The Rams and Panthers face off to open the 2026 NFL Playoffs in a rematch of a regular season game which Carolina won

Look for the Eagles to prevail over the 49ers, then head next weekend to Chicago to play the Bears, who'll beat the Packers.

HOUSTON TEXANS (-3) at PITSTBURGH STEELERS: The Texans are the more logical pick; they’re 12-2 after an 0-3 start and those loses were to the No. 1 seed Seattle Seahawks and No. 1 seed Denver Broncos. But as the Baltimore Ravens can attest to, betting against Mike Tomlin as a home underdog is dangerous. PICK: Steelers +3

The Los Angeles Rams will avenge their Week 13 loss to the Panthers with a two-touchdown victory margin. Matthew Stafford picks apart the Panthers defense with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, who's set to return from a hamstring injury.

Packers at Bears? Bryce Young's first playoff game? Justin Herbert vs. Drake Maye? We have picks, predictions and stats to know for every wild-card game.

The Soldier Field forecast for game time Saturday night calls for 24 degrees with a RealFeel of 3, a little snow and 20 mph winds gusting to 33. Perfect conditions for the NFL’s oldest rivalry.

Our records carry over to the postseason, which means it's not really a new season like they say in the NFL locker rooms right now.  Week 18 is always a challenge, but I went 9-7 last week both against the spread and straight up.