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2026 NFL Playoff Field Set: AFC & NFC Breakdown

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, January 17th 2026 at 22:03 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, UNITED KINGDOM

The Contenders: AFC and NFC Breakdown

The 2026 NFL playoff field is populated by teams showcasing exceptional skill and strategic prowess. In the AFC, the Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, and Kansas City Chiefs - all boasting impressive 13-4 records - lead the charge. The Houston Texans, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, and Buffalo Bills round out the AFC contenders, each vying for a Super Bowl berth. The NFC mirrors this competitive intensity with the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys sharing the top spot alongside the Detroit Lions, all finishing the season at 13-4. The Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings, and Green Bay Packers complete the NFC bracket, hungry to upset the established order.

Wild Card Weekend: Early Showdowns

The Wild Card round, commencing this weekend, January 18th and 19th, 2026, sets the stage for what's to come. Several intriguing matchups are scheduled:

• Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins (Saturday, January 18th, 8:00 PM ET, CBS): A high-octane battle between two explosive offenses. Can the Bills' defense contain the Dolphins' dynamic passing attack?
• Green Bay Packers @ Dallas Cowboys (Saturday, January 18th, 4:30 PM ET, CBS): The Packers, known for their resilience, face a formidable Cowboys team looking to assert their dominance.
• Indianapolis Colts @ Baltimore Ravens (Sunday, January 19th, 1:00 PM ET, NBC): The Colts, boasting a strong running game, will need to overcome the Ravens' consistently stout defense.
• Minnesota Vikings @ San Francisco 49ers (Sunday, January 19th, 4:30 PM ET, NBC): A clash of northern powerhouses; the Vikings must find a way to disrupt the 49ers' balanced attack.
• Cleveland Browns @ Houston Texans (Saturday, January 25th, 4:30 PM ET, ESPN/ABC): The Browns' defense faces a potent Texans offense. A crucial mid-season shift allowed the Texans to claim this coveted playoff spot.
• New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons (Saturday, January 25th, 8:00 PM ET, ESPN/ABC): This southern showdown promises a hard-fought contest, with both teams exhibiting a strong running game.

Divisional and Conference Championship Rounds

The Divisional Round (January 25th and 26th, 2026) and Conference Championship Round (February 2nd, 2026) will see the victors of the Wild Card round compete for a spot in the Super Bowl. These later rounds promise heightened intensity as teams vie for conference supremacy.

Super Bowl LIX: The Grand Finale

Super Bowl LIX is slated for Sunday, February 9th, 2026, at 6:30 PM ET and will be broadcast on CBS. The anticipation surrounding this championship game is palpable, with fans eager to witness the culmination of the season's hard work and dedication.

How to Watch the 2026 NFL Playoffs

For fans seeking to follow every play, a variety of viewing options are available. Traditional television broadcasts will be provided by CBS, NBC, Fox, and ESPN/ABC. Those preferring streaming can access the games through various platforms, including NFL+, Paramount+, Peacock, ESPN+, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV. Subscribers should verify local channel availability and streaming package offerings for complete coverage.

All times are listed in Eastern Time. As the playoffs progress, the league will formally announce the matchups for the Divisional and Conference Championship rounds, and the location of Super Bowl LIX will be confirmed. Stay tuned for further updates and analysis as the 2026 NFL playoff journey unfolds.