#STATEtoSundays: Divisional Playoff Preview
January 17, 2026 | Football
Mississippi State players will be featured in three of the NFL's four divisional playoff games this weekend.
Following a first round bye, Charles Cross and the Seattle Seahawks are set to host San Francisco in the NFC Divisional Round game on Saturday at 7 p.m. on FOX. Cross has missed the past three games with a hamstring injury, but the former first round draft pick was a full participant during the Seahawks' practice on Thursday.
The 49ers feature former State great, Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion K.J. Wright, who serves on the sidelines as a defensive quality control coach.
A pair of past Bulldogs will be taking the field for the Houston Texans as they travel to New England to take on the Patriots on Sunday at 2 p.m. on ABC and ESPN.
Rookie running back Jo'Quavious "Woody" Marks is fresh off his first 100-yard rushing performance and added a 13-yard touchdown in a 30-6 road triumph at Pittsburgh. Defensive end Denico Autry also provided a half-sack in that win over the Steelers on Wild Card Weekend.
In addition to Autry and Marks, the Texans also have former Bulldog defensive back Stephen Adegoke coaching their safeties.
The final game of the weekend pits a pair of first round draft picks on opposite teams as Montez Sweat and the Chicago Bears host the Los Angeles Rams and Emmanuel Forbes on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. on NBC.
Super Bowl champ and six-time Pro Bowler Darius Slay is currently designated as "did not report" on Buffalo's roster.
San Francisco 49ers (12-5) at Seattle Seahawks (14-3) | 7 p.m. FOX
OT Charles Cross (SEA)
Houston Texans (12-5) at New England Patriots (14-3) | 2 p.m. ESPN, ABC
DE Denico Autry (HOU)
RB Jo'Quavious "Woody" Marks (HOU)
Los Angeles Rams (12-5) at Chicago Bears (11-6) | 5:30 p.m. NBC
CB Emmanuel Forbes (LAR)
DE Montez Sweat (CHI)
