2026 NFL wild card odds, bracket picks, score predictions
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NFL playoff bracket, explained: How byes, seeding, format will work in 2026
Fourteen sides — seven from each conference — will take part in the NFL playoffs. Each will hope to lift the Lombardi Trophy come postseason's end.
Denver will get the first-round bye while New England and Jacksonville play on Wild Card Weekend — and neither has an easy matchup. Chargers vs. Patriots will feature two of the NFL’s best young quarterbacks with Drake Maye and Justin Herbert facing off. The Jaguars drew the shortest straw and will have to host Josh Allen.
The NFL Playoff field was nearly set heading into the final Sunday of the regular season. Now we know every matchup that will start the road to Super Bowl LX.
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NFL playoff picture 2026: Updated standings, clinching scenarios for Week 18 bracket
The Jaguars clinched the AFC South by besting the Titans in Week 18. They remain in the hunt for the No. 1 seed, although they'll need the Broncos and Patriots to lose their matchups to have a shot at the top spot. The Steelers clinched the AFC North and the final playoff spot by beating the Ravens in Week 18.
It was three years ago in the NFC Championship Game when the Philadelphia Eagles trounced the San Francisco 49ers 31-7 to advance to Super Bowl LVII. Brock Purdy was injured in that game, hindering San Francisco’s chances.
With one week left in the season, 12 of 14 playoff teams are set, but there's still plenty of seeding to be determined.