NFL topic desk
NFL playoffs
Explore the playoff race, qualification scenarios and postseason results. Read the publication date before relying on a standings scenario from an earlier point in the season.
Latest report: · SportsNow Editorial Desk
127 stories
Follow the competition in context
- Check the stage
- A qualification scenario, a draw, a match preview and a completed result answer different questions. Start with the event date and stage.
- Follow the sequence
- Read the newest report first, then earlier coverage for lineup changes and the decisions leading into the contest.
- Keep forecasts separate
- Predictions and possible opponents are not results. Historical scenarios do not describe today's standings.
Latest reports
Caleb Williams Sets Bears Passing Record in Playoff Victory Over Packers
Quarterback Caleb Williams set a franchise record with 3,942 passing yards and led the Bears to a 31-27 wild-card win after trailing by 18 points.
Former Broncos GM John Beake, Architect of Back-to-Back Super Bowl Teams, Dies at 87
John Beake, who served as Denver Broncos general manager during the team's Super Bowl XXXII and XXXIII victories, died at age 87.
NFC North Ranked Top NFL Division as All Four Teams Hold Playoff Spots
The NFC North earned the No. 1 spot in the 2026 division power rankings, as every team in the group currently occupies a postseason berth.
Mike Ditka, Super Bowl-Winning Coach and Hall of Fame Tight End, Dies at 86
Mike Ditka, the first tight end inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and coach of the Super Bowl XX champion Chicago Bears, died Friday at age 86.
Ernie Accorsi, Architect of Two Giants Super Bowl Teams, Dies at 84
Former NFL executive Ernie Accorsi, who served as general manager for the Giants, Browns, and Colts, died Saturday at the age of 84.
49ers Reward Kyle Shanahan With Multiyear Contract Extension
San Francisco has extended coach Kyle Shanahan, who has led the franchise to six playoff appearances and two Super Bowls since 2017.
Garrett Wilson Labels Jets Postseason Return a Very Realistic Goal
Wide receiver Garrett Wilson stated that ending the Jets' 15-year playoff drought is a very realistic objective for the 2026 season.
Former Bears Fullback Matt Suhey Dies at 68
Matt Suhey, the 1985 Super Bowl champion who scored an 11-yard touchdown against the Patriots, died Sunday morning at age 68.
Super Bowl LXI Contenders: Rams Add Garrett as Broncos Chase 72-Sack Record
Five NFL franchises are prioritizing Super Bowl LXI, including a Los Angeles Rams roster featuring 38-year-old MVP Matthew Stafford and 35-year-old Aaron Donald.
McDaniels Eyes Redemption Following 29-13 Super Bowl LX Loss to Seahawks
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels takes responsibility for the 29-13 defeat in Super Bowl LX where Drake Maye was sacked six times.
Seahawks Prep for 2026 Opener After 29-13 Super Bowl LX Victory
The Seattle Seahawks will unfurl a championship banner Wednesday at Lumen Field following their 29-13 win over the New England Patriots.
C.J. Stroud Eyes Record Contract Amid 2026 NFL Season Pressure
C.J. Stroud enters the 2026 NFL season seeking a record-breaking contract despite recording seven turnovers during his last two postseason appearances.
Vikings Sign 13-Year Veteran Kyle Van Noy to Bolster Edge Rusher Depth
Minnesota agreed to terms with 35-year-old linebacker Kyle Van Noy, who owns 57 career sacks and two Super Bowl rings.
Patriots 2026: Roster Overhaul Follows 29-13 Super Bowl LX Loss
The New England Patriots 2026 campaign begins Sept. 9 in Seattle following a decisive 29-13 loss to the Seahawks in Super Bowl LX.
2023 Ravens Top NFL DVOA Ratings for Best Teams to Miss the Super Bowl
The 2023 Baltimore Ravens recorded a 44.4% DVOA but lost the AFC Championship 17-10 to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Ravens Icon O.J. Brigance Dies at 56 After 19-Year Battle With ALS
Former linebacker O.J. Brigance, who recorded the first tackle of Super Bowl XXXV, has died at age 56 following a 19-year battle with ALS.
Seahawks LB DeMarcus Lawrence Confirms Retirement After 13th NFL Season
Outside linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence, a five-time Pro Bowler with 67.5 career sacks, announced his upcoming retirement following the Seahawks' Super Bowl LX win.
2026 Rams Face +550 Super Bowl Odds After Acquiring Myles Garrett
Los Angeles holds a 12.5% implied probability to win Super Bowl LXI, sitting 5.1 percentage points ahead of the Bills and Ravens.
Adam Vinatieri Enters Hall of Fame With Record 2,673 Career Points
Placekicker Adam Vinatieri joined the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, celebrating a 24-season career highlighted by four Super Bowl rings.
NFL Hall of Fame Tracker: Stafford Wins MVP as 17 Players Reach Lock Status
Matthew Stafford enters the top seven for career passing yards and touchdowns following an MVP season and Super Bowl victory.
Russell Wilson Hall of Fame Case: 353 TDs and 113 Wins Meet Late-Career Slump
Russell Wilson retired this offseason with 353 passing touchdowns and a Super Bowl XLVIII ring, but faces a 2031 Hall of Fame ballot following a 17-27 record over his final four seasons.
Dak Prescott Sets 'GOTI' Goal for Cowboys After 4,000-Yard 2025 Season
Quarterback Dak Prescott introduced the 'Greatest Offense There Is' acronym as the Dallas Cowboys enter the 2026 season following two years of missing the playoffs.
Taysom Hill Exits Saints as Only Super Bowl Era Player With 3,000-Yard Split
Taysom Hill confirmed he will not return to New Orleans for a 10th season, leaving as the only Super Bowl era player with 1,000 yards passing, rushing, and receiving.
Leonard Williams Confirms Seahawks Contract Talks Following Super Bowl LX Title
Seahawks defensive lineman Leonard Williams, 32, confirmed Tuesday that his agents have begun negotiations for a new deal following his 18-sack tenure in Seattle.