Six games. Zero margin for error. The road to the Super Bowl begins now.
Wild Card Weekend delivers everything the NFL does best historic rivalries, rematches with unfinished business, rising stars trying to announce themselves, and veteran quarterbacks chasing legacies. Every kickoff carries weight, and by Monday night, half the playoff field will be gone.
Saturday
5th Seed 
Los Angeles Rams 12-5 @ 4th Seed 
Carolina Panthers 8-9
4:30 PMÂ (EST)
A massive rematch opens Wild Card Weekend. The Rams return to Carolina looking for redemption after a late season loss that helped push them out of a home playoff game. The question is simple can the Panthers do it again.
About the Rams
Los Angeles entered the season as a true dark horse in the NFC, and for long stretches they looked like one of the most complete teams in football. At their peak, the Rams were in the conversation for the best team in the NFL. But a brutal late season stretch with three tough losses changed everything. Instead of hosting a playoff game, they now head on the road.
One of those losses came against this Panthers team. On paper, the Rams are elite on both sides of the ball. Matt Stafford continues to play high level football, Puka Nacua is one of the most dangerous weapons in the league, and the defense can overwhelm teams when it is locked in.
About the Panthers
No team embodies unexpected more than Carolina. Almost no one saw the Panthers reaching the postseason. When this team finds its footing, they have shown the ability to look like the best team on the field any given week.
Rico Dowdle has been explosive in the backfield, rookie sensation Tetairoa McMillan has added a dynamic element to the offense, Derrick Brown has been a force on the interior defensive line, and Jaycee Horn is having the best season of his career in the secondary. The question is consistency.
My Pick
Rams win 34-14
7th Seed 
Green Bay Packers 9-7-1 @ 2nd Seed 
Chicago Bears 11-6
8:00 PMÂ (EST)
Another chapter in one of the greatest rivalries in sports. Green Bay looks for redemption while Chicago looks to prove they are truly back.
About the Packers
The Packers season has felt split in two. Early on, Green Bay was one of the best teams in football, stacking wins and playing with confidence. Then everything changed. A season ending injury to Micah Parsons reshaped the defense and the team struggled to maintain consistency down the stretch.
Green Bay limps into the postseason searching for answers. Talent is still there, but the question is whether they can overcome injuries and momentum heading into a hostile environment.
About the Bears
For the first time in a long time, the Bears are on top of the NFC North. Chicago has not won a playoff game since 2010, but this season feels different.
Caleb Williams has made an incredible leap from last year. He is more poised, more confident, and fully in control of the offense. Chicago believes again, and Soldier Field will be electric.
My Pick
Bears win 27-21
Sunday
6th Seed 
Buffalo Bills 12-5 @ 3rd Seed 
Jacksonville Jaguars
1:00 PMÂ (EST)
The AFC playoff picture feels wide open, and this matchup may help decide who is truly ready to take control.
About the Bills
Josh Allen remains one of the most dominant forces in football. His ability to take over games with both his arm and legs makes Buffalo a nightmare matchup.
For years, the Bills have been painfully close to reaching the Super Bowl. This season feels like their best opportunity yet, especially with Mahomes and the Chiefs missing the playoffs. Allen is playing with urgency, confidence, and belief.
About the Jaguars
Jacksonville has put together one of the most improbable runs of the season. Few expected the Jaguars to host a playoff game, but steady growth has brought them here.
Trevor Lawrence has taken a noticeable step forward, showing improved decision making and calm in big moments. The Jaguars believe they belong.
My Pick
Bills win 38-33
6th Seed 
San Francisco 49ers 12-5 @ 3rd Seed 
Philadelphia Eagles 11-6
4:30 PMÂ (EST)
The juiciest matchup of Wild Card Weekend. Two juggernauts collide with no room for mistakes.
About the 49ers
Just one week ago, San Francisco was fighting for the number one seed in the NFC. One loss dropped them all the way to the sixth seed and into a brutal road matchup.
Brock Purdy has played outstanding football, but injuries have defined the season. Losing Nick Bosa early was devastating, and the roster has battled health issues all year. Even so, the talent remains elite.
About the Eagles
Philadelphia enters the postseason as the defending Super Bowl champions. The offense struggled early, but the Eagles made major strides late in the season.
This team is led by Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts, and when playing at home with confidence, they are extremely difficult to beat.
My Pick
Eagles win 23-19
7th Seed 
Los Angeles Chargers 11-6 @ 2nd Seed 
New England Patriots 14-3
A matchup of opportunity and expectation. Can the Chargers shock Foxborough, or will the Patriots remind everyone why they are back among the AFC elite.
About the Chargers
Injuries have followed the Chargers throughout the season. Jim Harbaugh’s decision to sit starters in Week 18 remains a talking point.
Justin Herbert has the arm talent to win anywhere. The challenge is whether he can deliver a defining postseason moment on the road.
About the Patriots
New England returns to the playoffs for the first time since 2021. Led by possible Coach of the Year Mike Vrabel and MVP front runner Drake Maye, the Patriots feel like a complete team.
This roster is disciplined, balanced, and confident. It feels like New England has what it takes to make a legitimate Super Bowl run.
My Pick
Patriots win 27-17
Monday Night
5th Seed 
Houston Texans 12-5 @ 4th Seed 
Pittsburgh Steelers 10-7
8:15 PMÂ (EST)
Wild Card Weekend closes with a clash of styles and legacies.
About the Texans
Houston may be the most dangerous team entering the postseason. Their defense is dominant from front to back. Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter consistently pressure quarterbacks, while Derek Stingley has been a true shutdown corner.
Offensively, Nico Collins, Dalton Schultz, and Woody Marks provide plenty of firepower. C.J. Stroud has not been spectacular this year, but with this roster, he simply needs to avoid mistakes.
About the Steelers
All eyes are on Aaron Rodgers as he returns to the postseason. This could be his final NFL game, adding even more weight to the moment.
This matchup could also shape Mike Tomlin’s future in Pittsburgh. At home, the Steelers must play near perfect football to pull off the upset.
My Pick
Texans win 38-10
Teams on the Bye
NFC Seattle Seahawks 14-3
The best team in the NFC. Seattle’s defense has been dominant, drawing comparisons to the Legion of Boom. Sam Darnold has been excellent all season, and Jaxon Smith Njigba is a true superstar weapon.
AFC Denver Broncos 14-3
Denver’s defense has been outstanding, and Bo Nix continues to improve each week. Home field advantage in Denver is massive, especially with the thin air playing a factor.
Super Bowl Pick
Buffalo Bills vs Seattle Seahawks
My Pick
Seahawks win 31-28