Buckle up, folks — it's playoff season in the NFL.
The 2025 season was an abnormal one, and the postseason bracket exemplifies that. Both No. 1 seeds from last year — the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions — failed to make the playoffs, and the AFC is without Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson.
Teams such as the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears and New England Patriots all took major leaps forward this year. The Seahawks and Broncos have the byes in each conference to the divisional round, with their defense propelling them to the top of the standings.
Below are AllSportsPeople' predictions for the 2026 NFL playoffs, complete with updated Super Bowl 60 picks. Our NFL experts break down the brackets and project which players will break out, which contenders will break down, and which teams will break through during the postseason.
MORE 2026 NFL PLAYOFFS:
- Full NFL playoff schedule
- Updated NFL playoff bracket
- Wild-card picks, predictions
- NFL playoff power rankings, 1-14
NFL playoff picks, predictions 2026
Which wild-card team is the biggest threat to win it all?
Bill Bender: Buffalo Bills. Kansas City isn't in the way this year. Josh Allen is 7-2 against everybody else in the playoffs – but the only thing holding us back is that Buffalo will have to prove it on the road. Allen is 0-4 on the road in the postseason and the path starts at Jacksonville. The Jaguars have allowed more than 20 points one time through a seven-game win streak.
Daniel Chavkin: The Houston Texans. The Texans are the hottest team in the NFL with a stifling defense and an offense that has found a rhythm. Quietly, Houston has won a playoff game in back-to-back seasons, giving them experience at the biggest stage that the top of this year's AFC field doesn't possess. If CJ Stroud plays to an efficient level, this team has the formula to win anywhere in January.
Vinnie Iyer: Los Angeles Rams. This might be rather obvious but they have a rejuvenated MVP-caliber Matthew Stafford at QB with Sean McVay as their coach, the combination that helped them win Super Bowl 56 with similar support from the receiving corps, defense and running game. They were also smart to drive for the No. 5 seed so they get the easiest road game early, before a potential toss-up rematch with the Seahawks
Daniel Mader: The Buffalo Bills. The AFC bracket is loaded with up-and-coming, yet unproven quarterbacks — this is the best chance Josh Allen has ever had to reach the Super Bowl, even as a No. 6 seed. Buffalo’s five-loss record doesn’t concern me much, nor does the lack of a true WR1 or a defense that has struggled at times. With Allen, the Bills are capable of beating any team in the AFC.
Teddy Ricketson: The Los Angeles Rams remain one of the most well-rounded teams in the NFL. A strong run game and the efforts of Davante Adams and Puka Nacua as wide receivers carry the offense. Adams missed the end of the regular season so that he could help up for the playoffs, and he is expected to be back. Los Angeles goes on the road to take on the Carolina Panthers in the first round, where the Rams lost 31-28 in Week 13. Still, the Rams are set up for an easy first-round matchup and should go on a deep run as long as they don't completely look past the Panthers in the first round.
Which 1-3 seed is most likely to be upset?
Bill Bender: Philadelphia Eagles. The Jaguars are an underdog and the Bears line against the Packers will be short either way. Those are not upsets. The 49ers – despite all the injuries – still have a defense that ranked 11th against the run. Brock Purdy had a 111 passer rating on the road. Philadelphia finished 5-3 at home this season – and that included a 1-2 record against playoff teams. Will the Super Bowl champions be an early exit?
Daniel Chavkin: Philadelphia Eagles. The defending champions have had a rocky season, winning the NFC East on the backs of a strong defense. But the offensive issues have persisted throughout the season and remain a problem entering the playoffs. While the defense is one of the best, the Eagles will have to find a way to score consistently in order to make it back to the Super Bowl. With a tough 49ers team on tap first, the Eagles offensive concerns could send them home quickly.
Vinnie Iyer: Chicago Bears. They've been living on the edge with some low-scoring games and fourth-quarter comebacks. It's been a massive breakthrough season all around with Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson, but they can be in trouble right away vs. The Packers if they don't get the turnovers to bounce in their favor.
Daniel Mader: The Chicago Bears. Ben Johnson has clearly elevated this franchise in every way it hoped he would, and this has been a terrific Bears season that offers plenty of hope for the future. But I do think some one-score luck played a big role in Chicago’s 11-6 record, and I question how sustainable it is. Anything can happen in divisional games. I buy the Packers’ playoff experience over the Bears.
