NFL Playoffs Kick Off: Wild Card Round Preview

As the 2025 NFL regular season wraps up, the 2026 playoffs are set with exciting matchups ahead. The Denver Broncos (AFC No. 1) and Seattle Seahawks (NFC No. 1) earned first-round byes after strong finishes. The Philadelphia Eagles locked in the NFC No. 3 seed despite their Week 18 loss to the Commanders, setting up a high-stakes rematch with the San Francisco 49ers.

NFC Playoff Seeds & Wild Card Matchups

• No. 1 Seattle Seahawks (14-3, NFC West champions) – Bye
• No. 2 Chicago Bears (11-6, NFC North champions) – Host No. 7 Green Bay Packers
• No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles (11-6, NFC East champions) – Host No. 6 San Francisco 49ers
• No. 4 Carolina Panthers (NFC South champions) – Host No. 5 Los Angeles Rams

The Eagles-49ers clash revives memories of their intense 2023 NFC Championship showdown. Philly fans are buzzing as Jalen Hurts and the starters return after resting in Week 18.

AFC Playoff Seeds & Wild Card Matchups

• No. 1 Denver Broncos (14-3, AFC West champions) – Bye
• No. 2 New England Patriots – Host No. 7 Los Angeles Chargers
• No. 3 Jacksonville Jaguars – Host No. 6 Buffalo Bills
• No. 4 AFC North winner (Pittsburgh Steelers or Baltimore Ravens, decided in final game) – Host No. 5 Houston Texans

Wild Card Round Schedule

The full times and TV details will be announced soon (typically during or after the final regular-season game). Games start Saturday, January 10, 2026, with:

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