NFL playoff schedule 2026: start date, times, format, how to watch

The NFL playoff schedule for 2026 is officially set, and football fans can begin planning for one of the most exciting stretches of the season. The postseason starts with Wild Card Weekend in mid-January and continues through early February, ending with Super Bowl LX. Each round brings win-or-go-home matchups, drawing millions of viewers as the league’s top teams compete for a championship.

With playoff games spread across multiple days, kickoff times, and TV networks, it’s easy for fans to miss important details. That’s why this guide brings everything together in one place. Below, you’ll find a complete breakdown of the 2026 NFL playoffs, including the full schedule, game times, broadcast channels, streaming options for watching without cable, and a simple explanation of the playoff format—making it easy to follow the postseason from start to finish.

When Do the NFL Playoffs Start in 2026?

The 2026 NFL playoffs begin on Saturday, January 10, 2026, kicking off with Wild Card Weekend. The postseason will run for nearly four weeks and conclude with Super Bowl LX on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

Here’s a quick overview of the key dates:

• Wild Card Round: January 10–12, 2026
• Divisional Round: January 17–18, 2026
• Conference Championship Games: January 25, 2026
• Super Bowl LX: February 8, 2026

This schedule follows the same structure the league has used in recent seasons, giving fans a familiar rhythm while spreading games across weekends and prime-time slots.

Full NFL Playoff Schedule 2026 (Dates & Times)

While the exact matchups won’t be known until the regular season ends, the NFL has already set the dates and standard kickoff windows for each round.

Wild Card Weekend (January 10–12, 2026)

Wild Card Weekend features six games—three from the AFC and three from the NFC—spread across three days.

Saturday, January 10

• Game 1: 4:30 p.m. ET
• Game 2: 8:00 p.m. ET

Sunday, January 11

• Game 3: 1:00 p.m. ET
• Game 4: 4:30 p.m. ET
• Game 5: 8:15 p.m. ET

Monday, January 12

• Game 6: 8:15 p.m. ET

Sunday is the busiest day, with a full tripleheader that usually includes at least one dramatic finish.

Divisional Round (January 17–18, 2026)

The Divisional Round is when the top teams enter the picture. The No. 1 seed in each conference joins the remaining Wild Card winners.

Saturday, January 17

• Game 1: 4:30 p.m. ET
• Game 2: 8:15 p.m. ET

Sunday, January 18

• Game 3: 3:00 p.m. ET
• Game 4: 6:30 p.m. ET

This round often produces some of the most memorable games of the entire postseason.

Conference Championship Games (Sunday, January 25, 2026)

Both conference title games are played on the same day, making it one of the most anticipated Sundays of the year.

• AFC Championship: 3:00 p.m. ET
• NFC Championship: 6:30 p.m. ET

The winners earn a trip to the Super Bowl and a chance to compete for the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Super Bowl LX (Sunday, February 8, 2026)

• Kickoff Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California
• TV Network: NBC

Super Bowl LX brings the season to a close in Northern California, with one team crowned champion after a long and demanding year.

How the NFL Playoff Format Works

The NFL playoff format remains unchanged for the 2026 postseason, continuing the structure introduced earlier in the decade.

How Many Teams Make the Playoffs?

• 14 total teams qualify
  • 7 from the AFC
  • 7 from the NFC

Each conference sends:

• 4 division winners
• 3 Wild Card teams

What Is the Playoff Bye?

The No. 1 seed in each conference earns a first-round bye, meaning they skip Wild Card Weekend and automatically advance to the Divisional Round. This is a significant advantage, as it provides extra rest and home-field priority.

Single-Elimination Format

Every playoff game is single elimination. Lose once, and your season is over. Higher-seeded teams host games until the Super Bowl, which is played at a neutral site.

NFL Playoff Game Times Across U.S. Time Zones

Because the NFL schedules games to maximize national viewership, kickoff times vary slightly depending on where you live.

For example:

• A 4:30 p.m. ET game starts at:
  • 3:30 p.m. CT
  • 2:30 p.m. MT
  • 1:30 p.m. PT

The Super Bowl’s 6:30 p.m. ET kickoff translates to 3:30 p.m. PT, making it accessible for fans across the country.

• Super Bowl 2026: date, time, channel, halftime show, how to watch

What Channels Are the NFL Playoffs On?

