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Divisional Round Matchups Set: Seahawks, Bears, Broncos Battle

1/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Seattle Seahawks will face the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round after a first-round bye.
The Chicago Bears will host the Los Angeles Rams after advancing from wild-card weekend.
The Denver Broncos will play the Buffalo Bills, who defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars, in the divisional round.
Divisional round games are set for January 17-18, with Super Bowl LX on February 8 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

History

Historical Context

The NFL and AFL merged in 1970, creating a unified league with 26 teams and establishing an eight-team playoff format. This merger followed the inaugural Super Bowl in 1967, which drew over 60 million viewers. The playoff structure continues to influence team rivalries and fan engagement, culminating in events like Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2024, showcasing the enduring legacy of this historic merger.

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Story summary

The Seattle Seahawks will face the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round after a first-round bye.
The Chicago Bears will host the Los Angeles Rams after advancing from wild-card weekend.
The Denver Broncos will play the Buffalo Bills, who defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars, in the divisional round.
Divisional round games are set for January 17-18, with Super Bowl LX on February 8 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

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