# 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:** 22
**Author:** ![3AxisCtrl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/3/ecd19e/32.png) [@3AxisCtrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/3AxisCtrl)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2026, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/421 "2026-01-20T23:56:03Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > Patriots @ Broncos (+5.5) I wonder what was the last time the home team in a conference championship game was more than a 5-point underdog. ---
**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 21, 2026, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/422 "2026-01-21T00:05:16Z")
> [@3AxisCtrl](#): > > I wonder what was the last time the home team in a conference championship game was more than a 5-point underdog. The Eagles were 3 point underdogs in _both_ home games in the 2017 season (divisional round and championship both), when they were the #1 seed, with Nick Foles as the QB after the Carson Wentz injury. If you add those up, that’s a 6 point underdog, right? 😜 ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/423 "2026-01-21T00:13:58Z")
> [@Hamlet](#): > > but I don’t recall Moore having ever been branded with the “lazy” monikor I won’t debate Caleb’s comments. The only people who know are in the locker room. But the quoted part is wrong. Bears fans have been incredibly frustrated with DJ for 2 years now. Still an amazing talent, but his effort has been a constant problem since his last pay day. Last year there was an egregious moment where he literally walked off the field in the middle of the play. And his body language when the offense struggled has been borderline toxic. Even as we’ve been winning this year his still found a lot of time to quit on routes when he’s not the primary or when he thinks the play is busted. He doesn’t seem to understand that with Caleb the play is never over. Whether Caleb or DJ screws up on the concept can be debated, but DJ jogging early on that route and then spooling down when the ball wasn’t catchable is by no means a one-off event. I think it’s clear that he’s been pretty nicked up all season, but that’s not an acceptable excuse, triply so on OT of a playoff game. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/424 "2026-01-21T03:36:48Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > If you add those up, that’s a 6 point underdog, right? Laugh if you want, but there’s a bug on the NFL’s website where a team’s average yards per rush are the sum of the averages of all the rushers. Averages do not work that way! ---
**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 21, 2026, 6:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/425 "2026-01-21T06:08:58Z")
Former Pro Bowl cornerback Trevon Diggs’ time with the Packers lasted all of two games. Diggs had been released by the Cowboys at the end of December, after an injury-plagued season, and picked up by the Packers – who had several injuries at corner – a day later; his former teammate with the Cowboys, Micah Parsons, had encouraged the Packers to sign him. Diggs played half of the snaps in Green Bay’s final-week loss to the Vikings, but only one defensive snap against the Bears in the Wild Card Game. The release has no salary-cap ramifications, but he was owed $14.5 million for next season, as the Packers had inherited the contract which Diggs had signed with Dallas in 2023. > **[Packers release former Pro Bowl cornerback Trevon Diggs](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47674601/packers-release-former-pro-bowl-cornerback-trevon-diggs)** > > Former Pro Bowl cornerback Trevon Diggs was released by the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday after playing just two games and 34 snaps for them this season. ---
**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 21, 2026, 7:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/426 "2026-01-21T07:04:37Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > The release has no salary-cap ramifications, but he was owed $14.5 million for next season, as the Packers had inherited the contract which Diggs had signed with Dallas in 2023. I worded that poorly. As Diggs was still under the contract he had signed with the Cowboys (because the Packers claimed him off waivers), if they had kept him for 2026, they would have owed him $14.5 million. As this article describes it: > [@](#): > > The move was purely financial. Diggs was due a $14.5 million base salary in 2026, and the Packers will now save over $15 million on the salary cap with no dead money penalty because Diggs had no guaranteed money left on his deal. > **[Packers release former Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs to start offseason](https://packerswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2026/01/20/packers-release-former-cowboys-cb-trevon-diggs-to-start-offseason/88271301007/)** > > The Packers released CB Trevon Diggs on Tuesday, a predictable move given his contract and salary cap number for 2026. ---
**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 21, 2026, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/427 "2026-01-21T13:46:09Z")
I just heard on SportsCenter that, if Bo Nix were healthy, the Broncos would be favored by 1.5 points. This is according to DraftKings. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/428 "2026-01-21T14:03:46Z")
That was the line before Nix’s injury was announced. ---
**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 22, 2026, 8:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/429 "2026-01-22T08:17:15Z")
This video cracked me up. I only just recently ran across this guy’s videos. One of the other ones I saw was Nick Foles et al assuring Stidham not to worry because the Patriots only lose to quarterbacks who are mediocre or named Manning. “Eli Manning: I’m both!” heh. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/5-2mdtD0cpk/maxresdefault.jpg "Eliminated QB Club 2026 - Allen, Stroud, Caleb, & Purdy Arrive #nfl #football #nflplayoffs #skit") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-2mdtD0cpk) ---
**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 23, 2026, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/430 "2026-01-23T17:19:30Z")
The NFL, sports broadcasters, individual creeps like fraudster Favre should be ashamed. Yeah, right. Dream on Steve. > **[Ex-lineman Kevin Johnson killed at L.A. encampment, examiner says](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47704777/ex-lineman-kevin-johnson-killed-la-encampment-examiner-says)** > > Former Eagles defensive lineman Kevin Johnson died from "blunt head trauma and stab wounds" at a homeless encampment, according to the Los Angeles medical examiner. ---
