UK Kick-Off Times, Team Records, Key Numbers & Predictions Saturday 10 January to Tuesday 13 January (GMT) The NFL postseason always starts with chaos, and Wild Card Weekend is where seasons either ignite or vanish without ceremony. Over four intense days, six teams will be sent home, six will survive, and the playoff picture will […]
Saturday 10 January to Tuesday 13 January (GMT)
The NFL postseason always starts with chaos, and Wild Card Weekend is where seasons either ignite or vanish without ceremony. Over four intense days, six teams will be sent home, six will survive, and the playoff picture will reshape itself in real time.
This year’s opening round runs from Saturday 10 January through the early hours of Tuesday 13 January (UK time), delivering a full slate of win-or-go-home football. While the Wild Card teams fight for survival, the league’s top seeds are watching on with interest. The Denver Broncos (14–3) sit out the AFC action with a first-round bye, while the Seattle Seahawks (14–3) enjoy the same luxury in the NFC.
Below is a complete game-by-game breakdown featuring official regular-season records, points for and against, UK kick-off times, and straight predictions for all six ties.
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| Matchup (Record) | UK Kick-Off | UK Broadcaster |
|---|---|---|
| Rams (12–5) @ Panthers (8–9) | Sat 10 Jan – 9:30pm | Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports NFL |
| Packers (9–7–1) @ Bears (11–6) | Sun 11 Jan – 1:00am | Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports NFL |
| Bills (12–5) @ Jaguars (13–4) | Sun 11 Jan – 6:00pm | Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports NFL |
| 49ers (12–5) @ Eagles (11–6) | Sun 11 Jan – 9:30pm | Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports NFL |
| Chargers (11–6) @ Patriots (14–3) | Mon 12 Jan – 1:00am | Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports NFL |
| Texans (12–5) @ Steelers (10–7) | Tue 13 Jan – 1:00am | Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports NFL |
All games are also available to stream live via NFL Game Pass on DAZN GB.
Saturday 10 January, 9:30pm GMT
This matchup looks odd on paper, and that’s because it is. A 12-win Rams side travelling to face an 8–9 Panthers team is a quirk of the playoff seeding, but the contrast in profiles is impossible to ignore.
Those numbers belong to a team that overwhelms opponents when given daylight. The Rams can score quickly, score late, and stretch games beyond reach once they gain momentum.
Key figures: Stafford, Nakua, Williams, Verse, Witherspoon, Curl
Carolina’s route to the postseason has been based on disruption rather than dominance. They slow games down, compress possessions, and dare opponents to blink first.
Key figures: Young, Dowdle, McMillan, Brown, Horn, Moehrig
Prediction:
Rams 27, Panthers 17
The Rams’ +172 scoring margin tells its own story. If they lead early, Carolina simply don’t have the numbers to chase.
Sunday 11 January, 1:00am GMT
January football doesn’t get much more traditional than Packers vs Bears. Green Bay arrive with an unusual 9–7–1 record, while Chicago’s 11–6 campaign has been built on consistency rather than flash.
Green Bay have lived on the edge all season. They know how to survive close games, but they rarely pull clear.
Key figures: Love, Watson, Gary, McKinney, Diggs, Van Ness
Chicago’s profile isn’t dominant, but it is dependable. They tend to do just enough, particularly at home.
Key figures: Williams, Swift, Moore, Loveland, Byard, Jarrett
Prediction:
Bears 24, Packers 20
Tight throughout, but Chicago’s steadier season tips it their way.
Sunday 11 January, 6:00pm GMT
This is the Wild Card game most likely to explode. Two elite records, two aggressive offences, and a host venue that has quietly been one of the league’s toughest.
Buffalo tick all the contender boxes. They can dictate pace or adapt on the fly.
Key figures: Allen, Cook, Knox, Bosa, Milano, Poyer
Jacksonville’s defensive numbers stand out. They don’t just win games, they limit opportunities.
Key figures: Lawrence, Etienne, Meyers, Hines-Allen, Walker, Oloukun
Prediction:
Jaguars 30, Bills 27
A shootout, but the Jaguars’ stronger defensive profile nudges them ahead.
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Sunday 11 January, 9:30pm GMT
This one has trench warfare written all over it. Both teams prefer physical control to fireworks.
San Francisco’s season has been about balance and resilience despite injuries.
Key figures: Purdy, McCaffrey, Kittle, Williams, Huff, Gifford
Philadelphia’s defence has been elite, even in a season that hasn’t always flowed smoothly.
Key figures: Hurts, Barkley, Brown, Baun, Carter, Davis
Prediction:
Eagles 21, 49ers 20
A single-score grinder where Philadelphia’s points-against number proves decisive.
Monday 12 January, 1:00am GMT
The Patriots enter as the most complete team in the Wild Card round, even though they’re playing.
The Chargers are solid, but they rarely dominate.
Key figures: Herbert, Hampton, McConkey, Mack, Oweh, Caldwell
These are No. 1 seed numbers without the bye.
Key figures: Maye, Henderson, Diggs, Barmore, Gonzalez, Landry
Prediction:
Patriots 28, Chargers 16
New England’s season-long dominance is overwhelming.
Tuesday 13 January, 1:00am GMT
The Wild Card finale brings contrast: Houston’s speed against Pittsburgh’s abrasion.
That defensive number is elite.
Key figures: Stroud, Collins, Anderson, Hunter, Stingley, Pitre
Close games have defined Pittsburgh’s season.
Key figures: Rodgers, Warren, Freiermuth, Heyward, Highsmith, Watt
Prediction:
Texans 23, Steelers 19
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| Matchup | Pick |
|---|---|
| Rams @ Panthers | Rams |
| Packers @ Bears | Bears |
| Bills @ Jaguars | Jaguars |
| 49ers @ Eagles | Eagles |
| Chargers @ Patriots | Patriots |
| Texans @ Steelers | Texans |
Wild Card Weekend rarely follows the script, but the numbers give us a clear framework. From here, the bracket tightens, the margins shrink, and the Divisional Round awaits.
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