Teddy Ricketson: No disrespect to the Jacksonville Jaguars; they have had an incredible bounce-back season. Looking at the first-round matchups for the top teams, though, Jacksonville will have to host Buffalo. The Bills went 12-5 this season and that was playing well below their potential. Yes, Buffalo has to hit the road, but if it all comes together for them as it can and Josh Allen looks like the player who won the MVP Award last season, it could easily be an early postseason exit for the Jaguars.
Who's your pick for playoff MVP?
Bill Bender: Bills QB Josh Allen. Matthew Stafford and Drake Maye are acceptable answers – and the potential for a third matchup between the Bills and Patriots could be in the cards. Allen has everything but a Super Bowl appearance on his resume at this point. It's time to change that.
Daniel Chavkin: Will Anderson: Ten years ago, Von Miller capped his incredible playoff run with a Super Bowl in San Francisco, providing a blueprint for Will Anderson. If it weren't for Myles Garrett's record-breaking season, Anderson would be among the favorites to win Defensive Player of the Year, as his career-high 12 sacks sparked the Texans defense to the top of the NFL. With a few of the top quarterbacks sitting at home, it will be a defensive player shining the brightest in January.
Vinnie Iyer: Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence. There's every reason to believe he will keep this hot streak groove in full command of Liam Coen's balanced and explosive offense into the playoffs. The Bills' defense has plenty of holes to exploit in the wild-card round and he's already proved he can rip Denver's defense. He will keep breaking out on delay as the No. 1 pick talent he was supposed to be, five years after he was drafted.
Daniel Mader: The man who can still be considered the reigning league MVP, Josh Allen. Buffalo’s star quarterback seemed to get better as the regular season went on, and I think he’ll continue that trend into the postseason without any Patrick Mahomes-shaped ghosts to worry about. Allen can be considered the most dynamic individual talent in the 2026 playoffs.
Teddy Ricketson: Drake Maye and head coach Mike Vrabel seem like the perfect marriage, poised to be a threat in the AFC for years to come. Just when the league got past the dominance of New England, this duo is bringing it back. Maye can run Vrabel's offense, and the defensive-minded head coach can focus on what he knows best. Maye might miss out on the regular-season MVP Award, but he has a great chance to win playoff MVP because he likely won't be benched in the third quarter because of huge leads.
Which under-the-radar player is most likely to break out?
Bill Bender: Rams defensive end Jared Verse. Verse had five pressures or more in each of Los Angeles' last four games – and he has shown flashes of dominance in his first two seasons with the Rams. He did not have a huge impact in the regular-season loss to the Panthers. That will change in the wild-card round.
Daniel Chavkin: RJ Harvey. Fantasy players know how talented RJ Harvey is, but it's time for the rookie to break out in the biggest moment. The Broncos offense will need Harvey to provide a spark in the running game and give Bo Nix a reliable back, allowing them to make a run to the Super Bowl. Harvey didn't surpass 75 yards in any game during his rookie season, but expect that to change once Denver takes the field in January.
Vinnie Iyer: Patriots edge rusher Harold Landry. The former Titan has been more impactful down the stretch rushing the passer for Mike Vrabel and he can be a more disruptive defensive force the team needs against better QBs in the playoffs.
Daniel Mader: I’ll throw out a pair of Jaguars offensive weapons here: wide receiver Parker Washington and tight end Brenton Strange. While Jacksonville gets a tough first-round matchup against Buffalo, I’ve found it impressive how Trevor Lawrence has continued to thrive despite Brian Thomas Jr. Not being the same talent as 2024 and Travis Hunter’s season ending early. Washington and Strange can make a bigger name for themselves if they help the Jags take down the Bills.
Teddy Ricketson: Linebacker Ernest Jones IV led Seattle with 126 total tackles on the year. He is a beast in coverage and it is hard for any runner to get past him when he goes to tackle them. Jones has had a phenomenal year when dropping into pass coverage too. He has seven passes defended and leads Seattle with an impressive five interceptions, the second-most by any player in the NFL this year. You've likely heard of rookie safety Nick Emmanwori for Seattle, but be ready to get to know Jones.
Which offense do you trust the most?
Bill Bender: Los Angeles Rams. Matthew Stafford is playing at a MVP level, and they are good enough to make a run through the NFC. Sean McVay knows how to move the pieces with Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua. Davante Adams should return for the playoff run. The Seahawks were the only team in the NFC that limited Los Angeles to 21 points or less this season.
