could Cover
Despite Buffalo’s favorable history against them, the Broncos come into this game with a solid advantage, having had additional rest while also boasting a formidable defense. Denver’s pass rush has proven relentless, having registered 68 sacks this season, making it one of the top threats in the league for opposing quarterbacks. Moreover, the Broncos have been consistent when playing with a rest advantage, holding a respectable 3-1-1 record against the spread in their last five games.
Final Predictions
SportsLine’s advanced model has simulated the game 10,000 times and shows the total points projected to exceed 45. Furthermore, the model indicates one side of the spread is likely to hit more than 50% of the time. For fans and bettors alike, this game is shaping up to be a key highlight of the playoff season, promising high-stakes drama as two strong contenders clash.
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