The 2026 NFL playoffs will kick off on Saturday, January 10, with four teams competing in the wild card round. The playoffs will feature 14 teams, 12 of which will compete on the first weekend, with the top seed in each conference bidding farewell to the divisional round. This year’s first round will feature two games on Saturday, three on Sunday and one on Monday.
Eight teams will face off in the divisional round, with a weekend of two games on Saturday the 17th and two games on Sunday the 18th. Next up is the conference championship game, where the final four teams will face off on Sunday the 25th. The final two teams will meet in Super Bowl 60 on Sunday, February 8, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.
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Fields are slowly filling up as teams purchase tickets for the 2026 NFL playoffs. Here are every team that has locked up a playoff spot.
denver broncos
When biting: Week 15
how they won: Beat the Green Bay Packers (34-26) to improve record to 12-2.
The Broncos haven’t won many good games this season, but they’re still going strong. Bonix makes the difference in the biggest moments and the Broncos are arguably the best team in the AFC. They clinched a playoff spot with a come-from-behind victory over the Packers and moved one game ahead of the Patriots for the top seed. They remain two games ahead of the Chargers and can lock up the AFC West title and top seed in Week 16 with a win and some help.
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Los Angeles Rams
When biting: Week 15
how they won: Beat the Detroit Lions (41-34) to improve record to 11-3
Week 16 Update: Rams lose to Seahawks in overtime Thursday night football Dropped to second place in the NFC West pending the results of Monday’s game between the 49ers and Colts. Los Angeles is now 11-4.
The Rams are playing as well as any team right now and are on their way back to the playoffs. They trailed by ten points against Detroit, but a strong third quarter brought them back and took control in the fourth quarter. They are tied with the Seahawks atop the NFC West but hold a tiebreaker advantage for the time being as they face Seattle for the first time in Week 11. The two teams will face off in Week 16 for the No. 1 spot in the division and the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
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seattle seahawks
When biting: Week 16
how they won: Beat Seahawks (38-37) to improve record to 12-3
The Seahawks defeated the Rams in a thriller in overtime to clinch a playoff spot. More important than securing a playoff spot, the Seahawks finished first in the NFC West and became the top seed in the division. They have won five straight and have road games against the Panthers and 49ers in their first season. The division title will likely be decided in Week 18.
philadelphia eagles
When biting: Week 16
how they won: Beat the Washington Commanders (29-18) to improve record to 10-5.
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The Eagles have struggled in recent weeks after a 4-0 start, but they are on their way back to the playoffs. They defeated the Commanders in the second half to capture the NFC East title. This is their second straight win after three consecutive losses to the Cowboys, Bears and Chargers. They will enter Week 17 one game behind the Bears for the second seed and two games behind the Seahawks for the first seed.
San Francisco 49ers
When biting: Week 16
how they won: Detroit Lions lose to Pittsburgh Steelers (29-24)
The 49ers have to keep playing monday night footballbut they got good news on Sunday, as the Lions lost to the Steelers. San Francisco still has a shot at the NFC West title and top seed in the division, but they at least know they’ll officially be back in the playoffs. They will end the season at home against the Bears in Week 17 and against the Seahawks at home.
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chicago bears
When biting: Week 16
how they won: Beat Green Bay Packers (22-16) to improve record to 11-4, Detroit Lions lose to Pittsburgh Steelers (29-24)
Chicago has bigger goals, but they at least know they’ll be in the playoff picture. With the Bears win, the Packers solidified their lead in the NFC North and will now lock down the division in Week 17. The Bears will face the 49ers next week and end the season at home against the Lions.
new england patriots
When biting: Week 16
how they won: Beat Baltimore Ravens (28-24) to improve record to 12-3
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The Patriots prevented Derrick Henry and the Ravens from punching their ticket to the 2026 NFL playoffs. They remain ahead of the Bills in the AFC East and can clinch the division title with a win and a loss from the Bills next week. They are also tied with the Broncos for the No. 1 seed in the AFC Championship Game. Denver will have a tiebreaker in Week 17, based on regular game tiebreakers.
jacksonville jaguars
When biting: Week 16
how they won: Win over Denver Broncos (34-20), plus Colts loss to 49ers (48-27)
The Jaguars are back in the playoffs for the first time in three years. They earned a wild card spot but will be more focused on the division title. They enter Week 17 with an 11-4 record and a one-game lead over the Texans for the division title. They sit third in the NFC standings, one game behind the top two seeds, the Patriots and Broncos.
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buffalo bill
When biting: Week 16
how they won: Win over Cleveland Browns (23-20), Colts lose to 49ers (48-27)
The Bills have punched their ticket, but the division title is still possible. The Patriots lost in Week 16, and the Bills’ victory moved them to just one game behind in the division. Buffalo is currently the No. 6 seed and has won four straight on its way to the playoffs.
Los Angeles Chargers
When biting: Week 16
how they won: Win over Dallas Cowboys (34-17), Colts lose to 49ers (48-27)
The Chargers are back in the playoffs for the second straight season. They are guaranteed a spot but still have a chance to compete for the AFC West title. The Broncos’ loss in Week 16 allowed the Chargers to cut the division lead to one game with two weeks left. The Chargers and Broncos will face off in Denver in Week 18, so if both teams win in Week 17, that game will be for the division title and possibly even the top seed.
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green bay packers
When biting: Week 17
how they won: Detroit Lions lose to Minnesota Vikings (23-10)
The Packers have two key scenarios, one where they win or tie their game against the Ravens on Saturday in Week 17, and one where the Lions lose or tie their game against the Vikings. Detroit ended up losing the game, and Green Bay was out. The Packers are actually two games behind the Bears in the NFC North, but they still have a chance to clinch the division title if they can win and the Bears lose.
