NFL Divisional Round Picks – A.I. Predictions for All Four Games

• Three of four NFL Divisional Round matchups have been finalized
• I have used our internal A.I. to generate ATS and O/U picks for all three matchups
• See the NFL Divisional Round picks from our A.I. model

The NFL Divisional Round is three-quarters cemented and the schedule has been set. Bettors will get to feast on two games on Saturday, January 17th (Buffalo Bills vs Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks) and another two on Sunday, January 18th (Los Angeles Rams vs Chicago Bears, Houston Texans or Pittsburgh Steelers vs New England Patriots).

I have asked our internal A.I. model to make its ATS and O/U picks for each game on the board so far. Those picks are set out in the table, below. Under the table, find the A.I.’s rationale for each Divisional Round prediction.

A.I. NFL Picks for Divisional Round

The A.I. is going with all three road teams (two favorites, one underdog) and two over bets. Its pick for the final game (HOU/PIT vs NE) will be added once the Pats’ opponent is determined tonight.

Bettors looking for expert Houston/Pittsburgh picks to tail tonight can check out:

• Texans vs Steelers Picks & Predictions
• Best Texans vs Steelers Touchdown-Scorer Picks

Best odds in the table as of 1:13 pm ET, January 12. Claim the top Super Bowl betting promos for 2026.

Buffalo Bills @ Denver Broncos Picks

• ATS Pick: Bills -1.5 (-105) at DraftKings
• Over/Under Pick: Over 46.5 (-110) at bet365

A.I. Rationale: “The Bills are the smart pick at -1.5 due to their superior playoff momentum and experience, plus demonstrated efficiency. Their Wild Card victory showcased exceptional situational football, including a perfect 100% red-zone conversion rate and 50% third-down efficiency. This battle-tested rhythm contrasts sharply with the Broncos, who are coming off a bye and are just 1-1 against playoff-calibre teams since Week 10 (excluding their Week 18 win over a Charger team resting all key starters). Buffalo’s offensive firepower and playoff mettle provide a clear statistical and experiential edge.

Over 46.5 presents strong betting value, primarily driven by the Bills’ potent offense. Their recent Wild Card performance against the Jaguars saw them put up 27 points and 340 total yards in a hostile environment, demonstrating their high-scoring ceiling, especially with a perfect 100% red-zone efficiency. Even a modest offensive contribution from the Broncos should push the combined score beyond 46.5, making the over an attractive play despite the NFL public betting trends leaning towards the under.”

San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks Picks

• ATS Pick: 49ers +7.5 (-115) at bet365
• Over/Under Pick: Over 45.5 (-110) at bet365

A.I. Rationale: “The analytical model favors the battle-tested road underdogs to exploit Seattle’s vulnerability in extended drives. San Francisco’s went an impressive 54.5% on third downs against the Eagles, creating a sustained possession advantage. Their defensive scheme effectively disrupted Philadelphia’s rhythm in the Wild Card Round, limiting third-down conversions to just 31.25% while surrendering only 19 points on the road against the defending Super Bowl champions. Early line movement shows that sharp bettors anticipate San Francisco’s veteran leadership to establish early tempo.

The over projection stems from both offenses demonstrating red-zone capability.”

Los Angeles Rams @ Chicago Bears Pick

• ATS Pick: Rams -3.5 (-112) at DraftKings
• Over/Under Pick: Under 51.5 (-115) at DraftKings

A.I. Rationale: “The Rams’ red-zone dominance creates the decisive edge in what projects as a closely contested playoff battle. Los Angeles converted an exceptional 80% of red-zone opportunities into in their win at Carolina, demonstrating the clinical finishing ability that separates playoff contenders. Conversely, Chicago’s struggles inside the 20-yard line (40% conversion rate against Green Bay) is a critical weakness. Playoff games often hinge on red-zone execution, giving Los Angeles the statistical advantage needed to cover the modest road spread.

The under recommendation challenges conventional wisdom regarding high-powered offenses. The Rams’ third-down struggles (23.1% vs Carolina) could lead to fewer of the aforementioned red-zone opportunities than the total anticipates, while Chicago’s red-zone inefficiency suggests settling for field goals rather than touchdowns. These complementary weaknesses make the lofty 51.5-point total vulnerable to defensive adjustments and conservative playoff game management.”

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