A Wild Weekend Kicks Off Today: Can Caleb Williams and the Bears Break the Drought?

In today's Fantasy Life Newsletter, presented by Mike's Hard Lemonade:

Football is so romantic, isn't it? The big lights … thousands of consenting adults pining and yearning for something bigger than themselves to happen as the clock winds down!

And we have a slate full of bigger-than-us narratives going into Wild Card Weekend.

If there were ever a time to convince your "I don't really watch football" friends to tap into the sport, it's right now. There's way too much on the line.

Here are a few of my favorite storylines to root for (or against) this weekend:

Aaron Rodgers’ INT Watch

Rodgers has currently thrown 232 consecutive passes without an interception. Not only does that feel like a lot, but it's also the longest active streak in the league. He faces the Texans this week, who are ranked third in the league for takeaways (19 INT / 10 FUM). Can Rodgers keep the interception-free streak alive? Or will he crumble under the pressure against one of the best defenses in the league?

Josh Allen's Home Sick Streak

The Bills haven't won a playoff game on the road in over 30 years. Let me repeat that—The Bills haven't won a playoff game on the road since 1992. That losing streak is older than Rudy (1993) and The Little Giants (1994). But not only would Josh Allen end the sad streak with a win this weekend against Jacksonville, but he would also be one step closer to having played in all 32 NFL stadiums. He's played in 31, and the final box to check off is Levi's Stadium … Hosting Super Bowl LX.

Justin Herbert—Sixth Time’s a Charm

After missing the playoffs (three times) and losing in the Wild Card Round (twice) during his first five seasons, Herbert is looking to make it further than he ever has since he started playing in the NFL in 2020. He faces Drake "Drake Maye" Maye this weekend, but some fans (haters?) feel that New England's success has come in the form of a soft schedule. Can Herbert & Co. take down the Patriots, or will Herbert add another Wild Card loss to his six-year resume?

A Historic Win for CHI?

Of all the teams in the playoffs, the Bears have gone the longest without any playoff wins. Their last postseason victory was back in 2011. But in a legendary turn of events, they now have to face the Packers this week. CHI is 1-1 in the playoffs against GB, having faced each other in the playoffs only twice in their franchises' histories. But if the Bears can secure this first playoff win in almost a decade, they'll also get a playoff win against the Packers—something they haven't done since the Sunday after Dec. 7, 1941 …

Steelers Losing Streak

Similar to the Bills, the Steelers have a losing streak going. It doesn't span across three decades, but they've lost all six playoff performances since 2017. With DK Metcalf back this week, Rodgers looks to end their drought.

Home Never Hurts Hurts

The reigning Super Bowl champs get to play at home this weekend. And wouldn't you know … Jalen Hurts seems to do pretty well on his home turf. He's 5-0 in playoff matchups at home. That's the kind of streak Josh Allen dreams of at night. Can Hurts make it 6-0 against the 49ers this week?

It's a Coaching Matter

Just one year ago, three playoff teams were losers. No, really. The Bears were 5-12, the Patriots were 4-13 and the Jaguars were 4-13. But with Ben Johnson, Mike Vrabel and Liam Coen joining these organizations, things have turned around. I mean, look how far they've come already—Further than the Chiefs, Ravens and Lions! How much further can these new coaches take them?

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Editors’ Picks

Wild Card Weekend kicks off today as we stare down the barrel of three consecutive days of playoff football. That also means that this is your last chance to enter your playoff fantasy football contests … and we’re making it easy to get up to speed …

ICYMI: Dwain’s Playoff Ranks

No matter the playoff contest you enter, Dwain McFarland’s 2026 playoff rankings are bound to give you an edge over your competition. Which sleeper RB is he higher than ADP on?

Come Along For A Wild (Card) Ride …

I want to sweat through my shirt this weekend more than Tyler Loop’s parents did during his game-losing field goal miss.

So let’s take some of the best narratives from Wild Card Weekend and build parlays that will give us the sweat of a lifetime!

Scared money don’t make money!

ALL THE WILD CARD WEEKEND ACTION YOU NEED

Fernando Mendoza Scouting Report

Raider fans were heard singing ABBA’s Fernando after they learned that the team had secured the No. 1 spot in the 2026 NFL Draft. They could soon enough find out what Indiana Hoosiers faithful and college football aficionados have learned in watching Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza this past season: The Indiana QB can play. Matthew Freedman has compiled his scouting report on the redshirt junior, who just might be the first pick in the draft in Pittsburgh in April:

“Mendoza's best attributes are probably his processing speed and poise. He's a fast post-snap assessor, which allows him to play ahead of most pressure, and he has steadily improved throughout his career as a pocket navigator with his sliding, climbing and resetting. Additionally, he has displayed a willingness to stand in the face of free rushers and deliver with accuracy. Panic heaves and YOLO balls are uncommon on his tape, and when he loses a rep, the result is usually a throwaway or sack, not an air-mailed turnover.”

Other Heisman Trophy winners have preceded Mendoza as the first pick in the draft. He’s trying to follow Joe Burrow and others who have won the Heisman and the national championship in the same season. Some have been hits in the NFL, while others were misses. One thing is for sure, Mendoza hasn’t missed much this season. Read on. ⤵️

SHOULD THE RAIDERS DRAFT MENDOZA NO. 1?

Around The Watercooler

The latest fantasy and NFL gossip, news, memes and more from our merry band of football nerds …

🤩 Can’t get enough of playoff fantasy? Jump into the FantasyLife Postseason Shootout, courtesy of our friends at RealTime Fantasy Sports.

📺 Plus, Dwain and Ian offer up a shootout strategy session.

👀 From Rams-Panthers to Texans-Steelers, every Wild Card breakdown.

🪓 Join a 5-team Guilloteenie league with Coach Gene Clemons today at noon ET. Winner receives a surprise autographed jersey and a newsletter shoutout.

🔪 One chop or two? We have both options with playoff Guilloteenies.

😎 Austin Ekeler can hardly contain his excitement for this year’s playoffs.

🤔 Are you a Rashee Rice dynasty manager? We’ve got answers to all of your questions.

🎓 TRIVIA ANSWER: Mark Ingram racked up 1,018 rushing yards on exactly 5.0 yards per attempt, adding 10 rushing TDs.

🏈 ICYMI: Playoff fantasy football strategy session.

😱 Lock in this player for 2 TDs this week. Are you scared?