NFL Playoffs Divisional Round picks: Broncos-Bills, 49ers-Seahawks

49ers RB Christian McCaffrey chased by Seahawks rookie Nick Emmanwori
49ers RB Christian McCaffrey chased by Seahawks rookie Nick EmmanworiEzra Shaw/Getty Images

Our NFL experts return for the divisional round of the NFL Playoffs as the Denver Broncos host the Buffalo Bills, while the Seattle Seahawks prepare at home for their NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers one last time!

The Bills advanced to the divisional round after taking down the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-24, a game in which quarterback Josh Allen put up 306 total yards and three touchdowns with a 108.7 passer rating. 

A Broncos defence that ranks third behind arguably the best defence of the current decade in the Houston Texans, and the Seahawks, in points given up per game. However, they lead the league in sacks with 68 - no other team had more than 60. 

Denver was undefeated at home this season until they fell to the Jaguars, ironically, the same team Buffalo beat. The Broncos-Bills game will start at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time (22:30 CET). 

Over on the northwest coast, the Seahawks and 49ers clash for the third time this season after San Fran took down the former Super Bowl champion Eagles 23-19. The last time the Niners and Seahawks played each other in Seattle was the very first week of the regular season, in which San Fran claimed a 17-13 victory. 

Star tight end George Kittle is out with a torn Achilles, and star linebacker Fred Warner is not ready for the game as he recovers from injury as well, leaving the Niners to face their biggest test of the season, but one they're familiar with. 

Seattle took the second game of their seasonal matchup in the final week of the regular season, claiming an NFC West title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC after downing the Niners 13-3 in their own home, the same spot of this year's Super Bowl. 

The Seahawks-49ers game will start at 8:00 p.m. Eastern time (02:00 CET - Monday). 

Now, let's see who our experts picked!

Experts' picks

Bills @ Broncos

Paul (regular season champion): Broncos 23-21 Bills

This is going to be a very close game, and that’s because there are elements about both teams that speak strongly in their favour. The altitude of Denver will help them massively, as shown by the performances of some very strong teams in the past - say Brady’s Patriots - while Josh Allen is… Well, Josh Allen.

The Bills need to control the pass rush, which is a strong suit of this Broncos defence. If they blitz a lot, the Bills will be in trouble. If they rush four, I fancy Buffalo. It's Sean Payton, though. He'll figure it out.

Give me Nik Bonitto’s Broncos!

Eric (2nd place): Broncos 31-23 Bills

The Broncos' pass rush is ferocious and that's going to cause even more problems considering they also have the No. 2 rushing defence. Jacksonville had the No. 1 rush defence and the NFL's leading rusher in James Cook only managed to put up 46 yards on 15 carries - his worst game of the season. 

Allen had to play perfectly for the Bills to scrape by the Jags and I don't see the Broncos letting that happen.

The offences for Jacksonville and Denver are nearly one in the same when looking at the stats. But with time to prepare, the advantage of playing in Mile High, I'm going with Denver here. 

Miguel (3rd place): Bills 21-18 Broncos

I think the winner of this year's Super Bowl will be one of these two teams or the Patriots. In this case, I’m going to go for a Bills victory, as they already have a good deal of experience in important games.

This could be the year for Josh Allen and company.

Henri (4th place): Bills 27-17 Broncos

It seems to me that this year is really the year that Josh Allen will go all the way and be rewarded with the Super Bowl.

The Broncos still don't strike me as a team that can really be considered a contender in the end, and the Bills will quickly put an end to this “fraud" talk. 

49ers @ Seahawks

Paul: Seahawks 27-16 49ers

We’d have been talking about this game very differently if it weren't for George Kittle’s injury. Purdy’s safety blanket is gone, and while it's not a new situation, it is in the playoffs. This is where you need your best guys.

The Seahawks might also be a man down in the form of Sam Darnold, who I believe will just play, though. Seattle toyed around with the Niners in Week 18, so why wouldn't they do it again, and this time in front of the 12s? 

Give me Boye Mafe’s Seahawks!

Eric: Seahawks 20-18 49ers

I think that, even if Sam Darnold goes, he's going to be severely limited in his ability to throw the ball. After not throwing all week in practice due to an oblique injury, the Seahawks have also prepared backup Drew Lock just in case. 

It'll be a game-time decision for Darnold. But should he go, I think the Seahawks squeak by the Niners with the home-field advantage. The Niners have overcome injuries all year as Christian McCaffrey looked to be in prime form, but not having Kittle and Warner is still going to put them at a disadvantage. 

Can they pull off a win? Absolutely. It's a familiar environment to them. But I think the Seahawks' defence is what helps them prevail in the end.

Miguel: 49ers 18-14 Seahawks

I’m probably going against the grain here, but I don’t see the 49ers falling before the conference final. Despite the significant loss of George Kittle, San Francisco has proven to have a roster that is strong enough to overcome adversity.

The Seahawks are a great team and won’t make it easy for them, but the victory will be red and gold.

Henri: Seahawks 34-10 49ers

The 49ers are struggling with so many injuries that the team is probably starting to lose track of things themselves. The Seahawks, on the other hand, have had a week to rest and are now completely refreshed.

I believe that Sam Darnold's boys will consistently solve this task and that we will see an unusually clear-cut game for these playoffs.

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