1. Seahawks (14-3)

Week after week, the Seahawks proved to everyone that they belong here, downing both the Rams and 49ers in the final weeks of the season to get the #1 seed. They have the best defense in the league, shades of their Legion of Boom days. The real stunner is what they’ve been able to accomplish with Sam Darnold at the helm. But being equipped with a strong rushing attack and wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba, this team is dangerous. Their dominance will be tested, as they will undoubtedly go through a tough path in the playoffs. 

2. Broncos (14-3)

Definitely the lesser of the number one seeds, as their offense has had some question marks throughout the season. But they’ve found ways to win games, even if those games were against some of the weakest opponents in the NFL. However, their defense will be hard to halt, something that can elevate this team enough to win their divisional round game, but we will see after that.

3. Jaguars (13-4)

Jacksonville had some questions entering the bye week at 4-3. They answered those by finishing the year 9-1. The turnaround is thanks to first year head coach Liam Coen, bringing firepower back to the offense led by Trevor Lawrence, and are also complimented with a top 10 defense. Even now after seeing them finish atop of the AFC South, it’s hard to imagine the Jags a Super Bowl contender as they are unproven in the playoffs. But maybe they can reach the promised land for the first time in team history. 

4. Texans (12-5)

After the pathetic 0-3 start Houston had, they went on to win nine straight to finish off a 12-5 regular season. Their defense looks unstoppable, shutting down multiple high powered offenses. There aren’t many gripes with the defense, however, the offense has been suspect. C.J. Stroud does not look the same as he did his rookie season, not necessarily bad, but certainly hasn’t elevated his team to a new level. But as the old saying goes, “defense wins championships.”

5. Patriots (14-3)

New England has roared back to the scene as a competitor. From going 4-13 back to back years, to first year head coach Mike Vrabel capturing 14 wins, and turning Drake Maye into an MVP candidate. However they have caught heat of being fraudulent, playing one of the easiest schedules in the league. In the return to the playoffs as the #2 seed, they look to silence the doubters and make a run, as they once were well known for accomplishing on a yearly basis. 

6. Bears (11-6)

It’s never good to enter the playoffs on a two game losing streak, especially against your historic rival. In Ben Johnson’s first playoff game as head coach, it’s going to be a close one against Green Bay. They aren’t especially hot going into the postseason, but thankfully for Chicago, they play a weaker Packers team. They may be able to pick up their first playoff win in 16 years. However, the question remains, will the lights be too bright for Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson?

7. Eagles (11-6)

The defending Super Bowl champions enter as the #3 seed on the NFC side. However a once star studded offense is now one of the weakest units in the postseason. What’s really gotten them this far is the defense staying elite as it is. But how much longer can they cover the offense’s mistakes? Jalen Hurts and company will need to play their best football starting now if they want a shot at winning back to back. 

8. 49ers (12-5)

The most injury riddled team in the NFL, yet they still finish with twelve wins? It’s impressive that Kyle Shanahan has rallied his team enough to pose themselves as contenders, but last week’s game against Seattle was not convincing, only scoring a measly three points. They play yet another tough defense in Philadelphia, but as long as there are no unforeseen injuries in the near future, it’s shaping up to be a good game. And if their defense can play well despite all the injuries, it’s not hard to imagine San Francisco making a run for it all, as they desire a hosted Super Bowl in February. 

9. Rams (12-5)

It’s never a good sign when a contender looks sluggish entering the playoffs, but Sean McVay has notoriously led his playoff teams on runs. Even with an embarrassing loss to Atlanta, this team can certainly make a run with the likely MVP behind center. If they can stay healthy and play like the Rams we saw earlier this season, we may see his team playing in another Super Bowl. 

10. Bills (12-5)

Buffalo’s presence in the playoffs feels weird. On one hand, their kryptonite in the Kansas City Chiefs is not in the playoffs and won’t be a problem, giving them a boost of confidence. However in this decade alone, this is one of the worst Bills teams we’ve seen be fielded, having a rather poor defense out there. Their path in the playoffs isn’t easy, but they have a very experienced and MVP winner Josh Allen leading the way, as this could finally be the Bills year. 

11. Chargers (11-6)

Despite impressive play by Justin Herbert this season, doing his best behind the Chargers atrocious offensive line without Joe Alt, they managed to show themselves as sneaky contenders. With head coach Jim Harbaugh, an underestimated defense, and one of the premier quarterbacks in the league, it wouldn’t be surprising if this team goes on a run during the playoffs.

12. Steelers (10-7)

In dramatic fashion, the Steelers won their division and will now host a playoff game. However this doesn’t truly inspire the Pittsburgh faithful, as they are very unlikely to make a run in the playoffs, in another fringe playoff appearance by Mike Tomlin. But a key factor is this is Aaron Rodgers first time back in the playoffs in 4 years. Can he be a difference maker, or will it be the same old Steelers?

13. Packers (9-7-1)

It was an electric start for Green Bay. But it ultimately ended in the usual ending, as the Packers are the 7th seed for the third consecutive year. The Packers have lost 4 straight and are dealing with tough injuries, including a Micah Parsons torn ACL, as they travel to Chicago to take on the Bears for a third time this season. 

14. Panthers (8-9)

The worst team in all of the playoffs. An unconvincing end to the season, even if the referees did hinder their performance. However, it’s hard to look at some of their losses and their roster and think they’re a serious contender, even if they did look the best in the cupcake NFC South. The Panthers beat the Rams in the regular season, now the question is can they do it again in the playoffs?

