NFL · 11 hours ago

Ranking the NFL’s 15 Most-Likely Playoff Teams Right Now: Going Into Week 5

Grant White

Host · Writer

15. Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns Team Profile
- Head Coach: Todd Monken
- Offensive Coordinator: Travis Switzer
- Defensive Coordinator: Mike Rutenberg
- Stadium: Huntington Bank Field
- 2026 Record: 3-1
This is painful to admit, but the Cleveland Browns look like a fringe playoff team. They are in the midst of a three-game winning streak, vaulting the Browns to the top of the division. As inferred by their spot in our rankings, we have some apprehensions about their long-term outlook. For now, this is their spot to lose.
1. San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers Team Profile
- Head Coach: Kyle Shanahan
- Offensive Coordinator: Klay Bubiak
- Defensive Coordinator: Raheem Morris
- Stadium: Levi's Stadium
- 2026 Record: 4-0
The San Francisco 49ers are a well-oiled machine operating at peak efficiency early in 2026. If they escape Week 5 with a win, the Niners' undefeated streak could run into December.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs Team Profile
- Head Coach: Andy Reid
- Offensive Coordinator: Brian Daboll
- Defensive Coordinator: Gus Bradley
- Stadium: Arrowhead Stadium
- 2026 Record: 4-0
The Kansas City Chiefs' dynasty may never cease to exist. Patrick Mahomes is showing no signs of slowing down, and the Chiefs are a stifling defensive unit.
3. Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills Team Profile
- Head Coach: Joe Brady
- Offensive Coordinator: Pete Carmichael
- Defensive Coordinator: Jim Leonhard
- Stadium: Highmark Stadium
- 2026 Record: 3-1
The Buffalo Bills suffered an unexpected defeat in Week 4, but it did nothing to diminish their playoff chances. Expect Josh Allen and Co. to bounce back quickly.
4. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks Team Profile
- Head Coach: Mike Macdonald
- Offensive Coordinator: Brian Fleury
- Defensive Coordinator: Aden Durde
- Stadium: Lumen Field
- 2026 Record: 3-1
Not surprisingly, we still have the defending champs high on our playoff board. The Seattle Seahawks suffered an all-too-familiar fate when they traveled east for an early start in Week 3. They won't suffer many more before the end of the season.
5. Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings Team Profile
- Head Coach: Kevin O'Connell
- Offensive Coordinator: Wes Phillips
- Defensive Coordinator: Brian Flores
- Stadium: U.S. Bank Stadium
- 2026 Record: 4-0
Currently, the Minnesota Vikings are one of only two undefeated teams left standing in the NFC. Needing only six wins over the remaining schedule, the Vikings are in a solid position moving forward.
6. Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens Team Profile
- Head Coach: Jesse Minter
- Offensive Coordinator: Declan Doyle
- Defensive Coordinator: Anthony Weaver
- Stadium: M&T Bank Stadium
- 2026 Record: 3-1
The AFC North is in shambles. While the Baltimore Ravens aren't currently leading the division, we have no qualms about their ability to claim their third division title in four years.
7. Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears Team Profile
- Head Coach: Ben Johnson
- Offensive Coordinator: Press Taylor
- Defensive Coordinator: Dennis Allen
- Stadium: Soldier Field
- 2026 Record: 3-1
The Vikings wield an early advantage over the Chicago Bears, but we're not taking this team lightly. The Bears currently have a +47 point differential and are smothering opponents on both sides of the football.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars Team Profile
- Head Coach: Liam Coen
- Offensive Coordinator: Grant Udinski
- Defensive Coordinator: Anthony Campanile
- Stadium: EverBank Stadium
- 2026 Record: 3-1
The Jacksonville Jaguars have asserted themselves as the class of the AFC South. Assuredly, the Jags will face some challenges as the season progresses, but we expect them to fend off the rest of the teams beneath them in the standings.
9. Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles Rams Team Profile
- Head Coach: Sean McVay
- Offensive Coordinator: Nate Scheelhaase
- Defensive Coordinator: Chris Shula
