NFL Schedule 2026 : The NFL schedule for the 2026 playoffs begins with Wild Card Weekend on January 10, launching the league’s high-stakes postseason. Fans across the globe are tuning in as underdogs and top contenders battle for spots in Super Bowl LX. The NFL schedule features intense matchups, with top seeds such as the Broncos and Seahawks earning first-round byes.
Wild Card Weekend Breakdown
Wild Card games run from Saturday through Monday, delivering six contests across the NFC and AFC. The action opens with the Rams visiting the Panthers in Charlotte, followed by Packers at Bears. Sunday features Bills at Jaguars, 49ers at Eagles, and Chargers at Patriots, before the Texans travel to face the Steelers on Monday night.
Key storylines include the Panthers returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2017, hosting as the No. 4 seed against the No. 5 Rams. The Bears meet longtime rivals Packers in a cold-weather showdown at Soldier Field. In the AFC, the Jaguars host the Bills, testing Buffalo after losing the AFC East to the Patriots.
Full NFL Schedule Table
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV / Stream | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, Jan 10 | Rams at Panthers (NFC WC) | 4:30 PM | FOX | Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte |
| Sat, Jan 10 | Packers at Bears (NFC WC) | 8:00 PM | Prime Video | Soldier Field, Chicago |
| Sun, Jan 11 | Bills at Jaguars (AFC WC) | 1:00 PM | CBS / Paramount+ | EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville |
| Sun, Jan 11 | 49ers at Eagles (NFC WC) | 4:30 PM | FOX | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia |
| Sun, Jan 11 | Chargers at Patriots (AFC WC) | 8:00 PM | NBC / Peacock | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough |
| Mon, Jan 12 | Texans at Steelers (AFC WC) | 8:15 PM | ESPN / ABC | Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh |
| Sat/Sun, Jan 17–18 | Divisional Round | TBA | TBA | Various |
| Sun, Jan 25 | AFC Championship | 3:00 PM | CBS / Paramount+ | TBA |
| Sun, Jan 25 | NFC Championship | 6:30 PM | FOX | TBA |
| Sun, Feb 8 | Super Bowl LX | 6:30 PM | NBC / Peacock | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara |
This table outlines every major playoff date, kickoff time, and broadcast platform.
Key Matchup Previews
Rams at Panthers leads the Wild Card slate, with Los Angeles holding a 74.9% win probability per FPI against Carolina’s home-field advantage. Packers at Bears renews the league’s oldest rivalry, with Green Bay challenging Chicago’s No. 2 seed status.
Bills at Jaguars sets up a high-tempo matchup in Jacksonville, while Eagles host the 49ers in a potential postseason rematch. Chargers at Patriots highlights contrasting styles, and Texans at Steelers closes the weekend with Pittsburgh’s traditional home-field edge.
These NFL schedule games showcase a blend of postseason newcomers and veteran leadership.
Path to Super Bowl Glory
No. 1 seeds Broncos and Seahawks receive byes and will host divisional games on January 17–18. Winners advance to Championship Sunday on January 25, determining the AFC and NFC champions. The season concludes with Super Bowl LX on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium, broadcast nationally on NBC.
Regular Season Context
The 2026 NFL regular season ran from September 10 through January 10, producing 272 games and setting the stage for this postseason. Schedule releases earlier in the year generated record interest, contributing to strong national viewership throughout the season.
NFL Schedule 2026: Viewing and Fan Tips
Fans can stream every playoff game via Paramount+, Peacock, Prime Video, and other major platforms. International viewers, including those in India, can expect early-morning kickoffs. Official NFL apps provide real-time updates and live tracking throughout the postseason.
The 2026 NFL schedule delivers continuous postseason drama—from Wild Card Weekend through Super Bowl Sunday—setting the stage for one of the league’s most compelling playoff runs.
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