NFL 2025-2026 Wildcard Prequel
The 2025 NFL regular season is in the history books.
The 2025-2026 NFL Playoffs are set.
AFC: 1) Denver Broncos (14-3) have the bye week off.
NFC: 1) Seattle Seahawks (14-3) have the bye week off.
Saturday, January 10, 2026, 4:30pm
5) Los Angeles Rams (12-5)(-9 1/2) at 4) Carolina Panthers (8-9) — The Panthers staggered into the playoffs. Although the Panthers beat the Rams in Week 13, the Rams are the better team and everyone knows it. The Rams have a pinball offense that at its best can score at will. Sean McVay remains an offensive wizard and Matthew Stafford is the reigning NFL passing leader. The Rams have the experience and the talent…practically everything…on their side. The Rams sometimes play down to the level of their competition, so a garbage touchdown is possible. Rams win but fail to cover
8pm
7) Green Bay Packers (9-7-1)(-1 1/2) at 2) Chicago Bears (11-6) — The Bears won a ton of games this year where they played like garbage for over three quarters and connected lucky breaks into cardiac wins. Although the Bears swept the season series, the Pacers on paper are better. The Packers dominated the game in Chicago a few weeks ago, leading 16 minutes with 5 minutes left until the Bears worked late magic. This time the Packers will finish the game. The Packers have the experience. The Bears have the rookie coach and the quarterback in his first playoff game. The Bears have plenty of heart, but the oddsmakers favor the Packers because the Bears are unproven. Packers cover
Sunday, January 11, 1pm
6) Buffalo Bills (12-5) (-1 1/2) at 3) Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4) — This is a tough one. The Jaguars came in riding an 8 game wins streak. The Bills did not even win their division, snapping a 5 year stretch of dominance. All the pressure is on the Bills. With Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson out of the playoffs, Sean McDermott and Josh Allen are out of excuses. Trevor Lawrence is resilient. A few years ago he overcame a 27-0 playoff deficit to win 31-30non the final play. The Bills have more weapons on offense and the better defense. The oddsmakers are right on this one. Go with the experienced team. Bills cover
4:30pm
6) San Francisco 49ers (12-5) at 3) Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)(-3 1/2) — The last two NFC Champions face off. Brock Purdy and Jalen Hurts are both solid quarterbacks. Both teams have good defenses. Both teams can run the ball. This could come down to the last play. While cold weather will not shut the 49ers down, the Eagles thrive at home. Champions remain so until they are knocked off. Go with the defending champions and the home crowd. Eagles win but fail to cover
8pm
7) Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) at 2) New England Patriots (14-3)(-3 1/2) — Both teams have excellent coaches and solid quarterbacks. The Patriots have the stronger running game. Both teams have very good defenses. It is hard to bet against Jim Harbaugh, but Mike Vrabe. teams are built just as tough. Forget the lack of playoff experience for the Patirots. Vrabel had playoff games with Tennessee and will have his team prepared. Go with the cold weather and the home crowd. Patriots cover
Monday, January 12, 8pm
5) Houston Texans (12-5)(-3 1/2) at 4) Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) — One missed Baltimore kick separated the Steelers from the offseason. This week their luck runs out. The Texans have the top defense in the conference if not the entire league. CJ Stroud and Aaron Rodgers can both sling it. Yet Rodgers this week will face a buzzsaw. Go with the better defense. Texans win but fail to cover