The kickoff to the 2026-2027 NFL season is a few weeks away. Teams are tuning up for the final preseason games, and ongoing position battles are underway. This moment in training camp is crucial for players on the bubble of making 53-man rosters.
Four teams will end the regular season as division champions and cruise into the playoffs, while three teams that don’t win their divisions are still more than capable of making deep playoff runs. As the preseason comes to an end and the regular season gets underway, here are predictions for the NFC playoffs.
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Dallas Cowboys, NFC East:
Dallas missed the playoffs last season, but the offense finished second in yards per game. The defense is looking to move forward after finishing the 2025-2026 season as one of the NFL’s worst units. Brian Schottenheimer will have the Cowboys playing great football from the start and win the NFC East.
Chicago Bears, NFC North:
Year one under head coach Ben Johnson was a success. Yes, the team won numerous games after having things go in their favor, but they are carrying the momentum into the 2026-2027 season. The Bears take another step forward, repeating as division champions, and Caleb Williams shocks everyone when he’s named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NFC South:
Tampa Bay fell short of last season’s playoffs as the offense took a step backward. However, Todd Bowles will be surrounded by a new coaching staff, helping to increase production in every phase of the game. The Buccaneers win the NFC South after battling it out in a division that could’ve gone several ways for its four teams.
Los Angeles Rams, NFC West:
The NFC West was the only division last season with three teams reaching double-digit wins. The West is just as competitive during the 2026-2027 season, and Los Angeles reclaims the division crown. The Rams will end the season with the best record in the NFL.
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Detroit Lions:
Last season was tough after losing both coordinators to head coaching jobs. The Lions were much better than their 9-8 record but suffered key losses at the end of last season. Detroit rebounds in 2026, battling Chicago for the division crown, but coming up short. However, this team can reach the Super Bowl.
Seattle Seahawks:
Seattle enters this season ready to go after finishing last year 14-3 and defeating New England in the Super Bowl. The West sees another battle for the division crown between Los Angeles, Seattle, and San Francisco. The Seahawks earn a Wild Card berth and enter the playoffs eager to repeat as Super Bowl Champions.
Philadelphia Eagles:
The Eagles enter the 2026-2027 wanting to rid their mouths of last season’s Wild Card defeat. The team played many close games, finishing on the winning end most of the time. This season, the Eagles see increased production on both sides of the ball and finish second in the East, while claiming a playoff berth.
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