Your Complete Guide to the 2026 NFL Playoffs & Beyond
Planning to follow the road to Super Bowl LXI? You’re in the right place.This guide provides everything you need to know about the 2026 NFL Playoffs, including the schedule, key dates, and how to stay on top of all the action. We’ll also equip you with printable pick’em sheets to enhance your playoff experience.
Understanding the NFL Playoff format
The NFL playoff system is a single-elimination tournament featuring 14 teams. seven teams from the American Football Conference (AFC) and seven from the National Football Conference (NFC) compete for the coveted Vince Lombardi trophy. Here’s a breakdown of how teams qualify:
* Division Winners (4 per conference): Automatically clinch a playoff berth and are seeded 1-4 based on their regular season record.
* Wild Card Teams (3 per conference): The three teams with the best records in each conference that didn’t win their division earn a Wild Card spot.
Key dates for the 2026 NFL Playoffs
Mark your calendars! These are the dates you won’t want to miss:
* wild Card Round: February 7-8, 2026.
* Divisional Round: February 14-15,2026.
* Conference Championship Games: February 22, 2026.
* Super bowl LXI: February 29, 2026.
2026 NFL playoff Schedule & TV channels (Projected)
While the exact matchups won’t be known until the end of the regular season, here’s a projected look at the TV schedule. Keep in mind these are subject to change based on network agreements and game times.
* AFC: Games will be broadcast on CBS, NBC, and ESPN/ABC.
* NFC: Games will be broadcast on FOX, CBS, and ESPN/ABC.
Divisional Round
* AFC & NFC: Games will be broadcast on CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN/ABC.
Conference Championship Games
* AFC Championship: Broadcast on CBS.
* NFC Championship: Broadcast on FOX.
Super Bowl LXI
* Broadcast on a major network (typically CBS, FOX, or NBC). The location will be announced well in advance.
enhance Your playoff Experience with Pick’em Sheets
Want to add a little friendly competition to your playoff viewing? Printable pick’em sheets are a fantastic way to do just that. You can challenge friends, family, or colleagues to see who can correctly predict the outcomes of each game.
* Week 16 Pick’em Sheet: Available for download to get you warmed up for the playoff push.
* Week 17 Pick’em Sheet: Perfect for finalizing your regular season predictions and preparing for the playoff bracket.
These sheets are designed to be easy to use and track your progress throughout the playoffs.
Strategies for Successful Playoff Predictions
Predicting the outcome of NFL games is never easy, but here are a few tips to improve your chances:
* Analyze Team Matchups: Consider each team’s strengths and weaknesses, and also how they match up against their opponent.
* Pay Attention to Injuries: Key injuries can significantly impact a team’s performance.
* Consider Home-Field Advantage: Playing at home can provide a significant boost, especially in the playoffs.
* Don’t Underestimate Momentum: Teams that are playing well heading into the playoffs often carry that momentum with them.
* Trust Your Gut: Sometimes, your intuition can be a valuable asset.
Staying Updated Throughout the Playoffs
The NFL Playoffs are a whirlwind of excitement. Here’s how to stay informed:
