We had a wild wildcard weekend that featured multiple close games, one crazy comeback, multiple wild 4th quarters, a few upsets, and we still have one game to go!
The Los Angeles Rams avoided a huge upset to the Panthers on Saturday to open the playoffs, thanks in large part to quarterback Matthew Stafford, who led a game-winning drive. Following that, we had an instant classic between the two NFC North rivals. The Packers led the Bears 21-3 at one point, but a 25-point 4th quarter and a second-half collapse by the Packers led to a shocking comeback and a Bears victory.
On Sunday, Josh Allen and the Bills faced the small-market Jags in Duval and knocked off everyone’s favorite Cinderella in the AFC. A Trevor Lawrence INT on the final drive would clinch the game for the Bills. Following that, we had the banged-up 49ers upsetting the defending champion Eagles, who could be nearing an implosion this offseason. The nightcap between the Patriots and Chargers was a field goal fest throughout most of the game, but a late Maye touchdown was the nail in the coffin.
The remaining game will be on Monday Night when the Houston Texans take on the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Updated 2026 AFC playoff bracket
1 Denver Broncos vs. 6. Buffalo Bills
2. New England Patriots vs. 5 Houston Texans/Pittsburgh Steelers
Wild Card results
Los Angeles Rams 34 – Carolina Panthers 31
This was a back-and-forth game that saw multiple lead changes in the 4th quarter, and despite a strong push by the underdog Panthers, MVP frontrunner Matthew Stafford led the Rams to victory. Stafford did hit his hand off a defender during this game, which seemed to impact his play, so that will be something to monitor moving forward.
Chicago Bears 31 – Green Bay Packers 27
The Packers dominated the first half of this game and looked to be on their way to an easy victory over their hated divisional rivals. However, a second half full of blunders and bad play by the Packers, combined with a 25-point 4th quarter comeback by the Bears, led to a shocking loss for the Packers and a Bears victory. Bears fans and players broke out the Cheese graters and were celebrating in Soldier Field on Saturday Night.
Buffalo Bills 27 – Jacksonville Jaguars 24
In another close game, the Buffalo Bills went on the road and defeated a hot Jacksonville Jaguars squad that many expected to make some noise in the playoffs. The Bills and Josh Allen are banged up, but they did enough to beat a good Jaguars team, and their hunt for the Super Bowl continues. Meanwhile, the Jags’ hopes were dashed on a final drive interception by quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The small-market Jags will have all offseason to think about this one.
San Francisco 49ers 23 – Philadelphia Eagles 19
Despite being very banged up and losing star tight end George Kittle to an achilles injury during the game, Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers squad continues to find ways to win. Will it continue? I have my doubts, but they have been defying these odds all season. Meanwhile, defending champs are one and done and will have some big questions to figure out this offseason.
New England Patriots 16 – Los Angeles Chargers 3
This was a field goal fest throughout most of the game, but a late Drake Maye touchdown made it a two-score game, and the Chargers could never find their footing. Justin Herbert was under pressure all game, and they played typical Chargers playoff football in this one. The 2 seed Patriots advance and will face the winners of the Texans and Steelers on Monday Night in the Divisional Round.
Divisional Round bracket
AFC
1 Denver Broncos vs. 6. Buffalo Bills
2. New England Patriots vs. 5 Houston Texans/Pittsburgh Steelers
NFC
1 Seattle Seahawks vs. 6 San Francisco 49ers
