2026 NFL Playoffs Bracket: Predictions, Picks for the Entire NFL Postseason and Super Bowl LX

Nick's 2026 NFL playoffs bracket predictions, picks for the entire 2025-26 NFL postseason. Which NFL teams will win their playoff matchups and get to the Super Bowl?

The regular season is in the history books and has given us our playoff matchups, which means it's time to have some fun with the crystal ball. We're going to see some experienced veterans square off against others who are getting their first taste of the playoffs. Frankly, the door is wide open for most to make a run, which makes this exercise quite fun!

That's not to say that all teams are hitting the playoff weeks with similar momentum, health, and so on. But November and December don't outright define the range of outcomes, and it only takes one well-timed momentum swing to change destinies. We're going to do our best to present informed chatter on each matchup with data that is largely gathered through Week 17, thanks to Week 18 being meaningless to many.

So, who's going to advance and make a run in the 2025 postseason? Let's hop right into it and stroll through the entire playoff bracket, from Wild Card weekend to Super Bowl LX.

Wild Card Round Predictions

#7 Green Bay Packers (9-7-1) at #2 Chicago Bears (12-5)

The Packers are limping into the playoffs, having lost their final four games with several key injuries sustained during that period. One can’t simply say they’ve lost, and therefore they will lose here, but the health concerns take center stage in determining their chances.

Jordan Love (concussion) should be 100%, as he was active for Week 18 to back up Clayton Tune, but Josh Jacobs (knee/ankle) is the real X-factor. The star rusher had 22 touches for 92 yards in the 28-21 victory over Chicago in Week 14, no doubt drawing the defense in for a trio of deep touchdown throws, two of which went to Christian Watson.

But they’ll also be without Micah Parsons (knee), who forced eight pressures with two QB hits.

That proved pivotal in the Week 16 overtime game, which saw Chicago storm back with more late heroics despite a whopping 10 penalties for 105 yards. Green Bay logged zero sacks and forced no turnovers, giving Williams and the Bears their NFL-leading sixth comeback win of the year.

Williams not only has emerging talents like Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland downfield, but should also get Rome Odunze back from his foot injury to complement a strong one-two punch at running back. Mix in the home-field advantage, and Chicago should stay in control if it can avoid self-inflicted problems.

#6 San Francisco 49ers (12-5) at #3 Philadelphia Eagles (12-5)

This is the tightest first-round matchup that the NFC will offer. The 49ers are fresh off a Week 18 drubbing by the Seahawks and will now travel to the defending NFC champions’ lair: Lincoln Financial Field.

How much weight do you place on the lowly offensive output against the top defense? What about the defense, which had struggled down the stretch, but just held Seattle to 13 points? Of course, Philly boasts its own stellar defense that anchored a win over Buffalo with only 13 points in hand.

The Eagles rested their starters in Week 18 and will enter the postseason with fresh legs. They’re also expecting to get star right tackle Lane Johnson (foot) back, who should bolster the overall expectations on offense, especially with Saquon Barkley fighting to find room.

It's entirely possible the Eagles can play bully ball against a defense that lacks a true anchor without Fred Warner (ankle). I think it'll be closer than that, but Seattle just provided a neat blueprint in stifling the Niners. We have Philly executing on that, but wouldn't fight anyone for taking the road team.

#5 Los Angeles Rams (12-5) at #4 Carolina Panthers (8-9)

For all of the Rams’ recent shortcomings, they get a comparatively weak opponent in Carolina that many are calling an unofficial first-round bye. The obvious problem with that is how the Panthers won the regular-season matchup, 31-28, back in Week 12.

We’ve seen how the Panthers can hang with anyone at their best, but the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde whiplash of inconsistency is maddening. They’ve been thrashed by teams like Buffalo, New Orleans, San Francisco, and Seattle, so the median expectation still has to be that Carolina is “off” rather than “on.”

