NFL Playoff Picture: Who's In, Who's Out, and Who's Still Fighting for a Spot? (2026)

The NFL playoff race is heating up, and the picture is becoming clearer with each passing week! After a season filled with unexpected twists, devastating injuries, and surprising performances, we're down to the wire. With just two weeks left in the regular season, let's dive into who's in, who's out, and who still has a shot at Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 8th.

(All teams listed by current seeding in each conference)

AFC

1. Denver Broncos (12-3, 1st AFC West): The Broncos are in a strong position, but their path to the No. 1 seed isn't guaranteed. They face the Kansas City Chiefs (without Patrick Mahomes) on the road and then host the Los Angeles Chargers. Every game counts!
2. New England Patriots (12-3, 1st AFC East): Patriots fans are optimistic as their team aims for the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye. They have favorable matchups against the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins to close out the season.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4, 1st AFC South): The Jaguars are proving their mettle with a dominant road win over the Broncos. They're in the running for a first-round bye, with games against the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans remaining.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6, 1st AFC North): The Steelers can secure a playoff spot with a win against the Cleveland Browns in Week 17. The NFL gives them a 91% chance of making it.
5. Los Angeles Chargers (11-4, 2nd AFC West): The Chargers have clinched a playoff spot and will face the Houston Texans and the Broncos in their final games.
6. Buffalo Bills (11-4, 2nd AFC East): The Bills are hot on the Patriots' heels in their division and finish the season with two home games, including one against the Philadelphia Eagles.
7. Houston Texans (10-5, 2nd AFC South): The Texans' impressive defense has put them in a great position for the postseason. They have a road game against the Chargers and then host the Colts. The NFL gives them a 97% chance of making the playoffs.
8. Indianapolis Colts (8-7, 3rd AFC South): After a strong start, the Colts have faltered. They face the Jaguars and Texans in their remaining games, with only a 3% chance of making the playoffs, according to the NFL.
9. Baltimore Ravens (7-8, 2nd AFC North): Despite having Super Bowl aspirations, injuries have hampered the Ravens. They still have a shot, but the NFL gives them only a 9% chance of making the postseason.
10. Kansas City Chiefs (6-9, 3rd AFC West)
11. Miami Dolphins (6-9, 3rd AFC East)
12. Cincinnati Bengals (5-10, 3rd AFC North)
13. New York Jets (3-12, 4th AFC East)
14. Tennessee Titans (3-12, 4th AFC South)
15. Cleveland Browns (3-12, 4th AFC North)
16. Las Vegas Raiders (2-13, 4th AFC West)

NFC

1. Seattle Seahawks (12-3, 1st NFC West): After missing the playoffs, the Seahawks are back and vying for the No. 1 seed. They face tough road games against the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers. Can they pull it off?
2. Chicago Bears (11-4, 1st NFC North): The Bears are celebrating their return to the postseason after a long drought. They've only made the playoffs twice since 2010. Wins against the 49ers and Lions could secure the No. 1 seed and a bye.
3. Philadelphia Eagles (10-5, 1st NFC East): The defending Super Bowl champions are back, but a first-round bye is unlikely. They'll face the Bills and Commanders in the coming weeks.
4. Carolina Panthers (8-7, 1st NFC South): Carolina leads its division but faces a tough schedule. They host the Seahawks and then travel to Florida to face the Buccaneers in a potential win-or-go-home game. The NFL gives them a 43% chance of making the playoffs.
5. San Francisco 49ers (11-4, 2nd NFC West): The Niners are back and looking dangerous, especially with Brock Purdy's impressive performance. Their upcoming games against the Bears and Seahawks will be crucial.
6. Los Angeles Rams (11-4, 3rd NFC West): The Rams are part of a strong NFC West, with three teams currently in the playoffs. They could finish the year with a 13-4 record.
7. Green Bay Packers (9-5-1, 2nd NFC North): The Packers are in a better position than Carolina, with a 93% chance of making the postseason, according to the NFL. They'll host a likely Lamar Jackson-less Baltimore team and then head to Minnesota.
8. Detroit Lions (8-7, 3rd NFC North): The Lions are pretty much out of the postseason picture, with only a 7% chance. But don't count them out! They have road games against the Vikings and Bears.
9. Minnesota Vikings (7-8, 4th NFC North)
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8, 2nd NFC South): The Buccaneers have a higher chance of making the postseason than the Panthers, at 57%. Why? They'll face a Miami team that recently demoted its franchise QB.
11. Dallas Cowboys (6-8-1, 2nd NFC East)
12. Atlanta Falcons (6-9, 3rd NFC South)
13. New Orleans Saints (5-10, 4th NFC South)
14. Washington Commanders (4-11, 3rd NFC East)
15. Arizona Cardinals (3-12, 4th NFC West)
16. New York Giants (2-13, 4th NFC East)

It's a rollercoaster ride, isn't it? With so much on the line, the final two weeks promise to be filled with drama, upsets, and unforgettable moments. What are your predictions? Who do you think will make it to the Super Bowl? Let's discuss in the comments below!