NFL Playoff Projections 2026: Teams to Watch and Postseason Predictions

As the 2026 NFL season approaches, fans and pundits alike are eager to speculate about the playoff picture. Which teams will rise to the top and secure a spot in the postseason? In this article, we'll break down the current state of the league and provide our projections for the 2026 NFL playoff picture.

AFC Contenders

The American Football Conference (AFC) is shaping up to be a highly competitive division. The Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens are expected to be top contenders, with both teams boasting strong offenses and stout defenses. The Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals are also looking to make a deep playoff run.

NFC Contenders

In the National Football Conference (NFC), the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles are the teams to beat. Both squads have talented rosters and experienced coaching staffs, making them strong contenders for the NFC championship. The Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers are also in the mix, with each team looking to make a playoff push.

Wild Card Contenders

Several teams are on the bubble, hoping to secure a wild card spot in the playoffs. In the AFC, the Los Angeles Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers are in the hunt, while the Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are vying for a spot in the NFC.

Playoff Predictions

Based on our analysis, here are our predictions for the 2026 NFL playoff picture: AFC: + Division winners: Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals + Wild cards: Los Angeles Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers NFC: + Division winners: San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers + Wild cards: Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Of course, the NFL season is always full of surprises, and injuries, trades, and other factors can impact a team's chances. But as of now, these are the teams that look poised to make a deep playoff run. The 2026 NFL season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with several teams vying for a spot in the playoffs. As the season progresses, we'll continue to monitor the standings and update our projections. For now, these are the teams to watch as we head into the postseason. Stay tuned for more NFL news and analysis, and get ready for what promises to be a thrilling playoff picture.

Keyword: NFL Playoff, 2026 NFL Playoff Picture, NFL Postseason, AFC Contenders, NFC Contenders, Wild Card Contenders, Playoff Predictions