The NFL Playoff Bracket 2026: A Wild Card Weekend Update
The NFL playoffs are heating up, and after Saturday's thrilling Wild Card round, the brackets are shifting. Here's a breakdown of the updated picture and schedule, with a focus on the NFC and AFC matchups.
NFC Wild Card: The Battle Continues
- The San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles will clash on Sunday, aiming to secure their spot in the second round alongside the Los Angeles Rams, Chicago Bears, and Seattle Seahawks.
- If the 49ers prevail, the Divisional Round will feature a showdown between the Seahawks and 49ers, with the Bears facing the Rams.
- Should the Eagles advance, the Divisional Round will see the Seahawks and Rams square off, with the Rams as the lowest remaining seed.
NFC Playoff Bracket (as of January 11, 2026):
- No. 1 Seattle Seahawks (BYE)
- No. 5 Los Angeles Rams def. No. 4 Carolina Panthers
- No. 2 Chicago Bears def. No. 7 Green Bay Packers
- No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles vs. No. 6 San Francisco 49ers
AFC Playoff Bracket (as of January 11, 2026):
- No. 1 Denver Broncos (BYE)
- No. 2 New England Patriots vs. No. 7 Los Angeles Chargers
- No. 3 Jacksonville Jaguars vs. No. 6 Buffalo Bills
- No. 4 Pittsburgh Steelers vs. No. 5 Houston Texans
NFC Divisional Round: Potential Matchups
- No. 1 Seattle Seahawks vs. (either) No. 6 San Francisco 49ers or No. 5 Los Angeles Rams
- No. 2 Chicago Bears vs. (either) No. 5 Los Angeles Rams or No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles
Saturday's Highlights:
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Carolina Panthers: The Rams, led by Matthew Stafford, secured a 34-31 victory over the Panthers. A blocked punt set up a short-field touchdown, but Los Angeles responded with a game-winning drive. Stafford's 304 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception were pivotal.
- Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers: Caleb Williams and the Bears emerged victorious with a 31-27 win over the Packers. Chicago's fourth-quarter surge, including a go-ahead touchdown, secured their playoff spot.
Stefanski's Rejuvenation:
Head coach Stefanski expressed renewed energy, emphasizing the team's resilience and determination to advance in the playoffs. The team's performance on Saturday showcased their ability to overcome challenges and stay focused throughout the game.
Stay tuned as the NFL playoffs unfold, with more thrilling matchups and unexpected twists on the horizon!
