ESPN's Computer Model Names Its 10 Playoff Frontrunners

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Holleran | Last updated Jun 28, 2026 9:10 AM ET

ESPN's computer model, the Football Power Index, has named its 10 NFL playoff frontrunners as we head into the 2026 regular season.

The NFL typically has more playoff turnover than most leagues. Teams will often go from last place to first place, clinching playoff spots. While the usual suspects will often still be in contention, many NFL teams can flip over their contention abilities in just an offseason or two.

Who do you see making the NFL postseason in 2026-27? Perhaps you should have a look at ESPN's computer model's projections before making your own picks.

Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

ESPN's computer model, the Football Power Index, has named its 10 playoff frontrunners as we head into the 2026 season:

Bills
Ravens
Rams
Bengals
Seahawks
Lions
Chiefs
49ers
Chargers
Packers

How does ESPN's computer model work?

ESPN's computer model, the Football Power Index, is a projection-based system relying on 1,000s of simulations to make predictions.

"The Football Power Index (FPI) is a measure of team strength that is meant to be the best predictor of a team's performance going forward for the rest of the season. FPI represents how many points above or below average a team is. Projected results are based on 10,000 simulations of the rest of the season using FPI, results to date, and the remaining schedule. Ratings and projections update daily," ESPN writes.

You can view its full projections here.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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