NFL Playoffs 2026 Preview: Why Every Team Has a Shot and Why They Don’t
NFL Playoffs Are Set to Kickoff With an Even Playing Field
Photo Credit: Joseph Hendrickson
By: Joshua Martin
The 2026 NFL playoffs begin this Saturday January 10th and will conclude with Super Bowl LX on February 8th at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California and this year’s field is wide open with contrasting styles, veteran leadership and rising stars.
Wild Card Schedule (All Times ET)
Saturday, Jan. 10th - Rams vs. Panthers (4:30 p.m.), Packers at Bears (8 p.m.)
Sunday, Jan. 11th - Bills at Jaguars (1 p.m.), 49ers at Eagles (4:30 p.m.), Chargers at Patriots (8 p.m.)
Monday, Jan. 12th - Texans at Steelers (8 p.m.)
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AFC Teams
Denver Broncos (No. 1 Seed - Bye)
Denver Broncos Running Back Jaleel McLaughlin Carries the Ball Against the San Diego Chargers on January 4, 2026
Photo Credit: Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos
Could win because: With home field throughout the playoffs and a defense that bends but rarely breaks, Denver’s balanced roster thrives in January.
Might not win because: A conservative offense could struggle in shootouts if they fall behind early.
New England Patriots (No. 2 Seed)
Could win because: Discipline and efficiency define their season. They don’t beat themselves.
Might not win because: They lack explosive playmakers compared to elite offenses.
Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 3 Seed)
Could win because: Strong run defense and physical play make them tough in playoff weather.
Might not win because: Inconsistent passing attack can stall drives.
Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 4)
Could win because: Veteran leadership and tough defense can grind games to a halt.
Might not win because: Passing game struggles against top tier pass rushes.
Houston Texans (No. 5)
Could win because: Dynamic offense ready to exploit mismatches.
Might not win because: Lack of playoff experience could show under pressure.
Buffalo Bills (No. 6)
Could win because: Playoff edge in big games and explosive skill players.
Might not win because: They’ve historically struggled on the road in postseason play.
Los Angeles Chargers (No. 7)
Could win because: Strong pass defense capable of disrupting high powered offenses.
Might not win because: Inconsistency on offense undermines big efforts.
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NFC Teams
Seattle Seahawks Linebacker Boye Mafe Poses at Practice on January 8, 2026
Photo Credit: Edwin Hooper/Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks (No. 1 - Bye)
Could win because: Elite home crowd and balanced roster make them tough to beat.
Might not win because: Turnovers and giveaways have plagued them.
Chicago Bears (No. 2)
Could win because: Strong defense that creates turnovers.
Might not win because: Offense struggles to sustain long drives.
Philadelphia Eagles (No. 3)
Could win because: Playoff savviness and proven scoring attack.
Might not win because: Defense has been inconsistent late in games.
Carolina Panthers (No. 4)
Could win because: Momentum and nothing to lose after a long playoff drought.
Might not win because: Below .500 record shows glaring weaknesses.
San Francisco 49ers (No. 6)
Could win because: Strong all around roster with balanced attack.
Might not win because: Division competition may have worn them down.
Los Angeles Rams (No. 6)
Could win because: Veteran leadership and playoff experience always matter.
Might not win because: Defensive lapses have shown at times.
Green Bay Packers (No. 7)
Could win because: Resilient offense with big play ability.
Might not win because: Secondary struggles against top receivers.
Super Bowl Prediction
After evaluating every club’s strengths and flaws, my Super Bowl LX matchup is Rams vs. Patriots, with the Rams coming out on top. They have experience, clutch playmakers and a knack for peaking when it matters most.
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