15. Ravens (8-9)

Wide right. Baltimore was a missed kick away from hosting a playoff game. They were lucky to get in this situation in the first place as they had to handle Lamar Jackson being injured and the defense being one of the worst the Ravens have seen in years. And it has all led to head coach John Harbaugh being fired. A new, long awaited and overdue era has arrived in Baltimore, one without John Harbaugh leading the way. 

16. Vikings (9-8)

Minnesota’s defense is to thank for the wins they were able to compile- the offense, not so much. J.J. McCarthy had a disappointing season, and fans had to endure Max Brosmer leading the way at times. McCarthy will need to work on his craft in the offseason to get the once explosive Vikings offense back to what it used to be. 

17. Lions (9-8)

Is this simply a down year in Detroit, or did we give Dan Campbell too much credit? The first year without their coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn turned out to be a rough one, as they constantly downplayed opponents and lost in very important games. We’ll have to see how the Lions build off of their mistakes in 2026. 

18. Falcons (8-9)

Their impressive four game win streak to close out the season really boosted their rankings. Had they just won against the Jets in a one field goal game, they would’ve clinched the division. Now, the Falcons have cleaned the house. No GM, no head coach, and more firings on the business side. We’ll see what next season holds for the Falcons, but it was yet another year of wasted potential. 

19. Buccaneers (8-9)

Don’t let the Colts distract you from the Bucs also having a terrible collapse- only this team can’t use the injury excuse. Baker Mayfield went from being in MVP conversations to being mediocre at best. The defense went from bad to worse, and Todd Bowles ultimately got his team eliminated. And is for some reason returning as head coach. The Bucs better know what they’re doing as they’ve shown minimal improvement as of late. 

20. Cowboys (7-9-1)

Despite the offense being great, they were completely weighed down by a defense that once had Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs back in August, and now have neither. They have the guys to get it done on the offensive side, but addressing the defense is an absolute must if they want to make it back to the playoffs next year. 

21. Colts (8-9)

Total collapse. They looked like one of the best teams in the first half of the year. Now they finished with an 8-9 record on the couch. Injuries got the best of the team, seeing Daniel Jones, Sauce Gardner, Charvarius Ward, and more go down. In a desperate move, they even got Philip Rivers out of retirement to play QB. But he couldn’t save them from losing 7 straight games.

22. Saints (6-11)

At the start of the year, the Saints looked like one of the worst teams. But after they benched QB Spencer Rattler for rookie Tyler Shough, things started going better, as Shough went 5-4 as a starter and threw for 2,300 yards. Kellen Moore after his first season in New Orleans now has a quarterback to build the foundation around. 

23. Dolphins (7-10)

Miami’s patience has finally run out. In the final weeks of the season, they benched 6th year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and fired head coach Mike McDaniel following their final game. There are a lot of problems to be dealt with going forward for the Dolphins, but it’s better than sitting in the same cycle of mediocrity, as they hold the longest drought of no playoff wins in the NFL. 

24. Browns (5-12)

Their only highlight of the season was Myles Garrett breaking the single season sack record. Outside of that, Cleveland is in need of a fresh start, and that means making bold decisions. They fired two time coach of the year winner Kevin Stefanski. Going forward, they will look to build around Dillon Gabriel and hopefully make a return to the playoff scene. 

25. Bengals (6-11)

The Bengals were down for the count for the majority of the season as a Joe Burrow turf toe injury sidelined him for three months. The defense continues to be the main problem as they had a bottom 3 unit in the NFL. Surprisingly, they have decided to keep head coach Zac Taylor even after his third straight playoff elimination. But it’s now or never if he wishes to keep his job in the jungle. 

26. Chiefs (6-11)

The end of a dynasty? After Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL in week 15, that put the final nail in the coffin in the Chiefs season. But the truth is, a playoff elimination was building up all year; from the defense falling off, to Andy Reid’s playcalling turning uninspired, and Chiefs all time leading receiver Travis Kelce being on the brink of retirement. Changes are inevitable in Kansas City, a team that won 3 rings in 5 years. 

27. Commanders (5-12)

Talk about a hangover season. After their NFC Championship run last year, injuries and downplay from washed up veterans weighed this team down. As a result, they’ve fired offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. The Commanders will have some work to do this offseason to replace the older players at certain positions. 

28. Giants (4-13)

While the Giants had a rough year, they have young pieces at the core to lead them to possible success. Rookies like Abdul Carter, Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, and multiple other veterans are who they will fall on to be great going forward. But the most important task at hand is getting the right head coach and coaching staff. 

29. Titans (3-14)

Nobody was very surprised by this as Tennessee is still in rebuild mode. Cam Ward had a very rocky rookie season, but shows promise for the future. If they can pair him with the right head coach for 2026, the Titans could be in for a turn around. 

30. Cardinals (3-14)

After a 2-0 start, Arizona finished the season 1-14. Changes are abroad in Arizona, as they fired head coach Jonathan Gannon after three seasons. And with Jacoby Brissett being the Cardinals leading passer, a Kyler Murray departure is looming largely. 

31. Jets (3-14)

First year under Aaron Glenn, and it was an ugly one. The former Detroit defensive coordinator fielded a defense that got zero interceptions the entire year, a first for the NFL. The drought of terrible football for the Jets organization continues as it’s another season in the dumps, but look to have a team reset, with 10 draft picks at the helm for the upcoming draft. 

32. Raiders (3-14)

A disastrous season for Las Vegas. The Pete Carroll hire blew up in their faces as they fired the 74 year old former Super Bowl champion after just one year. It will be crucial on how the Raiders rebuild their foundation, possessing the #1 overall pick in the draft.