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2026 NFL Season: Updated playoff predictions as Week 3 action approaches

How might the playoffs look?
ByLou Scataglia
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
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NFC Playoff Predictions

1. Los Angeles Rams (1-1)

The Los Angeles Rams put the Week 1 blowout behind them and throttled the New York Giants in Week 2. This is the most talented team in the sport and will go on some type of insane winning streak this year. With the offseason additions Los Angeles made this offseason, they're clearly the team to beat in this conference.

2. Philadelphia Eagles (2-0)

Philadelphia never seems to make it easy, right? They're 2-0 but have two close wins against Washington and Tennessee. While I have questions about how good this offense can be, much of this current group has been around for years now, so this franchise simply knows how to win games. That's cliche, but it's the truth.

3. Chicago Bears (1-1)

Chicago seemed to have avoided major disaster with Caleb Williams' injury. The Bears will be just fine, and when Williams is back in the lineup, we'll see this offense take off and perhaps soften the blow of what again could turn out to be a bad defense.

4. New Orleans Saints (1-1)

The New Orleans Saints are a good team folks. As of now, the Saints feel like the best team in the NFC South, and I am close to thinking that Tyler Shough has the goods. I personally expect Shough to continue playing well as he progresses further into his young career.

He has the highest ceiling of any QB In the division right now.

5. Seattle Seahawks (2-0)

Seattle is off to a 2-0 start despite having Drew Lock in the lineup at QB. The Seahawks will again win a ton of games, but because we're currently predicting that the Rams win the division, Seattle takes the No. 5 spot in our Week 3 playoff predictions.

6. San Francisco 49ers (2-0)

The San Francisco 49ers just stay injured, don't they? While they're off to a 2-0 start, this team is already dealing with a good deal of player ailments, and I worry that this season is going to look a lot like others, where this team just keeps losing primary starters and backups and limps into the playoffs.

7. Detroit Lions (1-1)

I am not ready to quit the Detroit Lions. Dan Campbell is a masterful coach, and this roster is too good to miss the playoffs for a second season in a row. I would have to believe that the braintrust of Campbell and Brad Holmes would find a way to get this team into the playoffs, whether with external additiosn or otherwise.

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