NFL Division and Playoff Seeding Predictions for 2026

Verse for today...

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

It's time for my predictions for the upcoming NFL season. Here is how I see the division races followed by playoff seeding predictions.

AFC East

1 Buffalo

2 New England

3 New York Jets

4 Miami

The Bills should return to the top of the division. While the Patriots record might be a little worse than last year, they are still a good team. The Jets should improve some, but I don't see them threatening to make the playoffs. Miami might win a few games if Malik Willis plays well, but I don't think they have the horses to contend.

AFC North

1 Baltimore

2 Cincinnati

3 Pittsburgh

4 Cleveland

This division is really tough at the top. If the Ravens don't take too long to get used to their new coaching staff, they will win a lot of games. The Bengals will be very good if Joe Burrow stays healthy whether or not the defense plays well. The Steelers will probably hang around .500 while the Browns won't win too many games unless they have excellent quarterback play which isn't likely.

AFC South

1 Houston

2 Jacksonville

3 Indianapolis

4 Tennessee

C.J. Stroud had a great rookie year followed by a so-so one. Last year, he was horrible in the playoffs, but the defense was so good that they won a playoff game anyway. I think he will bounce back to carry this team to the top of the division. The Jaguars won the division last year. A lot of things went right, but they will at least come close this year. The Colts will go as far as Daniel Jones can carry them, but I'm not a big fan. The Titans are young at quarterback with Cam Ward but have some talent. He just needs to improve quickly.

AFC West

1 Denver

2 Kansas City

3 Los Angeles Chargers

4 Las Vegas

I see no reason to replace the Broncos at the top of the division. Their defense is excellent, and Sean Payton knows how to get the most out of an offense even if Bo Nix has some flaws. The Chiefs have a lot of question marks, but if Patrick Mahomes stays healthy, they will very likely make the playoffs. He's that good. The Chargers should continue their upward climb if their offensive line stays healthy. The Raiders might be better with their new head coach and Fernando Mendoza eventually taking over for Kirk Cousins.

NFC East

1 Dallas

2 Philadelphia

3 New York Giants

4 Washington

The Cowboys have been relatively quiet this offseason. That could mean a really good season is coming. The Eagles are reshaping their offense, but their defense is great. The Giants need Jaxon Dart to stop taking big hits. If he can, they will challenge for the playoffs. The Commanders are good, but this division is just tough.

NFC North

1 Detroit

2 Chicago

3 Green Bay

4 Minnesota

I see the Bears making the playoffs again, but the Lions are the best team. The Packers are really good, too, but the Lions and Bears are a little better. The Vikings will be interesting with their new quarterback, Kyler Murray.

NFC South

1 Tampa Bay

2 New Orleans

3 Carolina

4 Atlanta

The Buccaneers have the most experience. I think that will mean a lot in this division. The Saints are up and coming. The Panthers might struggle to win as many as they lose. The Falcons have a very unsettled quarterback situation.

NFC West

1 Los Angeles Rams

2 Seattle

3 San Francisco

4 Arizona

The Rams on paper are the best team in football. The Seahawks won it all and are poised to be excellent again. The 49ers are picked to slip by some, but I think they will be very good again. The Cardinals just have very little chance in this division.

Playoff Seeding Projections

AFC

1 Buffalo

2 Denver

3 Baltimore

4 Houston

5 Cincinnati

6 Kansas City

7 Los Angeles Chargers

NFC

1 Los Angeles Rams

2 Detroit

3 Dallas

4 Tampa Bay

5 Chicago

6 Philadelphia

7 Seattle

For comparison sake, here are Colin Cowherd's division predictions...

AFC East - Buffalo, New England, New York Jets, Miami

AFC North - Baltimore, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Cleveland

AFC South - Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Tennessee

AFC West - Los Angeles Chargers, Kansas City, Denver, Las Vegas

NFC East - Philadelphia, New York Giants, Dallas, Washington

NFC North - Detroit, Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota

NFC South - New Orleans, Carolina, Tampa Bay, Atlanta

NFC West - Seattle, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco, Arizona

Colin likes these teams to make the playoffs... Buffalo, Baltimore, Houston, Los Angeles Chargers, New England, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Detroit, New Orleans, Seattle, New York Giants, Chicago, Los Angeles Rams.

May God always be your number 1 draft pick!

Draftman Rick