# NFL Playoff Thread 2026 **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** football-nfl\ **Created:** [January 5, 2026, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372 "2026-01-05T16:53:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 20
**Author:** ![muldoonthief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldoonthief/32/3188_2.png) [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/381 "2026-01-19T19:54:17Z")
> [@Pork\_Rind](#): > > Then they would have one more play, and that was gonna be Marshawn’s run. The interception was a 2nd down play, and with 20 seconds on the clock and one timeout remaining. So trying a pass play got them one more opportunity, as long as they didn’t do something stupid. If it’s incomplete they have 2 more tries with Marshawn. ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/382 "2026-01-19T19:56:21Z")
I haven’t decided whether or not I like the fact that Seattle is only playing divisional games in the NFC playoffs this year. I mean that from a hypothetical fan perspective, not anything to do with the league or scheduling or anything. When I look back on Eli’s Superbowls, beating Favre and Rodgers (and the 49ers in overtime) on the way to those wins is like the cherry on top. It would be less fun if it was just the Cowboys and the Eagles. But then again, in fairness, that’s because the Packers and 49ers were the class of the conference. The teams in the NFC West _are_ the class of the conference now, so only facing divisional opponents may actually be better. Like I said, I haven’t decided. (This wasn’t meant to be a reply to anybody.) ---
**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/383 "2026-01-19T20:09:44Z")
It seems to me that crushing your division rivals in the playoffs would be way better than some random other team ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/384 "2026-01-19T20:16:44Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > Taylor Heineicke, Ah, the memories. He actually had a really good game, but Brady had a better one. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/385 "2026-01-19T20:30:35Z")
> [@EllisDee](#): > > I haven’t decided whether or not I like the fact that Seattle is only playing divisional games in the NFC playoffs this year. I mean that from a hypothetical fan perspective, not anything to do with the league or scheduling or anything. As a Seattle fan I don’t like it because they’re playing the best teams. The top 3 teams in terms of record were Seattle, LA, and San Francisco. They’d be the 1, 2, and 3 seeds if divisions weren’t a factor. (Which is extremely impressive when you consider these teams also had to face each other twice in the regular season to get those records.) Seattle has to play the hardest teams in the conference to get to the Super Bowl. It is doing no favor for my nerves. From a football fan perspective it couldn’t have been more perfect though. The NFC West was ridiculously stacked this season. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/386 "2026-01-19T20:48:32Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > As a Seattle fan I don’t like it because they’re playing the best teams. If we win, and I emphasize “if,” beating the Rams will be extra sweet. I’m so tired of them. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/387 "2026-01-19T20:59:20Z")
I’m too lazy to look it up, but I’m wondering if any other team has ever played two division foes in the playoffs. ---
**Author:** ![Jegpeg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f475e1/32.png) [@Jegpeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jegpeg)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/388 "2026-01-19T21:01:34Z")
> [@asterion](#): > > If they lose, especially with Nix out, it’s easy to write off and hope that next year they won’t manage to make every game a squeaker. The problem with winning every game as a squeeker is mean reversion kicks in, look what happened to the Chiefs this season. The Broncos will need to improve quite a lot if they want to get the No 1 seed next season, partially because they are extremely unlikey to win all their close games again and partially because they will have a much toughter SOS. Being free of the Wilson dead cap will help with that but late draft picks will not. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/389 "2026-01-19T21:06:05Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > I’m too lazy to look it up, but I’m wondering if any other team has ever played two division foes in the playoffs. I did a few searches, and as far as I can tell it’s never happened, although three teams from the same division in the post season has happened a number of times. (e.g., 2006 NFC East, 2011 AFC North, 2020 AFC North, 2021 NFC West). This structure makes it mathematically possible for a team to face **two divisional opponents** in one postseason. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/390 "2026-01-19T21:11:59Z")
> [@Jegpeg](#): > > The problem with winning every game as a squeeker is mean reversion kicks in, look what happened to the Chiefs this season. I suspect that that may happen to the Bears next year, too. They won 12 games this year (including beating the Packers in the wild card round), and 7 of those wins featured fourth-quarter comebacks. For that matter, four of their seven losses (against the Packers, Lions, and 49ers, plus the Rams yesterday) also came after the Bears had rallied in the fourth quarter to tie or take the lead, only to eventually lose. Lucky, or good? Time will tell. ---
