One thing to watch for is the pregame “Keep Pounding” drum wallop. It’s a Panthers ritual that honors the late Sam Mills. Saturday’s honorary drummer is Cam Newton, the 2011 No. 1 pick and 2015 NFL MVP. He’s making his first home appearance in five years.

Four-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl XLV MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers guided the Pittsburgh Steelers back to the playoffs at the age of 42 after his 26-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Austin held up as the game winner in Game No. 272 against the Baltimore Ravens thanks to a missed 44-yard Ravens field goal at the buzzer.

Welcome to NFL Super Wild Card Weekend, where "home-field advantage" feels more like a trap. With road teams favored in several matchups and high-profile veterans like Matthew Stafford and Brock Purdy looking for statement wins,

Here is an in-depth look at each team, from how their 2025 season went and what their salary cap and free agent situations look like to their draft capital and glaring needs.