NFL Wild Card Round Schedule: Dates, Times & Matchups
NFL Wild Card Round Schedule: Dates, Times & Matchups
The 2026 NFL Wild Card Round kicks off the postseason with six high-stakes games over Wild Card Weekend — January 10–12, 2026. This round is officially known as NFL Playoff Wild Card Weekend and features the first matchups in the single-elimination bracket that leads to the Super Bowl.
If you’re tracking the NFL Wild Card schedule or planning travel around specific NFL Wild Card game times, this section breaks down the full slate of games, kickoff windows, format, and travel insights.
How the NFL Wild Card Round Works
The Wild Card Round includes 12 playoff teams — six from the AFC and six from the NFC — seeded based on regular-season performance. The top two seeds in each conference receive a first-round bye, while the remaining teams compete across three days of games. Every matchup during this round is win-or-go-home and hosted by the higher seed, setting the stage for dramatic postseason football.
Wild Card Weekend: Matchups, Dates & Times
Below is the complete NFL Wild Card schedule with confirmed matchups and kickoff times:
Saturday, January 10, 2026
- 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, 2026
- 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, 2026
- Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers — 8:00 PM ET (ESPN/ABC/ESPN+)
These matchups deliver a full weekend of playoff action, from rivalry games to nationally televised prime-time slots.
Typical NFL Wild Card Game Times
While the exact kickoff schedule above is specific to 2026, NFL Wild Card game times typically fall into three windows:
- Early Afternoon: ~1:00 PM ET
- Late Afternoon: ~4:30 PM ET
- Prime Time: ~8:00–8:30 PM ET
These time slots are consistent across U.S. and Canadian broadcasts, making it easier for fans to plan travel or viewing parties before the bracket is finalized.
Travel Considerations for Wild Card Weekend Fans
Wild Card Weekend is a prime opportunity to attend playoff football live, but planning is key:
- Matchups and host cities are confirmed late, usually after the final regular-season games.
- Flights and hotel rooms in host cities sell out quickly — especially in NFC and AFC hubs.
- Northern teams may face winter weather conditions, so prepare accordingly.
- Multiple cities hosting games create more travel options and slightly better availability than later rounds.
For fans looking to simplify logistics and lock in tickets plus hotels, consider NFL Playoff travel packages that bundle accommodations with game access:
Wild Card Playoff Packages
How Wild Card Weekend Fits Into the Full 2026 NFL Playoff Schedule
The Wild Card Round launches the postseason and determines the teams advancing to the Divisional Round. For the full 2026 playoff picture — including dates, times, matchups, and Super Bowl info — see our comprehensive 2026 NFL playoff guide.
Why the NFL Wild Card Weekend Matters
The NFL Playoff Wild Card Weekend delivers:
- The most games in a single playoff weekend
- A mix of prime-time and afternoon teams
- Great travel opportunities before the bracket tightens
Whether you’re attending your first playoff game or chasing your team across stadiums, Wild Card Weekend offers high intensity and fan energy unlike any other part of the NFL season.
