2026 NFL Wild Card Game-by-Game Picks, Predictions
The road to the Super Bowl officially begins with 2026 NFL Wild Card Weekend, where every snap matters and there’s no room for mistakes. Six playoff matchups across Saturday, Sunday, and Monday will determine who survives and who sees their season end abruptly.
This year’s Wild Card slate delivers everything fans love about playoff football: historic rivalries, high-powered offenses, dominant defenses, and quarterback showdowns under intense pressure. From cold-weather battles in Chicago and Pittsburgh to high-scoring potential in Jacksonville, each game presents a unique storyline and matchup edge.
Saturday, January 10, 2026
NFC Wild Card
- Los Angeles Rams @ Carolina Panthers
- Time: 4:30 PM ET | TV: FOX
- Line: LAR -10 | O/U: 46.5
- Pick: Rams win
Why:
- Rams offense is far more playoff-ready and explosive
- Carolina struggles protecting the QB against elite pass rushes
- Big-game experience heavily favors Los Angeles
Projected Score: Rams 30, Panthers 17
- Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears
- Time: 8:00 PM ET | TV: Prime Video
- Line: GB -1.5 | O/U: 45.5
- Pick: Packers win
Why:
- Green Bay’s QB play is steadier in late-game situations
- Bears defense keeps it close, but turnovers decide it
- Packers have owned key moments in this rivalry
Projected Score: Packers 24, Bears 21
Sunday, January 11, 2026
AFC Wild Card
- Buffalo Bills @ Jacksonville Jaguars
- Time: 1:00 PM ET | TV: CBS
- Line: BUF -1.5 | O/U: 51.5
- Pick: Bills win
Why:
- Buffalo’s offense thrives in shootouts
- Josh Allen’s mobility stresses Jacksonville’s defense
- Jaguars keep pace, but red-zone efficiency favors Buffalo
Projected Score: Bills 31, Jaguars 27
NFC Wild Card
- San Francisco 49ers @ Philadelphia Eagles
- Time: 4:30 PM ET | TV: FOX
- Line: PHI -3.5 | O/U: 46.5
- Pick: Eagles win
Why:
- Philly’s defensive front dominates the trenches
- Home-field advantage matters in a physical matchup
- 49ers keep it tight, but Eagles control time of possession
Projected Score: Eagles 27, 49ers 23
- Los Angeles Chargers @ New England Patriots
- Time: 8:00 PM ET | TV: NBC / Peacock
- Line: NE -3.5 | O/U: 46.5
- Pick: Patriots win
Why:
- New England’s defense forces mistakes
- Chargers’ inconsistency shows up on the road
- Coaching edge leans Patriots in playoff football
Projected Score: Patriots 24, Chargers 20
Monday, January 12, 2026
AFC Wild Card
- Houston Texans @ Pittsburgh Steelers
- Time: 8:15 PM ET | TV: ESPN / ABC
- Line: HOU -3 | O/U: 39.5
- Pick: Texans win
Why:
- Houston’s young offense adds just enough big plays
- Steelers defense keeps it low-scoring
- Texans’ speed on the outside is the difference
Projected Score: Texans 23, Steelers 17