What Is the NFL Divisional Round?
The NFL Divisional Round is the second round of the 2026-27 NFL playoffs, featuring four games across two days on 23 and 24 January 2027. This is the stage where the top seeds in each conference, having earned a first-round bye, enter the playoff bracket. Each conference’s number one seed hosts the lowest remaining seed, while the other two surviving teams from Wild Card Weekend face off at the home of the higher seed. The Divisional Round consistently produces some of the most competitive and dramatic games in the NFL season.
When Is the NFL Divisional Round?
The Divisional Round takes place on Saturday 23 January and Sunday 24 January 2027, with two games each day. Games are typically scheduled in the afternoon and evening, with kick-off times staggered to allow fans to watch both games on each day. The Saturday and Sunday double-headers create a compelling weekend of football.
Where Is the NFL Divisional Round?
All four Divisional Round games are hosted by the higher-seeded team, providing a significant home-field advantage reward for regular season excellence. The specific venues are determined by the results of Wild Card Weekend and the original playoff seedings. The top seed in each conference is guaranteed a home Divisional Round game, making the regular season race for the number one seed critically important.
Key Contenders and What to Watch For
The Divisional Round is widely regarded by analysts and fans as the best weekend of football in the NFL calendar. The quality of teams is uniformly high, as only the eight strongest playoff contenders remain. The entrance of the top seeds, rested after their bye week, adds a fresh dynamic. Historically, top seeds have a strong record in the Divisional Round, but upsets are far from rare. The matchup between a rested top seed and a wild card team riding momentum from a road victory creates a fascinating tactical battle. Quarterback performance, defensive adjustments, and late-game composure are often the deciding factors at this stage.
How to Watch the NFL Divisional Round
Divisional Round games are broadcast across NBC, CBS, Fox, and ESPN/ABC in the United States. In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports NFL provides live coverage. International viewers can access all games via NFL Game Pass through DAZN. Streaming options include Peacock, Paramount+, and other platforms depending on individual game broadcast rights.
History of the NFL Divisional Round
The Divisional Round has been a fixture of the NFL postseason since the merger in 1970. It has produced some of the most famous games in NFL history. The 1981 NFC Championship catchup by Joe Montana (“The Catch”) was technically a Divisional Round precursor, and more recently, the 2022 Bills-Chiefs Divisional Round game, decided in overtime after a breathtaking final two minutes, is widely considered one of the greatest NFL games ever played. The round’s reputation for high drama stems from the concentration of elite talent and the single-elimination format.
Tickets for the NFL Divisional Round
Tickets are available through the NFL, Ticketmaster, and the host teams’ official ticket platforms. Divisional Round playoff tickets are among the most expensive and in-demand of the season. Availability is limited, as home venues are typically near capacity for playoff games. The secondary market through authorised resale platforms offers additional options, though prices can be significantly above face value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Divisional Round considered the best weekend in the NFL?
The combination of four games featuring only the best remaining teams, the entrance of rested top seeds, and the single-elimination stakes creates a weekend of exceptionally high-quality, high-drama football.
Do the top seeds always win in the Divisional Round?
No. While top seeds have a historical advantage, upsets occur regularly. Teams riding momentum from Wild Card Weekend victories can pose serious threats to even the strongest top seeds.
How are the Divisional Round matchups determined?
The bracket reseeds after Wild Card Weekend. Each conference’s top seed (which had a bye) hosts the lowest remaining seed. The other two surviving teams are paired, with the higher seed hosting.
What comes after the Divisional Round?
The four Divisional Round winners advance to the Conference Championships (AFC and NFC title games), held the following weekend. The conference champions then meet in the Super Bowl.