NFL playoff games are spread across several major networks, similar to the regular season.

TV Networks Carrying the 2026 NFL Playoffs

• CBS
• NBC
• FOX
• ABC
• ESPN
• Prime Video (select games)

Each network has specific rights depending on the round and conference, ensuring broad coverage throughout the postseason.

How to Watch the NFL Playoffs Without Cable

Cutting the cord doesn’t mean missing out on the NFL playoffs. In 2026, fans have more flexible and affordable ways than ever to watch every postseason game without a traditional cable subscription. Whether you prefer live TV streaming, network-based apps, or free local broadcasts, there’s an option that fits almost every viewing style.

Below is a clear breakdown to help you choose the best way to watch the NFL playoffs without cable.

Live TV Streaming Services (All-in-One Option)

Live TV streaming services are the closest replacement for cable. They offer access to major networks that broadcast NFL playoff games, all in one package.

These services typically include:

• CBS
• FOX
• NBC
• ABC
• ESPN

Most also work on smart TVs, streaming devices, phones, and tablets.

Popular live TV streaming options include:

• YouTube TV
• Hulu + Live TV
• FuboTV
• DirecTV Stream

These platforms are ideal if you want:

• Every playoff game in one place
• Easy channel switching
• Cloud DVR to record games

While they cost more than individual apps, they eliminate the need to juggle multiple services.

Network-Based Streaming Apps

If you only want access to specific games, subscribing to individual network apps can be a more budget-friendly option.

CBS Games

• Streamed through Paramount+
• Covers select Wild Card, Divisional, and AFC Championship games

NBC Games

• Available on Peacock
• Includes Sunday night playoff games and Super Bowl LX

ESPN / ABC Games

• Streamed on ESPN+
• Includes the Monday night Wild Card game

Prime Video

• Streams one exclusive Wild Card game
• Included with an Amazon Prime membership

This option works best if you already subscribe to one or more of these services or don’t mind switching apps during the playoffs.

Watch for Free With an Over-the-Air Antenna

One of the simplest and most underrated ways to watch NFL playoff games is with a digital antenna.

With an antenna, you can watch games broadcast on:

• CBS
• FOX
• NBC
• ABC

These channels are available for free in most U.S. markets and offer excellent picture quality, often better than streaming.

This option is best for fans who:

• Live within range of local broadcast towers
• Want to avoid monthly fees
• Mostly watch games on major networks

An antenna will not carry ESPN-only games, but it covers a large portion of the postseason schedule.

Mobile Streaming Options

For fans on the go, mobile streaming provides flexibility without a full TV setup.

NFL+

• Allows live streaming of all playoff games on smartphones and tablets
• Limited to mobile devices only
• Does not stream games on TVs

This is a solid option if you primarily watch games while traveling or away from home.

Smart TV and Device Compatibility

Most streaming services that carry NFL playoff games are compatible with popular devices, including:

• Roku
• Amazon Fire TV
• Apple TV
• Google TV
• Smart TVs from Samsung, LG, and Sony

Before subscribing, it’s a good idea to check whether your preferred service supports your device.

Choosing the Best Option for You

The best way to watch the NFL playoffs without cable depends on how you plan to watch:

• Want every game with minimal hassle?
  A live TV streaming service is the most convenient choice.
• Only care about select games?
  Network-based apps can save money.
• Looking for a free option?
  A digital antenna covers many playoff matchups.
• Watching mostly on your phone?
  Mobile streaming services provide flexibility.

Where Is the Super Bowl in 2026?

Super Bowl LX will be played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
The stadium is home to the San Francisco 49ers and last hosted the Super Bowl in 2016.

Key Things to Know Before the Playoffs Begin

• The playoff field is finalized after Week 18 of the regular season, which ends in early January.
• Exact game matchups and TV assignments are typically announced shortly after the final regular-season games conclude.
• Kickoff times are consistent year to year, but broadcasters can adjust slightly for scheduling reasons.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 NFL playoffs promise nearly a month of must-watch football, starting January 10 and ending with Super Bowl LX on February 8. With 14 teams, a clear single-elimination format, and games spread across major networks and streaming platforms, it’s easier than ever for fans to follow along.

Whether you’re watching every snap or just tuning in for the biggest games, knowing the schedule ahead of time makes the experience even better. As the regular season wraps up and teams lock in their spots, the countdown to kickoff officially begins.