Quick Read
- Four wild card games were decided by four points or fewer, a playoff record.
- Texans won their first road playoff game in franchise history with a dominant defensive performance.
- Bears staged the third-largest fourth-quarter comeback ever to beat the Packers.
- Bills ended a 33-year road playoff drought with a dramatic win over the Jaguars.
- Super Bowl LX will be held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
NFL Playoff Drama Unfolds: Wild Card Round Delivers Record-Breaking Finishes
The NFL postseason always promises drama, but the 2026 wild card round set a new standard for nail-biting finishes and historic performances. Four games were decided by four points or fewer—a record for any playoff round—showcasing the razor-thin margins that define playoff football. Yet, not every game was close. The Houston Texans roared past the Pittsburgh Steelers, notching their first road playoff win in franchise history with a 30–6 defensive masterclass. Their defense, which ranked best in the regular season, proved just as dominant in January: four sacks, two defensive touchdowns, and a suffocating grip that held the Steelers to a meager 175 yards.
Offensive fireworks lit up other matchups. The Los Angeles Rams, led by Matthew Stafford, staged a thrilling 71-yard drive capped with a 19-yard touchdown to Colby Parkinson—just 38 seconds left on the clock. Stafford’s 304-yard, three-touchdown performance was the difference in a 34-31 win over the Carolina Panthers, who nearly pulled off an upset but couldn’t stifle Stafford’s late-game heroics.
In Chicago, the Bears pulled off one of the greatest fourth-quarter comebacks in NFL history. Down by 15 points to their rivals, the Green Bay Packers, the Bears outscored their opponents 25-6 in the final frame. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, showing poise well beyond his years, threw for more yards in the fourth quarter alone (184) than in the entire first three quarters combined. His 25-yard strike to DJ Moore with just under two minutes remaining sealed a 31-27 victory and left the home crowd in disbelief.
AFC and NFC Divisional Matchups: Powerhouses and Underdogs Collide
The divisional round now takes shape with compelling storylines in both conferences. In the AFC, the Denver Broncos, top seed and fresh off a bye, host the Buffalo Bills—who are riding high after their own dramatic road win over the Jaguars. Josh Allen led Buffalo to a 27-24 victory, rushing for the game-winning score with just one minute left. The win marked the Bills’ first playoff triumph away from home in 33 years, a streak snapped in the most pressure-packed of circumstances.
The Texans, fresh from their defensive showcase, travel to New England to face the Patriots. New England’s defense dominated the Chargers, sacking Justin Herbert six times and keeping the end zone out of reach. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye impressed in his first postseason start, passing for 268 yards and rushing for 66 more, as the Patriots punched their ticket to the divisional round for the first time since 2018.
On the NFC side, the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers meet for the third time this season. Seattle is well-rested after a wild-card bye, while the 49ers—still feeling the effects of a hard-fought win over the Eagles—must dig deep for a quick turnaround. The 49ers overcame injuries and adversity, with unlikely heroes stepping up: Demarcus Robinson caught six passes for 111 yards and a score, while Christian McCaffrey sealed the win with a late touchdown. Their resilience will be tested as they face the Seahawks on just five days’ rest.
Meanwhile, the Bears host the Rams in Chicago’s first home divisional-round game in 15 years. Both teams arrive with momentum: the Rams off Stafford’s clutch performance, the Bears with their historic comeback. The city is buzzing, and fans sense an opportunity for a deep playoff run that’s been elusive for more than a decade.
Championship Sunday and Super Bowl LX Loom Large
As the divisional round concludes, eyes turn to Championship Sunday: the AFC and NFC title games set for January 25. The winners will earn a coveted spot in Super Bowl LX, scheduled for February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The path to the championship has already seen favorites tested, underdogs rise, and no shortage of heart-stopping moments. The question now: which team will seize momentum and write their own chapter in NFL history?
Here’s the updated schedule as the playoff race intensifies:
- Divisional Round
Saturday, Jan. 17
– (6) Bills at (1) Broncos, 4:30 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
– (6) 49ers at (1) Seahawks, 8 p.m. ET (Fox; Fubo)
Sunday, Jan. 18
– (5) Texans at (2) Patriots, 3 p.m. ET (ESPN/ABC; Fubo)
– (5) Rams at (2) Bears, 6:30 p.m. ET (NBC) - Championship Sunday
Sunday, Jan. 25
– AFC Championship, 3 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
– NFC Championship, 6:30 p.m. ET (Fox; Fubo) - Super Bowl LX
Sunday, Feb. 8
– AFC champion vs. NFC champion at Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, CA), 6:30 p.m. ET (NBC)
Unpredictability Defines the Road Ahead
The 2026 playoff picture is a testament to the league’s depth and parity. Defensive units have stolen the spotlight, rookie quarterbacks are making history, and veteran leaders are showing why January football is a different beast. Whether it’s the Bills ending a decades-long drought or the Texans rewriting their franchise’s narrative, each team carries its own story and sense of urgency.
The playoffs have already offered everything fans crave: comebacks, clutch drives, stifling defense, and the kind of high-wire tension that makes football America’s favorite drama. With the field narrowing and the stakes rising, the journey to Santa Clara feels wide open. The only certainty? More unforgettable moments await.
As the divisional round approaches, the competitive balance and unpredictability of the 2026 NFL playoffs stand out. Whether it’s a rookie’s breakout, a defense’s dominance, or a veteran’s late-game magic, this postseason is shaping up to be one of the most compelling in recent memory. Fans should expect the unexpected as the march to Super Bowl LX continues. Source: CBSSports