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
While the Steelers were perennial contenders under Mike Tomlin (and Mike McCarthy has a glowing record when his quarterback stays hockey betting tips healthy), this is a non-zero possibility. The Baltimore Ravens rally to reclaim the AFC North title, but the standout result is the Pittsburgh Steelers finishing at the bottom of the table with only five wins. The similarly stacked NFC North also promises to be an intriguing battle for dominance — as just 0.2 wins separate the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, and Detroit Lions. We also get data on how often that team earns which seed and the number of simulations in which they are selecting at different points in the 2027 NFL Draft. Taken from PFSN’s Football Playoff Meter — the FPM simulates the season 100,000 times and provides average win-loss records. The 2026 NFL schedule release was the final piece of the puzzle towards projecting the upcoming season.
High point: Weeks 1-5.
- This franchise could greatly benefit from a strong beginning.
- 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 analyzes each matchup from the regular season, predicting a win percentage for every team throughout their games.
- The Tennessee Titans, with eight victories, barely miss a playoff berth in a competitive AFC South, while the Indianapolis Colts disappointingly fall short for the sixth consecutive season.
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.
Under Schottenheimer, a former prodigy with ample experience, there remains a possibility for this team to gain momentum. The season concludes for the Cowboys with matchups against their divisional rivals, the Commanders and Giants. Should the Green Bay Packers face elimination in the Wild Card round, the Jets might end up securing three selections within the top 20 of 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.
It is essential to recognize that the regular-season simulations account for projected ties — meaning not all teams’ anticipated win-loss records will total exactly 17 games. I believe the Cardinals’ offense will show greater consistency this season (which is why I was astonished to see them losing five out of their last seven games), mirroring last year’s performance.
Heading into the 2025 NFL season (each NFC team has a potential first-time Pro Bowler), but for now, I must consider McCarthy as a rookie, taking into account the challenges that may limit his team’s immediate potential. Is McCarthy’s inaugural regular-season start happening on the high-profile platform of Monday Night Football? Fans of the Bears (including myself), are optimistic that our team infused with Ben Johnson will reach the playoffs this year. They face several challenging contests during that period — and the extended absence could significantly affect their performance.
Peak period: Weeks four and five.
I found this challenging because the game is scheduled for December when the Packers typically excel — and it will be hosted in Green Bay. I struggled with this one, but I’m currently favoring Washington. Jayden Daniels experienced one of the most remarkable rookie seasons for an NFL quarterback since Cam Newton. Beginning with matches against the Commanders (Cowboys), and Chiefs presents a difficult start.
