NFL Playoff Bracket 2026: Divisional Round Matchups Now Set After Wild Card Drama
Wild Card Weekend Delivers High Drama
The 2026 NFL playoff bracket has taken decisive shape following an electrifying Wild Card Weekend filled with comebacks and upsets. NFL Wild Card Weekend delivered a memorable slate of football, including four late comebacks from some of the league’s most exciting quarterbacks, with Matthew Stafford, Caleb Williams and Josh Allen all delivering late-game heroics. The wild-card round is nearing completion, setting up what promises to be an exciting divisional round.
NFC Divisional Round Matchups Confirmed
The NFC pairings are set: The San Francisco 49ers will play at the Seattle Seahawks, and the Los Angeles Rams will face the Bears in Chicago. The 49ers’ path to the divisional round was particularly impressive, as despite losing star tight end George Kittle to an Achilles tear in the first half, the 49ers were able to shock the Super Bowl champions and win 23-19 in Philadelphia. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears defeated the Green Bay Packers, 31-27, setting up their matchup with the Rams.
AFC Bracket Nearly Complete
In the AFC, Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills advanced to the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs with a 27-24 win over Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Patriots also advanced after Drake Maye improved to 1-0 in the playoffs in their victory over the Chargers. One matchup for the next round in the AFC is set, while the other will be set after Monday night’s Houston vs. Pittsburgh game, which will determine the final divisional round pairing.
What This Means for Football Fans
The NFL playoff bracket represents the pinnacle of American football competition, with only the elite teams advancing to compete for a chance at the Super Bowl. With so many fresh faces in the 2026 NFL playoff bracket, it could truly be anyone’s time to make a run. As divisional round matchups are finalised, fans can expect even more intense competition as teams battle for conference championship berths. The road to the Super Bowl continues with heightened stakes and championship aspirations on the line for all remaining teams.