The NFL regular season has wrapped up, and surprisingly, there aren’t any clear Super Bowl contenders heading into the playoffs.
Kansas City Chiefs are officially out of the postseason after Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL. The Detroit Lions, who many thought would clinch the NFC title, also failed to make the playoffs. Likewise, Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens missed out entirely, and the Buffalo Bills have shown inconsistency throughout the season. Even the defending champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, have been solid yet unremarkable. With once-dominant teams waning, a few new faces have emerged to take charge. Can anyone honestly say they had the Denver Broncos or Seattle Seahawks as the No. 1 seeds in their conference before this year started? No hands raised here.
As we look at the 2026 NFL Playoffs, the field is wide open. With the playoff spots determined, it’s time for some predictions. Choose your players in both the NFC and AFC playoffs and guess who will come out on top.
NFC Wildcard Prediction
Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears
Ben Johnson pledged at his first press conference to beat the Packers twice, and now he has the opportunity. While Micah Parsons’ torn ACL has dashed the Packers’ Super Bowl hopes, their roster is still fairly strong across the board. The Bears triumphed in their last matchup with a record-setting pass from Caleb Williams to DJ Moore. Like many Bears games this season, this should be a nail-biter, but I’m leaning toward a Chicago win. I mean, I might be a bit biased, but hey, it’s fine.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The 49ers’ offense was riveting in December—at least against teams that weren’t the Seahawks. Meanwhile, the Eagles are not nearly as strong as last year’s Super Bowl winners, with Jalen Hurts struggling to connect on passes during the second half of several victories. That’s not going to cut it in the playoffs. I’m not convinced the Eagles can keep pace with the 49ers on the scoreboard, even against a shaky San Francisco defense.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Carolina Panthers
It’s pretty surprising that the Panthers, finishing under .500, are hosting this game. Welcome to the NFC South. The Rams should win this without much trouble.
AFC Wild Card Predictions
Los Angeles Chargers vs. New England Patriots
This matchup could be quite engaging. The Patriots have been a dominant force in the AFC, led by MVP candidate Drake Maye, although their schedule hasn’t been too challenging. Jim Harbaugh seems to have the Chargers well-prepared, and there’s a good chance Justin Herbert could outshine Meyer. Is it outlandish to suggest these two might be the NFL’s best quarterbacks right now? Considering Herbert’s lacking protection and minimal star power, it’s a possibility.
Buffalo Bills vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars started the season with a 5-4 record and haven’t lost since. Their rookie head coach Liam Cohen has propelled Trevor Lawrence into MVP conversations, but the progression of Jacksonville’s defense is crucial as well. Plus, the Jags have a kicker with two of the longest kicks in NFL history. Although Josh Allen remains a top player, especially since Mahomes’ injury, I’m wary of Buffalo’s coaching and defensive capabilities.
Houston Texans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
This game could be a tough watch on the offensive side, but I have more faith in CJ Stroud than in 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers these days. Houston’s defense is strong, and their pass rush is likely to make things difficult for Rodgers.
NFC Divisional Round Predictions
5th Seed Rams vs. 2nd Seed Bears
The Rams appeared formidable earlier in the season, but their later performance raises concerns. If they reach this stage, Davonte Adams should be back to health, yet I can’t see how the Bears’ shaky defense can contain the Rams’ passing game. Chicago struggles to pressure quarterbacks, and Matthew Stafford excels when given adequate time. Being a lifelong Bears fan, I wish I could be more optimistic, but reality says otherwise. If by some miracle the Bears pull off a win, I’ll be the first to eat my words.
6th Seed 49ers vs. 1st Seed Seahawks
The 49ers have a fantastic offense, but the Seahawks have an even stronger defense. In this best versus best showdown, I see Seattle’s defense limiting the Niners just enough to let Sam Darnold and the running game secure the win.
AFC Divisional Round Predictions
3rd Seed Jaguars vs. 2nd Seed Patriots
Fans should look forward to seeing Lawrence face May following May’s battle with Herbert. The Jaguars might have peaked too soon, though I feel a “Team of Destiny” vibe from them. I genuinely believe Lawrence is now an elite quarterback, and I think Jacksonville’s defense can keep the Patriots’ offense at bay, at least to some extent. Having a kicker capable of a 70-yard field goal could be crucial for them in this matchup.
4th Seed Texans vs. 1st Seed Broncos
This matchup features two outstanding defenses. Houston can disrupt Bo Nix, but I still feel Denver is the more well-rounded team.
NFC Championship Game Predictions
The Rams and Seahawks had two riveting encounters in the regular season, with their Week 16 clash, which the Seahawks won in overtime, deserving of Game of the Year honors. The upcoming match should be equally tense, featuring Seattle’s top-tier defense against the dynamic Rams passing game led by Stafford.
AFC Championship Match Predictions
The Jaguars recently had a strong victory against Denver. While the Broncos’ defense might overwhelm Jacksonville and put a stop to their story, I tend to trust the Jaguars’ defense more than Denver’s offense. I believe Cohen and Lawrence will generate enough offensive momentum to secure a win for Jacksonville.
Super Bowl LX Prediction
In the grand finale, it’s Matthew Stafford who rides off into the sunset. There’s been talk about whether Sean McVay might join him in retirement, but I think it’s too soon to tell. I’m predicting the Rams will emerge victorious with a score of 31 to 27 over the Jaguars, in what could be a classic Super Bowl for the modern era.
