Predicting The NFL’s 2025-26 Playoff Teams

1. Philadelphia Eagles (NFC East Champion)
2. San Francisco 49ers (NFC West Champion)*
3. Detroit Lions (NFC North Champion)
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFC South Champion)
5. Green Bay Packers 
6. Washington Commanders
7. Dallas Cowboys*

*bold indicates new playoff team

While the Eagles have the fourth-hardest schedule in the league, they will still be the team to beat in the NFC. Meanwhile, the 49ers will finish as a surprise second seed after reclaiming their division crown. San Francisco could be the worst-to-first team because they have the easiest schedule in the league. They also still have a competitive roster that is only two years removed from a Super Bowl appearance. Despite competition from Green Bay, the Lions hold off and take the third seed.

While Michael Penix Jr will eventually find success with the Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay is still the team to beat. They can be a Super Bowl contender this season but will settle as the fourth seed. Washington and Green Bay should return to the dance. For the final spot, it was a tough decision between the Los Angeles Rams, Dallas Cowboys, and Minnesota Vikings. Despite trading Micah Parsons, a healthy Dak Prescott leads America’s Team to the NFL’s postseason.

AFC Playoff Predictions

1. Buffalo Bills (AFC East Champion)
2. Kansas City Chiefs (AFC West Champion)
3. Baltimore Ravens (AFC North Champion)
4. Houston Texans (AFC South Champions)
5. Denver Broncos 
6. Cincinnati Bengals*
7. Miami Dolphins*

*bold indicates new playoff team

Most people would agree that the Bills, Ravens, and Chiefs are the top Super Bowl contenders in the AFC. It would be surprising if all three teams don’t win their division. As for the #1 seed, the Bills have one of the easiest strength of schedule and they are expected to jump to a fast start. While the Jacksonville Jaguars could compete for the AFC South division title, Houston is still the best team compared to their rivals and are expecting a bounce back year for C.J. Stroud. They won’t dethrone Kansas City, but everyone should be really enthusiastic about Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos. It shouldn’t be a surprise if they make a deep playoff run!

While the Bengals defensive struggles kept them from the postseason last year, they can definitely return to the NFL playoffs for the first time since 2023. As for determining the final wildcard spot, both the Los Angeles Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers were considered. The seventh seed was given to the Miami Dolphins as they could be an NFL playoff team with a healthy Tua Tagovailoa. 

End Of My NFL Predictions Rant

I hit on two of my three key statistics mentioned earlier. Not only do I have four new NFL playoff teams (SF, DAL, CIN, MIA) in the mix, but I also included a worst-to-first as well. I considered a new NFC East champion, but the Eagles are on a quest to defend the Lombardi and I cannot pick against them at this moment. My Super Bowl prediction will be Kansas City defeating San Francisco. Stay tuned for more NFL content throughout the regular season. For now, enjoy another read from a brilliant writer at Stadium Rant.