- Stadium: SoFi Stadium
- 2026 Record: 2-2
The Los Angeles Rams' defense will always keep them within striking distance, and Matthew Stafford can always be counted on for a game-winning drive late. Even with a 2-2 record, we have full confidence in this team.
10. New England Patriots
New England Patriots Team Profile
- Head Coach: Mike Vrabel
- Offensive Coordinator: Josh McDaniels
- Defensive Coordinator: Zak Kuhr
- Stadium: Gillette Stadium
- 2026 Record: 2-2
The New England Patriots showed that they are for real with their Week 4 triumph over the Bills. We're wary of their hot-and-cold offense, but the Pats should find some breathing room in the wild card race.
11. Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles Team Profile
- Head Coach: Nick Sirianni
- Offensive Coordinator: Sean Mannion
- Defensive Coordinator: Vic Fangio
- Stadium: Lincoln Financial Field
- 2026 Record: 2-2
Philadelphia Eagles' fans probably don't want to hear this, but it might be time to move on from Nick Sirianni. Consistency has been a major barrier for success, and the Eagles might need a new voice in the room.
12. Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers Team Profile
- Head Coach: Dave Canales
- Offensive Coordinator: Brad Idzik
- Defensive Coordinator: Ejiro Evero
- Stadium: Bank of America Stadium
- 2026 Record: 2-2
The Atlanta Falcons are neck-and-neck with the Carolina Panthers. Still, Carolina holds the advantage by virtue of their 34-3 triumph in Week 2. We're rooting for Bryce Young, but this time next week, we see the Falcons occupy this spot.
13. New York Giants
New York Giants Team Profile
- Head Coach: John Harbaugh
- Offensive Coordinator: Matt Nagy
- Defensive Coordinator: Dennard Wilson
- Stadium: MetLife Stadium
- 2026 Record: 3-1
The New York Giants currently lead the NFC East, doing so with Jameis Winston leading the charge. Winston needs to maintain that form if he hopes to lead New York back to the postseason. Surely, the Giants will face some pressure from a few other teams in the conference.
14. Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas Raiders Team Profile
- Head Coach: Klint Kubiak
- Offensive Coordinator: Andrew Janocko
- Defensive Coordinator: Rob Leonard
- Stadium: Allegiant Stadium
- 2026 Record: 3-1
Alright, it's time to give the Las Vegas Raiders the respect they deserve. Kirky Chainz kept the Raiders competitive against the best team in the conference, which was the first of four straight games against premier opponents. If they keep their heads above water during this stretch, they can make a late run.
15. Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns Team Profile
- Head Coach: Todd Monken
- Offensive Coordinator: Travis Switzer
- Defensive Coordinator: Mike Rutenberg
- Stadium: Huntington Bank Field
- 2026 Record: 3-1
This is painful to admit, but the Cleveland Browns look like a fringe playoff team. They are in the midst of a three-game winning streak, vaulting the Browns to the top of the division. As inferred by their spot in our rankings, we have some apprehensions about their long-term outlook. For now, this is their spot to lose.
1. San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers Team Profile
- Head Coach: Kyle Shanahan
- Offensive Coordinator: Klay Bubiak
- Defensive Coordinator: Raheem Morris
- Stadium: Levi's Stadium
- 2026 Record: 4-0
The San Francisco 49ers are a well-oiled machine operating at peak efficiency early in 2026. If they escape Week 5 with a win, the Niners' undefeated streak could run into December.

Ranking the NFL’s 15 Most-Likely Playoff Teams Right Now: Going Into Week 5

Cleveland Browns Team Profile

San Francisco 49ers Team Profile

Kansas City Chiefs Team Profile

Buffalo Bills Team Profile

Seattle Seahawks Team Profile

Minnesota Vikings Team Profile

Baltimore Ravens Team Profile

Chicago Bears Team Profile

Jacksonville Jaguars Team Profile

Los Angeles Rams Team Profile

New England Patriots Team Profile

Philadelphia Eagles Team Profile

Carolina Panthers Team Profile

New York Giants Team Profile

Las Vegas Raiders Team Profile

Cleveland Browns Team Profile

San Francisco 49ers Team Profile

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