Even in that prior 31-28 game, Carolina required three LAR turnovers, one being a pick-six, three long TDs of more than 30 yards, and a trio of fourth-down conversions to eke out the win. If the Rams play within themselves and avoid the big mistake(s), then they’ll be moving on. Unless you buy into this trend:

The Panthers had a -69 point differential this season (23rd in NFL).

The only playoff teams with a lower point diff:

🔻2004 Rams (-73)
🔻2011 Broncos (-81)
🔻2010 Seahawks (-97)

Each of the previous 3 won in the Wild Card round. @Panthers | #KeepPounding

— NFL Researcher (@NFL_Researcher) January 5, 2026

#7 Los Angeles Chargers (11-6) at #2 New England Patriots (14-3)

The Chargers rested up their key starters in Week 18 to settle into the No. 7 seed and set this game up. Justin Herbert needs to heal up his hand, as well as take a breather from facing relentless pressure, before traveling east to Foxborough. Omarion Hampton (ankle), Derwin James, and two key offensive linemen also rested.

Meanwhile, the Patriots have looked nearly unstoppable this season, but many will rightfully point out that their historically soft schedule has offered little worthy resistance. En route to an AFC-leading +142 point differential going into Week 18, they dropped Week 1 to the Raiders (!), lost in Week 3 to the Steelers, and then fell to Buffalo in their second meeting in Week 15.

It’s worth noting that all three losses came at home. Looking at Defense-Adjusted Value Over Average (DVOA) to help neutralize the schedule factor, you’ll see the Patriots at 15th (5.5%), and the Chargers are 17th (1.9%). However, slide to weighted DVOA, which places more emphasis on recent games, and the Patriots rise to sixth (15.7%), while the Chargers stay at 16th (2.8%).

New England is rounding into form, though if something were to give, then it is likely through the defense. There’s no questioning that Herbert and the Chargers can suit up for a shootout if given the chance. They’ve beaten defenses such as the Broncos and Eagles, and have hung 37 on stout defenses like the Vikings.

The defense has also held the Eagles, Chiefs, Cowboys, and Texans to 20 or fewer points in December. We still have to give the Pats an edge based on the metrics and being careful not to over-correct for things like the schedule, which they didn’t create. But this being close won’t be surprising.

#6 Buffalo Bills (12-5) at #3 Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4)

The Jags put an emphatic final stamp on their regular season with 41 points over the Titans, giving them an eighth straight win for strong momentum going into the playoffs. They’ve been on fire since blowing a 19-point lead to the Texans in Week 10, after which head coach Liam Coen told Trevor Lawrence to “cut it loose.”

Since then, Jacksonville has averaged 33.6 points per game, with Lawrence establishing chemistry with Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers in particular, as well as using his legs in the red zone. Also, the defense has been exceptional, allowing a measly 3.9 rush yards per attempt and another top-five mark through the air (6.2 yards per attempt).

Limiting James Cook III and containing Josh Allen is how Jacksonville wins. Buffalo’s fan base has been questioning how they haven’t done more to surround Allen with playmakers, especially at receiver. If the ground game is held in check, can Khalil Shakir, Dalton Kincaid, and Gabe Davis make the plays necessary to overcome the tide?

Then there’s also the matter of special teams. Buffalo was already pushing its luck with Matt Prater after Tyler Bass required season-ending surgery, but Prater left Week 18 after re-injuring his right quad. On the other side, Cam Little drilled a 67-yard field goal as he builds a case for best kicker in the game. Allen is capable of great things, but can he overcome a red-hot Jags team that seemingly has the advantage in most categories?

Cam Little in the 2025-2026 season:

🔥 70-YD FG (preseason)
🔥 68-YD FG (NFL record)
🔥 67-YD FG (today)

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/q49BUuj4jg

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) January 4, 2026

#5 Houston Texans (12-5) at #4 Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)

The Steelers got through by the hairs on their chin, or by the grace of God, if you believe that the Pittsburgh priest blessing the end zone where Tyler Loop missed the late field-goal attempt made the difference. If you buy narratives, then you’ll see buzz about Houston having zero playoff road wins while the Steelers have secured 23 consecutive home wins on Monday nights.

