The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL Divisional Round losers postmortem: What's next for Bills, 49ers, Texans and Bears?
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Jan 20, 2026 A deep dive into the Divisional Round losers reveals intriguing possibilities for the Bills, 49ers, Texans, and Bears. The discussion tackles Buffalo's coaching upheaval and roster challenges, while San Francisco's optimism hinges on key player returns. Houston's draft capital shines amidst OL concerns for CJ Stroud, and Chicago's tough cap situation raises questions on star trades and defensive reinforcements. Finally, the hosts contemplate coaching changes and their future impact on these franchises.
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Why Buffalo Fired Sean McDermott
- Sean McDermott built Buffalo from rebuilding to contender but recurring playoff losses justified a change.
- The roster construction and defensive identity were shared responsibilities between McDermott and GM Brandon Beane.
Mid-Round Hits Aren't Enough
- Buffalo's defense lacked star-level talent despite many middle-round contributors.
- That talent gap repeatedly cost them in key playoff moments and needs addressing.
Create Cap Space With Targeted Moves
- Cut or restructure expensive veterans to create cap space and prioritize needs.
- Target moves like cutting Curtis Samuel or restructuring Josh Allen to free money for defense or receivers.