2026 NFL Playoff Bracket and Schedule Updated After Divisional Round

Casey Halston

ago 2 hours

2026 NFL Playoff Bracket and Schedule Updated After Divisional Round

The 2026 NFL playoff picture is becoming clearer following the recent divisional round. Several teams are on the brink of clinching a spot in the highly anticipated Super Bowl.

Teams One Win Away from Super Bowl

This weekend, two teams emerged victorious, putting them just one game away from the Super Bowl. Notably, the Denver Broncos face a significant challenge in their pursuit.

Broncos’ New Leadership

After losing quarterback Bo Nix to an ankle injury, Jarrett Stidham may now lead the Broncos into the AFC title game.

Texans and Patriots Battle

The Houston Texans and New England Patriots will face each other for a chance at the conference championship. Both teams secured their spots by defeating tough opponents in the Wild Card round.

The Texans edged out the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Patriots triumphed over the Los Angeles Chargers.

Houston’s defense, recognized for allowing the fewest yards per game in the regular season, continued to shine. They forced two turnovers resulting in touchdowns against quarterback Aaron Rodgers during their Wild Card matchup.

Additionally, the Texans have successfully forced multiple turnovers against some of the league’s elite quarterbacks this season, including Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes.

Patriots Seeking Championship Return

The Patriots are making their first deep playoff run since the Tom Brady era. Quarterback Drake Maye helped secure victory over the Chargers with a key touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter.

NFC Championship Matchup

In the NFC, the Seattle Seahawks will contest the championship title against either the Rams or the Bears. The matchup promises to be intense.

The Rams advanced by edging out the Carolina Panthers, thanks to a clutch fourth-quarter touchdown drive from Matthew Stafford.
The Bears staged an impressive comeback against the Green Bay Packers, led by quarterback Caleb Williams, who threw three consecutive touchdown passes in the fourth quarter.