Welcome to the 2025-26 NFL Playoffs! It truly feels like the season started yesterday, but here we are starting the fight for Super Bowl 60. The playoffs this year are without a very familiar face, with the Chiefs missing out on continuing their legendary run over the last decade. This means the playoffs are wide open, with several teams (if not all) having a legit chance at raising the Lombardi trophy in Santa Clara. This weekend features the Wild Card matchups, with the Broncos and Seahawks getting some extra rest after earning the #1 seed in their respective conferences. Let’s jump into it!
PICKS (173-99 Overall)
Los Angeles Rams (12-5) @ Carolina Panthers (8-9)
- These two teams played earlier this year, in a game that Matthew Stafford really struggled in. Carolina picked up a shocking win, but unfortunately, I don’t see that happening again in the rematch. The Rams are far more talented than the Panthers, and I wouldn’t be shocked if the Rams win it all this year. I think the Rams win and cover the spread, 34-20.
Green Bay Packers (9-7-1) @ Chicago Bears (11-6)
- Third time’s the charm! These teams split the divisional series this year, with both games ending on the last play of the game. The forecast shows possible snow in Chicago, which is perfect for playoff football. I think the Bears take care of business against their massive rival, silencing a lot of doubters (especially in Green Bay). Bears win in a close one, 24-21.
Buffalo Bills (12-5) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4)
- This game is one of the ones I am most excited about. Both of these teams really turned it on in the final part of the regular season, winning some huge games down the stretch. With Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs out of the playoffs this year, I am really high on the Bills to make a run. However, let’s see if this Jags team has something to say about that. I think the Bills win in an absolute shootout, 40-37.
San Francisco 49ers (12-5) @ Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)
- Another VERY interesting game. The Niners have been on fire lately, but they lost their opportunity at the #1 seed by putting up a poor 3 points against Seattle. The Eagles, however, have had quite an up-and-down year. Their defense has been very good, but the offense has had its struggles over the year. I could definitely see this game going both ways, especially with the game being in Philly. I’ll go out on a limb here, and pick the Niners to get a road win, 27-23.
Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) @ New England Patriots (14-3)
- This game features a Chargers team that has been very banged up all season, especially on the offensive line. Unfortunately for them, the Patriots have a stellar defensive line, and a QB on their offense that has firmly put himself in the MVP conversation. I think the Patriots take care of business, especially in the colder weather at home, and win this game 24-19.
Houston Texans (12-5) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
- What a game on Sunday Night between the Ravens and Steelers! As a Steelers fan, I was SHOCKED when the Ravens missed a kick to send them to the playoffs. Aaron Rodgers looked like he turned back the clock a bit, and I’m hoping he does the same at home on Monday Night. The Steelers are famously very good at home on Monday Night Football, so we’ll see if they can beat this STELLAR Texans defense. I am going to ride with them in the upset, 30-28.
I hope everybody enjoys this weekend! I’ll be back next week for Divisional Weekend.