Wild Card Round
Bye: Los Angeles Rams
The Rams earned the top seed in our NFC playoff predictions, so they earn the bye week and will automatically advance into the NFC Divisional Round, which they were able to get through in 2025.
(7) Minnesota Vikings @ (2) Detroit Lions
This would be quite the lift for the Vikings, as the Lions are one heck of an offensive juggernaut at home. While the Lions haven't necessarily had notable playoff success in the Jared Goff/Dan Campbell era, they also have had no issues being a tough out at home.
The Vikings won't be able to keep up on offense, as the Lions win this one and advance into the second round of the playoffs.
Prediction: Lions win
(6) Chicago Bears @ (3) Dallas Cowboys
Despite the Cowboys being at home in this one, we'll pick the Bears. The Bears did make it into the Divisional Round last year and showed off big-time in late-game situations. While that success could simply not be there in 2026, the Cowboys are also a team that tends to collapse in the playoffs.
Prescott also owns a 2-5 playoff record and just does not play that well in the postseason. Chicago scrapes by here.
Prediction: Bears win
(5) Seattle Seahawks @ (4) New Orleans Saints
This could get out of hand quickly. While the Saints will be a better team in the 2026 season, I am not sure they'll be close to the Seahawks. Seattle still may have the deepest roster in the NFL, and the Saints would still be progressing through a bit of a rebuild.
New Orleans is a team I believe could really become a legitimate contender as soon as 2027. The 2026 season feels like a fun Wild Card year as the franchise prepares for taking that next step following 2026.
Prediction: Seahawks win
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