Answer: The NFL Wild Card weekend kicks off on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, with three primetime games: Bills at Broncos (4:30 p.m. ET, CBS), 49ers at Seahawks (8 p.m. ET, Fox), and Rams at Bears (6 p.m. ET, NBC). All matchups stream live on NFL+, and each network also carries its game for traditional viewers.
Wild Card Schedule
Saturday, Jan. 17 – Primetime Doubleheader
- 4:30 p.m. ET – CBS: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
- 8:00 p.m. ET – Fox: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
Sunday, Jan. 18 – Prime Slot
- 6:00 p.m. ET – NBC: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
How to Watch Every Play
For cord‑cutters, NFL+ provides live streams of all three Wild Card games, on‑demand replays, and alternate camera angles. Traditional TV viewers can tune in to the designated networks: CBS for the Bills‑Broncos, Fox for the 49ers‑Seahawks, and NBC for the Rams‑Bears.
Team Overviews
Buffalo Bills vs Denver Broncos
The Bills entered the postseason with a 13‑3 record, boasting a top‑ranked defense and a dynamic offense led by quarterback Josh Allen. The Broncos secured the final AFC West spot at 9‑8, relying on rookie quarterback Drew Lock and a defense that has improved under new coordination.
San Francisco 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks
San Francisco leads the league in offensive efficiency, averaging 31.2 points per game, while Seattle’s high‑tempo passing attack ranks second in total yards. Both teams feature stout defenses—the 49ers’ “Gold Rush” front and Seattle’s revamped secondary—setting up a classic NFC West showdown.
Los Angeles Rams vs Chicago Bears
The Rams bring a veteran roster with Pro Bowl talent such as Aaron Donald and Cooper Kupp, and quarterback Matthew Stafford’s clutch performance in the regular‑season win over Chicago. The Bears, guided by rookie quarterback Justin Fields, rely on a defensive identity under head coach Matt Eberflus.
Playoff Implications
A Bills victory leads to a potential AFC Championship clash with the Cincinnati Bengals. An upset by Denver would pit the Broncos against the Kansas City Chiefs, reshaping the AFC hierarchy. In the NFC, the 49ers‑Seahawks winner faces the Dallas Cowboys, while the Rams‑Bears victor travels to meet the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round.
What’s Next
With the Wild Card bracket set, the road to the 2026 Super Bowl is taking shape. Fans should mark Jan. 17‑18 on their calendars, choose their preferred viewing method, and get ready for high‑octane football, strategic intrigue, and the drama that defines NFL playoff action.
