Only one thing matters to Patriots fans right now: getting back to the Super Bowl. But to get there, they need the right teams to win these games. So, who should you be rooting for this weekend in the NFL Divisional Round? Let's break it down, game by game, with a focus on how each outcome could impact New England's chances.
The New England Patriots, fresh off clinching the AFC East title, are set to face the Houston Texans at home on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET. The stakes are high: a win would propel them to their first AFC Championship Game appearance since 2018. All eyes are glued to this game. But, the other three divisional round matchups also hold significance for the Patriots and their fans. So let's dive in.
Saturday's Showdowns:
4:30 p.m. ET: Buffalo Bills (6) at Denver Broncos (1)
- The Pick: Believe it or not, Patriots fans should be cheering for… the Buffalo Bills. Yes, that Buffalo Bills – the same team that recently handed the Patriots a loss. I know, it feels wrong, right? But here's where it gets controversial... The rationale is simple: home-field advantage in the AFC Championship. Would you rather face the Bills at Gillette Stadium, or travel to the Mile High City to battle the Broncos? A recent poll showed that 74% of Patriots fans would prefer a home game against the Bills. But, some might argue that facing a potentially less experienced quarterback (if the Bills advance) is preferable to facing a seasoned veteran in Denver who's proven his ability in high-pressure situations. It's a risky gamble, banking on a potentially easier matchup versus guaranteeing home-field advantage. Which risk is worth it?
- Where to Watch: CBS, Paramount+
8:00 p.m. ET: San Francisco 49ers (6) at Seattle Seahawks (1)
- The Pick: Go Seahawks! This one's all about draft capital. Remember the Keion White trade? The Patriots snagged the 49ers’ sixth-round pick in that deal. And this is the part most people miss... The earlier the 49ers are eliminated from the playoffs, the higher that sixth-round pick will be, increasing its value and giving the Patriots more options in the upcoming draft. Every pick counts, especially when building for the future. A Seahawks victory directly benefits the Patriots' draft position.
- Where to Watch: FOX, FOX One, FOX Deportes
Sunday's Game:
6:30 p.m. ET: Los Angeles Rams (5) at Chicago Bears (2)
- The Pick: Root for the Rams! Similar to the 49ers situation, this pick is all about improving the Patriots' draft outlook. Through a series of trades, including one with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Patriots now own the Bears’ third-round pick in the 2026 draft. The earlier the Bears' season ends, the better that pick will be. So, the Patriots benefit directly from a Rams victory and an early Chicago exit.
- Where to Watch: NBC, Peacock, Telemundo, Universo
This weekend promises to be packed with exciting football action, and the outcomes could significantly impact the Patriots' path forward. This article also serves as an open thread for all the weekend's games. Feel free to jump into the comment section below to share your thoughts, predictions, and reactions as the games unfold. Which upsets do you foresee? Which team's victory would benefit the Patriots the most, in your opinion? Do you agree with our rooting guide, or do you see things differently? Let's discuss!
