The NFL playoffs always bring pressure, but Wild Card Weekend in the 2026 postseason feels heavier than usual. Several head coaches are coaching with more than a season on the line, quarterback questions loom over multiple contenders, and momentum matters more than reputation. From Buffalo trying to quiet outside noise against a surging Jacksonville team to Pittsburgh defending its division crown on Monday night, every matchup carries consequences that stretch far beyond this weekend. Here are my picks and predictions for a Wild Card slate where close games, coaching narratives, and late-game execution will decide who moves on.
Bills vs. Jaguars: Reports suggest that more openings could be added to the current list of available NFL head coaching jobs. One name that has been mentioned is Bills head coach Sean McDermott. If a loss happens this Sunday against the red-hot Jaguars, McDermott could be shown the door by Monday. McDermott survives for another week.
Bills 27, Jaguars 24
Packers vs. Bears: Saturday’s playoff matchup between the Packers and the Bears marks the third time the historic rivalry will be played this season. Both regular-season games had exciting finishes. Will the third contest have the same ending as the first two? It’s possible, but I don’t see the current version of Green Bay beating Chicago this Saturday. If Micah Parsons were playing, I may have sided with Green Bay.
Bears 31, Packers 27
Chargers vs. Patriots: Head coaches Jim Harbaugh and Mike Vrabel have the Los Angeles Chargers and the New England Patriots headed in the right direction, having only been with the two teams for a combined three seasons. I’m picking the Patriots to win this one at home. The Chargers are just too injured in key positions to be competitive against New England.
Patriots 34, Chargers 21
Rams vs. Panthers: The Carolina Panthers earned my award for the most up-and-down team in the NFL this season. The last time they hosted the Los Angeles Rams at home, they were up. In the wild card round rematch on Saturday, I expect them to be down. The Rams get their revenge despite the flaws exposed in the secondary.
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Rams 28, Panthers 20
Texans vs. Steelers: Mike Tomlin is another name that could be added to the list of recent unemployed NFL head coaches if the Steelers happen to lose this Monday. After winning last week’s season finale against the Baltimore Ravens to win the division, Pittsburgh will now host a Houston Texans squad that has the league’s best defense. I’m going to buy into the narrative that Mike Tomlin is effective on Monday nights as a reason why the Steelers will defeat the Texans. Tomlin has a 22-3 record when the Steelers play opponents on Monday night. Included in those 22 wins is an 11-0 home record.
Steeler 24, Texans 21
49ers vs. Eagles: Honestly, this is a matchup that could go either way. Both teams closed out the regular season playing well. The Eagles’ offense doesn’t resemble last year’s version that contributed to their Super Bowl win, but they’ll have enough juice to send the Niners home this Sunday. The loss of Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, along with a few other key personnel, has really shown in San Francisco’s recent games.
49ers 17, Eagles 27
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