The road to Super Bowl 60 begins today. The NFL Wild Card Weekend 2026 slate kicks off with a blockbuster double-header that features a battle of generations in Carolina and the latest chapter of the league's oldest rivalry in Chicago. As the playoffs get underway this Saturday, January 10, all eyes are on Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara—the final destination for two of the 14 teams entering the postseason tournament today.
Rams at Panthers: MVP Frontrunner Stafford Visits Bryce Young
In perhaps the most intriguing matchup of the opening round, the Los Angeles Rams travel to Bank of America Stadium to face the NFC South champion Carolina Panthers. This game offers a stark contrast in quarterback timelines: Matthew Stafford, the 37-year-old veteran coming off a historic MVP-caliber season, faces Bryce Young, who has successfully silenced critics by leading Carolina to its first home playoff game of the decade.
For the Rams, the 2025 season has been a masterclass in offensive efficiency. Stafford finished the regular season with a league-leading 46 touchdown passes, cementing his status as a finalist for his first MVP award. His connection with Puka Nacua has remained lethal, with the third-year receiver shattering franchise records yet again. However, the Rams enter as a road team despite their explosive offense, a quirk of the seeding that makes this Rams vs Panthers prediction difficult for oddsmakers, who have installed Los Angeles as slight 2.5-point favorites.
Matthew Stafford Injury Update: Rams QB Cleared
One shadow hanging over the Rams' preparation this week was the status of their captain. Following a scare in the Week 18 finale where he was seen favoring his throwing shoulder, fans have been anxiously searching for a Matthew Stafford injury update. The good news for Los Angeles is that Stafford was a full participant in Thursday's practice and carries no injury designation heading into today's game. Head coach Sean McVay confirmed that Stafford is "100 percent ready to go," dismissing concerns that the veteran's arm fatigue would be a factor in the cold Charlotte weather.
Packers at Bears: A Historic Rivalry Renewed
The nightcap features the Packers vs Bears playoffs showdown at Soldier Field, a matchup that seemingly writes its own headlines. Chicago, led by second-year sensation Caleb Williams, captured the NFC North crown for the first time since 2018, securing the home-field advantage. Williams has been electric, throwing for over 4,000 yards and utilizing his mobility to transform the Bears' offense into a juggernaut.
Green Bay enters as the underdog wild card, but history—and playoff experience—is on their side. While Chicago swept the regular-season series, playoff football is a different animal. The Bears' defense, which led the league in takeaways, will need to force mistakes from the Packers' attack to advance. The atmosphere in Chicago is expected to be deafening as the city hosts its first playoff game of the Williams era.
NFL Playoff Bracket 2026: The Path to Santa Clara
The NFL playoff bracket 2026 is notably wide open this year. In the AFC, the Chiefs and Ravens enjoy their bye weeks, while the NFC field feels like anyone's game. A win for the Rams would likely send them to Detroit or Philadelphia in the Divisional Round, depending on tomorrow's results. Meanwhile, a Bears victory would bolster their case as a legitimate NFC contender.
Current Super Bowl 60 odds have shifted dramatically over the last month. The Rams have surged to +850, trailing only the Chiefs (+500) and Lions (+600). The Panthers and Bears remain value picks at +1800 and +1400 respectively, reflecting the skepticism that still surrounds their young quarterbacks despite stellar regular seasons. As kickoff approaches, the only certainty is that two fanbases will have their Super Bowl dreams dashed by midnight.
