The Seattle Seahawks rode a resurgent Sam Darnold and a stout defense to a Lombardi Trophy in 2025. Mike McDonald proved that management made the right decision by naming him head coach last year.
Darnold led his squad to wins over division rivals San Francisco (Divisional) and Los Angeles (NFC Championship) during the playoffs. Beating the Patriots in the Super Bowl was the icing on the cake.
Having the NFC’s top seed helped the run to the top. The Chicago Bears won the NFC North and second seed, followed by the Philadelphia Eagles at third. Carolina won the prettiest pig contest that was the NFC South. In order, the Rams, 49ers, and Green Bay Packers qualified as the wildcards.
As is usually the case, several teams will look different in 2026. Tua Tagovailoa is in Atlanta, and Kyler Murray could follow Darnold’s model in Minnesota. Detroit and San Francisco should be healthier but again find themselves among the toughest divisions in the NFL. Who will qualify for the post-season? Here are predictions for the NFC playoff field in 2026.
1. LOS ANGELES RAMS (NFC WEST WINNER)
2. DALLAS COWBOYS (NFC EAST WINNER)
3. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (NFC NORTH WINNER)
4. ATLANTA FALCONS (NFC SOUTH WINNER)
5. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (WC 1)
6. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (WC 2)
7. GREEN BAY PACKERS (WC 3)
The Rams clearly went all in again by acquiring cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, as well as all-world defensive end Myles Garrett. The defense was already a formidable unit, so adding three starters, including the best defensive player in the league, should make Los Angeles the favorites.
Seattle should be in the mix again but will have to withstand every opponent’s hardest punches. That alone should leave the window open for the Rams to claim the top seed. Significant injuries could obviously derail any of these predictions from coming to fruition.
The Cowboys played the Packers to a tie in 2025. Green Bay was the last team to qualify. On paper, all Dallas needs to do is be slightly better on defense. That won’t be good enough to make it to the Super Bowl, but with that offense, it should be enough to challenge Philadelphia for the division crown.
The Eagles jettisoned AJ Brown and could be better because of it. His importance could also expose the offensive attack if defenses shade all their coverage to Devonta Smith.
Minnesota and Atlanta are the true outliers because each squad signed a promising quarterback on their second career stop. Kyler Murray always had the tools but weak management behind him.
With a new outlook and stable franchise, his arrival, combined with a Brian Flores-led defense, should make the Vikings players in the NFC. They finished 9-8 last year despite a lot of internal turmoil.
The Packers will look dominant some weeks but then lose to teams like the Browns in other weeks. Atlanta has the potential to be a top offense with Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Tua, and new head coach Kevin Stefanski.
The Eagles, Packers, 49ers, and Bears will fight for the final two wildcard spots. Chicago had a lot go their way last year, including several last-minute comebacks. Those aren’t sustainable. Trading away DJ Moore also puts more pressure on Rome Odunze and Luther Burden.
The Bears could finish with a winning mark but miss out in 2026. The same goes for the 49ers, who seem to be doomed by injuries every year. Two games featuring the Eagles will be vital towards seeding. Philadelphia travels to Chicago in Week 3. They fly across the country in Week 17 to face San Francisco.
Matthew Serocki is a freelance journalist based outside of Boston, Massachusetts. He’s been an avid NFL and MLB fan for over 35 years, and his favorite teams are the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, and Washington Commanders.
Matt also writes about professional wrestling for Sportskeeda.
