The 2026 NFL playoffs feel different. There is no dominant dynasty, no juggernaut that terrifies the field, and no clear-cut favorite that feels inevitable. The AFC is wide open, the NFC is volatile, and this postseason has all the ingredients for a shocking run.
History tells us that when the league lacks a clear alpha, experience, quarterback play, and coaching matter more than seeding. That belief shapes every pick below, including a Super Bowl prediction that will raise eyebrows.
AFC Wild Card Round Predictions
#4 Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) vs #5 Houston Texans (12-5)
This is the matchup everyone is sleeping on, and that’s exactly why Pittsburgh is dangerous.
Aaron Rodgers still has gas left in the tank, and history favors veteran quarterbacks in chaotic playoff years. The parallels are impossible to ignore:
- 2021 Buccaneers (Brady, age 43)
- 2010 Packers (Rodgers as a 6-seed)
- 2005 Steelers (Cowher under pressure, road warriors)
Mike Tomlin now finds himself in a similar moment. Pittsburgh may be a No. 4 seed, but they’re treated like the weakest division winner in the AFC—which is a mistake.
With DK Metcalf healthy and Heinz Field rocking, the Steelers stop Houston’s momentum and spark a run.
Pick: Steelers
#2 New England Patriots (14-3) vs #7 Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
The No. 1 and No. 2 seeds don’t scare many this year, and New England tops that list. Drake Maye is talented, but the Patriots benefited from one of the softest schedules in recent memory.
Meanwhile, Jim Harbaugh brings structure, toughness, and postseason credibility to Los Angeles. Justin Herbert finally gets his breakthrough moment. Yes, the Chargers have a reputation. But this feels like the year they flip the script.
Pick: Chargers
#3 Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4) vs #6 Buffalo Bills (12-5)
This feels like Buffalo’s most vulnerable playoff version in years.
Josh Allen is banged up, the Bills are inconsistent, and expectations are sky-high because Mahomes and Lamar are already gone.
That combination usually ends poorly. Jacksonville, on the other hand, is peaking at the right time. Trevor Lawrence took a step forward, and the roster feels balanced on both sides of the ball.
The Bills’ annual postseason disappointment continues.
Pick: Jaguars
NFC Wild Card Round Predictions
#4 Carolina Panthers (8-9) vs #5 Los Angeles Rams (12-5)
The Panthers’ story has been incredible, but stories usually end in January. Los Angeles won’t repeat the mistakes they made in the regular-season loss. Sean McVay adjusts, Stafford delivers, and the Rams handle business on the road.
Pick: Rams
#2 Chicago Bears (11-6) vs #7 Green Bay Packers (9-7-1)
This matchup feels destined to be chaotic again. Despite Green Bay’s resilience as a 7-seed, injuries and roster limitations catch up to them. Chicago’s home-field advantage and improved health tilt the scales in another tight finish.
Pick: Bears
#3 Philadelphia Eagles (11-6) vs #6 San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
San Francisco’s injury-riddled run deserves respect, but it ends here. Philadelphia finds another gear at home, similar to how Seattle exposed the Niners earlier in the year. The defending champs aren’t dominant, but they’re battle-tested.
Pick: Eagles
Divisional Round Predictions
AFC
Steelers over Jaguars: Veteran experience wins out. Rodgers manages the game on the road, Tomlin coaches circles, and Pittsburgh keeps rolling.
Chargers over Broncos: The Broncos are a fragile No. 1 seed. This upset shouldn’t surprise anyone who watched their first meeting in the regular season. Despite LA being more banged up now, they have the means to upset Denver on the road.
NFC
Rams over Seahawks: Sam Darnold folding in a pressure moment feels familiar. McVay and Stafford take revenge in a divisional showdown.
Bears over Eagles: Cold weather, home field, and confidence propel Chicago into a shocking NFC Championship appearance. They upset the Eagles once again like they did in the regular season.
Conference Championship Predictions
AFC Championship
Steelers over Chargers: The Chargers’ magical run ends here. Injuries, depth, and experience finally matter. Pittsburgh controls the game at home.
NFC Championship
Rams over Bears: Chicago’s dream run ends against a team built for January football. Stafford and McVay punch their ticket back to the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl Prediction
#4 Steelers (10-7) vs #5 Rams (12-5)
This is the shocker.
Recent history shows MVP quarterbacks often fall short in the Super Bowl, and Stafford fits that pattern. Aaron Rodgers outduels him, wins Super Bowl MVP, and delivers one of the most unexpected championships in modern NFL history.
From doubted division winners to Lombardi Trophy holders, Pittsburgh completes a run that will be debated for years.
