The 2026 NFL Wild Card round takes place from January 10-11, featuring five games across two days. Here's the complete schedule with broadcast details and game previews.
Saturday, January 10
No. 5 Los Angeles Rams (12-5) at No. 4 Carolina Panthers (8-9)
Time: 4:30 PM ET
Where to Watch: FOX, FOX Deportes, FOX One
Game Preview: The Rams return to Bank of America Stadium where they suffered a 31-28 upset loss to the Panthers in Week 13. Los Angeles finished as the NFC's No. 1 scoring offense (30.5 points per game) and holds a +172 point differential. Carolina enters at 8-9, making their first playoff appearance since 2017 after winning the NFC South. The Rams are 10.5-point favorites, marking the largest road favorite in a playoff game since 1970. Quarterback Matthew Stafford leads an offense that ranks first in points, total yards, and yards per play. Wide receiver Davante Adams is expected to return from a hamstring injury. The Panthers' defense features Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn (five interceptions) but has struggled against the run, allowing 123.3 yards per game.
No. 7 Green Bay Packers at No. 2 Chicago Bears
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Game Preview: This NFC North rivalry matchup marks the third meeting between these teams since December 7. Green Bay won the first game by a touchdown before blowing a 10-point lead in the final two minutes and losing in overtime in Week 16. The Packers enter on a four-game losing streak, while the Bears have lost two straight. Quarterback Jordan Love returns for Green Bay after missing time with a concussion. The Bears defense led the league with 33 takeaways during the regular season but ranks in the bottom four in yards allowed per game (361.8). Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams makes his first playoff start for Chicago. The Bears are slight 1.5-point favorites at home.
Sunday, January 11
No. 6 Buffalo Bills at No. 3 Jacksonville Jaguars
Time: 1:00 PM ET
Where to Watch: CBS, Paramount+
Game Preview: Jacksonville enters having won eight consecutive games, while Buffalo went 5-1 in their last six games. The Jaguars feature the NFL's top-ranked rush defense, which will face Bills running back James Cook, who led the league in rushing. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence leads a Jacksonville offense that has averaged over 30 points during their winning streak. Buffalo's Josh Allen, the 2024 league MVP, will make his latest playoff appearance. The Bills are 1.5-point favorites on the road, with the highest over/under of the weekend at 51.5 points.
No. 6 San Francisco 49ers at No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles
Time: 4:30 PM ET
Where to Watch: FOX
Game Preview: The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles host the 49ers in a rematch of teams that have appeared in the last three Super Bowls between them. Philadelphia finished 14-3 and features the fifth-ranked scoring defense (less than 21 points per game). Running back Saquon Barkley and a receiving corps of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith lead the offense. San Francisco (12-5) won the NFC West despite significant injuries on defense. The 49ers potentially could have offensive lineman Trent Williams and receiver Ricky Pearsall back from injury. Quarterback Brock Purdy and running back Christian McCaffrey lead the offense. The Eagles are 4.5-point favorites at home.
No. 7 Los Angeles Chargers at No. 2 New England Patriots
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Where to Watch: NBC, Peacock
Game Preview: New England (14-3) enters on a 13-1 run in their last 14 games, with only three wins coming against playoff teams (Panthers, Bills, Ravens). Rookie quarterback Drake Maye makes his first playoff start. The Patriots averaged 168.6 rushing yards per game and 5.8 yards per carry over their last five games. Los Angeles features a top-10 defense that allows just 285.2 yards per game (fifth-fewest in the NFL). Quarterback Justin Herbert has lost both of his playoff starts and seeks his first postseason victory. The Chargers defense ranks fifth in the league and holds opponents to less than 21 points per game. The Patriots are 3.5-point favorites at home.
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