The NFL has gifted us with two tantalizing matchups on January 17, 2026, as the Buffalo Bills take on the Denver Broncos, and the San Francisco 49ers clash with the Seattle Seahawks. Both games promise to deliver drama, high stakes, and an opportunity for fans to witness pivotal moments in the playoff race.

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Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos

In the Mile High City, the Bills and Broncos are set for a nail-biter. According to our GameSim predictions, the Broncos hold a slight edge with a projected score of 24.0 to 23.3, thanks to a 51% win probability from 1,000 simulations. The Vegas spread mirrors this close contest with Denver favored by just 1.5 points.

All eyes will be on Denver's rookie sensation, Bo Nix, who is predicted to throw for 253.2 yards and 2.1 touchdowns. His dual-threat capability also adds a rushing projection of 31 yards and 0.3 touchdowns, making him a key player to watch. Meanwhile, Buffalo's Josh Allen isn't expected to be outdone, with projections of 248.8 passing yards and 1.6 touchdowns, in addition to his 27.6 rushing yards and 0.3 touchdowns. With such talent on the field, this game is set to be a quarterback duel for the ages.

Adding to the excitement is the clash of the backfields. James Cook for the Bills is expected to rack up 66.3 rushing yards, while RJ Harvey of the Broncos is projected for 49.2 yards on the ground. These performances could be crucial in what is anticipated to be a tight contest.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks

Meanwhile, up in the Pacific Northwest, the Seahawks are heavily favored to dominate their NFC West rivals, the 49ers. Our model predicts a comfortable 31.8 to 20.9 victory for Seattle, with a solid 66% win probability. The Vegas oddsmakers have set Seattle as 7.5-point favorites, reflecting a confidence in a decisive performance.

Seattle's Sam Darnold is anticipated to shine with 243.5 passing yards and 2.5 touchdowns. On the ground, Kenneth Walker III is projected to lead the Seahawks' rushing attack with 67.1 yards and 0.7 touchdowns, complemented by Zach Charbonnet's 56.9 yards. This dual-threat ground game could be the key to unlocking a San Francisco defense that has struggled against the run.

For the 49ers, Brock Purdy needs to channel his best performance, as he is expected to throw for 317.1 yards and 2.2 touchdowns. Christian McCaffrey, always a threat, is projected for 41.5 rushing yards, but will need to break through Seattle’s strong defensive front to make a significant impact.

With the playoff picture becoming clearer, these matchups not only promise thrilling football but also could significantly impact the standings as we head into the final stretch of the season.

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