The road to Super Bowl 60 has narrowed to eight teams following a weekend of chaotic NFL Wild Card results that saw the defending champions fall and a historic rivalry reignited. The 2026 NFL playoffs landscape shifted dramatically on Sunday as the San Francisco 49ers eliminated the Philadelphia Eagles in a 23-19 thriller, officially finalizing the NFL Divisional Round schedule. With the bracket now set, fans are bracing for a high-stakes slate featuring a fierce 49ers-Seahawks rubber match and the Chicago Bears' first home divisional playoff game in 16 years.

49ers End Eagles' Reign in Wild Card Thriller

In a rematch of the previous year's NFC Championship, the sixth-seeded San Francisco 49ers went into Lincoln Financial Field and stunned the No. 3 Philadelphia Eagles, ending their bid for back-to-back titles. The 23-19 victory was defined by grit and creativity, as quarterback Brock Purdy piloted the offense through a hostile environment to secure the upset. However, the win came at a steep price: All-Pro tight end George Kittle suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the second quarter, ruling him out for the remainder of the postseason.

The Trick Play That Changed the Game

While Purdy remained steady, throwing for key conversions, the turning point came from an unexpected source. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings, invoking memories of the "Philly Special," executed a perfect trick play, tossing a touchdown pass to Christian McCaffrey that silenced the Philadelphia crowd. This moment of brilliance shifted the momentum permanently in San Francisco's favor, allowing their defense to stifle Jalen Hurts and the Eagles' high-powered offense in the game's dying minutes.

Bears Roar Back: Historic Comeback Sets Up Clash with Rams

Before the 49ers' Sunday heroics, the Chicago Bears delivered a performance for the ages at Soldier Field. Trailing their arch-rival Green Bay Packers 21-3 at halftime, the Bears mounted a furious comeback to win 31-27. Rookie sensation Caleb Williams orchestrated the turnaround, throwing two fourth-quarter touchdowns to secure the franchise's first playoff victory since the 2010 season.

The victory locks in a massive Chicago Bears divisional round matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The No. 5 seed Rams, led by veteran Matthew Stafford and dynamic receiver Puka Nacua, advanced by edging out the Carolina Panthers 34-31. This Sunday showdown at Soldier Field marks a significant milestone for Chicago, hosting a divisional round game for the first time in 16 years, with the city buzzing for a potential run to the NFC Championship.

2026 NFL Divisional Round Schedule & Matchups

With the Wild Card round concluded—capped by the Houston Texans' dominant 30-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night—the NFL playoff bracket is officially reset. The league re-seeds after the first round, ensuring the No. 1 seeds face the lowest remaining seeds in their respective conferences.

NFC: Rivals Collision and Soldier Field Return

San Francisco 49ers (6) at Seattle Seahawks (1)
Saturday, Jan. 17 | Lumen Field
This NFC West trilogy will headline Saturday's action. The Seahawks, fresh off a first-round bye, boast the league's top-ranked defense under head coach Mike Macdonald. They swept the regular-season series, but playoff football often defies history. Without Kittle, the 49ers face an uphill battle against Seattle's "Legion of Boom 2.0" secondary.

Los Angeles Rams (5) at Chicago Bears (2)
Sunday, Jan. 18 | Soldier Field
The Bears' defense, which clamped down on Green Bay in the second half, must now contend with Sean McVay's complex offensive schemes. Conversely, the Rams' defense will try to confuse Caleb Williams, who proved his poise under pressure last week.

AFC: Broncos Await Bills, Patriots Host Texans

Buffalo Bills (6) at Denver Broncos (1)
Saturday, Jan. 17 | Mile High Stadium
After upsetting the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-24, Josh Allen and the Bills travel to face the top-seeded Denver Broncos. Denver's defense has been formidable at home, but Buffalo's playoff experience makes them a dangerous underdog.

Houston Texans (5) at New England Patriots (2)
Sunday, Jan. 18 | Gillette Stadium
The Texans looked unstoppable against Pittsburgh, but a trip to Foxborough presents a different challenge. The Patriots, who dismantled the Chargers 16-3, will rely on their disciplined defense to slow down C.J. Stroud and Houston's explosive attack.

The Road to Super Bowl 60

The divisional round separates the contenders from the pretenders. With the Eagles eliminated, the NFC crown is vacant, and the path to Super Bowl 60 is wide open. Whether it's the 49ers' resilience, the Bears' destiny, or the Seahawks' dominance, this weekend promises to deliver the high-octane drama that defines the 2026 NFL playoffs.