The road to Super Bowl LX begins in earnest this weekend as the NFL's Wild Card round delivers six high-stakes, knockout games. Twelve teams remain in the hunt for the Lombardi Trophy, with dreams of glory at Levi's Stadium on 8 February 2026 driving them forward. While the top-seeded Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos enjoy a bye week, the action promises drama, from a legendary quarterback's potential farewell to a head-to-head clash between the leading MVP candidates.
MVP Frontrunners Clash and Seek Redemption
The spotlight shines brightly on two quarterbacks at the peak of their powers. Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams, the current favourite for the MVP award, leads his team into Carolina to face the Panthers on Saturday, 10 January at 9:30 pm GMT. Stafford seeks redemption after a regular-season loss to the Panthers, a game marred by three turnovers. "I'd like not to throw it to their team," Stafford reflected. A commanding victory as 10.5-point favourites would solidify the Rams' status as serious contenders.
Meanwhile, Drake Maye of the New England Patriots, Stafford's closest rival in the MVP race, prepares for a prime-time duel on Monday, 12 January at 1 am GMT. He faces Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers in a game that could define the beginning of a legendary playoff run for the young star, potentially days before he collects his first MVP honour.
Historic Rivalries and Formidable Offenses
The historic rivalry between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears is renewed on Sunday, 11 January at 1 am GMT, but with a new twist. The Bears, under the formidable combination of quarterback Caleb Williams and coach Ben Johnson, boast one of the league's most potent rushing attacks. Ranking third in yards per carry (4.9) and first downs via rushing (142), they will look to exploit a wounded Packers defence with their ground game.
In the AFC, a compelling quarterback duel awaits in Jacksonville. Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills visit the surging Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, 11 January at 6 pm GMT. The Jaguars, riding an eight-game win streak, have seen quarterback Trevor Lawrence transform into an elite passer under coach Liam Coen, throwing just one interception in his last six games. "I've always had confidence in who I am," Lawrence stated, reflecting on his and his team's remarkable evolution.
Champions Under Pressure and a Legend's Last Hurrah?
The reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, host the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, 11 January at 9:30 pm GMT amidst a season of turbulence. Despite the noise, a home Wild Card game offers a chance to reignite their improbable title defence against a 49ers team battling injuries in its secondary.
Finally, all eyes will be on Pittsburgh for what could be Aaron Rodgers' final stand. The Steelers host the Houston Texans in the early hours of Tuesday, 13 January at 1:15 am GMT. After grinding out a division title, the veteran quarterback now faces the league's top-ranked defence by EPA/play. With receiver DK Metcalf returning from suspension, every snap from the future Hall of Famer becomes must-see television as he aims to orchestrate one more incredible playoff run.
