The 2025-26 NFL regular season kicks off in just three months. It’s always fun to take a shot at predicting which team will win the Super Bowl, and some of the top contenders seem apparent heading into the season.
Four teams made it to the playoffs last season that didn’t make it the previous year. That total includes the Washington Commanders, who ended up making it to the NFC Championship Game after going 4-13 in 2023.
Will the Philadelphia Eagles be the 10th back-to-back Super Bowl champions in NFL history? Which team could shock the world this coming postseason? Without further ado, let’s reveal the picks.
NFL Playoff Predictions | Wild Card Round
AFC
- No. 5 Denver Broncos vs. No. 4 Houston Texans
- No. 6 Los Angeles Chargers vs. No. 3 Baltimore Ravens
- No. 7 Cincinnati Bengals vs. No. 2 Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs’ presence makes it tough for the Broncos to win the AFC West, but they improve their playoff seeding and get out of the Wild Card round. Houston wins the AFC South in a weak division, but questions still surround their offensive line.
A Jim vs. John Harbaugh playoff game is the kind of storyline fans everywhere would love. While the Chargers have plenty to look forward to in 2025, their roster isn’t as complete as Baltimore’s just yet.
After just missing the playoffs last year, the Bengals get back in. Their high-powered offense gets them there, but a shaky defense keeps them from keeping up with the Chiefs.
NFC
- No. 5 Washington Commanders vs. No. 4 Atlanta Falcons
- No. 6 Green Bay Packers vs. No. 3 Los Angeles Rams
- No. 7 Arizona Cardinals vs. No. 2 Detroit Lions
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the NFC South favorite, but don’t overlook the Falcons — they started 2024 at 6-3 before Kirk Cousins struggled late. With Michael Penix Jr. under center, they sneak into the postseason, yet the Commanders are just too talented to fall to.
The Rams lost by just six to the eventual Super Bowl champion Eagles last postseason. They arguably have a better roster in 2025, which gives them the edge over the Packers in this Wild Card matchup.
With a PFSN playoff probability of 43.3%, the Cardinals are my NFC sleeper. They finished 8-9 in 2024, and their defense got better on paper. Still, Arizona’s roster doesn’t stack up to the Lions just yet.
NFL Playoff Predictions | Divisional Round
AFC
- No. 3 Baltimore Ravens vs. No. 2 Kansas City Chiefs
- No. 5 Denver Broncos vs. No. 1 Buffalo Bills
The Ravens’ improved secondary and front seven give them one of the most complete defenses in the NFL. And with a healthy Lamar Jackson, they’re always a postseason threat.
As good as Baltimore is, though, it’s hard to bet against Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs. The Chiefs haven’t missed an AFC title game since 2017, and that streak probably doesn’t end here.
The Broncos’ rise would be a fun storyline, but Buffalo has the better roster and more playoff experience, which is what gives them the edge. The Bills added Joey Bosa and Maxwell Hairston on defense. Signing Joshua Palmer also gives Josh Allen another solid target.
This team will be a problem for anyone they face.
NFC
- No. 3 Los Angeles Rams vs. No. 2 Detroit Lions
- No. 5 Washington Commanders vs. No. 1 Philadelphia Eagles
Over the past two years, the Lions have been one of the best teams in the league. However, their coaching staff looks different in 2025, and losing Frank Ragnow and Kevin Zeitler weakens the offensive line.
In the end, the Rams pull off the upset. Sean McVay has a loaded offense that added Davante Adams this offseason, and as the young defense continues to grow, LA’s outlook is bright.
Because of the playoff format, the Commanders and Eagles have an NFC Championship rematch — this time in the Divisional Round. If both teams stay competitive, this could become a major postseason rivalry.
Washington improved in 2025, but Philadelphia is still too stacked. The Eagles return to the NFC title game for a second straight season.
NFL Playoff Predictions | Conference Championship
AFC
- No. 2 Kansas City Chiefs vs. No. 1 Buffalo Bills
In four of the past five seasons, the Chiefs have ended the Bills’ year in the playoffs. Is this the year Buffalo finally gets over the hump?
The Bills have talent on both sides of the ball, and home-field advantage should help. But Mahomes just has their number. He hasn’t shown weakness in this matchup, and Kansas City makes its sixth Super Bowl in seven years.
NFC
- No. 3 Los Angeles Rams vs. No. 1 Philadelphia Eagles
When these teams played in last year’s postseason, snowy conditions played a big role. Philly came out on top, but the Rams gave them their toughest game of the run.
a HOME COOKED 6-for-6 special 🧑🍳@DeVontaSmith_6 | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/Bp5EVx3Q8l
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) February 10, 2025
It’s tempting to give Los Angeles the win here. The Rams are well-rounded and well-coached, but the Eagles check those same boxes — and they’d be at home. In a hard-fought battle, Philadelphia wins and sets up a Super Bowl rematch.
NFL Playoff Predictions | Super Bowl 60
- No. 2 Kansas City Chiefs vs. No. 1 Philadelphia Eagles
Only once in Super Bowl history has the same matchup happened in back-to-back years. That was in 1992 and 1993, when the Dallas Cowboys beat the Bills both times. Yet, in these 2025-26 playoff predictions, the Eagles and Chiefs meet again after Philadelphia won Super Bowl 59.
Both teams have the staying power to be perennial contenders. The Chiefs improved their biggest weakness from 2024 — offensive tackle. Whether Josh Conerly Jr. or Jaylon Moore starts at left tackle, the protection should be better for Mahomes. The Eagles, meanwhile, still have a strong defensive front, but they lost Milton Williams, Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat, and Bryce Huff.
In the end, a Chiefs win would redeem last season’s loss. Additionally, a fourth ring would only strengthen the legacies of Mahomes and Andy Reid in the GOAT conversation.