**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 23, 2026, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/431 "2026-01-23T17:34:27Z")
There are options for former NFL players to get healthcare after they retire: > **[NFL Alumni Player Healthcare Benefits | Access Wellness Services](https://www.nflalumni.org/resources/healthcare-benefits/)** > > NFL Alumni members receive healthcare benefits including insurance programs, screenings, and treatment resources. But I don’t know how affordable or comprehensive it is. It’s a sad situation though. From the article above: > Investigators believe Johnson had been living at the encampment at the time of his death. Friends said Johnson had health issues later in life that contributed to his situation. ---
**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 23, 2026, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/432 "2026-01-23T20:14:36Z")
Given the fact that much of the nation will be in the deepfreeze this weekend, it’s worth noting that the forecast for Denver on Sunday is a high of 20 degrees with a 60% chance of snow showers in the afternoon. It’s probably fortunate, weather-wise, that this is the early game on Sunday. The high temperature in Seattle on Sunday is forecast at 43 degrees, with a slight chance of rain. This is according to The Weather Channel. ---
**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 23, 2026, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/433 "2026-01-23T20:22:17Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > The high temperature in Seattle on Sunday is forecast at 43 degrees, with a slight chance of rain. Yeah, it has been especially dry in the area of late, which has been bad for snowcaps on the mountains. Sunday is the first time we have had rain in the forecast for a while, but it’s not expected to be very much. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2026, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/434 "2026-01-23T21:04:49Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > The high temperature in Seattle on Sunday is forecast at 43 degrees, with a slight chance of rain. In other words, winter in Seattle. ---
**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 23, 2026, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/435 "2026-01-23T21:09:32Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > In other words, winter in Seattle. Hey now! Sometimes we get wind also. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![FrostyKmart](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/85e7bf/32.png) [@FrostyKmart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FrostyKmart)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2026, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/436 "2026-01-23T22:16:44Z")
This is pretty much the coldest it’s been for Denver all winter. Last month was the warmest December ever for most of the state. We’ve had highs in the 50s multiple times in January. Not really liking the heat when it’s supposed to be cold ---
**Author:** ![Jaycat.again](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jaycat.again/32/11525_2.png) [@Jaycat.again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaycat.again)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2026, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/437 "2026-01-23T22:47:07Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > Given the fact that much of the nation will be in the deepfreeze this weekend, it’s worth noting that the forecast for Denver on Sunday is a high of 20 degrees with a 60% chance of snow showers in the afternoon. It’s probably fortunate, weather-wise, that this is the early game on Sunday. If you take a look at Boston’s forecast for Sunday, it would appear Denver is the better option. ---
**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 25, 2026, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/438 "2026-01-25T19:40:33Z")
In case it wasn’t already evident: there’s no way that Broncos QB Bo Nix would be able to play in the Super Bowl. > [@](#): > > [Denver Broncos](https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/den/denver-broncos) quarterback [Bo Nix](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4426338/bo-nix), who is out for Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the [New England Patriots](https://www.espn.com/nfl/team/_/name/ne/new-england-patriots), is expected to be sidelined 12 weeks after undergoing surgery last week on his broken right ankle, sources told ESPN. > > The recovery, not the surgery, is thought to be the most challenging part of this injury. Nix is not supposed to put any weight on his ankle for at least four weeks, and he will miss 12 weeks altogether before he can return to activity, according to sources. > > This eliminates any notion, far-fetched as it was, that Nix could somehow pull a miraculous return for the Feb. 8 Super Bowl LX in the event that Denver does advance. > **[Sources: Broncos' Bo Nix sidelined 12 weeks after ankle surgery](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47722725/sources-broncos-bo-nix-sidelined-12-weeks-ankle-surgery)** > > Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is expected to be sidelined 12 weeks after undergoing surgery last week on his broken right ankle, sources told ESPN. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2026, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/439 "2026-01-25T19:45:16Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > there’s no way that Broncos QB Bo Nix would be able to play in the Super Bowl. Jack Youngblood and Terrell Owens played with a _broken leg_. You mean to tell me Nix couldn’t have postponed his surgery a month, and just taped it up, then numbed it with painkillers, until the playoffs were over? ---
**Author:** ![Hamlet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hamlet/32/2818_2.png) [@Hamlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamlet)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2026, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372/440 "2026-01-25T20:28:58Z")
I’m so torn. I like the whole “backup QB makes good” storyline, and I’ve enjoyed visiting Denver and the people are nice. But I absolutely despise Sean Payton as a coach and a person. And I like Vrabel and Rhamondre, but I dislike Kraft immensely and the Patriots fans have had enough success. Can they both win. Or both lose? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372.md?page=21) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-playoff-thread-2026/1026372.md?page=23)