Your Guide to the NFL Playoffs: Matchups, Channels, and More

Welcome to the NFL Playoffs

The excitement is palpable as we transition from the regular season to the playoffs, where every game is a must-watch situation. With so much on the line, fans are eager to know about the upcoming matchups and viewing options. After a thrilling regular season full of drama and surprises, it's time for the games that matter most!

What's Happening This Week?

Before we delve into the playoff schedule, it's crucial to note that there's no 'Thursday Night Football' slated for this week. The playoffs commence with the Wild Card round beginning this weekend.

2026 NFL Playoff Schedule

Wild Card Round

Saturday, January 10

Matchup	Time (ET)	TV/Live Stream
Panthers vs. Rams	4:30 PM	Fox, Fubo
Bears vs. Packers	8:00 PM	Prime Video

Sunday, January 11

Matchup	Time (ET)	TV/Live Stream
Jaguars vs. Bills	1:00 PM	CBS, Paramount+
Eagles vs. 49ers	4:30 PM	Fox, Fubo
Patriots vs. Chargers	8:15 PM	NBC, Peacock

Monday, January 12

Matchup	Time (ET)	TV/Live Stream
Steelers vs. Texans	8:15 PM	ESPN, ABC, Fubo

What's Next? Divisional Round and Beyond

The Divisional Round kicks in a week later, followed by the conference championships, leading to the highly anticipated Super Bowl 60 on Sunday, February 8. Expect each game to be filled with adrenaline and nail-biting moments!

How to Watch the NFL Playoffs

For those wondering about where to catch all the action, here's your rundown:

TV Channels: CBS | FOX | ABC | ESPN | NBC
Live Streaming: Fubo | Paramount+ | Peacock | Amazon Prime Video

The NFL playoffs will be broadcast on the same networks that have transmitted regular-season games. As the playoffs intensify, expect to see plenty of coverage across the media landscape.

Stay Tuned: Sports on TV Today

Even without 'Thursday Night Football', college football offers exciting matchups like Ole Miss taking on Miami in the College Football Playoff semifinals. Here's a breakdown of prime-time events:

NCAAF: No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 10 Miami (7:30 PM ET, ESPN)
NBA: Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls (8 PM ET, NBA TV)

Catch every minute of action as the thrilling journey to Super Bowl 60 unfolds!

Key Facts

2026 NFL Playoffs Start Date: The playoffs begin on Saturday, January 10, 2026.
Wild Card Matchup: Panthers vs. Rams: The Panthers will face the Rams at 4:30 PM ET on January 10, 2026.
Wild Card Matchup: Bears vs. Packers: The Bears will compete against the Packers at 8:00 PM ET on January 10, 2026.
Wild Card Matchup: Jaguars vs. Bills: The Jaguars are set to play the Bills at 1:00 PM ET on January 11, 2026.
Wild Card Matchup: Eagles vs. 49ers: The Eagles will battle the 49ers at 4:30 PM ET on January 11, 2026.
Wild Card Matchup: Patriots vs. Chargers: The Patriots will meet the Chargers at 8:15 PM ET on January 11, 2026.
Final Wild Card Matchup: The Steelers will play against the Texans at 8:15 PM ET on January 12, 2026.
Super Bowl 60 Date: Super Bowl 60 is scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2026.

Background

The 2026 NFL playoffs kick off with exciting matchups across several networks. Fans are eager as teams strive for a spot in Super Bowl 60.

Quick Answers

When do the 2026 NFL playoffs start?: The 2026 NFL playoffs start on Saturday, January 10, 2026.
What is the schedule for the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs?: The Wild Card round takes place from January 10 to January 12, 2026, featuring multiple matchups.
Which teams are playing on January 10, 2026?: The Panthers will face the Rams and the Bears will compete against the Packers on January 10, 2026.
What channels will broadcast the NFL playoffs?: The NFL playoffs will be broadcast on CBS, FOX, ABC, ESPN, and NBC.
When is Super Bowl 60 scheduled?: Super Bowl 60 is scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2026.
What time do the Patriots and Chargers play in the Wild Card round?: The Patriots will play the Chargers at 8:15 PM ET on January 11, 2026.
How can fans watch the NFL playoffs?: Fans can watch the NFL playoffs on TV channels like CBS, FOX, ABC, ESPN, and NBC, as well as through streaming services like Fubo and Paramount plus.
What games are happening on January 12, 2026?: On January 12, 2026, the Steelers will play the Texans at 8:15 PM ET.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the matchups for the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs?

The Wild Card matchups include Panthers vs. Rams, Bears vs. Packers, Jaguars vs. Bills, Eagles vs. 49ers, Patriots vs. Chargers, and Steelers vs. Texans.

Is there a 'Thursday Night Football' game this week?

'Thursday Night Football' is not scheduled for this week as the playoffs commence.

Where can I stream the NFL playoffs?

NFL playoffs can be streamed on platforms like Fubo, Paramount+, Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video.

What time is the first game of the NFL playoffs?

The first game of the NFL playoffs will be the Panthers vs. Rams at 4:30 PM ET on January 10, 2026.

What channels can I watch the Super Bowl 60 on?

Super Bowl 60 will be broadcast on NBC and can also be streamed via Peacock.

Source reference: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/thursday-night-football-game-tonight-051002031.html