Panthers, Jaguars Win Divisions, NFL Playoff Brackets Set/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Aaron Rodgers led the Steelers to an AFC North title as the Panthers and Jaguars also claimed their divisions. The Broncos locked down the AFC’s No. 1 seed with a win over the Chargers. With playoff seeds finalized, wild-card weekend matchups are officially set.
NFL Playoff Picture Quick Looks
- Rodgers leads Steelers to AFC North title
- Panthers claim NFC South, first since 2015
- Jaguars dominate Titans to win AFC South
- Broncos clinch AFC’s top seed with 14-3 record
- Seahawks secure NFC’s No. 1 seed over 49ers
- Patriots win AFC East, ending Bills’ division streak
- Bears lock down NFC North for first time since 2018
- Texans, Chargers, Packers earn key wild-card spots
- 49ers drop to sixth after Eagles and Bears lose
- Wild-card matchups finalized for all AFC and NFC teams
Panthers, Jaguars Win Divisions, NFL Playoff Brackets Set
Deep Look
As the 2026 NFL regular season came to a close, several teams sealed pivotal division titles and playoff spots, shaping what promises to be a dramatic postseason run.
Steelers Clinch AFC North Behind Rodgers’ Late Heroics
In the final game of the season, Aaron Rodgers delivered a 26-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Austin III with 55 seconds remaining, lifting the Pittsburgh Steelers to a thrilling 26-24 win over the Baltimore Ravens. The victory not only secured Pittsburgh’s first AFC North title since 2020 but also marked Rodgers’ return to the playoffs for the first time since 2021.
Rodgers, emotional in postgame comments, praised his teammates and called the season a blessing. Baltimore’s playoff hopes ended when rookie kicker Tyler Loop missed a 44-yard field goal as time expired.
Panthers Take NFC South as Bucs, Saints Fall Short
The Carolina Panthers backed their way into the NFC South crown, clinching their first division title in a decade after the Atlanta Falcons defeated the New Orleans Saints 19-17. Despite finishing 8-9, Carolina emerged from a crowded divisional race and will now host a playoff game for the first time since 2017.
Under first-year head coach Dave Canales and third-year quarterback Bryce Young, the Panthers exceeded expectations in a rebuilding year. Tampa Bay, despite a Saturday win over Carolina, missed out after losing a three-way tiebreaker.
Jaguars Dominate to Win AFC South
The Jacksonville Jaguars capped a turnaround season with a commanding 41-7 victory over the Tennessee Titans to win the AFC South. Head coach Liam Coen, in his rookie year, and quarterback Trevor Lawrence led Jacksonville to a 13-4 record — a massive jump from their 4-13 finish just two seasons ago.
Jacksonville’s rise was among the season’s biggest stories, and they now prepare to host the Buffalo Bills in the wild-card round.
Broncos Claim AFC’s No. 1 Seed
The Denver Broncos completed a 14-3 season with a convincing 19-3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Backed by a dominant defense and four field goals from Wil Lutz, Denver secured a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. This marks the first time since 2015 that the Broncos enter the postseason as the top seed — the same year they won the Super Bowl.
Under head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Bo Nix, the Broncos snapped the Chiefs’ nine-year AFC West reign. Denver’s playoff drought, which lasted nearly a decade, is officially over.
Seahawks Lock Down NFC’s Top Spot
The Seattle Seahawks clinched the NFC’s No. 1 seed with a 13-3 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night. Quarterback Sam Darnold and a resilient defense secured a week off and home-field advantage. With the Super Bowl taking place at Levi’s Stadium — home of the 49ers — Seattle has a clear path to a potential return to the NFL’s biggest stage.
Division Titles by Conference
AFC East:
The New England Patriots returned to the top of the division for the first time since the Tom Brady era, finishing 14-3. Buffalo’s five-year reign ended, forcing the Bills to play on the road in the postseason.
AFC North:
The Steelers, with Rodgers under center, rose late in the season to win their first division title in five years.
AFC South:
Jacksonville emerged as the top team again, improving upon their 2022 division win and making the playoffs for the second time in three seasons.
AFC West:
The Broncos dethroned the Chiefs and enter January football with momentum, boasting a league-leading defense and a reliable kicker in Wil Lutz.
NFC East:
The Eagles became the first team in 20 years to repeat as NFC East champions. However, they slipped to the No. 3 seed after resting starters and losing to Washington 24-17.
NFC North:
The Chicago Bears clinched the division for the first time since 2018 despite a 19-16 loss to Detroit. They benefited from the Eagles’ loss to claim the No. 2 seed.
NFC South:
The Panthers return to the playoffs after nearly a decade away, capitalizing on an underwhelming divisional race.
NFC West:
The Seahawks will enjoy a first-round bye, while the 49ers — once in position for home-field — drop to the No. 6 seed and face the Eagles in a rematch of the 2022 NFC Championship.
Wild-Card Weekend Matchups (EST):
- Saturday, 4:30 p.m. — Rams (12-5) at Panthers (8-9)
- Saturday, 8:00 p.m. — Packers (9-6-1) at Bears (11-6)
- Sunday, 1:00 p.m. — Bills (12-5) at Jaguars (13-4)
- Sunday, 4:30 p.m. — 49ers (12-5) at Eagles (11-6)
- Sunday, 8:00 p.m. — Chargers (11-6) at Patriots (14-3)
- Monday, 8:00 p.m. — Texans (12-5) at Steelers (10-7)
As the regular season closes, 14 teams remain. With Rodgers returning to the postseason, Jacksonville’s rise, and Denver’s revival, the 2026 NFL playoffs are set to deliver major drama.
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