The NFL Playoff Schedule 2026 has officially reached its fever pitch. After a Wild Card weekend that shattered viewership records and busted millions of brackets, the Divisional Round is set to deliver even more drama. This Sunday, January 18, 2026, marks a pivotal moment in league history, featuring a double-header that defines the “New Era” of quarterbacks: Drake Maye vs. C.J. Stroud and Matthew Stafford vs. Caleb Williams.
If you are looking for the complete NFL Playoff Schedule 2026 breakdown, prediction analysis, and betting insights, you have arrived at the right place. We are diving deep into match-ups, injury reports, and the storylines that will dominate headlines on Monday morning.
NFL Playoff Schedule 2026: Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots Preview
Kickoff: 3:00 PM EST | TV: CBS
Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
The first marquee matchup on Sunday’s NFL Playoff Schedule 2026 slate features the battle of the young guns. The New England Patriots (14-3) executed a historic turnaround this season behind the arm of sophomore sensation Drake Maye. Now, they host C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans in a game that experts predict will be a defensive grind but could explode into an offensive shootout.
The Quarterback Duel: Maye vs. Stroud
Drake Maye has been nothing short of a revelation for New England. Finishing the regular season with 34 touchdowns and over 4,200 passing yards, he has silenced critics who doubted his transition to the pros. His ability to extend plays with his legs-rushing for 66 yards in the Wild Card round alone-adds a dynamic layer to the Patriots’ offense that the Texans must account for.
On the other side, C.J. Stroud is looking for redemption. Despite leading the Texans deep into the NFL Playoff Schedule 2026, his performance against the Steelers was shaky. He threw for 250 yards but fumbled five times. To survive Gillette Stadium, Stroud needs to return to his rookie-year form: poised, accurate, and mistake-free.
Key Matchup: The Patriots’ Defense vs. Houston’s Rush
- Patriots X-Factor: Christian Gonzalez. The cornerback has been a lockdown specialist all year. If he erases Nico Collins (who is questionable with a concussion), Stroud’s options shrink dramatically. Gonzalez has allowed a passer rating of just 45.3 when targeted this postseason.
- Texans Advantage: The Rush Unit. Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter formed the most lethal pass-rushing duo in the league this year. They combined for 28.5 sacks. Their goal is simple: keep Drake Maye in the pocket and force him to make throws under duress.
Betting Insight: The Patriots are 3-point favorites. The Over/Under is set at 40.5, suggesting Vegas expects a tight, defensive battle. However, both offenses have shown they can score in bunches when the rhythm is established.
NFL Playoff Schedule 2026: Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears Preview
Kickoff: 6:30 PM EST | TV: NBC/Peacock
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
The primetime slot of the NFL Playoff Schedule 2026 this Sunday takes us to the frozen tundra of Soldier Field. It is a narrative that writes itself: The veteran “Gunslinger” Matthew Stafford returns to the NFC North to face the “Prince of Chicago,” Caleb Williams.
The Weather Factor: “Bear Weather” Returns
It wouldn’t be a Chicago playoff game without the elements. Forecasts predict temperatures in the single digits with wind chills dipping below zero. This heavily favors the Bears. The Rams are a dome team built on speed and timing-two things that often die in the Chicago winter. Matthew Stafford is tough, but handling a frozen football against a ferocious Bears secondary is a different beast entirely.
Offense vs. Defense: A Clash of Styles
The Bears barely survived the Packers in the Wild Card round, effectively thanks to Caleb Williams’ clutch 4th-quarter drive to D.J. Moore. Williams has shown flashes of brilliance mixed with rookie mistakes, but his home-field splits are undeniable. He plays significantly better at Soldier Field.
The Rams, meanwhile, won a shootout against the Panthers with Puka Nacua proving he is unstoppable. Nacua hauled in 12 catches for 180 yards last week. The key for Chicago will be physical coverage. With Bears defensive back Nick McCloud ruled out, the secondary is thin, leaving a potential gap that Rams head coach Sean McVay will undoubtedly exploit with motion and play-action.
Prediction: The Bears beat the Rams earlier this season, but beating Stafford twice is a tall order. However, Caleb Williams seems to have that “magic” at Soldier Field. Bears win a thriller, 27-24.
Why the NFL Playoff Schedule 2026 is Historic
This year’s playoffs have marked a changing of the guard. We are seeing fewer “dynasty” teams like the Chiefs (who were eliminated early) and more parity. The rise of young quarterbacks like Maye, Williams, and Stroud proves that the league’s future is in safe hands.
The Divisional Round is often considered the best weekend of football in the entire year. The pretenders are gone, and only the true contenders remain. Every snap matters. Every mistake is magnified.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What times are the games on the NFL Playoff Schedule 2026 for Sunday?
The action starts with the Texans vs. Patriots at 3:00 PM EST on CBS. The night concludes with the Rams vs. Bears at 6:30 PM EST on NBC and Peacock.
Who is favored to win the Super Bowl in 2026?
Currently, the Baltimore Ravens and Detroit Lions are the co-favorites to meet in Super Bowl LX, but the Patriots have surged in the odds after their dominant Wild Card performance.
Where is the 2026 Super Bowl being played?
Super Bowl LX (60) will be played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
How can I watch the NFL Playoffs?
All games are broadcast nationally on major networks including CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN/ABC. Streaming is available via Paramount+, Peacock, and NFL+.
Are there any major injuries affecting the NFL Playoff Schedule 2026?
Yes, the most notable injury for this Sunday is Texans WR Nico Collins (Concussion – Questionable) and Bears DB Nick McCloud (Out). These absences could be game-changers for their respective teams.
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Hi, I’m M Zee, the voice behind MyBlessingsHub.com. I share faith-inspired reflections, uplifting stories, and everyday encouragement to help others find hope and purpose. My mission is to spread light, gratitude, and grace—one post at a time.