January 9th, 2026
By Stephen Juza
After a wild Week 18, the NFL playoffs are set. While the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos will be able to rest after earning their respective conferences’ bye week, today we highlight the playoff picture in the NFC. The playoffs kick off on Saturday, January 10th.
#2 Chicago Bears versus #7 Green Bay Packers - January 10th
Arguably the biggest surprise in the NFC was the rapid turnaround by the Chicago Bears this season. New head coach Ben Johnson has done a masterful job of turning around the Bears, and he has Caleb Williams looking like the talent the Bears hoped he would be when they drafted him first overall last year. Johnson was the top head coaching choice for many teams during last year’s coaching search, and he has already proven his worth. He has delivered the first division title to Chicago since 2018 and has Bears fans hungry for more.
Their opponent will be their division rival, the Green Bay Packers. The Packers are entering amidst a four game losing streak, and they have been very streaking all season long. They have had win streaks of 2 games, 3 games, and 4 games. The teams split the season series, with the home team winning a one-score game both times. While the weather on Saturday is expected to be cold and snowy (or rainy if it’s warm enough), both teams have ample experience in the precipitous conditions.
The winner will advance to play the winner of the Eagles versus the 49ers.
#3 Philadelphia Eagles versus #6 San Francisco 49ers - January 11th
The Philadelphia Eagles won the NFC East for the third time in the last four seasons after an 11-5 season. Throughout the up-and-down season for the Eagles, the offense undoubtedly frustrated Eagles fans with some questionable play calling, who at times seemed to forget that they had Saquon Barkley in the backfield. Despite this, they are entering the playoffs as the NFC’s #3 seed and will face the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
The 49ers are coming off a heartbreaking turn of events. On Saturday, they were playing for the opportunity to be the #1 seed with home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Instead, after falling to the Seahawks 13-3, the team will have to go on the road and face the Eagles. The teams did not face off against each other in the regular season, but the 49ers fared well on the road with a 7-2 record.
The winner will advance to play the winner of the Bears versus the Packers.
#4 Carolina Panthers versus #5 Los Angeles Rams - January 10th
The NFC South champion Carolina Panthers will host the [Team] after clinching the division after the Falcons beat the Saints on Sunday. The Panthers won the three-way tie for the divisional lead to enter the playoffs with a 8-9 record, the second time in the last four years that the NFC South champion has entered the playoffs with a sub-.500 record. Not only this, they are backing into the playoffs after losing their last two games, and three of their last four. Only two of their victories came against fellow playoff opponents this season, and while Panthers fans may be rejoicing their season continuing, they could be overmatched by the Los Angeles Rams.
The Rams are entering the playoffs with a 12-5 record with MVP favorite Matthew Stafford at quarterback. Stafford has had by far his best season of his career. In his 17th season, he threw for career highs in touchdowns, tied his career low in interceptions (for a full season), and had his fourth most passing yards. His 46 passing touchdowns led the league and he will be excited to go up against the mid-ranked Panthers defense.
The winner will advance to play the Seahawks next week.