Wild Card Weekend for the 2026 NFL Playoffs is officially set, with six matchups kicking off the postseason Jan. 10–12. The top seeds — Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos — earned first-round byes, while the rest of the field battles through a slate of evenly matched games. Below, we offer updated predictions, odds context and score forecasts for every Wild Card game to help fans and writers stay ahead of the action.

Read more:

- 2026 NFL Playoffs Full Schedule: Dates, Times, Format, and How to Follow the Postseason in the U.S. and Canada

- Which Teams Are in the 2026 NFL Playoffs: Full List, Seeds, and Bracket Breakdown

2026 NFL Wild Card Predictions: Picks, Odds & Score Forecasts for Every Game
2026 NFL Wild Card odds, bracket picks, score predictions

Rams at Panthers — Saturday Afternoon

Odds: Rams −10.5 (via SportsLine, early lines)
The Los Angeles Rams (12–5) enter as the weekend’s largest favorite, returning to Carolina to face the Panthers (8–9) in a rematch of a Week 13 game. Carolina surprised many with that regular-season win, but statistical models show LA’s offensive firepower and experience as decisive factors.

Pick: Rams cover
Prediction: Rams 28, Panthers 17

Packers vs. Bears — Saturday Night

Odds: Bears +1.5 (preliminary lines)
This classic NFC North rivalry closes Saturday night when the Green Bay Packers travel to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears. Recent meetings were split, and Chicago’s winter weather at home could influence ball control and scoring.

Pick: Bears pull off the home upset
Prediction: Bears 24, Packers 21

Bills at Jaguars — Sunday Afternoon

Odds: Bills −1.5 (via DraftKings early boards)
The Buffalo Bills (12–5) visit the Jacksonville Jaguars (13–4) in what’s shaping up as one of the weekend’s most balanced contests. Both teams finished strong, and Jacksonville’s offense presents a test for Buffalo’s defense. Player matchups like Gabe Davis’s potential impact could tilt momentum.

Pick: Bills sneak a close one
Prediction: Bills 27, Jaguars 24

49ers at Eagles — Sunday Late Afternoon

Odds: Eagles −4.5 (early)
Second-seeded Philadelphia Eagles host the San Francisco 49ers in a marquee NFC battle. San Francisco’s young roster and occasional late-season spark make this a candidate for a tight finish, but Philadelphia’s home crowd and playoff experience give them the edge.

Pick: Eagles hold serve
Prediction: Eagles 26, 49ers 23

Chargers at Patriots — Sunday Night

Odds: Patriots −3.5 (early)
The New England Patriots host the Los Angeles Chargers in a key AFC clash. New England’s balanced attack and red-zone efficiency contrast with the Chargers’ big-play potential, setting up an intriguing tactical matchup.

Pick: Patriots win a defensive battle
Prediction: Patriots 23, Chargers 20

Texans at Steelers — Monday Night Football

Odds: Texans −3.0; O/U 39.5 (via SportsLine/ DraftKings)
Closing out Wild Card Weekend is a Monday night matchup between the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers. Houston’s nine-game winning streak and strong defense make them a slight road favorite, but recent models suggest the Steelers could keep it close.

Pick: Texans win tight
Prediction: Texans 20, Steelers 17

What to Watch This Weekend

Wild Card Weekend is historically unpredictable; upsets and late swings are common in playoff environments. Teams that control turnovers and limit big plays — especially in cold weather — tend to succeed. Check updated injury reports and weather forecasts before kickoff, as lines continue to shift leading up to game day.

For more NFL content, see our 2026 NFL Playoffs schedule and bracket, Wild Card upset candidates, and best bets against the spread to deepen your weekend coverage.