Get ready for playoff football! The 2026 NFL postseason bracket is almost set, and a clash between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers will determine the final team to make the cut. This rivalry game is more than just a match; it's a battle for a coveted playoff spot, promising high stakes and intense competition.
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Before we dive into the playoff picture, let's quickly glance at the upcoming draft. The draft order is starting to take shape, and fans are already speculating about who their teams will pick. (DRAFT ORDER: Who is picking where in the first round?)
Week 18: Setting the Stage
The regular season is wrapping up, and we already know some key playoff details. The Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos have secured the top seeds in the NFC and AFC, respectively, earning themselves a valuable week off to rest and strategize. The Carolina Panthers also clinched the NFC South title for the first time in a decade after Atlanta defeated New Orleans. It's been a season of surprises and triumphs!
While the AFC North crown is still up for grabs, the rest of the NFL postseason bracket is solidifying. Expect some incredible matchups.
Wild Card Round: Games to Watch
One of the most anticipated wild card games features a heated NFC North rivalry: the Chicago Bears versus the Green Bay Packers. Their regular-season matchups were absolute classics. The Packers edged out a 28-21 victory in their first encounter, but the Bears fought back in the second game, forcing overtime and snatching a thrilling 22-16 win. Expect another down-to-the-wire battle between these division rivals.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some analysts argue that the Bears' late-season surge makes them the favorites, while others believe the Packers' experience will give them an edge in the playoffs. Who do you think will win this grudge match?
Elsewhere in the Wild Card round, Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills will travel to Jacksonville to face a revitalized Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars, who are riding an impressive eight-game winning streak. Can the Bills contain Lawrence's passing attack, or will the Jaguars continue their dominant run?
The Carolina Panthers, despite barely making the playoffs, will be significant underdogs against the Los Angeles Rams. However, Carolina can draw confidence from a previous upset victory against the NFC West heavyweights. Don't count them out just yet!
And this is the part most people miss... While the Rams are favored, the Panthers' aggressive defense could disrupt their offensive rhythm. Could we see another surprise from Carolina?
Meanwhile, the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles face a tough challenge as they host the San Francisco 49ers, who are hungry for a return to the championship game. Will the Eagles' experience prevail, or will the 49ers' explosive offense prove too much to handle?
Justin Herbert will need to deliver a career-defining performance while playing behind a depleted L.A. offensive line when he travels to New England to take on the Patriots, one of the season's biggest surprises, led by MVP front-runner Drake Maye. Can Herbert overcome the Patriots' stifling defense, or will Maye continue his stellar play?
The Houston Texans have also locked in a wild card spot and will face either the Ravens or Steelers, depending on the outcome of their final regular-season game. The Texans are a dangerous team, but they'll face a tough test against either of these AFC North powerhouses.
Full Playoff Schedule (AEDT)
Here's the complete playoff schedule for the 2025-26 season, including every wild card round matchup:
Wild Card Round
- Sunday, January 11
- No. 5 Los Angeles Rams at No. 4 Carolina Panthers @ 8:30 AM
- No. 7 Green Bay Packers at No. 2 Chicago Bears @ 12:00 PM
- Monday, January 12
- No. 6 Buffalo Bills at No. 3 Jacksonville Jaguars @ 5:00 AM
- No. 6 San Francisco 49ers at No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles @ 8:30 AM
- No. 7 Los Angeles Chargers at No. 2 New England Patriots @ 12:00 PM
- Tuesday, January 13
- No. 5 Houston Texans at No. 4 Pittsburgh Steelers/Baltimore Ravens @ 12:00 PM
Divisional Round
- Sunday, January 18 to Monday, January 19
- No. 1 Seattle Seahawks and No. 1 Denver Broncos will host games.
Conference Championships
- Monday, January 26
Super Bowl LVII
- Monday, February 9, Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California
AFC Standings (As They Stand)
- Denver Broncos (15-2) [West] - z
- New England Patriots (14-3) [East] - y
- Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4) [South] - y
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) [North]
- Houston Texans (12-5) [South] - x
- Buffalo Bills (12-5) [East] - x
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) [West] - x
In the hunt: Baltimore Ravens (8-8)
Eliminated: Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders.
z = clinched No. 1 seed, y = clinched division, x = clinched playoffs
NFC Standings (As They Stand)
- Seattle Seahawks (14-3) [West] - z
- Chicago Bears (11-5) [North] - y
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) [East] - y
- Carolina Panthers (8-9) [South] - y
- Los Angeles Rams (12-5) [West] - x
- San Francisco 49ers (12-5) [West] - x
- Green Bay Packers (9-7-1) [North] - x
Eliminated: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Washington Commanders, Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants
z = clinched No. 1 seed, y = clinched division, x = clinched playoffs
So, who are your picks for the Wild Card round? Which underdogs do you think will pull off an upset? And who will ultimately hoist the Lombardi Trophy? Share your predictions and hot takes in the comments below! Let's get the conversation started!
