NFL playoff picture: Updated projections, chances to make the postseason
We're looking ahead to how the 14-team playoff picture could line up -- and who will win divisions -- en route to the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl: What Happened
ESPN reported on Monday, October 26, 2026 in a story involving Super Bowl, Updated, We're. Here is how the report opens:
We're looking ahead to how the 14-team playoff picture could line up -- and who will win divisions -- en route to the Super Bowl.

Photos: ESPN
It is one of many NFL stories we are following today. Below are the key takeaways, how the story is being reported across the sport, background on National Football League and what to watch next.
Key Takeaways
- The story: NFL playoff picture: Updated projections, chances to make the postseason
- Who’s involved: Super Bowl, Updated and We're
- League: NFL
- First reported: Monday, October 26, 2026 by ESPN
Background: National Football League
The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league in the United States. Composed of 32 teams, it is divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The NFL is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada and is the premier American football league in the world. Each NFL season begins annually with a three-week preseason in August, followed by an 18-week regular season, which runs from early September to early January, with each team playing 17 games and having one bye week.
Text from Wikipedia’s National Football League article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
What’s Next for Super Bowl
For fans following Super Bowl, the next things to watch are the injury report, depth chart, trade rumors and playoff picture. Stories like this one tend to move quickly, so check back for follow-up reports and reaction as more outlets pick it up.
- Latest NFL news today: every NFL headline as it breaks
- Live scores and schedules across every sport we cover
- More Super Bowl news from around the web
- Around the Web: today’s top sports stories from every outlet
More NFL News Today
Suffocating defense, JSN lift Seahawks to victory, hand Chiefs first loss
Seattle's bread and butter from its Super Bowl championship season -- Jaxon Smith-Njigba and defense -- was too much for the Chiefs.
NFL Week 7 grades: Falcons earn solid 'A' mark, while Panthers flop with a resounding 'F'
We're grading every game from Week 7 that has been played so far
Peyton Manning for Colts GM after Chris Ballard's firing? Why timing isn't right for Hall of Fame QB
The franchise legend spent 14 seasons in Indianapolis, winning Super Bowl XLI with the Colts
Can the Vikings actually win the Super Bowl with this offense? You're telling me there's a chance
Minnesota has one of the NFL's worst offenses and a defense playing at a historically dominant level -- the 2015 Broncos provide a blueprint, but there are reasons to be skeptical
'No controversy': Cousins to remain Raiders' starting QB, Kubiak says
Kirk Cousins will remain the Raiders' starting quarterback for Sunday's game against the Jets, coach Klint Kubiak announced Monday.
Ravens' Minter optimistic that QB Jackson returns vs. Bills
Ravens coach Jesse Minter expressed optimism on Monday that quarterback Lamar Jackson could be available for Sunday's game against the Bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened with Super Bowl?
We're looking ahead to how the 14-team playoff picture could line up -- and who will win divisions -- en route to the Super Bowl. ESPN reported the story on Monday, October 26, 2026.
Who reported this NFL story?
ESPN first reported it on Monday, October 26, 2026. ForTheFans summarizes it here with background and related NFL news.
Where can I get the latest NFL news today?
The ForTheFans NFL page collects every NFL headline as it breaks, including injury report, depth chart and trade rumors, with live scores on our scores page.
Summarized by ForTheFans from reporting by ESPN. Headlines, quoted text and photos belong to their publishers. How we report
NFL Explainers From ForTheFans
How the NFL Draft Works: Draft Order, Rounds, Trades and Compensatory Picks
Seven rounds, 32 teams and a draft order built on last season's results. Here is how the NFL Draft really works, from the first pick to Mr. Irrelevant.
NFL Scoring Explained: Touchdowns, Field Goals, Safeties and 2-Point Conversions
Six for a touchdown, three for a field goal, two for a safety. Here is every way to score in the NFL and why the numbers on the scoreboard look the way they do.
NFL in Paris: Steelers vs. Saints Is On Despite the Protests
Paris police moved a soccer match to make room, but the NFL is staying put. Here is everything to know about Sunday's game.







