The NFL regular season has come to an end, and the excitement of American football enters its most intense phase with the start of the 2026 NFL Playoffs. The Wild Card Round is now set, and the single-elimination matchups will kick off next weekend, with high-stakes clashes in both the NFC and the AFC.
Below, we present all the games, schedules, and key analyzes of the first round of the postseason.
NFC Wild Card Round: matchups and analysis
In the National Football Conference (NFC), the Seattle Seahawks secured the top seed and will have a bye during the first week of the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Bears, Eagles, and Panthers will host Wild Card Round games.
Bears vs. Packers: a historic rivalry in Chicago
The Chicago Bears will host the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field in one of the NFL’s most iconic matchups. Although the Bears have the home-field advantage, the Packers will look to extend their all-time series lead (109-97-6) and break the postseason tie, which currently stands at 1-1.
Eagles vs. 49ers: Clash of the Titans
The Philadelphia Eagles, the current champions, will try to keep their back-to-back championship dream alive, but they’ll face the San Francisco 49ers, one of the NFC’s most dominant teams in recent years, albeit with unfinished business in the Super Bowl.
Panthers vs. Rams: an unpredictable matchup
The Los Angeles Rams finished the season with a 12-5 record, but the Carolina Panthers are confident that home-field advantage will tip the scales in a matchup that looks wide open.
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AFC Wild Card Round: Key Games and Favorites
In the American Football Conference (AFC), the Steelers’ dramatic victory over the Ravens determined the seven playoff berths, with the Denver Broncos as the top seed.
Patriots vs. Chargers: Rebirth in the AFC
The New England Patriots are coming in hot and will face an LA Chargers team that also shone during the regular season. A key matchup on the road to the AFC Championship.
Bills vs Jaguars: the closest matchup
The matchup between the Buffalo Bills and the Jacksonville Jaguars is considered the most evenly balanced of this round. Jacksonville surprised everyone by winning the South, while Buffalo, despite its ups and downs, is always a dangerous playoff contender.
Texans vs. Steelers: Rodgers looks to stay alive.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, led by Aaron Rodgers, want to extend their postseason run, but they’ll have to overcome a Houston Texans team poised to be the biggest surprise of these playoffs.
When is the NFL Wild Card Round played?
Saturday, January 10
- Rams vs. Panthers | 3:30 PM
- Packers vs. Bears | 7:00 PM
Sunday, January 11
- Bills vs Jaguars | 12:00 PM
- 49ers vs Eagles | 3:30 PM
- Chargers vs. Patriots | 7:00 PM
Monday, January 12
- Texans vs. Steelers | 7:00 PM
