Divisional-round predictions: Seahawks, Bills, Texans and Rams picked to win

Cbssports projects four winners for the NFL divisional round: the Seattle Seahawks (19-16 over the San Francisco 49ers), Buffalo Bills (23-20 over the Denver Broncos), Houston Texans (19-16 over the New England Patriots) and Los Angeles Rams (27-20 over the Chicago Bears). The preview cites key factors for each matchup: San Francisco is dealing with injuries (the team has missed a combined 263 games this year and George Kittle tore his Achilles in the wild card) and a short week in Seattle, while the Seahawks have held the 49ers to 13 points twice and are expected to lean on the run.

Buffalo beat Denver 31-7 in last January's meeting, and the Broncos' inconsistent rushing numbers are highlighted as a concern against Josh Allen and a Bills defense that previously forced a late game-winning drive. The Texans face turnover worries after C.J. Stroud fumbled five times in the wild card, and Nico Collins' concussion status is uncertain, but the matchup of strong defenses figures prominently in the analysis.

In Chicago, cold weather and Matthew Stafford's sprained throwing-finger are noted as variables against a Bears unit that led the league in interceptions but surrendered significant passing production.

Key Topics

Sports, Seattle Seahawks, Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Los Angeles Rams