We’re all dying to see these wildcard games unfold. There are divisional matchups, rematches, road favorites, young QBs trying to prove themselves, and veterans trying to rewrite their story. Here are the matchups that will determine each game. If you’re curious who we’re picking to win these matchups and these games, check out my picks here.
Rams @ Panthers – Quentin Lake vs. Tetairoa McMillan
Dec 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (4) with the ball in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
The Rams face the Panthers yet again. Can Carolina shock them yet again? If they are going to do it, it will be by exposing the Rams’ weak back end. The Panthers love to run the football to open up the play action, and Tet McMillan has been the arguable Offensive Rookie of the Year. He’s bigger and stronger than the Rams’ corners, and his contested catch radius is excellent. However, the Rams have received secondary reinforcements with injured safety Quentin Lake’s return. If Lake can take the top off the Panthers’ passing attack, Stafford should have no problem winning this game. But if Tetairoa can help Bryce Young run up the score, the Panthers could pull off yet another upset.
Packers @ Bears – Quay Walker vs. DeAndre Swift/Kyle Monangai
Dec 20, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker (7) tacklles Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift (4) during their football game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers
It’s going to be a cold and windy night in Soldier Field this Saturday. Another chapter in the NFL’s oldest rivalry will be written, and I believe the key plot point will be the Bears’ running game. If they can move the ball on the ground, they can tire out the defense and open everything up. If the Packers, especially linebacker Quay Walker, can stifle the run game despite their heavy injuries, they can shock the Bears and end their season.
Bills @ Jaguars – Dion Dawkins vs. Josh Hines Allen/Travon Walker
Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins provides pass protection to give quarterback Josh Allen time to get a pass off during first-half action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Dec. 28, 2025.
The Bills are likely the team under the most pressure this year. With Mahomes, Lamar, and Burrow all out of the way, it should be Josh Allen’s year. But the Jags are an excellent team, and perhaps the hottest in the league, coming off 8 straight wins. The Bills defense isn’t exactly great, and as has usually been the case for the Bills, this game will be on Josh Allen’s shoulders. But the big bad man protecting him, Dion Dawkins, has perhaps the tougher job. Two premium edge rushers, including a #1 overall pick, will be going after Allen. If they can get to him, the Bills could disappoint the Mafia and perhaps lose their head coach.
49ers @ Eagles – Christian McCaffrey vs. Jalen Carter
Dec 22, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) carries the ball against the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth quarter of the game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Two perennial NFC contenders will match up in Wildcard Weekend, and there is no love lost between the two. Both have questions surrounding their team this year. For the Eagles, it’s their uneven offensive performance and how flat they can look at times. For the 9ers, it’s their injury-wracked defense that seems to be very leaky. Christian McCaffrey is the engine that makes the 9ers’ offense run, and his number of touches is historic. While their offense may be questioned, the Philly defense is unimpeachable, arguably the best in the league. Jalen Carter is the spine of that defense, and if he can shut down McCaffrey, the Eagles can likely end San Francisco’s season. But if Christian gets moving, can the uneven Philly offense possibly keep up?
Chargers @ Patriots – Ladd McConkey vs. Christian Gonzalez
Nov 9, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter of the game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Another huge, unpredictable AFC matchup between two incredible QBs. Drake Maye’s MVP-esque year is obvious, and Justin Herbert has dragged the most injured O-line to the playoffs. I expect this one to be a shootout between two explosive offenses, and for the Chargers, that starts with the run game. But Ladd McConkey will be the center of their deep passing game and their best way to keep up with Drake Maye. Unfortunately, he’ll be looking across the line of scrimmage at one of the best corners in the game, Christian Gonzalez. While the Patriots pass rush might not be able to exploit the weakened line of the Chargers, it won’t matter if Gonzalez can lock down Ladd.
Texans @ Steelers – Troy Fautanu vs. Will Anderson Jr.
Dec 14, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) lines up on defense against the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
The Steelers snuck in, and it was an incredible performance by Aaron Rodgers with plenty of time to throw. However, the Houston pass rush is worlds better than Baltimore’s. They have arguably the best edge duo in the league, and their back end is stout enough to give them plenty of time. Rodgers has favored getting rid of the ball quickly all year, and the double moves we saw last Sunday night won’t be available if this pass rush gets home. But if the Steelers O-line can repeat their performance and protect Rodgers, perhaps this could be the start of a miracle run for Pittsburgh.
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