Wildcard Weekend, the NFL’s most chaotic playoff week, is finally here. It brings six fascinating matchups as January football swings into full effect. Below are game-by-game breakdowns of each team entering the playoffs, along with odds, score predictions, and analysis.

Rams at Panthers

Saturday, Jan. 10 | 4:30 p.m. | Line: Rams -10.5

Sean McVay’s Rams gear up for their seventh playoff appearance since he was hired nine seasons ago. They boast one of the best passing offenses in the league, and Stafford’s connection with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams will be key in do-or-die moments. LA has also been spectacular in the trenches. They gave up the fewest sacks in the regular season and feature a true wrecking crew on the defensive line.

The Panthers have snuck into the playoffs for the first time since 2017, becoming just the fourth team in the modern era to reach the postseason with a losing record. Carolina may be the most intriguing team left because of their inconsistency. They have shown their defense can shut down great offenses, and they already beat the Rams earlier this year. Still, it remains to be seen how Bryce Young and the Panthers respond to the franchise’s biggest game in nearly a decade.

Prediction: Panthers 30, Rams 27

Packers at Bears

Saturday, Jan. 10 | 8:00 p.m. | Line: Packers -1.5

The Packers stumble into the playoffs after losing their final four games of the regular season. Injuries have played a major role, along with their once formidable defense beginning to unravel. The loss of Micah Parsons has been monumental, and the secondary has struggled in his absence. It is also unclear how rusty the offense will be, as Jordan Love has not played since the last Packers-Bears matchup on December 20.

Fresh off an NFC North title and holding the No. 2 seed, it is safe to say the Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams pairing has revived the Bears. Despite a below-average defense, Chicago has found ways to close out games. That approach will be tested in the playoffs. The defense, especially the secondary, must step up because Chicago cannot rely entirely on Williams in his first career postseason start.

Prediction: Packers 26, Bears 23

Bills at Jaguars

Sunday, Jan. 11 | 1:00 p.m. | Line: Bills -1.5

These playoffs feel different for Buffalo. For once, their biggest roadblock is nowhere to be seen. The catch is that this may be one of the weakest Bills rosters Josh Allen has taken into the postseason. Their biggest concern is rush defense, which ranks bottom five in the league. Still, Buffalo is built for these moments. They have an elite ground game, including the NFL’s rushing leader, and a quarterback who becomes even harder to bring down in cold weather. Sean McDermott and Allen’s playoff experience is a major advantage in the AFC.

Jacksonville just wrapped up the second-best regular season in franchise history with eight straight wins. Their resurgence has been fueled by a defense that creates turnovers and stops the run, ranking as the league’s top run defense. The passing attack has also come alive over the past two months, making the Jaguars one of the AFC’s most well-rounded teams.

Prediction: Jaguars 33, Bills 31

49ers at Eagles

Sunday, Jan. 11 | 4:30 p.m. | Line: Eagles -4.5

San Francisco’s offense, thriving since Brock Purdy’s return, stumbled with the NFC West and the No. 1 seed on the line. That loss sends them to Philadelphia for a heavyweight matchup between two of the conference’s most experienced teams. Kyle Shanahan and Robert Saleh are built for this stage, and the 49ers will lean on their stars in hopes of another deep run.

After a brief midseason collapse, the Eagles rediscovered their form and enter the playoffs with renewed confidence. Like San Francisco, Philly relies on its top players making big plays. Their defense has carried them at times, but that may not be sustainable in January. If the Eagles want a repeat, Hurts and the offense will need to rise to the occasion.

Prediction: 49ers 28, Eagles 22

Chargers at Patriots

Sunday, Jan. 11 | 8:00 p.m. | Line: Patriots -3.5

The Chargers watched their AFC West hopes fade after finishing the season on a sour note. The narrative around Justin Herbert and his performance in big games will be louder than ever as he prepares for his third career playoff start. The good news for LA is that Herbert has not had to carry the load this season. The defense has done that. Jim Harbaugh will again lean on that unit as he looks for his first NFL playoff win since 2013.

The Patriots are finally competitive again in the post-Brady era, and Mike Vrabel has built a balanced roster. New England features deep threats in the passing game, a big-play runner in TreVeyon Henderson, and a top-ten defense. Still, after playing a relatively soft schedule, the Patriots and young quarterback Drake Maye have plenty to prove.

Prediction: Patriots 24, Chargers 23

Texans at Steelers

Monday, Jan. 12 | 8:00 p.m. | Line: Texans -3.5

Houston completed an improbable turnaround by winning nine straight games to secure the top wildcard spot. Their defense has been dominant all season, at times single-handedly winning games. C.J. Stroud and DeMeco Ryans have already established themselves as playoff risers. If the offense can generate enough points, the Texans’ defense could carry them farther than ever.

One of the wildest fourth quarters in recent memory delivered Pittsburgh an AFC North title. Aaron Rodgers showed he can still manage a game even without D.K. Metcalf, who now returns. T.J. Watt is also healthier after another week of rest. Pittsburgh’s defensive front will need to control this game, with Watt and Cameron Heyward creating havoc.

Prediction: Texans 30, Steelers 19

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