**Author:** ![Jegpeg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f475e1/32.png) [@Jegpeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jegpeg)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/391 "2026-01-19T21:26:26Z")
Didn’t it happen with the 2021 NFC West? The Rams beat the Cards in the WC round and the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. As far as I am aware this will be the first time a team has played divisional foes in 2 successive playoff games (in the same season). ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/392 "2026-01-19T21:26:33Z")
> [@SenorBeef](#): > > It seems to me that crushing your division rivals in the playoffs would be way better than some random other team Not if the class of the conference was in other divisions. For a quick example, I imagine Colts fans find it satisfying to look back at the 2006 playoffs – having beat both the Ravens and dynastic Patriots on the way to that Superbowl win – _because_ the Ravens and Patriots were (among) the class of the conference in that era. If somehow the 8-8 Jags and Titans had gone 9-7 and snuck into both Wildcard spots and those were the opponents instead, that would seem less satisfying. ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/393 "2026-01-19T21:27:49Z")
> [@Jegpeg](#): > > As far as I am aware this will be the first time a team has played divisional foes in 2 successive playoff games (in the same season). It’s also their _only_ playoff games, outside of the Superbowl, of course. ---
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/394 "2026-01-19T21:33:08Z")
Possible good news for the Broncos whose run offense was sad and lost Nix as well (good scrambler). > **[Sources: Broncos open practice window for J.K. Dobbins' return](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47663295/sources-broncos-open-practice-window-jk-dobbins-return)** > > The Broncos are opening the window for RB J.K. Dobbins to return to practice this week and potentially play in the AFC Championship Game, sources told ESPN. Dobbins, who has been on injured reserve with a foot injury, leads the team in rushing (772 yards), carries (153) and runs of 10 or more yards this season (21), even though he hasn’t played since Nov. 6. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/395 "2026-01-19T21:33:51Z")
I haven’t done the math, but I bet it’s possible for a team to play all 3 division rivals in the postseason if they are in the wild card round. ---
**Author:** ![Jegpeg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f475e1/32.png) [@Jegpeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jegpeg)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/396 "2026-01-19T21:36:31Z")
You can make a very strong case the strongest 3 teams in the NFC (and maybe NFL) are all in the NFC West. Dispite all there injuries the 49ers in their last 11 games they have only lost to the Seahawks (twice) and Rams, that run includes wins against the NFCN, NFCE and NFCS champions. Many people still reckon the Rams are the best team in the NFL,vegas has then +2.5 for the championship game which is basically home advantage. The Seahawks are No1 seed and superbowl favorite. ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/397 "2026-01-19T22:06:32Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > I haven’t done the math, but I bet it’s possible for a team to play all 3 division rivals in the postseason if they are in the wild card round. Yes, I think it’s possible. As you note, you need the division winner not to be the #1 seed, though, or else there aren’t enough rounds in the playoffs. As one example, say the division winner is the #4 seed. In the first round, we need the #6 and #7 seeds to win their games. Let’s say the #4 wins (it doesn’t really matter if #5 wins instead). That’s one division opponent down. Then they play #6 at home and let’s say they win. That’s two division opponents down. We also need the #7 to beat the #1 seed. Then the #4 plays #7. Then either way the game shakes out, #4 will have played all 3 division rivals in the same postseason and only played division games in the playoffs. Similar examples work if the division winner is #2 or #3 as well. It only matters that they play in the wild card round. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/398 "2026-01-19T22:13:28Z")
> [@Great\_Antibob](#): > > As you note, you need the division winner not to be the #1 seed, though, or else there aren’t enough rounds in the playoffs. Nah - the division winner can get the bye, they just can’t be the team that plays all 3 division rivals. ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/399 "2026-01-19T22:15:14Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > Nah - the division winner can get the bye, they just can’t be the team that plays all 3 division rivals. Can’t work - the other 3 division teams are wild cards and would play a non-division opponent in the first round ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2026, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/400 "2026-01-19T22:15:20Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > the division winner can get the bye, they just can’t be the team that plays all 3 division rivals. Wildcard teams can only play division winners in the wildcard round, never each other. If the division winner gets a bye, the three wildcard teams cannot play three divisional opponents because their first games in the wildcard rounds will be against other division winners. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372.md?page=19) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372.md?page=21)