But those historical teams are not the ones squaring off in January 2026. Each front will do a great job at overwhelming the offense. Houston is known for not requiring extra rushers to get pressure on the quarterback, boasting a top-five sack rate with the lowest blitz rate (22%). The Steelers are 14th in sack rate with the sixth-highest blitz rate (36%).

After 17 weeks, C.J. Stroud’s +0.14 EPA (Expected Points Added) is ninth among regular NFL starters, while Aaron Rodgers (+0.03) is 19th. Pittsburgh will get DK Metcalf back from a suspension, but Derek Stingley Jr. is no slouch. And the Texans are a top-five run defense, capable of halting Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. Unless Houston’s defenders slip as Baltimore’s did, we’re not seeing the Steelers snag this one.

Divisional Round Predictions

#5 Los Angeles Rams (12-5) at #1 Seattle Seahawks (14-3)

The Rams’ Week 16 loss (by one point!) to the Seahawks sparked Sean McVay to fire special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn, but is such a move enough to rebalance the scales? And in the first meeting between these two, Sam Darnold threw four interceptions, yet Seattle only fell by two points.

We’ve seen each squad trip themselves up and still nearly pull the win out. They push each other to the brink, and the coaching staffs surely have tricks up their sleeves for any postseason rubber match. You could easily paint this as a battle of the NFL’s best.

They are the top two teams in point differential, with Seattle at +191 and the Rams at +172. The Rams boast the league’s best offense with 518 points scored, while the Seahawks’ 292 points allowed pace the NFL. That aforementioned weighted DVOA metric? Going into Week 18, these two were each just above 40% as the top two teams. Jacksonville was third, “all the way down” at 22.7%.

These two are simply a cut above. The Rams lost despite almost 600 total yards of offense against this elite defense, taking zero sacks, and allowing no turnovers. Seattle lost with a 414-to-249 yard advantage and nearly a 2:1 time-of-possession edge.

In the playoffs, a coin flip scenario has me leaning toward the better defense and special teams combination, especially with the home crowd behind them. Seattle is on a seven-game win streak, while the Rams have lost to said Seahawks, as well as the Falcons and Panthers, in recent weeks. Their volatility makes them a tough edge over Seattle, though no one should be surprised if they win. Seattle takes it.

#3 Philadelphia Eagles (12-5) at #2 Chicago Bears (12-5)

The Eagles opted for rest in Week 18, which surrendered the No. 2 seed and home-field advantage in this matchup to the Bears, who lost to Detroit. And while we’re not in the business of simply acting like past results will inform future events, the Bears illustrated and executed a clear gameplan in the regular-season tilt: Steamroll Philly with the run.

Chicago ran roughshod with 281 team rushing yards, converting 10-of-17 third downs, and owning the clock with almost two-thirds of the game. Both D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai ran for triple digits and scored. The game seemingly flipped when Jalen Hurts fumbled on a third-and-one tush push in the red zone with Philly down 10-9 late in the third quarter.

This bungled play that has become a reliable staple led to a Chicago score, which was soon followed by another to build an insurmountable 24-9 lead. If Philly rolls into the end zone there, then do they pull it off? Should the Eagles have been in such a bind in the first place?

The calls for offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo’s job got hot after that one. Jake Elliott also missed an extra point and a long field goal to turn up his own seat’s temperature. He finishes the year 20-for-27 (74%) on FG kicks. Will he lock in for the playoffs, where he’s a career 96% machine? For the record, Cairo Santos is at 83% on FGs this year and hasn’t missed an XP.

