Richard Sherman Podcast - NFL Divisional Predictions: 49ers-Seahawks, Rams-Bears, Bills-Broncos, Texans-Broncos | Richard Sherman Podcast

Welcome back to the show. I appreciate you rocking with us, so hit that sub button and keep those New Year goals rolling. We’ve got a bruising Seattle–San Francisco rematch on deck, and I love seeing a vet like Fred Warner open his window and knock off rust because you don’t want to limp into a playoff game.

With stars dropping, even seeing George Kittle go down, did you connect with him after that Achilles injury?

We texted right after he went to the locker room, talked through surgeons and options, and I’m confident he’ll be back; Achilles care has come a long way, so I won’t speculate on timing, but I don’t think his story’s over.

How big a blow is losing Kittle for this offense that leans on his blocking and energy, and when do injuries finally become too much?

They’ve ridden out storms all year, and a back‑to‑back against Seattle is rare and nasty, which is why that seven and a half line is wild for a division fight. Seattle’s front bullied them on third down and against the run, Trent helps in the rematch, but this still feels like a tight, violent game and a huge spot for Sam Darnold.

Does that spread give Brock Purdy extra fuel, or is it just noise in this rivalry?

They don’t need billboards for this one; preseason, postseason, it does not matter—these two are ready on sight.

Our comments are a mess with fans torn by your history on both sides, but nobody’s holding hands here—this one’s going to get mean.

Shift to Seattle’s plan. With Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet surging and JSN popping, how should they attack, and how much pressure is on Darnold?

They have to run or Darnold must push it deep and take more shots with JSN and the speed outside, then trust a defense that lets a quarterback be aggressive. Mike McDonald’s looks have long stressed Shanahan, so if the Niners jump ahead, the tension cranks fast.

A lot of eyes are on Deommodore Lenore versus JSN. Is that a true matchup?

They live in zone until third down, so the pure one‑on‑ones are limited; enjoy the few go‑ball moments without pretending it is a full‑game shadow.

What do you think of Robert Salah’s work keeping that defense humming through injuries?

He’s earned head‑coach buzz by keeping standards high through linebacker attrition, and vets are helping fast‑track newcomers so the unit still plays fast and right.

Prediction time. I’ll say Seattle twenty four to twenty with the injuries piling up for San Francisco.

It feels like upset conditions, but this still screams last‑possession football; Seattle’s depth up front is real, the Niners must run it, and I see a one‑score game either way.

Rams at Bears in the cold and wind—does LA handle it on the road?

I worry about the Rams’ back end against a power run and extended plays; Stafford can handle weather, but if Chicago’s ground game takes over in those elements, the home edge is real.

LA can pound it with their two backs, while Chicago’s young tight end looks like a chain‑mover; what is it like defending on that slick grass?

Bad footing punishes DBs, and recent Rams totals allowed are a red flag; Chicago takes the ball away, and that’s my swing—give me the Bears.

Buffalo is a slight favorite at Denver. Does that surprise you?

That is respect for Josh Allen against an elite man‑heavy defense with Patrick Surtain; the question is Denver’s offense and whether Bo Nix can lean on his legs and a tight plan to match scores.

The Bills need James Cook to set the tone, but do they have enough pass catchers to stress Denver?

Buffalo smoked this team in last year’s wild card and will feel good even banged up, but I’ll take the Broncos by a hair with pressure and man on Allen all night.

I’m rolling with Buffalo. Now Texans at Patriots, New England by three—live dog or home handle?

Three is the home bump; I still trust Houston’s defense and momentum, so tell CJ Stroud to protect it and let that loaded secondary and relentless rush win a grinder.

Foxborough’s hot and this is a Drake May statement game, so I’ll take the Pats.

I’ll ride great defense in playoff‑style officiating that lets physical play stand, so make it Houston seventeen to nine.

Recap: whoever has it last in Seattle–San Francisco, Bears, Broncos, and Texans for you. Thanks for listening and please subscribe.

To close, Seattle–San Francisco almost always comes down to the last drive, and I have lived that—Kaepernick threw my way on a Crabtree ball and you remember how that ended. Do not get comfortable, keep your snacks close, and brace for a finish at the horn.