NFL 2026 Wild Card Weekend Schedule and Matchups Revealed — Full Details

From North Carolina to Pittsburgh, the NFL's journey to the Super Bowl is about to erupt in coast-to-coast chaos, with drama, high stakes, and bitter rivalries marking every snap of the ball.

The league has officially released the schedule for the 2026 Wild Card Weekend, igniting buzz and debate across the country. The three-day spectacle kicks off January 10 in Charlotte and wraps up on January 12 in Pittsburgh, with everyone bracing for what many are calling the most unpredictable opening round in recent years.

Every game is a do-or-die showdown, as six playoff-bound teams — three division winners and three wild cards — go head-to-head in single-elimination matchups that will decide who stays in the hunt for the Super Bowl... and who goes home heartbroken.

Saturday, January 10: Two Games of High Tension Begin the War

First Game of the Day: The Los Angeles Rams and Carolina Panthers will collide in the first battle of Wild Card Weekend, with kick-off set for 4:30 p.m. at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Fans can catch every second of the action on NFL+ and FOX, where tensions are expected to run high from the opening whistle.

Prediction: The Rams are coming in heavily favored, with a commanding moneyline of -600, while the Panthers lag behind at +440. And it's not just Vegas backing Los Angeles; the NFL's top analysts are echoing the same prediction across the board.

• Ali Bhanpuri: Rams 28, Panthers 20
• Brooke Cersosimo: Rams 24, Panthers 20
• Dan Parr: Rams 27, Panthers 17
• Gennaro Filice: Rams 27, Panthers 14
• Tom Blair: Rams 28, Panthers 17

Parr stood firm in his pick, explaining that while Carolina managed to claw their way into the postseason, performance inconsistencies and shaky execution leave them vulnerable. Meanwhile, the Rams' offensive firepower, especially with Davante Adams on the field, could prove unstoppable.

Second Game of the Day: At 8 p.m., one of the NFL's most legendary rivalries reignites as the Green Bay Packers take on the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Fans can stream the primetime showdown on Prime Video or NFL+, and it's shaping up to be one of the most emotionally charged clashes of the weekend.

Prediction: Oddsmakers are leaning toward the Packers, with a moneyline of -120, while the Bears trail behind at +100. But despite the tight betting line, four out of five NFL analysts are backing Chicago to take the win, with only Cersosimo predicting a Green Bay victory.

• Ali Bhanpuri: Bears 24, Packers 21
• Brooke Cersosimo: Packers 23, Bears 21
• Dan Parr: Bears 26, Packers 23
• Gennaro Filice: Bears 27, Packers 23
• Tom Blair: Bears 24, Packers 20

Bhanpuri highlighted the Bears' aggressive offensive style, calling their "bully ball" approach a key advantage. He also pointed to their league-best turnover margin, the return of Kyler Gordon in the secondary, and the critical loss of Micah Parsons alongside Jordan Love's concussion, all of which could tip the scales in Chicago's favor.

Sunday, January 11: Three Games Continue the Playoff Madness

First Game of the Day: Sunday football roars to life at 1 p.m., with the Buffalo Bills traveling south to battle the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. The game will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed on NFL+, and fans are already bracing for a nail-biter.

Prediction: The betting odds are neck and neck, with the Bills holding a razor-thin edge at -112, while the Jaguars trail closely at -108. But despite the numbers, every single NFL analyst is siding with Jacksonville to take the win.

• Ali Bhanpuri: Jaguars 28, Bills 24
• Brooke Cersosimo: Jaguars 32, Bills 30
• Dan Parr: Jaguars 28, Bills 27
• Gennaro Filice: Jaguars 28, Bills 24
• Tom Blair: Jaguars 27, Bills 24

Cersosimo pointed to the Jaguars' unstoppable momentum, having charged into the playoffs on an eight-game winning streak, including five wins over playoff-caliber teams. Their quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, has racked up a staggering 38 touchdowns this season, making Jacksonville a serious threat to any defense.

Second Game of the Day: At 4:30 p.m., the San Francisco 49ers will face the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Fans can catch the game on FOX or stream it through NFL+.

Prediction: The Eagles are clear favorites, holding a moneyline of -238, while the 49ers sit at +195. NFL analysts are unanimously predicting an Eagles win, each giving Philadelphia the edge by at least three points.

