The Pro Football Network’s Football Playoff Meter ranked the top 8 teams, based on 100,000 simulations that will most likely reach the NFC Championship game in the 2026 season.

Few teams were separated by slim margins, making the race more competitive and unpredictable.

Seattle Seahawks - 27.1%

The reigning Super Bowl LX champions claim the top spot in the conference projections. The Seahawks secured the NFC No. 1 seed and NFC West title with a franchise-best 14-3 record, ranking No. 1 in points allowed (17.2 points per game) in 2025.

With a new offensive coordinator, Brian Fleury, and head coach Mike Macdonald heading into his second season with the Seahawks, the team is expected to win another Super Bowl. 

Los Angeles Rams - 24.8%

The Rams have the second-toughest overall schedule in the league, facing a tough contender, the San Francisco 49ers, early in the season in Week 1.

The Rams offense, led by Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, and Davante Adams, boosted by offseason additions like Myles Garrett, Jaylen Watson, and Trent McDuffie, poses an advantage in their favor.

San Francisco 49ers: 23.6%

The 49ers hold the record for the most NFC Championship game appearances (19)in the league.

Following a 12-5 2025 season, the 49ers acquired defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa and signed wide receiver Mike Evans, focusing on adding veteran talent to address specific positional needs.

Green Bay Packers: 20.9%

The Packers finished the 2025 season with a 9–7–1 record, securing the No. 7 seed in the playoffs for the third consecutive year and placing 2nd in the NFC North.

With pass rusher Micah Parsons on the defense and QB Jordan Love expected to bring his 2023 production back, Head coach Matt LaFleur faces pressure to deliver a deep playoff run, as the franchise has not won a division title since 2021. 

Chicago Bears: 20.0%

Caleb Williams posted a franchise record of 3,942 yards with 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2025, winning their first playoff game in 15 years under first-year HC Ben Johnson.

In his second year with the Bears, Johnson is focused on proving the team can win close games consistently.

Philadelphia Eagles: 18.0%

With A.J. Brown traded to the New England Patriots, the Eagles are expected to start with WRs DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon.

This offseason brought a new offensive coordinator, Sean Mannion, but Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and Vic Fangio's defense are expected to support a deep playoff run.

Detroit Lions: 15.8% 

The Lions have been struggling after losing OC Ben Johnson to the Bears and also with the consistent injuries of the players on the team, leading them to call off the rookie minicamp during the offseason.

They finished 2025 with a 9-8 record after back-to-back playoff appearances. Under HC Dan Campbell, the team is aiming to secure the NFC North title after a disappointing 2025 season.

Dallas Cowboys: 9.7%

QB Dak Prescott threw for 4,552 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2025, but a historically bad defense (30.1 points allowed per game) kept the Cowboys out of the playoffs for two consecutive seasons.

New DC Christian Parker and a major defensive revamp, headlined by Caleb Downs and Rashan Gary, boosted confidence for the team's Super Bowl aspirations.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore