As the NFL playoffs commence, this guide offers strategic recommendations for fans on which teams to support during the Wild Card Round, specifically for games not involving the New England Patriots. The aim is to identify outcomes that could inadvertently enhance the Patriots' future draft selections or clear a more favorable path in the postseason. This approach extends beyond mere team preference, delving into the tactical implications of each matchup.
On Saturday, the Los Angeles Rams faced the Carolina Panthers, concluding with a Rams victory of 34-31. Following this, the Green Bay Packers played against the Chicago Bears, a game the Bears won 31-27. These early results set the tone for the rest of the Wild Card weekend, influencing subsequent recommendations.
Sunday's matchups began with the Buffalo Bills against the Jacksonville Jaguars at 1 p.m. ET. For Patriots fans, supporting the Jacksonville Jaguars was suggested. Although this game did not directly affect the Patriots' standing, the Jaguars were perceived as a less formidable opponent than the Bills in the broader playoff landscape. Furthermore, the perennial rivalry between the Patriots and Bills made rooting against Buffalo a natural inclination. The game was broadcast on CBS.
Later on Sunday, at 4:30 p.m. ET, the San Francisco 49ers competed against the Philadelphia Eagles. The advice was to back the Eagles. This recommendation stemmed from a trade involving Keion White, where the Patriots acquired a sixth-round draft pick in the 2026 draft from the 49ers. A San Francisco loss in the Wild Card round would improve the positioning of this draft pick, making an Eagles victory beneficial for New England. This game was televised on FOX.
The Wild Card Round concluded on Monday at 8 p.m. ET with the Houston Texans battling the Pittsburgh Steelers. The suggested team to support was the Houston Texans, though this recommendation was contingent on the outcome of the Bills-Jaguars game. The Texans were seen as potentially better equipped to challenge Denver in the divisional round if Jacksonville had defeated Buffalo. An additional incentive for Patriots fans to support Houston was another sixth-round pick, obtained from the Steelers in exchange for Kyle Dugger. A Pittsburgh elimination would likewise enhance the value of this draft pick. This game was broadcast on ESPN/ABC.
This strategic overview provided fans with a framework for engaging with the playoff games, extending beyond simple fandom to encompass the intricate dynamics of draft implications and competitive pathways.