Divisional Round Fallout Sets Final Four as Injuries, Coaching Moves Shape League Outlook

As the NFL postseason narrows to four remaining teams, the Divisional Round delivered season-ending losses, significant injuries, draft positioning clarity, and notable coaching developments across the league.

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The Divisional Round concluded Sunday night, officially trimming the NFL playoff field to four teams still chasing the Lombardi Trophy. While attention now shifts to Conference Championship Weekend, the weekend’s results also finalized additional draft positioning, produced multiple impactful injuries, and accelerated offseason coaching movement.

Four teams saw their seasons end in the Divisional Round, locking in draft selections in the back half of the first round. Chicago secured the twenty-fifth overall pick following its 20–17 loss to Los Angeles, while Buffalo slotted in at twenty-six after a 33–30 defeat in Denver. San Francisco’s season ended with the twenty-seventh pick after a 41–6 loss at Seattle, and Houston rounded out the group at twenty-eighth following a 28–16 setback against New England.

Draft Picks Locked In (Divisional Round Losses)

25. Chicago Bears — Lost 20–17 vs. Rams

26. Buffalo Bills — Lost 33–30 vs. Broncos

27. San Francisco 49ers — Lost 41–6 vs. Seahawks

28. Houston Texans — Lost 28–16 vs. Patriots

Coaching developments continued to dominate headlines throughout the weekend. The Atlanta Falcons hired former Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski, while Green Bay reached a multiyear extension with Matt LaFleur to maintain continuity. The New York Giants finalized a five-year agreement with Super Bowl-winning coach John Harbaugh, reportedly valued at twenty million dollars annually. Philadelphia retained special teams coordinator Michael Clay, and Pittsburgh is scheduled to interview former Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy for its vacant head coaching position.

Coaching News

• Atlanta Falcons: Hired former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski as their next head coach.

• Green Bay Packers: Matt LaFleur agreed to a multiyear extension to remain head coach.

• New York Giants: Finalized a five-year deal with John Harbaugh, reportedly worth $20 million per season.

• Philadelphia Eagles: Special teams coordinator Michael Clay agreed to a new deal.

• Pittsburgh Steelers: Former Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy is scheduled to interview for the head coaching vacancy.

Several key injuries also emerged from the weekend’s action. Denver quarterback Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle and will miss the remainder of the postseason, while wide receivers Pat Bryant and Troy Franklin were ruled out with concussion and hamstring injuries, respectively. Seattle lost running back Zach Charbonnet and left tackle Charles Cross during its win over San Francisco. New England safety Craig Woodson exited with a head injury, and Los Angeles cornerback Emmanuel Forbes suffered a shoulder injury in the Rams’ victory over Chicago.

Key Injuries

Denver Broncos

• QB Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle and will miss the rest of the postseason.

• WR Pat Bryant exited with a concussion and did not return.

• WR Troy Franklin exited with a hamstring injury and did not return.

Seattle Seahawks

• RB Zach Charbonnet did not return after a knee injury.

• LT Charles Cross exited with a foot injury in the second half.

New England Patriots

• S Craig Woodson did not return after exiting with a head injury.

Los Angeles Rams

• CB Emmanuel Forbes suffered a shoulder injury in the win over Chicago.

With the Divisional Round complete, the league’s postseason picture has sharpened, while roster health, draft capital, and coaching stability begin shaping decisions that will define the 2026 offseason.