Ben Johnson is known for a deep playbook, while Patullo is getting pressed for his shortcomings. Philly is relying on star corners Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean to allow the others to play the run, but can the offense generate enough to win on the road? Perhaps experience wins out, but we have the Bears taking this.

#5 Houston Texans (12-5) at #1 Denver Broncos (14-3)

This is set to be a brutal grinder with two pristine defenses doing battle at altitude, hoping to flip the field enough for inconsistent offenses to win the day. You’ll recall the Week 9 slugfest that resulted in an 18-15 Denver win, which required an 11-point comeback in the fourth quarter.

There is one large caveat: Houston had Davis Mills at QB for much of the game after Stroud got concussed. Also, Denver had J.K. Dobbins anchoring its RB room (though RJ Harvey was the leading receiver that day). I will point out that the game was in Houston, though.

The Broncos' defense is going to make Stroud’s day hellish once again, and Patrick Surtain II is almost surely going to lock onto Nico Collins. We’ve seen others step up for Houston, such as rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, but is it enough? Can Woody Marks find space against that front?

If their previous matchup is an indication, this game hinges on Ka'imi Fairbairn being his incredible self. He nailed 5-of-6 field goals (missing from 51 on the first drive). But with Mills under center, Houston only had two first downs in the second half. This allowed Denver to pull off another round of late heroics.

The No. 1 seed is great, and the rest is appreciated, but Denver is not a slam-dunk favorite. They’ve beaten bottom-feeders such as the Jets, Giants, Raiders, and Commanders by three or fewer points. They have a worse point differential than Houston (+90 to +109). New England catches schedule flak, but Denver isn't far behind.

Easiest NFL schedules, 2025
Via Tankathon

1. New England .386
2. Denver .426
3. Dallas .436
4. Chicago .454
5. LA Chargers .461
6. Philadelphia .465
7. Buffalo .474

(opponent win percentage) pic.twitter.com/5q8UnmmIGO

— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) December 30, 2025

We're siding with the Texans in an exciting upset that throws the AFC into a blender.

#3 Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4) at #2 New England Patriots (14-3)

Jacksonville is going to fly north into the wintry cold of Massachusetts and give New England its biggest test of the season. This is another game that could easily write a high-scoring script thanks to big-play machines such as Washington and TreVeyon Henderson (what a sentence).

This is a cascading logical puzzle, as it is more impressive for the Jags to beat the Bills than it is for the Pats to bounce the Chargers. Jacksonville had a respectable 6-2 road record and will put a nine-game win streak on the line against Drake Maye’s team.

While the Pats have been able to pour it onto extremely weak opponents, they’ve recently scored 31 and 28 against Buffalo and Baltimore. Meanwhile, the Jags have scored 34 and 35 against the Broncos and Chargers, respectively. Both QBs can and will scramble effectively, but Jacksonville’s ceiling has been shown to be higher. We’ve got them roaring into the next round.

Trevor Lawrence in his last 8 games:
- 19 pass touchdowns
- 5 rush touchdowns

The only players with those TD totals in an 8-game span:
- Lamar Jackson (2019 MVP season)
- Cam Newton (2015 MVP season)

— Dante Koplowitz-Fleming (@DanteKopFlem) January 4, 2026

Championship Round Predictions

#2 Chicago Bears (12-5) at #1 Seattle Seahawks (14-3)

This may be a No. 2 vs. No. 1 battle on paper, but the Bears are punching above their weight here. Even at 11-6, they’ve got a meager +26 point differential. A large piece of that is rooted in a robust NFC North where every team notched a winning record with a positive differential, which led to the Bears posting a 2-4 division record. They are the first division champion with a record below .500 since the 2010 Kansas City Chiefs.

If Seattle gets past the Rams, then we’ve got them readily earmarked for the Super Bowl. They’ve outscored the Bears by over 40 points on the season, all while allowing over 100 fewer points. And though the Cardinals are a weak link, you can’t argue divisional differences since both the Rams and 49ers had better records than the Bears.

