NFL Playoff Predictions: Who Moves On and Who Goes Home

Hello football fans. Today is one of the most glorious days on the sports calendar: the day NFL playoff football officially begins. January is here, and whether your team is still alive or already watching from home, this is the moment every football fan waits for. The NFL playoffs bring out the best in football. Every hit is harder, every mistake matters, and all the preparation and hard work from the regular season leads to this stage. This is where seasons are defined and legacies begin. In this article, I’ll be giving my Wild Card Round predictions, breaking down each matchup and predicting which teams will move on to the Divisional Round and which teams will see their season come to an end.

Bears vs. Packers — A Rivalry That Needed a Playoff Stage

The first matchup we’re breaking down is a classic rivalry: Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers. You know the NFL is licking its lips over this one — Wisconsin vs. Chicago, Caleb Williams vs. Jordan Love, history meeting the present. This is the third time these teams have faced each other this season, tied 1–1, and how ironic is it that the playoffs are the tiebreaker?

On the Bears’ side, it starts with Caleb Williams, who commands an offense that can attack you in multiple ways. You look at the weapons around him — D’Andre Swift, rookie Kyle Monangai, and a wide receiver group that is flat-out scary. DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and rookie Luther Burden give Chicago size, speed, and versatility. Add in tight ends Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet, and suddenly you’re talking about an offense where defenses can’t afford to double anyone. Someone is going to be left open — and that’s dangerous.

Now flip it to Green Bay. The Packers have firepower too, and Jordan Love is not afraid to let it rip. When he gets comfortable, he’s deadly. He starts with the short game, finds a rhythm, and once he’s warm, he takes his shots downfield. Christian Watson is the definition of streaky, but when he’s on, he’s a problem. Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, Jayden Reed, and the rest of that receiving room give Love plenty of options. And don’t forget the run game — Josh Jacobs, in my opinion a top-10 running back, is still a major threat even when banged up. Pair him with Emmanuel Wilson Jr., and suddenly the Bears’ defense has to respect the ground game just as much as the pass.

Defensively, Green Bay has serious concerns. With Micah Parsons out, that pass rush takes a major hit. Without consistent pressure, you’re asking a questionable cornerback room to hold up against Moore, Odunze, and Burden — and that’s a tough ask. Trevon Diggs was brought in to help, but can he really shut things down on his own? One corner isn’t enough, especially against an offense this deep. The Bears aren’t perfect either, but Jaylon Johnson gives them a true anchor on the outside, and they have enough flexibility to confuse Love and force him into uncomfortable situations — especially early.

Another factor: Jordan Love is coming off concussion protocol. That adds uncertainty. If the Bears can disrupt him early and keep him from finding rhythm, things can snowball fast.

This game will be close. It will be physical. It will be emotional. But when I look at the matchups, the depth, and the moment, I trust the Bears. Chicago’s offense is simply too much, and their defense will do just enough to throw Love off his game. The Bears bear down, take this one in a tight battle, and move forward as their playoff journey continues.

Bills vs. Jaguars — Buffalo’s Postseason Window

The Buffalo Bills enter this matchup against Jacksonville with urgency and purpose. Josh Allen is playing with controlled aggression, and when combined with James Cook’s versatility, the Bills’ offense stretches the Jaguars both horizontally and vertically.

Bills offensive line vs. Jaguars pass rush will be key; Buffalo needs protection to let Allen find his rhythm. Jacksonville secondary vs. Bills WRs forces the Jaguars to cover multiple threats at once, including Dawson Kincaid and Stephon Diggs, creating mismatches all over the field. James Cook vs. Jaguars linebackers is another matchup in Buffalo’s favor, as Cook can exploit gaps and turn short passes into big gains.

The Bills’ defense vs. Trevor Lawrence is disciplined, applying pressure without overcommitting, which could disrupt Jacksonville’s timing. Over four quarters, Bills’ offensive cohesion and defensive discipline will likely prove too much. Expect Buffalo to move on.

Patriots vs. Chargers — New England’s Dominance

The New England Patriots face the Los Angeles Chargers, whose injured offensive line vs. Patriots pass rush creates a nightmare scenario for Justin Herbert. Herbert is talented but cannot consistently escape pressure against Christian Barmore, Khyiris Tonga, and Harold Landry III.

Drake Maye and Stephon Diggs create a balanced attack, while Hunter Henry and Rhamondre Stevenson provide versatility to exploit defensive gaps. Chargers O-line vs. Patriots defensive front is a critical mismatch; if New England can get consistent penetration, Herbert’s windows shrink immediately. Big plays, clock control, and situational execution favor the Patriots. Chargers’ skill players — including Khalil Shakur, Josh Palmer, Brandon Cooks, and Keon Coleman — can make plays, but the Patriots’ defensive discipline and coverage schemes limit their impact. Expect New England to win convincingly.

Steelers vs. Texans — Edge Pressure Decides the Night

The Pittsburgh Steelers matchup against the Houston Texans comes down to pass rush vs. quarterback mobility. Aaron Rodgers must contend with Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, and the Steelers O-line vs. Texans edge rush will likely be tested early.

The return of DK Metcalf helps provide a vertical threat, but Houston front seven vs. Steelers O-line is heavily in the Texans’ favor. C.J. Stroud and Woody Marks give Houston multiple avenues to exploit Pittsburgh’s defense, especially in the short and intermediate passing game. The Steelers’ pass protection vs. Texans’ blitz packages will be decisive; if Houston can force quick throws, Pittsburgh’s offense struggles. Texans’ skill players vs. Steelers secondary will also make big plays in space. Expect a close, physical battle, but Houston pulls the win.

Panthers vs. Rams — Experience Over Youth

The Carolina Panthers face a daunting challenge against the Los Angeles Rams, whose defense vs. Bryce Young is overwhelming. Rams pass rush and linebacker coverage vs. Carolina offensive line gives Matthew Stafford time to read the field and hit Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and Colby Parkinson in stride.

Even with Derrick Brown anchoring Carolina’s front, the Panthers’ defensive front vs. Rams offensive weapons is mismatched. Kyren Williams and Blake Corum vs. Panthers linebackers create additional pressure on the secondary, forcing mismatches at all levels. The Rams’ veteran experience vs. young Panthers squad ensures mistakes are minimized and big plays are exploited. Special teams, clock management, and situational execution all favor Los Angeles. Expect Rams to dominate and move on easily.

49ers vs. Eagles — Attrition Meets Dominance

San Francisco battles Philadelphia with an injury-plagued defense. Missing Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, and Makai Williams, plus questionable players like Trent Williams, Renato Green, Ricky Pearsall, and Dee Winters, leaves gaps across the field.

Jalen Hurts vs. 49ers depleted front seven creates space for both the run and the pass, while Saquon Barkley vs. San Francisco linebackers exploits gaps for significant gains. A.J. Brown and Devontae Smith vs. cornerback coverage ensures the Eagles can stretch the field and win contested throws. 49ers can compete in spurts, but Eagles’ offensive line vs. 49ers pass rush and depth advantage keep Philadelphia in control. Big-play potential, physicality, and strategic execution favor Eagles’ victory, despite a tough battle.