NFL Wild Card Preview

Last Updated on Janeiro 6, 2026 4:17 pm by Erwin Noguera

The NFL Wild Card round launches with six high-stakes matchups as 12 teams vie for advancement in the 2025-26 playoffs.

The first round presents a clear contrast between styles, contexts, and expectations. While the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos watch from home after securing the best records in the NFC and AFC, respectively, the rest of the qualifiers will have to fight their way through a series of head-to-head matchups, many of them marked by unfinished business, recent rematches, and projects seeking validation in January.

Home-field advantage, experience, and momentum will play crucial roles in the outcome. Some teams are gaining confidence after finishing the season strong, while others struggle with doubts despite their talent. Meanwhile, teams with nothing to lose will look to defy the odds. With this scenario in mind, the wild card round promises excitement from the very first kickoff.

No Troca de Gambila, you can explore all NFL predictions, the final bets for this Matchday, and the odds for each match.

NFL Wild Card Preview: Panthers vs. Rams

The postseason kicks off with the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams facing off in Charlotte, in a matchup that revives a recent clash still fresh in the memory. The Panthers enter this game after clinching the NFC South title, allowing them to open the playoffs in front of their home crowd and in an environment that is often difficult for any visiting team.

Carolina is not coming off the best finish to the season, but its defensive consistency and accumulated wins throughout the year were enough to secure the fourth seed. That solidity will be key against an opponent known for its explosive offense and ability to adjust quickly under the leadership of Sean McVay.

The fifth-seeded Rams are coming in with confidence after a resounding victory over Arizona last week. The Los Angeles team knows that returning to this stadium will not be easy, especially after losing here by three points in late November. Even so, their offense has shown the level necessary to compete in any scenario. It will be only the second postseason matchup between the two franchises and the 25th in their combined history, promising a much more tense duel than the regular-season matchup.

Panthers vs. Rams Betting Pick: Rams

NFL Wild Card Preview: Águias x 49ers

The Philadelphia Eagles begin their championship defense with an immediate and demanding challenge. As the third seed in the NFC, the Pennsylvania team hosts the San Francisco 49ers in a matchup that combines recent playoff experience with an opponent that ended the season on a clear upswing.

The Eagles had an uneven campaign, marked by offensive ups and downs, but they managed to achieve their main goal: qualifying. Their defense held the team together in the most difficult moments, while Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley sought the balance needed to reach January with real options. Lincoln Financial Field will be a key factor, both for the atmosphere and for the support of fans who know what it’s like to play big games.

San Francisco, meanwhile, returned to the postseason after a campaign full of obstacles. Injuries hit hard, especially on the defensive side, but Kyle Shanahan’s work kept them competitive. The return of Brock Purdy changed the face of the attack and brought fluidity to an offense that found its best form in the final stretch. With the Super Bowl scheduled at their own stadium, the 49ers know that this is the first step on a journey they want to prolong.

Eagles vs. 49ers Betting Pick: Águias

NFL Wild Card Preview: Patriots vs. Chargers

The New England Patriots are back in the spotlight in January after a season that changed dramatically. After an uneven start at home, the team went on a dominant streak that led them to win the AFC East and close out the season as one of the strongest teams in the conference.

Consistency was the Patriots’ main virtue. They were able to correct early mistakes, adjust their scheme, and find a clear identity that allowed them to rack up ten consecutive wins in the middle of the season. Although they fell to the Jets in an isolated setback, they reacted strongly to close out the year and secure home-field advantage in this first playoff game.

The Chargers arrive with a different story. Their season was marked by positive streaks and abrupt falls. They were able to compete for much of the year, but the final losses and the decision to rest starters in Week 18 left doubts about their true momentum. Still, the talent is there, and their ability to ignite quickly makes them an uncomfortable opponent if they can find their rhythm from the start.

Patriots vs. Chargers Betting Pick: Patriots

NFL Wild Card Preview: Steelers vs. Texans

The end of the wild card round features a narrative-laden clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans. Both teams clinched their playoff berths at the last gasp of the regular season, but they did so from very different contexts.

Pittsburgh comes in riding high on a dramatic victory over Baltimore that not only secured them a postseason berth but also the AFC North title. The acquisition of Aaron Rodgers redefined the offense after years of instability at the quarterback position. In addition, the timely return of T.J. Watt strengthened a defense that needed leadership at the decisive moment. Key plays in the final minutes and precise execution under pressure defined their qualification.

Houston, on the other hand, closed out the season with an impressive streak. The victory over Indianapolis, their ninth in a row, confirmed the team’s excellent form. C.J. Stroud was once again decisive. Additionally, the coaching staff managed the end of the game intelligently, even resting starters once the win was secured. The offense found solutions when they were most needed, and the defense responded to one of the league’s most productive running backs. Confident and unapologetic, the Texans are convinced they can extend their run in January.

Steelers vs. Texans Betting Pick: Texans