Daniel Chavkin: Jacksonville Jaguars. Since Week 7, the Jaguars have scored at least 23 points in all 11 games, including seven games with at least 30 points. Head coach Liam Coen has Trevor Lawrence playing at a high level, which included dropping 34 points on the Denver Broncos in Week 16. Many of this year's playoff teams are defense-first teams, but it was Jacksonville's scorching-hot offense that led the Jaguars back to the playoffs.
Vinnie Iyer: Los Angeles Rams. Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay get it done with so many skill players behind a strong offensive line. They can dominate with wide receivers or burn you with tight ends. They can also now field a 1-2 punch in the power running game. The Rams have a consistent floor and a high ceiling.
Daniel Mader: The Los Angeles Rams. Matthew Stafford had a career year, which says a lot at age 37. I think the Rams go as far as their young defense takes them, meaning I expect Stafford’s arm to continue thriving in the playoffs. I’m not confident the Seahawks, Eagles or any other team can slow down Puka Nacua and Davante Adams for 60 minutes.
Teddy Ricketson: The Los Angeles Rams are getting healthy and that is going to be a problem for defenses. Even when Los Angeles didn't have Davante Adams through the end of the season, tight end Tyler Higbee was activated off of IR and had 91 yards and a touchdown. Add in Adams to Kyren Williams, Puka Nacua, Tyler Higbee and Colby Parkinson and you've got one of the deeper offenses in the playoffs. Oh, and L.A. Happened to score the most points per game (30.1) during the regular season.
Which defense do you trust the most?
Bill Bender: Houston Texans. Houston hasn't given up more than 21 points in a game since Week 10 – and they allowed an average of 15.4 points per game on the road this season. The Texans allowed 30 points in Week 18 – but we're not worried about that. The tandem of Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. Can wreck a game plan – and that should bring more than enough confidence going into a matchup with the AFC North champions.
Daniel Chavkin: Seattle Seahawks. It's hard to hold the 49ers to three points in San Francisco, but that's exactly what the Seahawks did on Saturday. Under second-year head coach Mike MacDonald, Seattle's defense can match up against any offense, especially when they won't have to leave Seattle for the rest of the NFC playoffs. Combine incredible talent with a high-level defensive play-caller, and you get the most trustworthy defense in the league.
Vinnie Iyer: Seattle Seahawks. They have become super stingy against the pass with pressure and coverage clicking and they always have been tough to run against. In a season of big-time scoring, they held opponents to an average of 17.2 points per game.
Daniel Mader: The Seattle Seahawks. Mike Macdonald looks like a home-run hire for Seattle, with a terrific blend of versatility, dominant pass rushing and overall disruptiveness on his defensive unit. The Seahawks are like an inverse Rams to me: I expect their defense to win games, but the bigger question is whether Sam Darnold is ready to take a leap toward playoff success.
Teddy Ricketson: The Seattle Seahawks earned the No. 1 seed in the NFC partly due to having the league's leading wide receiver, but also boasting one of the best defenses in the NFL. This feels the closest the Seahawks have been to re-capturing the Legion of Boom dominance as the unit finds itself in the top-10 for several defensive metrics. Seattle's defense ranks 2nd in points against per game, fifth in first downs allowed, sixth in total yards allowed. The Seahawks have given up the 12th-fewest passing yards and third-fewest rushing yards per game.
Who's your pick to win the AFC?
Bill Bender: Buffalo Bills. Too much belief? Buffalo was 3-3 against teams that are in the postseason this year, but it's time for the breakthrough. James Cook will keep the running game going. Buffalo has just one turnover in its last four games. Can they go through Jacksonville, New England and Denver to get back to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1993?
Daniel Chavkin: Houston Texans. The Texans have never made it to the AFC Championship game, but that ends this year on their trip to the Super Bowl. Houston has a defense that can travel on the road and win anywhere, which will help carry the Texans to cold-weather cities in the dead of winter. Plus, DeMeco Ryans is already one of the best young coaches in the NFL, and he will show why with a deep playoff run.
Vinnie Iyer: Jacksonville Jaguars. Their profile has fewer weaknesses by the passing week. Trevor Lawrence fills the elite AFC QB void left by no Patrick Mahomes and they suddenly look loaded there, playing off Travis Etienne and the running game. Their defense is also opportunistic in forcing takeaways in crucial game-changing moments.
