The NFL playoffs are officially underway, and the Wild Card Round brings a loaded opening weekend with six postseason matchups across Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Saturday features two games that will kick off the road to Super Bowl LX. Both matchups carry major implications as the postseason begins, with division rivals colliding in one game and a rematch from earlier in the season headlining the other.
Saturday Football Games for the Wild Card Round
Saturday’s playoff slate opens with the Carolina Panthers hosting the Los Angeles Rams in a rematch of a regular-season thriller, followed by a primetime showdown between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears in another chapter of one of the NFL’s oldest rivalries.
Below are the full details for each game, including kickoff times, stadiums, broadcast channels, and what is at stake for both teams.
Los Angeles Rams at Carolina Panthers
Rams at Panthers Game Info:
- Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026
- Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
- TV: Fox
The Carolina Panthers (8-9) welcome the Los Angeles Rams (12-5) in a rematch of a Week 13 meeting that saw Carolina pull off a narrow victory. That game featured a strong rushing attack from the Panthers and a dominant red-zone showing from Rams wide receiver Davante Adams, who scored twice despite the loss.
Saturday marks Panthers quarterback Bryce Young’s first playoff appearance, and Carolina will need a more balanced offensive effort after struggling to run the ball in recent weeks. In their previous win over the Rams, the Panthers rushed 40 times for 164 yards, which helped open up the passing game for Young.
MORE:Â 2026 3-Round NFL Mock Draft: Bengals Land Franchise Defender, 49ers Find Brandon Aiyuk Replacement
The Rams enter the postseason with one of the league’s most explosive offenses and expect Adams to return after missing time with a hamstring injury. Los Angeles also holds a significant advantage in the trenches, especially in the running game, which could play a major role against a Carolina defense that has struggled to stop the run.
With both teams familiar with one another, this game sets up as a physical and tactical battle where execution in the red zone and on early downs could decide who advances.
Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears
Packers at Bears Game Info:
- Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026
- Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
- TV: Prime Video
The nightcap features the Green Bay Packers (10-7) visiting the Chicago Bears (12-5) in a rivalry that has already delivered two tightly contested games this season. Chicago controlled both matchups early, holding halftime leads in each, while Green Bay made a late comeback.
The Bears are focused on getting off to a faster offensive start after struggling early in recent games, particularly against Green Bay. Chicago’s offense, led by quarterback Caleb Williams, will look to establish rhythm quickly to avoid playing from behind.
Green Bay brings postseason experience into the matchup, having reached the playoffs for a third consecutive year. The Packers’ offense has moved the ball consistently, but finishing drives has been an issue.
With both teams boasting strong offensive lines and limited pass rush from either defense, this game could come down to which quarterback can capitalize on time in the pocket and make plays when it matters most.