2026 NFL Playoff Picks and Predictions

ByNayon

With Week 10 approaching, the playoff race is shaping up across both conferences. Based on the current standings, here’s how the AFC and NFC playoff brackets would look if the season ended today – including first-round matchups, potential upsets, and Super Bowl predictions.

AFC Playoff Picture

Division Leaders

  • Denver Broncos (8-2) – Riding a 7-game winning streak, Denver’s defense and balanced offense make them the AFC’s top seed.
  • Indianapolis Colts (7-2) – The highest-scoring team in the AFC (290 PF) with a strong home record (5-0).
  • New England Patriots (7-2) – Bill Belichick’s squad is back in the mix, boasting a 6-game win streak.
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3) – Their defensive grit keeps them atop a tight AFC North race.

Wild Card Teams

  • Buffalo Bills (6-2) – Strong all-around play and two straight wins make Buffalo a dangerous wild card.
  • Los Angeles Chargers (6-3) – Quietly consistent with key divisional wins (3-0 in AFC West).
  • Jacksonville Jaguars (5-3) – Despite negative point differential, Jacksonville stays alive behind clutch road performances.

AFC Wild Card Round Matchups

  • (1) Denver Broncos — BYE
  • (7) Jacksonville Jaguars at (2) Indianapolis Colts
  • (6) Los Angeles Chargers at (3) New England Patriots
  • (5) Buffalo Bills at (4) Pittsburgh Steelers

Predicted AFC Results

  • Colts over Jaguars
  • Bills over Steelers
  • Patriots edge Chargers

AFC Divisional Round

  • (1) Broncos vs (5) Bills
  • (2) Colts vs (3) Patriots

Predictions:

  • Broncos defeat Bills in a shootout; Colts beat Patriots in a thriller.

AFC Championship: Broncos vs Colts

Prediction: Denver Broncos win AFC Championship (27–23).

NFC Playoff Picture

Division Leaders

  • Philadelphia Eagles (6-2) – Back-to-back wins and a 5-1 conference record place them atop the NFC.
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2) – Consistent road success (4-1) keeps them in strong playoff form.
  • Seattle Seahawks (6-2) – The NFC’s top point differential (+81) and an elite defense make them serious contenders.
  • Green Bay Packers (5-2-1) – Steady offense and Lambeau advantage put them in control of the NFC North.

Wild Card Teams

  • Los Angeles Rams (6-2) – Balanced team and a +82 differential, hottest wild card team right now.
  • San Francisco 49ers (6-3) – Still a major threat, 6-1 in the conference keeps them playoff-safe.
  • Detroit Lions (5-3) – Strong scoring offense (239 PF) earns them the final NFC spot.

NFC Wild Card Round Matchups

  • (1) Philadelphia Eagles — BYE
  • (7) Detroit Lions at (2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • (6) San Francisco 49ers at (3) Seattle Seahawks
  • (5) Los Angeles Rams at (4) Green Bay Packers

Predicted NFC Results

  • Buccaneers edge Lions in a close battle.
  • Seahawks beat 49ers in another West rivalry game.
  • Rams upset Packers on the road.

NFC Divisional Round

  • (1) Eagles vs (5) Rams
  • (2) Buccaneers vs (3) Seahawks

Predictions:

  • Eagles hold off Rams at home; Seahawks continue momentum to beat Tampa Bay.

NFC Championship: Eagles vs Seahawks

  • Prediction: Seattle Seahawks win NFC Championship (28–24).

Super Bowl LX Predictions

  • Denver Broncos (AFC) vs Seattle Seahawks (NFC)

A rematch of the 2014 Super Bowl, this time with both teams built on efficient offenses and elite defenses. Denver’s 7-game win streak and home dominance make them favorites, but Seattle’s speed and balance could turn the tide.

Final Prediction:

Seattle Seahawks defeat Denver Broncos 30–27

MVP: Geno Smith (SEA)

Seattle claims its second franchise Super Bowl title.

If the playoffs started today, expect a mix of veteran leadership and young quarterbacks defining the 2025 postseason – with Buffalo finally lifting the Lombardi Trophy.