The Ringer NFL Show Playoff Primer! The Most Interesting Story Lines in the NFC Wild-Card Matchups
9 snips
Jan 8, 2026 
Billy Gil, a Ringer staff writer and NFL analyst, joins Sheil to break down the intriguing NFC wild-card matchups. They dive into the Rams-Panthers clash, discussing the unexpected implications of a Panthers upset and the aggressive strategies needed to win. The heated rivalry between the Packers and Bears is highlighted, with potential media fallout after the game. Lastly, they explore the stakes for the 49ers and Eagles, questioning Kyle Shanahan's future amidst playoff highs and lows.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Huge Road Favorite Raises Eyebrows
- The Rams are heavy 10+ point favorites on the road despite the Panthers keeping their earlier meeting very close.
- Large road favorites in playoff games are rare and draw attention because they can mask matchup fragility.
Upset Would Reshape The NFC Picture
- Historical examples show big home underdogs can and do win or at least cover the spread in notable playoff games.
- If the Panthers pull an upset, the playoff bracket and roster decisions (like Bryce Young's future) shift dramatically.
Be Aggressive On Fourth Downs
- As heavy underdogs, the Panthers should shorten the game and maximize possession by going for it on fourth downs.
- Avoid conservative punts that hand the Rams more scoring opportunities and time of possession.