Key AFC divisional matchups: Can Broncos wide receivers win against stout Bills secondary?

The best weekend of the NFL playoffs is almost here as the divisional round kicks off on Saturday with two games.

Below, we examine both AFC games and the matchups that will help decide which teams advance to the conference championship on Sunday, Jan. 25.

Buffalo Bills (13-5) vs. Denver Broncos (14-3) (Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET, CBS)

Broncos receivers vs. Bills secondary | Bills-Broncos features the weekend's lowest point spread, with Denver a 1.5-point favorite a little over 48 hours until kickoff. In a game that could come down to a couple of plays, Broncos pass-catchers must hold their weight against a strong Bills defensive backfield. 

Christian Benford is one of the league's most underrated corners, while veteran Tre'Davious White capped an incredible comeback from multiple season-ending injuries with a game-sealing interception of Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the wild-card round. Second-year safety Cole Bishop has emerged as well, also tallying an interception against the Jags, his fourth since the start of the regular season.

Over the season's first 18 weeks, Denver ranked second in drops (43) and drop rate (seven percent). Broncos tight end Evan Engram had the highest drop rate (11.1 percent) among tight ends with at least 70 targets, while Troy Franklin had the eighth-highest among wide receivers. (h/t Sports Info Solutions)

According to Sumer Sports, the Bills played zone coverage on 69.7 percent of their defensive snaps against the Jaguars, and that rate could be higher against the Broncos. Per NFL Pro insights, Nix faced zone coverage on 81.4 percent of his dropbacks entering Week 18 and averaged 6.5 yards per attempt against the coverage, fifth-lowest in the league. 

Buffalo's ability to disguise its coverages could force Nix to hold on to the ball, helping the pass rush. Pro Football Focus data reveals Nix averaged 3.58 seconds time to throw when pressured in the regular season. He completed 48 percent of his passes for 818 yards (4.6 yards per attempt), seven touchdowns and six interceptions in those situations.

Houston Texans (13-5) vs. New England Patriots (14-3) (Sunday, 3 p.m. ET, ABC)

Patriots, Texans vs. the weather | The Texans and Patriots may be in a race against time. Conditions could deteriorate during the second half of the game, making it crucial to take an early lead and avoid playing from behind.