Get ready for the ultimate NFL showdown—the 2026 playoff schedule is locked in, and it’s packed with rivalries, upsets, and high-stakes drama you won’t want to miss! But here’s where it gets controversial: With just one playoff spot left, the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers are locked in a battle that could redefine the AFC North. Who will clinch it? And is this the year an underdog steals the spotlight?**
As the NFL regular season wraps up, the stage is set for a postseason that promises fireworks. The Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos have already secured the top seeds in the NFC and AFC, respectively, earning a well-deserved week off. Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers clinched the NFC South for the first time in a decade, thanks to Atlanta’s upset win over New Orleans—a moment that left fans cheering and critics questioning their preseason predictions.
And this is the part most people miss: The wild card round is where the real drama begins. One of the most anticipated matchups pits NFC North rivals Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers against each other. Their regular-season clashes were thrillers—a 28-21 Packers win followed by a Bears overtime victory that left fans on the edge of their seats. Will the third time be the charm for either team? Or will history repeat itself in unexpected ways?
Elsewhere, Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills face a red-hot Jacksonville Jaguars team led by a revitalized Trevor Lawrence, who’s riding an eight-game winning streak. Can Buffalo’s defense stop Jacksonville’s momentum? Bold prediction: This game could be the sleeper hit of the playoffs.
The Carolina Panthers, despite sneaking into the playoffs with an 8-9 record, face the Los Angeles Rams in a David-vs-Goliath matchup. But don’t count Carolina out—they pulled off an upset win against the Rams earlier this season. Could lightning strike twice?
Reigning Super Bowl champions Philadelphia Eagles host the San Francisco 49ers in a game that could make or break their back-to-back title dreams. And Justin Herbert, leading a banged-up Los Angeles Chargers offense, heads to New England to face the Patriots and MVP favorite Drake Maye. Thought-provoking question: Can Herbert’s talent overcome his team’s injuries, or will the Patriots’ defense prove too much to handle?
The Houston Texans are set to face either the Ravens or Steelers in the wild card round, adding another layer of intrigue to the postseason. Here’s the full playoff schedule (AEDT):
Wild Card Round
- Sunday, January 11: No.5 Los Angeles Rams at No.4 Carolina (8:30am), No.7 Green Bay at No.2 Chicago (12pm)
- Monday, January 12: No.6 Buffalo at No.3 Jacksonville (5am), No.6 San Francisco at No.3 Philadelphia (8:30am), No.7 Los Angeles Chargers at No.2 New England (12pm)
- Tuesday, January 13: No.5 Houston at No.4 Pittsburgh/Baltimore (12pm)
Divisional Round: January 18-19 (hosted by No.1 seeds Seattle and Denver)
Conference Championships: Monday, January 26
Super Bowl LVII: Monday, February 9 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California
Standings Snapshot
AFC: Denver Broncos (15-2) lead the pack, while the Baltimore Ravens (8-8) are still in the hunt. NFC: Seattle Seahawks (14-3) dominate, with the Carolina Panthers (8-9) clinching their division despite a losing record. Controversial take: Does a team with a losing record deserve a playoff spot? Sound off in the comments!
Don’t miss a single moment—watch every game LIVE on ESPN via Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. Sign up here. And while you’re at it, check out the 2026 NFL Draft order to see who’s picking where. Full draft details here.
This postseason is shaping up to be one for the ages. Who’s your pick to lift the Lombardi Trophy? Let the debates begin!
