"NFC Divisional Round Preview: All Hands On Deck"

What a great kickoff to the NFL playoffs! If you weren't able to catch any
games, I advise you to go back and watch. Wild card weekend is in the
books, as four teams remain in what could be very competitive and low
scoring affairs. The divisional round is set and we begin with an NFC
West clash part three.

1. Seattle Seahawks (14-3) vs 6. San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
Seattle managed to win the gauntlet NFC West and secure home field
advantage. A resurgence and career revival in quarterback Sam
Darnold, the Seahawks will look to take two of three games versus San
Francisco. An offense built to run with Kenneth Walker, this will be the
crucial part of their offense. Wide receiver Jaxson Smith-Njigba is likely
to be blanketed by the Niners secondary. Role players in this offense
must come to play and contribute.

For the Seahawks defense... Elite and very well coached without
making too many mistakes. When these two teams met a few weeks
ago, Seattle didn't allow the Niners to move the ball beyond midfield.
Number one defense shutting down what's left of San Francisco's
offense. This is the best defense right now not named Houston Texans.
Defense wins championships and Seattle is built to slay any team in
their path. A loud crowd will be rocking this Saturday evening.
The only concern is: Seattle isn't a very good home team under Mike
McDonald. Could it be a home disadvantage and more pressure on
Sam Darnold to deliver in his second playoff game as a starter? A
chance to redeem himself and prove he belongs among the best young
quarterbacks in pro football.

San Francisco has over achieved in 2025; considering the 6-11 record
in 2024. Injuries to marquee players, internal drama with their star wide
receiver, playing a tough gauntlet of NFC competition and still run off
twelve wins. Playing with third, fourth and practice squad guys, the
coaching staff deserves a lot of credit. Quarterback Brock Purdy did
enough in the wild card game against Philadelphia. Running back
Christian McCaffery has been the healthiest player on offense.

Defensively, what more needs to be said as this unit is serviceable
enough to get the job done. As stated above, all these players are ready
when called upon. Third, fourth and practice squad guys making impact
plays. No matter the stage, it doesn't phase them by any means. Long
as they compete and give a collective effort, that's all you can ask for. In
this classic showdown for a chance to play in the NFC title game next
week, expect this game to be back and forth. Meaning a defensive
showdown of who'll force punts and field goals. A kicking contest is
bound to happen and whoever can keep it close will win.

2. Chicago Bears (11-6) vs 5. Los Angeles Rams (12-5)
A comeback ensued Saturday night in Chicago, as the Bears rallied to
maul Green Bay for their first playoff win since 2010. Nothing short of
excitement for Chicago as they've done this multiple times. Quarterback
Caleb Williams in his first playoff start played fairly well and turned it up
in the second half. Wide receiver DJ Moore flexed his muscles against
the Packer secondary; as head coach Ben Johnson dug into his bag of
tricks to put Green Bay away. For what it's worth, Chicago's
rollercoaster of football is split into halves. When it's go time, a switch is
flipped. Going into this divisional round matchup versus the Rams,
starting slow out the gate won't be doable. Scoring points and not
getting too cute can keep it modest.

For this Bears defense, stopping the Rams in their tracks is a challenge.
With elite coaching from Sean McVay, Chicago must be on their best
schemes and coverages. Applying pressure upfront will allow the
secondary to attempt slowing down Puka Nacua and Devante Adams.
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will need his unit to avoid costly
mistakes against a very well coached Rams team. Can they get off the
field on third down will be noteworthy. Winning the turnover battle is
crucial in upsetting the Rams.

Los Angeles Rams, championship pedigree and superior coaching from
both sides. After a crazy up and down wild card game in Carolina, LA
managed to escape. Quarterback Matthew Stafford delivered a clutch
drive and end the Panthers season. Even in rainy conditions, the Rams
found a way to advance and play Chicago. To win this weekend, it's
simple: outscore Chicago every chance possible without showing
mercy. In a game of this magnitude, McVay has been there and done
that. Knowing how to make in game adjustments, his calling card will be
just that. Controlling the pace and keeping Chicago's defense guessing
works in his favor. Running back Kyren Williams can be the x-factor in
beating the Bears front seven.

For the Rams defense, slowing down Chicago's speed will be difficult
enough. With Bears quarterback Caleb Williams' legs pose a threat in
what can turn into a track meet. Even with outside leverage favoring
Chicago, LA's secondary must play smart and not get greedy. Penalties
can swing momentum and Ben Johnson won't be afraid to counter the
Rams defense with trickery. Imposing their fear on Williams early can
flip this game upside down. Expect a high scoring affair and whichever
QB has it last, leads a game winning drive to punch their ticket to the
NFC title game next week.