The NFL Wild Card schedule 2026 is officially set, marking the start of a postseason that promises to be as unpredictable as the regular season finale. After a dramatic Week 18 that saw the Pittsburgh Steelers knock out the Baltimore Ravens to clinch the AFC North, the stage is set for a high-stakes kickoff to the playoffs. While fans are still buzzing about the Steelers vs Ravens odds that defined the division title game, all eyes now turn to the NFL playoff bracket and the six marquee matchups that will determine who advances toward Super Bowl LX.

NFL Wild Card Weekend 2026 Schedule & Matchups

The NFL postseason start date is Saturday, January 10, 2026, kicking off a three-day slate of action. The league has confirmed the following kickoff times and broadcast details for the opening round:

Saturday, January 10

  • NFC: No. 5 Los Angeles Rams at No. 4 Carolina Panthers (4:30 p.m. ET, FOX)
  • NFC: No. 7 Green Bay Packers at No. 2 Chicago Bears (8:00 p.m. ET, Prime Video)

Sunday, January 11

  • AFC: No. 6 Buffalo Bills at No. 3 Jacksonville Jaguars (1:00 p.m. ET, CBS)
  • NFC: No. 6 San Francisco 49ers at No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles (4:30 p.m. ET, FOX)
  • AFC: No. 7 Los Angeles Chargers at No. 2 New England Patriots (8:15 p.m. ET, NBC)

Monday, January 12

  • AFC: No. 5 Houston Texans at No. 4 Pittsburgh Steelers (8:00 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC)

Steelers Host Texans After Eliminating Ravens

While many predicted a Steelers vs Ravens odds showdown in the playoffs, that rivalry clash came a week early. In a "win-and-in" scenario during Week 18, Pittsburgh secured a thrilling 26-24 victory, eliminating Baltimore from contention. That loss sparked a massive Baltimore Ravens coaching shakeup, with the team parting ways with John Harbaugh after 18 seasons.

Now, the Steelers must pivot quickly to face a dangerous Houston Texans squad. Despite being the lower seed, the Texans opened as 2.5-point road favorites at Acrisure Stadium. Pittsburgh will rely on their elite defense, which forced key turnovers against Baltimore, to stifle C.J. Stroud and Houston's high-powered offense. This Monday Night Football finale is expected to be a defensive battle, with the total set at a gritty 39.5 points.

NFL Predictions 2026: Key Storylines to Watch

The NFL predictions 2026 landscape has shifted dramatically with the confirmed bracket. The Denver Broncos (AFC) and Seattle Seahawks (NFC) hold the coveted No. 1 seeds and first-round byes, making them the teams to beat.

One of the most anticipated matchups involves the Green Bay Packers visiting the Chicago Bears. This historic rivalry takes center stage in primetime, with the Bears favored by 1.5 points at Soldier Field. Meanwhile, in the NFC, the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles face a tough test against the San Francisco 49ers in a rematch of last year's conference title game.

Super Bowl 2026 Favorites & Betting Futures

As the postseason begins, the Super Bowl 2026 favorites have crystalized at major sportsbooks. The Seattle Seahawks lead the pack at +420, followed closely by the Los Angeles Rams (+450) and Denver Broncos (+650). The Steelers, despite their division title, remain long shots at +4500, offering massive value for bettors who believe their Week 18 momentum is real.

With the NFL playoff bracket locked in, the road to Levi's Stadium is clear. Whether you're backing a favorite or hunting for an underdog upset like the Steelers or Chargers, Wild Card Weekend offers the first real test of championship mettle.