NFL Playoff Schedule – Dates, Times, Matchups & Super Bowl Information

The NFL Playoffs are the most anticipated stretch of the football season, bringing together the league’s best teams in a single-elimination race to the Super Bowl. For fans in the United States and Canada, playoff football also represents the peak season for sports travel, with iconic stadiums, electric atmospheres, and limited ticket availability.

This guide breaks down the full NFL Playoff schedule, including dates, kickoff times, matchup structure, and Super Bowl details. Whether you are following your team’s postseason run or planning to attend a game in person, this page is designed to be your complete reference point.
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When Do the 2026 NFL Playoffs Start?

The 2026 NFL Playoffs begin on:

• Wild Card Weekend: Saturday, January 10 – Monday, January 12, 2026

There are 14 postseason teams (seven from each conference) competing for a spot in the Super Bowl, with the top two seeds in each conference earning a first-round bye.

2026 NFL Playoff Format in a Nutshell

The NFL postseason is a single-elimination bracket with four rounds:

1. Wild Card Round
2. Divisional Round
3. Conference Championships
4. Super Bowl LX

The top seed in each conference receives a bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Wild Card Weekend – January 10–12, 2026

The excitement kicks off with five key matchups over three days:

Saturday, January 10

• Los Angeles Rams at Carolina Panthers – 4:30 PM ET (FOX/FOX One)
• Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears – 8:00 PM ET (Prime Video)

Sunday, January 11

• Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars – 1:00 PM ET (CBS/Paramount+)
• San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles – 4:30 PM ET (FOX/FOX One)
• Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots – 8:00 PM ET (NBC/Peacock)

Monday, January 12

• Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers – 8:00 PM ET (ESPN/ABC/ESPN+)

These games mark the opening round of NFL postseason play and set the tone for intense competition and travel demand.
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Explore our NFL Playoff Travel Packages to secure tickets + hotel for Wild Card Weekend.

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Divisional Round – January 17–18, 2026

The winners from Wild Card Weekend meet the top seeds in the Divisional Round.

Divisional Round Schedule

• Saturday, January 17: Two matchups (times and TV networks TBD)
• Sunday, January 18: Two matchups (times and TV networks TBD)

Exact kickoff times and host locations will be finalized once Wild Card winners are determined. Postseason reseeding ensures the highest seed plays the lowest remaining seed, maximizing competitive balance.

Travel insight: The Divisional Round often becomes the most sought-after travel window due to higher quality games and limited dates.

Learn more about NFL Playoff Travel Packages for Divisional Weekend.

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Conference Championship Games – January 25, 2026

The final step before the Super Bowl features two pivotal matchups:

• AFC Championship Game – 3:00 PM ET (CBS/Paramount+)
• NFC Championship Game – 6:30 PM ET (FOX)

These games determine the two teams that will compete in Super Bowl LX. Both championships draw massive national TV audiences and are often hosted in cities with the deepest traveling fan bases.

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Travel tip: Championship weekend hotels and flights book out fast. Explore travel packages early.

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Super Bowl LX – February 8, 2026

The culmination of the 2025-26 NFL season:

• Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
• Kickoff: 6:30 PM ET
• Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California
• Broadcast: NBC / Peacock Paramount++1

Super Bowl LX promises championship drama along with the halftime show and fan festivities, making it one of the most memorable annual sports events.

Book your Super Bowl Travel Package now.
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TV & Streaming Guide for the 2026 Playoffs

NFL playoff games are spread across major broadcasters and streaming platforms to maximize accessibility:

• Wild Card: FOX, CBS, NBC, Prime Video, ESPN/ABC (coverage varies by game)
• Divisional Round: Major networks TBD post-Wild Card
• Conference Championships: CBS/FOX
• Super Bowl: NBC / Peacock

Planning ahead ensures you don’t miss any games, whether you’re watching from home or following your team on the road.
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NFL Playoff Schedule Summary (At a Glance)

RoundDatesKickoff Times
‍Wild Card Weekend: Jan 10–12, 2026
1:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET

‍Divisional Round: Jan 17–18, 2026
TBD

‍Conference Championships: Jan 25, 2026
3:00 PM / 6:30 PM ET

‍Super Bowl LX: Feb 8, 2026 (Levi Stadium)
6:30 PM ET

Use this table to bookmark and share the key playoff dates with friends and fellow fans.
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Travel Tips for U.S. & Canadian Fans

NFL playoff games, especially the Super Bowl, are high-demand travel events. Here’s how to plan smart:

Book Early

Game matchups aren’t finalized until after the Wild Card round, but flights and hotels sell out fast once they are.

Cross-Border Travel

Canadian fans should:

• Ensure valid passports
• Consider refundable reservations due to uncertain matchups
• Account for winter travel weather

Travel Packages Simplify Planning

Choosing a travel package with flights, tickets + hotel locks in your spot and often saves money compared to booking separately.

• NFL Playoff Packages

Why Elite Sports Tours for NFL Playoff Travel?

Elite Sports Tours specializes in curated travel packages that bundle:

• Game tickets
• Hotel accommodations
• VIP support and planning

We serve both U.S. and Canadian fans, offering transparent pricing and seamless booking for every round of the playoffs.

Whether you’re heading to a Wild Card game or experiencing Super Bowl LX, consider booking with us to guarantee your seat and simplify logistics.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When do the NFL playoffs start in 2026?
The 2026 NFL Playoffs begin with Wild Card Weekend on January 10–12, 2026.

What are the key dates for the NFL playoffs?
Wild Card: Jan 10–12 | Divisional: Jan 17–18 | Conference Championships: Jan 25 | Super Bowl LX: Feb 8, 2026.

Where is Super Bowl LX played?
At Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

How many teams make the NFL playoffs?
14 teams total — seven from each conference.

Can Canadians attend NFL playoff games?
Yes, Canadian fans regularly travel to playoff games: just plan early.

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The 2026 NFL Playoffs are shaping up to be unforgettable. From Wild Card weekend through Super Bowl LX, there’s no shortage of high-stakes football action and travel opportunities for fans from both countries.

Get ahead of the rush! Explore our NFL Playoff travel packages and secure your spot at the biggest games of the season.