NFL Playoffs 2026: Predictions, Bracket Analysis, and Super Bowl LXI Favorites

The road to Super Bowl LXI has officially begun. After a grueling 18-week regular season, the NFL playoff picture is finally set, and the energy across the United States is electric. From dominant powerhouses to unexpected Wild Card contenders, the 2026 postseason promises high-stakes drama and unforgettable moments.

In this guide, we break down the NFL playoff bracket, analyze the top contenders, and give our early predictions on who will lift the Lombardi Trophy in February.

The AFC Dominance: Can Anyone Stop the Chiefs?

The Kansas City Chiefs continue to be the team to beat in the American Football Conference. With Patrick Mahomes at the helm, the Chiefs have shown time and again that they know how to navigate the postseason pressure. However, the road to the AFC Championship won't be easy this year.

The Baltimore Ravens, led by a surging Lamar Jackson, have emerged as a massive threat, boasting one of the most balanced offenses in the league. If the Ravens can maintain their home-field advantage, we might see a changing of the guard in the AFC.

NFC Wild Card Surprises: The Underdogs to Watch

The National Football Conference has been a rollercoaster this season. While the Detroit Lions have established themselves as a powerhouse, the real story lies in the Wild Card spots.

Keep a close eye on the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers. Although they've faced injury challenges late in the season, their playoff experience makes them dangerous opponents for any top seed. In the NFL playoffs, momentum is everything, and these teams are peaking at the right time.

Key Matchups to Watch in the Wild Card Round

The opening weekend of the playoffs is arguably the most exciting time for football fans. Here are the storylines to follow:

The Quarterback Battle: Veteran experience vs. young guns.
Defensive Shakedowns: Which top-tier defense can stop a high-powered passing attack?
Home-Field Factor: The impact of "The 12th Man" in stadiums like Seattle or Kansas City.

Super Bowl LXI Prediction: Who Wins it All?

Predicting the Super Bowl winner is never easy, but based on late-season performance and defensive efficiency, our early pick for Super Bowl LXI is a showdown between the Baltimore Ravens and the Detroit Lions.

While the Chiefs are always a safe bet, the Ravens' defensive depth might be the deciding factor this year.