The 2026 NFL Playoffs are underway, starting with a thrilling Wild Card Weekend (January 10-12, 2026). Following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 26-24 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in the Week 18 finale to secure the AFC North and No. 4 seed, the bracket is set. The Denver Broncos (AFC No. 1) and Seattle Seahawks (NFC No. 1) receive byes, paving the way for six compelling games.
This slate highlights emerging stars, defensive showdowns, and upset possibilities. Below, we analyze each matchup with picks against the spread (ATS), straight-up winners, upset alerts, and sleeper teams poised for a run. All times ET; lines as of January 5, 2026 (subject to change). Schedules verified via ESPN and NFL.com.
Wild Card Weekend Schedule & Matchups
Saturday, January 10
- 4:30 p.m.: (5) Los Angeles Rams @ (4) Carolina Panthers (FOX, FOX Deportes)
- 8:00 p.m.: (7) Green Bay Packers @ (2) Chicago Bears (Prime Video)
Sunday, January 11
- 1:00 p.m.: (6) Buffalo Bills @ (3) Jacksonville Jaguars (CBS, Paramount+)
- 4:30 p.m.: (6) San Francisco 49ers @ (3) Philadelphia Eagles (FOX, FOX Deportes)
- 8:00 p.m.: (7) Los Angeles Chargers @ (2) New England Patriots (NBC, Peacock, Universo)
Monday, January 12
- 8:00 p.m.: (5) Houston Texans @ (4) Pittsburgh Steelers (ESPN/ABC/ESPN+/ESPN Deportes; ManningCast on ESPN2/ESPN+)
2026 NFL Wild Card Round Game-by-Game Picks & Predictions
- Rams @ Panthers (Saturday, 4:30 p.m.)
Matthew Stafford leads the Rams’ potent offense against Bryce Young’s gritty Panthers, who clinched the NFC South. Carolina’s home-field grit could keep it close, but the Rams’ experience shines.
Pick: Rams -6.5 (straight-up win, potential blowout)
No upset alert-Rams too balanced. - Packers @ Bears (Saturday, 8:00 p.m.)
A heated NFC North rematch. Chicago’s breakout season gives them a defensive edge at home, but Green Bay’s late surge adds intrigue.
Pick: Bears -5.5 (straight-up win)
Sleeper vibe on Packers if they exploit turnovers. - Bills @ Jaguars (Sunday, 1:00 p.m.)
Josh Allen faces a Jaguars team on an eight-game heater. Jacksonville’s home dominance challenges Buffalo’s road inconsistencies.
Upset Alert: Jaguars +4 (outright win possible)
Pick: Bills win, but Jaguars cover the spread. - 49ers @ Eagles (Sunday, 4:30 p.m.)
Rematch of recent epics. Philly’s elite defense vs. San Francisco’s resilient (if banged-up) squad-expect a grinder.
Pick: Eagles -4 (win, 49ers cover)
Upset Alert low, but 49ers could steal it late. - Chargers @ Patriots (Sunday, 8:00 p.m.)
Justin Herbert’s explosiveness tests New England’s stout D. The Pats thrived at home down the stretch, but L.A.’s pass rush might disrupt Drake Maye.
Pick: Patriots -3.5 (straight-up win)
No major upset-home advantage prevails. - Texans @ Steelers (Monday, 8:00 p.m.)
Houston’s nine-game streak collides with Pittsburgh’s physical, Mike Tomlin-coached unit fresh off clinching. Steelers end their home playoff drought?
Upset Alert: Texans +2.5 (hot streak rolls on)
Pick: Texans outright-highest upset potential.
Upset Alerts & Playoff Sleepers
- Biggest Upset Potential: Houston Texans over Pittsburgh Steelers-Texans’ momentum vs. a Steelers team that scraped by in Week 18.
- Sleeper Teams to Watch: Jacksonville Jaguars (tough draw but home upset could spark a run vs. Denver) and Los Angeles Rams (Stafford’s playoff pedigree makes them dangerous).
- Safe Bets: Eagles and Patriots advance with relative ease.
Full Bracket Projections
Winners move to the Divisional Round (Jan. 17-18):
- AFC: Patriots/Chargers winner @ Broncos; Jaguars/Bills winner @ Steelers/Texans winner.
- NFC: Rams/Panthers winner @ Seahawks; Eagles/49ers winner @ Bears/Packers winner.
Grab our free printable 2026 NFL Playoff bracket for pools and tracking. Wild Card Weekend promises drama-anticipate tight contests and at least one surprise. Return for Divisional previews and refreshed Super Bowl odds. Who’s your pick? If your favorite team is out of the mix already, we have the future NFL schedules posted up here for you too.
Data and lines current as of January 5, 2026. Schedules sourced from ESPN and NFL.com.
Source link