There’s no denying that Chicago can snowball big plays and possess a clutch gene, but we can’t rely on that occurring in this exercise. It’ll be close enough for them to get past Philadelphia again, but they’ve also lost to the 49ers and Packers lately.

Beating a beleaguered Green Bay team with late miracles is one thing, but doing the same against Seattle is another. And Seattle doing that against a team like the Rams is a cut above defeating the Packers in a similar manner. Seattle should march onto the Super Bowl.

#5 Houston Texans (12-5) at #3 Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4)

The Texans and Jaguars had an insane tilt the last time they met, which saw Mills lead Houston to a 26-point comeback in the fourth quarter. Houston was without its starting QB and star kicker, while the Jaguars were just integrating Meyers into the offense, with both Brenton Strange and Brian Thomas Jr. inactive for the road game.

As previously discussed, this Jacksonville meltdown led to Liam Coen amping up Trevor Lawrence and the offensive approach, which has yielded another level of play. If the Jags are able to once again approach 30 points, then it’s difficult to see Houston keeping pace with that.

It’s very possible that the Texans' defense slows this game down and wins enough field position battles to take the war. However, Jacksonville’s 34-20 win against the Broncos defense in Denver is roughly how we see this one playing out. In the end, the Jags are just too much, and there’s no historic fourth quarter to pull Houston back.

Super Bowl LX Prediction

#1 Seattle Seahawks (14-3) vs. #3 Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4)

This game feels like it will come down to how each team’s weakness matches up. Darnold makes mistakes under pressure, and Jacksonville has struggled to get to the quarterback. Their 22.3% pressure rate (per Pro Football Reference) is average, though the 9% hurry rate is ninth.

Can Arik Armstead, Josh Hines-Allen, and Travon Walker make enough plays to force a Darnold mistake or two? If the rush defense continues to stand up and force Seattle to go through the air, they can maximize the chances of these mistakes. According to PFF, Darnold has a 10:8 TD:INT when pressured on 144 pass attempts compared to a 15:6 mark on 333 attempts when kept clean.

For what it’s worth, Lawrence has an even higher bar to overcome. PFF charts him with a 4:5 TD:INT and 50% completion rate on 162 pressured attempts. This shifts to a 22:7 mark and 64.7% completion rate on 368 clean attempts. Jacksonville hopefuls can note that when the status goes from “pressured” to “blitzed,” Lawrence’s numbers jump to a 9:4 TD:INT and 61% completion rate.

If he can quickly diagnose the blitz and get it out, then good things have been happening.

But the Seahawks only seem to need Darnold not lose the game, while the Jaguars need Lawrence to be the driving force behind a win. There are more paths to victory for Seattle, which has a better defense to lean on. They’ve pinned down elite rushers such as Bijan Robinson, Jonathan Taylor, and Christian McCaffrey, so Travis Etienne Jr. shouldn’t be a problem. Both Jason Myers and Little are reliable, while Rashid Shaheed and Washington are electric return men.

As tempting as it is to roll with the underdogs, Seattle is too strong to go against. We have them taking the crown. It’s strange that their first playoff game could be the most difficult hurdle, but it really does look like the Rams are the biggest threat.

The Seahawks defense just allowed three points. Three. In the biggest game of the year. Three.

Defense wins championships and it certainly just won the NFC West.

— Mike Salk, Seattle Sports (@TheMikeSalk) January 4, 2026

The good news for those seeking a Cinderella story is that even Seattle has clear issues and inconsistencies. If Little wants to drill a 72-yarder to win it, then I'll happily write that story. There is no runaway favorite in the 2025 NFL season. Very little would surprise this writer outside of Pittsburgh or Carolina making a serious run. It should be an entertaining, unpredictable postseason, and we’ll happily tune in to watch it unfold.

The Seahawks prevail and lift the Lombardi Trophy.

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