Colin Cowherd’s Blazin’ 5 Picks: NFL Wild Card Round in 2026

Colin had a solid bounce back season, winning 58% of his picks. Here are his playoff picks

Blazing 5 Record

2025 Season: 52-37-1 (58.4%)

Week 1: 3-2
Week 2: 2-3
Week 3: 1-4
Week 4: 3-2
Week 5: 3-2
Week 6: 4-1
Week 7: 4-1
Week 8: 4-1
Week 9: 2-3
Week 10: 3-2
Week 11: 5-0
Week 12: 2-3
Week 13: 2-3
Week 14: 3-2
Week 15: 2-3
Week 16: 4-0-1
Week 17: 2-3
Week 18: 3-2

Past Records

2025: 52-37-1 (58.4%)
2024: 30-47-2 (39.0%)
2023: 45-35-5 (56.3%)
2022: 44-37-4 (54.3%)
2021: 39-47 (45.3%)
2020: 40-42-2 (48.8%)
2019: 42-41-3 (50.6%)
2018: 43-33-2 (57.7%)
2017: 43-29-3 (59.7%)
2016: 44-33-3 (57.1%)

Colin Cowherd Wild Card 2026 Blazing 5

Blazing Five Wild Card Weekend Picks Set the Tone for a High-Drama NFL Postseason

The regular season is in the books, and it was a strong one. A 58 percent hit rate made this the best Blazing Five year in a while, and the postseason card reflects that confidence. This slate blends dominant favorites, live underdogs, and one college playoff game that feels every bit as intense as the NFL matchups. The theme is clear: roster health, trench play, turnovers, and coaching edges matter more than hype in January.

This Week’s Blazing Five Picks

Rams -10.5 at Panthers
Bears +1.5 vs Packers
Jaguars +1.5 vs Bills
Eagles -5.5 vs 49ers
Indiana -3.5 vs Oregon

Los Angeles Rams at Carolina Panthers Rams -10.5

This is a classic playoff hammer spot. The Rams led the league with eight wins by 14 points or more this season, something no other team came close to. They also finished as the number one scoring offense, and historically they are devastating when they protect the football. At 12–2 in games with one or fewer turnovers, the formula is simple: clean game, blowout result.

Carolina backs into the playoffs with a negative point differential, something no other postseason team can say. Bryce Young’s struggles against quality opponents stand out, especially a passer rating hovering around 70 against playoff-caliber teams. The Rams just lost to Carolina recently, which only sharpens the focus. Expect urgency, tempo, and aggression from the opening drive.

Projected score: Rams 33, Panthers 20

Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears Bears +1.5

This game screams fundamentals football. Cold weather, potential wind, and limited passing conditions all point toward the run game and offensive line play, where Chicago has the clear edge. The Bears own the number three rushing offense in the league, do not turn the ball over, and grade out as a top-tier offensive line.

Caleb Williams has been steady, with five touchdowns and one interception over the recent stretch, and even that pick came late in the end zone while trying to make a play. Green Bay enters on a four-game losing streak and has dropped four of its last five playoff games. Since losing key defensive pieces, the Packers have slipped to near the bottom of the league in total defense. In this setting, Chicago’s physical style and ball security give them a real chance to win outright.

Projected score: Bears 27, Packers 24

Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars Jaguars +1.5

Jacksonville feels like the team nobody wants to see right now. They are undefeated since Week 11, have covered eight straight spreads, and have outscored opponents by nearly three touchdowns per game during that run. At home in the playoffs, the Jaguars are historically tough, sitting 4–1 all time.

The defense has been the real story, holding opponents under 20 points in six straight games. Trevor Lawrence is playing his best football of the season, while Buffalo continues to flirt with danger. The Bills have trailed in the second half of seven of their last ten games and possess the worst run defense among playoff teams. Asking Josh Allen to constantly play Superman on the road is not a sustainable postseason strategy.

Projected score: Jaguars 30, Bills 27

San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles Eagles -5.5

Health and matchups drive this pick. Philadelphia is the healthier team, the deeper roster, and one of the league’s most reliable red-zone offenses. They score touchdowns instead of settling for field goals, and that matters against elite opponents. The Eagles have also protected the ball, with just one turnover over their last three games.

San Francisco’s issues are structural. They remain heavily dependent on Christian McCaffrey, struggle generating sacks, and historically have had problems against Vic Fangio defenses. Kyle Shanahan-led teams average just 12 points per game against Fangio. Add in questions surrounding key offensive linemen and a defense that cannot consistently pressure quarterbacks, and this sets up well for Philadelphia at home.

Projected score: Eagles 28, 49ers 20

Oregon Ducks vs Indiana Hoosiers Indiana -3.5

This college matchup may be the cleanest handicap of the weekend. Indiana is built on efficiency, discipline, and mistake-free football. They have committed fewer turnovers than any Power Four team this season, with just eight giveaways total. They have not fumbled since the opening stretch of the season and consistently tackle well, even with extended rest.

Indiana is 3–0 against top-10 opponents, including dominant wins over Alabama and Ohio State. Oregon is talented, but recent cracks have appeared, particularly against the run. Indiana’s quarterback play, ball security, and coaching precision give them the edge in what should be a high-level, competitive game.

Projected score: Indiana 33, Oregon 28