As the 2025-26 NFL regular season wrapped up, fans eagerly awaited the playoff matchups. Once the bracket was set on January 5-6, 2026, a familiar trend emerged on the secondary market: NFL playoff ticket prices eased significantly. This drop happens almost every year when speculative “uncertainty premiums” vanish after matchups are confirmed.
Why Do NFL Playoff Ticket Prices Drop After Matchups Are Locked In?
Before the final week, resale sites like CapitalCityTickets.com, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats list “placeholder” tickets for potential home playoff games. Sellers inflate prices due to uncertainty—who will host? Which teams will play? High-demand scenarios (e.g., a superstar team visiting) drive speculative highs.
Once Week 18 ends and seeds are finalized:
- Uncertainty evaporates.
- Supply increases as season ticket holders list seats.
- Less desirable matchups lead sellers to lower prices to move inventory.
In 2026, this played out clearly. According to TicketNews and Ticket Club data, average asking prices for several Wild Card games fell sharply post-Week 18. For example:
- The Rams at Panthers game saw averages drop $174 to around $347, with get-in prices starting as low as $160-$180.
- Overall Wild Card get-in prices ranged from $138 (Texans at Steelers) to over $400 for hotter rivalries like Packers at Bears.
Historical data supports this: Studies from FinanceBuzz show playoff tickets often drop 11-21% closer to game day, with Super Bowl prices even halving in some cases when waiting until matchup confirmation.
2026 NFL Wild Card Ticket Price Trends and Cheapest Deals
As of January 6, 2026, secondary market prices have softened across most games. Here’s a breakdown of current get-in prices (lowest available, per platforms like SeatGeek, CapitalCityTickets.com, Vivid Seats, and others—prices fluctuate):
| Game | Date/Time (ET) | Venue | Cheapest Get-In Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Rams at Carolina Panthers | Jan. 10, 4:30 PM | Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte | $160-$191 | Biggest drop; averages down $174; best value pick |
| Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears | Jan. 10, 8:00 PM | Soldier Field, Chicago | $434-$518 | Rivalry drives higher demand; priciest Wild Card |
| Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars | Jan. 11, 1:00 PM | EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville | $210-$291 | Solid mid-range deals |
| San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles | Jan. 11, 4:30 PM | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia | $214-$234 | Star power keeps prices elevated but accessible |
| Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots | Jan. 11, 8:00 PM | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough | $200-$223 | Good entry-level options |
| Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers | Jan. 12, 8:00 PM | Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh | $138-$170 | Cheapest overall; Monday night slot helps |
Prices sourced from aggregated data on SeatGeek, CapitalCityTickets.com, Vivid Seats, and Ticketmaster as of Jan. 6. Expect further drops closer to kickoff if unsold inventory builds.
Best Deals and Tips for 2026 NFL Playoff Tickets
- Top Value Game: Rams at Panthers – Upper-level seats start around $180, making this the most affordable playoff entry. Perfect for budget fans wanting postseason atmosphere.
- Wait for Last-Minute Drops – Prices often fall further 24-48 hours before kickoff as sellers avoid holding unsold seats.
- Compare Platforms – Check CapitalCityTickets.com (strong buyer guarantees), SeatGeek (Deal Score for value), Vivid Seats, and Ticketmaster. The same seat can vary by $50+ across sites.
- Avoid Fees and Scams – Stick to verified resale sites with FanProtect or similar guarantees. NFL Ticket Exchange is official but limited.
- Look Ahead – Divisional round prices will spike for winners, but similar uncertainty drops could occur next week.
The 2026 playoffs are shaping up to be fan-friendly on the wallet, especially for Wild Card weekend. With matchups locked and uncertainty gone, now’s the prime time to snag deals before potential game-day surges in high-demand spots. Whether you’re chasing a bargain in Charlotte or braving the cold in Chicago, secondary market softening means more fans can experience the postseason live. Grab your tickets soon—Wild Card weekend kicks off January 10!
