NFL · 11 hours ago

Ranking the NFL’s 15 Most-Likely Playoff Teams Right Now

Grant White

Host · Writer

15. Las Vegas Raiders
No one expected these guys to start 3-0. Not even the Las Vegas Raiders themselves. Yet here we are, heading into Week 4, and the Raiders have a firm grasp on a playoff spot.

Life is about to get real for the Raiders, as they embark on a challenging part of their schedule. We'll see if Kirky Chainz has some magic left in him, but we're not believers just yet.

Prove us wrong, Raiders. Prove us wrong...
1. Kansas City Chiefs
It didn't take long for Patrick Mahomes to find his rhythm again. After missing most of last season with a knee injury, the perennial MVP candidate has the Kansas City Chiefs off to a 3-0 start.

With no competition from the rest of the AFC West, the Chiefs are already a virtual lock to make the playoffs.
2. Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills christened their new stadium with a win and are off to another hot start.

We see this every year: the rest of the AFC East struggles while the Bills continue their assault on the division. Another AFC East banner will hang in the rafters, but this team will be judged on what it does in the playoffs.
3. Seattle Seahawks
West Coast teams rarely fare well when they travel east, which proved detrimental to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3. Still, we have zero apprehensions about the defending champs' playoff chances.

Seattle will face stiff competition from the rest of the NFC West. Even still, it won't be enough to prevent them from defending their crown.
4. San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers may have the early lead in the NFC West, but we are less convinced of their chances to reign long-term.

Inevitably, injuries are a factor in San Fran. If nothing else, Kyle Shanahan tends to get in his own way later in the season. The Niners are still a quality playoff team.
5. Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles laid an egg on primetime in Week 3, never really contending against the Bears.

Even with the loss, the Eagles are the favorites to claim the division banner and extend their playoff streak to six straight years.
6. Minnesota Vikings
Two years ago, J.J. McCarthy was the presumed savior in Minnesota. Now, the Minnesota Vikings are being led back to the playoffs by Kyler Murray.

The Vikings are one of two undefeated teams left standing in the NFC. More importantly, two of those have come against division opponents. Expect Minnesota to keep its foot on the pedal.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
Despite the constant offensive miscues, the Jacksonville Jaguars are the premier candidate to emerge from the AFC South.

The Jags look incredibly efficient on defense. Through three games, they've given up just 36 points and just over 1,000 yards. If that's the standard, Jacksonville will be playing into January.
8. Detroit Lions
While they currently occupy a wild card spot, we have zero apprehensions about the Detroit Lions' ability to reclaim a playoff spot this season.

Detroit's offense continues to lead the way. They rank top ten in virtually every offensive category, offsetting their defensive miscues. An easy schedule should help the Lions get back to the playoffs.
9. Chicago Bears
The Jekyll-and-Hyde Chicago Bears are among the most confusing teams early in 2026.

The Bears bullied the Panthers in Week 1, were lifeless against the Vikings in Week 2, and then humbled the Eagles last time out.

At its best, Chicago is in contention for the NFC North title. They just lack consistency.
10. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are one of two AFC teams with a negative point differential and still in the playoffs. That won't be a deterrent down the stretch.

Denver dropped the season opener, then rattled off two straight wins against quality opponents. The next five weeks could determine this team's playoff chances. As long as they don't implode, this team's playoff value should only improve.
11. Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens will continue to win games with their offense. As long as their defense doesn't remain a liability, the AFC North crown should be within reach.

A vaunted ground game and improved passing attack have vaulted the Ravens to the fifth-best total offense early this season. That remains their most prominent strength throughout the campaign.
12. Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are the only non-playoff team on our list, and we have them ranked higher than several other clubs.

The Bengals' pass defense remains an area of concern. Still, overall, this is a vastly improved unit. With sustained offensive production, Cincinnati should find itself in the playoff picture throughout the campaign.
13. Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are the early front-runners in the NFC South. But that doesn't say much.

Carolina has the only positive point differential in the division, but its defense remains a liability. Their grip on a playoff position is tenuous at best.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers
Holding on to the division lead this early in the season does nothing to allay our concerns about the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pittsburgh's offensive line woes will be a factor throughout the season, negatively impacting their ground game and Aaron Rodgers. Maybe they figure it out, but we think it's more likely the Steelers will be usurped by one of the other two contenders in the division.
15. Las Vegas Raiders
No one expected these guys to start 3-0. Not even the Las Vegas Raiders themselves. Yet here we are, heading into Week 4, and the Raiders have a firm grasp on a playoff spot.

Life is about to get real for the Raiders, as they embark on a challenging part of their schedule. We'll see if Kirky Chainz has some magic left in him, but we're not believers just yet.

Prove us wrong, Raiders. Prove us wrong...
1. Kansas City Chiefs
It didn't take long for Patrick Mahomes to find his rhythm again. After missing most of last season with a knee injury, the perennial MVP candidate has the Kansas City Chiefs off to a 3-0 start.

With no competition from the rest of the AFC West, the Chiefs are already a virtual lock to make the playoffs.

Ranking the NFL’s 15 Most-Likely Playoff Teams Right Now

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