The Wildcard is in the books, and we are down to the top 8 teams. For many teams that lost this weekend, there will be a lot of big questions. The offseason has now begun for them, and for some teams, it will be longer and harder than others. Here are the biggest takeaways for each of the 6 teams that were elimnated this weekend.
Panthers – Dave Canales is the guy, but is Bryce Young?
Jan 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half during the NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
After the Panthers gave the Rams, one of the best teams in the league, another fight for their life, they have to be happy with their season. They are in a very winnable division, and they have clearly found a great coach in Dave Canales. They went 4/4 in the red zone and scored 27 points, an impressive offensive showing. However, do they think they can do better at the quarterback position? Bryce Young certainly has his limitations, and he will soon reach his fifth-year option, becoming much more expensive. The biggest question for Carolina has to be, have they found the guy, or should they get back on the carousel?
Packers – Jordan Love is legit. Do they need to upgrade the head coach?
Jan 10, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) looks downfield against the Chicago Bears during the second half of an NFC Wild Card Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
After a heartbreaking loss to their division rival, the Packers have to wonder how they let a 21-3 lead slip through their fingers. They were outscored 25-6 in the second half, and the offense struggled despite Jordan Love’s excellent stat line. The failed special teams was a big story of the game, and losing twice to the Bears in one year in dramatic comeback fashion might be grounds for Matt LaFleur to lose his job. As always, the Packers have to wonder whether they can even get better if they do fire LaFleur. Could Kevin Stefanski or John Harbaugh be the guy they need to get over the hump? Or should they chalk this year up to injuries and run it back this year?
Jaguars – Can Trevor ever compete with the AFC aliens?
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) fakes the hands off to running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football AFC Wild Card playoff matchup, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Bills defeated the Jaguars 27-24. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
The Jags put a really impressive year together, and they were favored to win this weekend. They couldn’t quite put it all together and lost on a last-minute interception by Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence is paid top dollar, and he played like it at times this year. He even made some plays in this game, but it seemingly wasn’t enough to compete with the most talented QB in the league, Josh Allen. For the future, the Jags have to wonder if Trevor will ever be enough to compete not only with Allen but with other greats like Mahomes, Burrow, and Lamar. It’s not his fault, but he’s in a conference where, to reach the promised land, he will have to compete with the greatest in the world. Can he do it?
Eagles – How can the offense be fixed?
Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) after the anthem against the San Francisco 49ers in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
We didn’t expect the Eagles’ title defense to be done so quickly, but I think we all expected how it would end. Their offense has been wildly inconsistent, putting some of the worst play of the year on film. Fingers are pointing at OC Kevin Patullo, and perhaps even as high as head coach Nick Sirianni. AJ Brown has made endless noise this season, and when it mattered the most, he had two big drops. It seems like he will be shown the door, and I doubt they retain Patullo. But would getting rid of Sirianni in favor of someone like John Harbaugh or Kevin Stefanski? The Eagles don’t rest on their laurels, and this Sunday was an embarrassment.
Chargers – Will Justin Herbert ever show up in the playoffs?
Jan 11, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Anfernee Jennings (33) takes down Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) during the second half in an AFC Wild Card Round game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
This game was an abject disaster for the Chargers and an embarrassment for If-Man Justin Herbert. As talented as he is, he is clearly not a playoff performer, at least so far. Jim Harbaugh clearly has lofty expectations for his quarterback, and Justin has the talent to pay them off. Will he ever put together a good game in the postseason, or will he remain in the domain of the hypothetical?
Steelers – Will the old men return?
Nov 9, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) walk off the field after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The longest playoff loss streak in league history continues as the Steelers put up another anemic showing Monday night against the Texans. Questions surrounded Mike Tomlin’s future in Pittsburgh, and while making the playoffs seemed to quiet that noise, this loss brings it back in a big way. Aaron Rodgers’ future was in question regardless of the game’s outcome, but his performance makes it unlikely to see him returning to the Steelers in 2026. The Steelers are an old and expensive roster, and this chapter might be closed with a frustrating 0-7 playoff record. Even if they do return, they aren’t getting any younger, and the Steelers are in a tough position.
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Check out my perfect predictions from wildcard weekend and stay tuned for my divisional picks!
