49ers, Bills, Texans-Steelers winner face a short week

The NFL has set the days for the divisional round playoffs but has not yet announced the times or networks. A significant scheduling disparity has been highlighted, particularly affecting the Buffalo Bills and the San Francisco 49ers. The Bills face a short turnaround, playing the Denver Broncos six days after their victory in Jacksonville. This situation arose from the NFL's decision to include a Monday night game in the expanded wild-card round, which now comprises six games.

For the 49ers, the scheduling means they will have to travel back from Philadelphia on Sunday night and prepare for a Saturday game in Seattle, despite the option to schedule NFC games to allow more rest. Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy criticized the scheduling, calling it unfair and pointing out that similar disadvantages were previously eliminated from the regular-season schedule.

The NFL's decisions appear to be influenced by the pursuit of higher ratings and revenues from prime-time games, despite the potential impact on team preparation and player recovery.