The 2025-26 NFL playoff field is set, and it's already shaping up to be an interesting one this year. For starters, we have Jacksonville in the dance for the first time since 2022 after first-year head coach Liam Coen led his Jags to an unexpected 13–4 campaign. Then, we have the Seahawks sitting atop the NFC with former journeyman Sam Darnold under center, and the Broncos leading the AFC with second-year QB Bo Nix leading the way. Meanwhile, the Patriots are back, the Steelers won their division, and the Bears are looking better than ever.
All that to say, it's a Joe Burrow-, Lamar Jackson-, and - Patrick Mahomes-less field no one could have seen coming when they made their predictions back in September. So with that same spirit of possibility in mind, let's identify six teams that missed out on a berth who could theoretically make an appearance in the postseason next year, should all go according to plan. (And for brevity's sake, let's just assume the Chiefs are in again once Patrick Mahomes returns from his ACL tear.)
