In a stunning Saturday night of NFL playoff action, the Denver Broncos survived an overtime thriller against the Buffalo Bills only to lose star quarterback Bo Nix to a devastating injury. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks turned their Divisional Round matchup into a rout, steamrolling the depleted San Francisco 49ers. These contrasting games advanced two top seeds while exposing playoff vulnerabilities.
The Broncos defeated the Bills 33-30 in overtime on January 18, 2026, at Empower Field in Denver. They advance to the AFC Championship despite Nix fracturing his right ankle on the final kneel-down play. The Seahawks crushed the 49ers 41-6 at Lumen Field in Seattle, securing the NFC Championship berth with dominant special teams and rushing.
Dramatic Overtime Finish Defines Broncos’ Victory
Bo Nix threw for 279 yards, three touchdowns and one interception before his injury. Denver forced five turnovers from Josh Allen, who fumbled three times and threw two interceptions. Wil Lutz booted the game-winning 23-yard field goal in overtime after a key interception by cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian.
The Broncos overcame 349 total yards compared to Buffalo’s 449. They converted key third downs and stifled the Bills’ red-zone efficiency through aggressive defensive plays.
Seahawks’ Opening Kick Sets Tone for Blowout
Sam Darnold completed 12 of 17 passes for 124 yards and one touchdown, managing the game efficiently. Wide receiver Rashid Shaheed returned the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, providing all the points Seattle needed.
Running back Kenneth Walker III rushed for 116 yards and three touchdowns. The Seahawks amassed 180 rushing yards while holding the 49ers to 236 total yards and 3.9 yards per play.
Standout Players Emerge as Heroes
Sam Darnold: Overcame oblique injury and past playoff jitters with turnover-free performance.
Rashid Shaheed: Midseason addition delivered game-changing kick return and special teams spark.
Kenneth Walker III: Heated up with 97-plus yard games in three of last four outings.
Broncos defense: Recorded season-high five takeaways after just 14 all season.
Sean Payton: Devised aggressive plan that exploited Bills’ man coverage despite injuries.
Josh Allen’s Turnovers Prove Costly for Bills
Josh Allen’s four turnovers, including two lost fumbles and two interceptions, swung momentum repeatedly. Buffalo led early behind James Cook’s 117 rushing yards but collapsed after a critical fumble by Cook at Denver’s 32-yard line.
The Bills converted 10 of 15 third downs yet could not overcome Denver’s opportunistic defense. This marks another early playoff exit for Buffalo despite a favorable bracket.
49ers’ Injury Woes Lead to Humiliating Defeat
San Francisco entered without tight end George Kittle, who suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in the Wild Card round. Christian McCaffrey managed only 35 rushing and 39 receiving yards as the offense stalled.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan’s squad showed resilience in prior rounds but lacked firepower against Seattle’s rested and loaded roster. The 49ers finished with a season-low output in yards per play.
Broncos’ Season-Long Success Sets High Bar
Denver claimed the AFC West title, ending Kansas City’s nine-year dominance, and earned the top AFC seed with an 11-2 record in one-score games. Payton’s squad displayed grit throughout the regular season.
Now facing the AFC Championship without Nix, the Broncos turn to backup Jarrett Stidham. Historical precedents show backups can lead teams to titles in emergencies.
Seahawks Leverage Home Field and Health Advantage
Seattle, as NFC’s top seed, benefited from a first-round bye and faced an injury-riddled opponent. Their balanced attack, featuring a revitalized run game, positions them strongly for the NFC title game against either the Bears or Rams.
Darnold’s growth from gunslinger to efficient manager has stabilized the offense, reducing pressure in high-stakes moments.
What Lies Ahead for Playoff Contenders
The Broncos must regroup quickly for their AFC Championship matchup, relying on defense and Stidham’s poise. Success hinges on replicating turnover creation without their offensive leader.
Seattle enters the NFC Championship with momentum, aiming to translate regular-season dominance into a Super Bowl run. Both teams’ paths highlight how injuries and special teams can redefine playoff fortunes, intensifying the race to the championship stage.
These results matter because they narrow the field to resilient squads capable of overcoming adversity. The coming games will test coaching ingenuity and player depth, determining who advances toward Super Bowl glory in a wide-open postseason.