• Ali Bhanpuri: Eagles 24, 49ers 20
• Brooke Cersosimo: Eagles 28, 49ers 22
• Dan Parr: Eagles 25, 49ers 18
• Gennaro Filice: Eagles 23, 49ers 17
• Tom Blair: Eagles 23, 49ers 20

Blair noted that although San Francisco's offense ranks higher on paper, the Eagles' defensive strength and overall health give them the upper hand. With Trent Williams and Ricky Pearsall dealing with injuries, the 49ers may struggle to stay competitive.

Third Game of the Day: Finally, at 8 p.m., the Los Angeles Chargers head to Gillette Stadium to battle the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Tune in on NBC, Peacock, or NFL+ to watch this playoff closer.

Prediction: The Patriots are slightly favored with a moneyline of -185, while the Chargers follow at +154. Four out of five NFL analysts are backing New England, with Filice as the lone dissenting voice.

• Ali Bhanpuri: Patriots 23, Chargers 20
• Brooke Cersosimo: Patriots 25, Chargers 20
• Dan Parr: Patriots 23, Chargers 20
• Gennaro Filice: Chargers 23, Patriots 20
• Tom Blair: Patriots 26, Chargers 22

Filice argued that the Patriots' lack of pass rush could leave their defense vulnerable, especially against the Chargers' quick offensive line. With Harold Landry III missing two games due to a knee injury and Robert Spillane not at full strength, the Chargers could exploit those weaknesses. Filice also believes the defense will be prepared to capitalize on QB Drake Maye's passing tendencies.

Monday, January 12: Final Game of Wild Card Weekend Closes with a Bang

The postseason frenzy wraps up in spectacular fashion on Monday night, as the Houston Texans face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers at 8:15 p.m. under the lights at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. Fans can catch every second on ABC and ESPN, with streaming available on NFL+.

Prediction: The Texans enter as the favored team, with a moneyline of -155, while the Steelers sit at +130. Once again, the NFL analysts are in full agreement, as all five expect Houston to walk away with the win, and some believe it won't even be close.

• Ali Bhanpuri: Texans 21, Steelers 17
• Brooke Cersosimo: Texans 22, Steelers 16
• Dan Parr: Texans 21, Steelers 20
• Gennaro Filice: Texans 22, Steelers 17
• Tom Blair: Texans 23, Steelers 15

Parr explained his confidence in Houston by pointing out that they've lost only once since October and have maintained a red-hot winning streak since. With a defense stacked with names like Will Anderson Jr. and Derek Stingley Jr., the Texans could suffocate the Steelers early.

However, he also cautioned that Houston's red-zone scoring efficiency could be the deciding factor if they fail to capitalize when it matters most.

Netizens Have Their Own Opinions on Who Will Win This Year

As the Wild Card Weekend schedule heats up, fans across the internet are sounding off their Super Bowl predictions too, and their takes range from hilarious to hopeful, with a few full-blown conspiracy theories thrown in.

Many are just excited to see a fresh lineup of teams in the postseason, breaking away from the usual suspects. "Ngl this might be one of the best playoffs in a while it's a breath of fresh air to not have the same team/teams potentially making the SB," one netizen wrote.

Others didn't hold back from declaring early favorites, adding, "🤔 After looking at this, I have a feeling Buffalo is gonna win the Super Bowl and I hate Buffalo🤣🤣🤣."

Another threw their support behind a team with no fear, "🧡 Denver Broncos are going all the way!!! 🧡."

Some fans tried to break it all down with creative logic. "Alright, so if the NFL is rigged and we are going off the emblem colors.... I see the Chargers against the Rams. Anyone else see it different? Or, maybe Seahawks vs Chargers...." one netizen speculated.

"Very unlikely, but a rematch Steelers Packers with Rodgers on the other side would be what the script writer wants [sic]," another fan guessed, spinning theories about a Super Bowl made for drama.

Aaron Rodgers, unsurprisingly, remains at the center of fan predictions.

"Rodgers vs greenbay Rodgers wins and rides off on a horse in the sunset script says so," one person joked. Another added, "Long shot, but what if Rodgers gets another ring and retires on top."

Some fans would love nothing more than to see a full-circle moment play out.

"It's great not seeing KC on here, I'd love for a Pittsburgh/GB Super Bowl rematch and have Aaron Rodgers win one with Pittsburgh against his former team. I think having him win one for both teams would be hilarious," a netizen said.

Others are rooting for underdogs to shine. "Y'all are sleeping on Seattle. And they are getting back 2 of their starters for playoffs," one fan reminded everyone.