NFL Predictions

Finally, based on the simulation results, here’s how the 2027 NFL Draft order would look, with the final 14 spots determined by playoff results. After backing up their impressive 2025 campaign with an even better 2026, the Bears enter the playoffs as a genuine Super Bowl contender. If the eight divisions play out exactly as we see above in our projected standings, here’s what the 14-team playoff bracket would look like.

Bracket for the NFL Playoffs

This represents a non-zero possibility (as Mike Tomlin has consistently led the Steelers as contenders), and Mike McCarthy boasts an impressive record when his quarterback is healthy. The standout outcome is the Pittsburgh Steelers finishing last in the standings with just five victories, although the Baltimore Ravens have managed to reclaim the AFC North title. An intriguing battle for supremacy is also anticipated in the NFC North (where a mere 0.2 wins separate the Chicago Bears), Detroit Lions, and Green Bay Packers. We also receive insights into the frequency with which that team achieves specific seeds and the number of simulations where they select from various positions in the 2027 NFL Draft. The Football Playoff Meter from PFSN simulates the season 100,000 times, resulting in average win-loss records. The release of the 2026 NFL schedule completed the final piece needed to project the upcoming season.

High point: Weeks 1-5.

• A strong beginning would greatly benefit this franchise.
• The Buffalo Bills get back on top of their division, with the Patriots winning six fewer games in this simulation than they did in 2025.
• Aaron Rodgers has yet to commit to the team for 2026 (and even if he does), the Steelers’ schedule is not pretty.
• The model subsequently evaluates each regular season matchup and assigns a predicted win percentage for every team based on their games.
• In a tight AFC South battle — the Tennessee Titans narrowly miss out on a playoff spot with eight wins, while the Indianapolis Colts fall short for the sixth straight year.

The battle between humans and AI hasn’t quite reached T2 levels just yet, but it’s clear the computers are pulling ahead. “GMFB” debates is your cup half full or half empty on quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams. PFSN’s 2026 NFL Season and Playoff Predictor is a tool that allows you to play out various weekly scenarios to see how the NFL playoff picture changes with each scenario.

There remains an opportunity for this team to excel under Schottenheimer, a former prodigy who gained substantial experience before taking on his first head-coaching role. The season wraps up for the hockey betting tips Cowboys with matchups against division rivals, the Commanders and Giants. Should the Green Bay Packers face elimination in the Wild Card round, the Jets might find themselves with three top-20 selections in the 2027 draft.

Oh, my gosh — could you imagine if Dan Campbell and the Lions are the only thing standing in the way of the Bears claiming a No. 2 seed in the playoffs? That’s not to say the team can’t get better this season. The Commanders embarrassed the top-seeded Lions in the playoffs last year; it was pretty bad for the boys in Honolulu Blue. The Eagles are going back to the playoffs — and perhaps all the way back to the Super Bowl. Adding Azeez Ojulari was a pretty nice move, and I like what this team did in the draft, continuing to stock great players.

High point: Week 1 vs. Giants.

Each of us has meticulously examined the entire schedule, analyzing it team by team, week by week, to independently predict the winners of the opening weekend, Thanksgiving Day, each season finale, and all games in between.

One potential first-time Pro Bowler from each NFC team heading into the 2025 NFL season For now, though, I have to treat McCarthy like a rookie, which means factoring in the bumps that could keep his team’s immediate ceiling on the lower side. McCarthy’s first career regular-season start, on the prime-time stage of Monday Night Football? Myopic Bears fans (like me) think their Ben Johnson-infused team is going to the playoffs this season. They have some tough matchups in that stretch, and the long time away could really impact them.

Peak moments: Weeks four and five.

I had a difficult time here (because the game will take place in December), when the Packers usually play their best, and it will be in Green Bay. I really had a tough time with this one, but am leaning Washington. Jayden Daniels had one of the best rookie seasons by an NFL quarterback since Cam Newton. At Commanders (at Cowboys), vs. Chiefs is a tough way to start things off.