Daniel Mader: The Buffalo Bills. Part of my reasoning is that I simply can’t yet trust the crop of Bo Nix, Drake Maye, Trevor Lawrence or Justin Herbert until one of those quarterbacks breaks through and proves they can lead a team to multiple playoff wins. Until then, I won’t bet against Josh Allen, the most proven and dynamic quarterback in the playoffs. Down the stretch of close games, he’s who I think can lead a team through the bracket.
Teddy Ricketson: The turnaround in one year has been impressive for the New England Patriots. The Patriots have a great quarterback and a pair of running backs that can help consistently get the offense down the field. As long as Stefon Diggs' off-the-field issues don't prevent him from playing in the playoffs, New England is in a prime position to get back to the Super Bowl, and will match up well no matter who the Patriots play in the postseason.
Who's your pick to win the NFC?
Bill Bender: Los Angeles Rams. This is a tough pick because we believe they will have to go through the Seahawks to get there. Seattle is a real threat, and Sam Darnold has been on point all season. We think those teams will see each other in either the divisional round or the NFC championship game – and a rematch of the 38-37 thriller in Week 16 is in order. The Rams had 581 yards in that game.
Daniel Chavkin: Seattle Seahawks. Getting home-field advantage was crucial for the Seahawks, as there is no tougher place to play in January than Seattle. With the NFC full of fierce opponents, the bye will help the Seahawks get healthy and prepare while their opponents battle on wild-card weekend. As long as Sam Darnold can protect the football, which he has done for most of the season, Seattle should be favored to make it out of the NFC.
Vinnie Iyer: Seattle Seahawks. This is an odd feeling that they are back in a position to win a Super Bowl far removed from Russell Wilson and Pete Carroll days. Mike Macdonald has created a dominant defense that can win a championship with Sam Darnold just needing to protect the ball as a complementary QB.
Daniel Mader: The Los Angeles Rams. Playing in a loaded NFC West was tough for L.A. After a strong start to the season, but I still think this is the most talented offense in football with a young defense that has stepped up plenty of times before. If the Rams can avoid their previous special teams issues, their path to the Super Bowl is there: beat an 8-9 Panthers team, take down a familiar Seahawks squad in the divisional round, then overcome the Eagles, 49ers, Packers or Bears, all of whom have their flaws, in the NFC Championship Game.
Teddy Ricketson: I think the Los Angeles Rams beat the Carolina Panthers, but then benefit from the San Francisco 49ers beating the Philadelphia Eagles. This would allow Los Angeles to face the Chicago Bears before either the Seattle Seahawks or the Niners in the NFC Championship game. I think the Rams have the deepest offense and the second-best defense in the NFC playoff picture which should help them to win the NFC.
Who's your pick to win the Super Bowl?
Bill Bender: Buffalo Bills beat Los Angeles Rams. Two wild-card teams? It's a risky pick, but this is a wide-open playoff. Defense matters, and the Rams had some late-season concerns. It's not just about Josh Allen and Matthew Stafford, but in the playoffs, the QBs take center stage. Would Stafford win a second Super Bowl? Or will Buffalo finally win a Super Bowl? Allen finally gets it done.
Daniel Chavkin: Houston Texans over Seattle Seahawks. It's been a weird year in the NFL, so it's only fitting that the Super Bowl champion is an unexpected victor. DeMeco Ryan and the Texans are on a nine-game winning streak entering the playoffs, and thanks to a strong defense and timely offense, will ride the winning streak four more games to a Super Bowl title in a low-scoring battle against Seattle.
Vinnie Iyer: Jacksonville Jaguars over Seattle Seahawks. In the ultimate season of surprise, let's go for a team that has never been to a Super Bowl to win a Super Bowl on its first try. Lawrence gives the Jaguars a QB equalizer or edge over most teams and the Jaguars match up well with the Seahawks as they excel at forcing takeaways and the Seahawks often have trouble with giveaways.
Daniel Mader: The Los Angeles Rams. There are plenty of reasons to doubt L.A., as there are for every team in the bracket this season, but between the Rams’ head coach, terrific quarterback play, talented wide receiver duo and group of defensive playmakers, I still think they have another gear to reach. Give me the Rams’ second Super Bowl win in five years.
Teddy Ricketson: It hurts taking the New England Patriots to win another Super Bowl after we had to deal with their recent dynasty, but no matter the matchup they face this postseason, they should be favored or at the very least match up well. If they had a more prolific WR2 in the offense, it feels like New England would be everyone's favorite. I think the Patriots and Rams play each other in the Super Bowl, and New England is able to do just enough to win another ring.