The question on every NFL fan’s mind right now is who is playing in the Super Bowl 2026. With the 2025 regular season concluded and the playoffs underway, there’s intense speculation and excitement surrounding the path to Super Bowl LX, which will be played on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. While the official Super Bowl matchup hasn’t been determined yet, the latest verified playoff picture and team performances provide a clear snapshot of the strongest contenders and the most compelling storylines heading into the postseason.
The NFL’s championship game caps off months of grueling competition, and right now the league’s playoff bracket paints a compelling picture of which teams are most likely to reach football’s biggest stage. Below, we break down the playoff landscape, key teams in contention, potential matchups, and the factors that could shape who is playing in the Super Bowl 2026. This comprehensive update will keep you informed on everything you need to know as the road to the Vince Lombardi Trophy unfolds.
Table of Contents
Playoff Structure and Super Bowl Location
Super Bowl LX, the 60th edition of the NFL’s title game, is scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2026. The game will be held at Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers, marking a high-profile return for the Bay Area to Super Bowl hosting duties.
The postseason format includes 14 teams—seven from each conference—competing in wild-card matchups, divisional playoffs, and conference championship games to determine the two teams that advance to the Super Bowl. As of early January 2026, the playoff bracket has been finalized, setting the stage for intense matchups across both the AFC and NFC.
AFC Contenders Eyeing a Super Bowl Spot
The AFC playoff picture highlights several important contenders, with a few teams standing out due to their regular-season success and roster strength.
Denver Broncos: AFC’s Top Seed
The Denver Broncos clinched the number one seed in the AFC with a standout regular season. Their performance earned them home-field advantage throughout the playoffs and a bye in the wild-card round. As the top seed, Denver is positioned as a serious contender to represent the AFC in Super Bowl LX.
The Broncos’ balanced offense and defense, combined with their strategic coaching, make them one of the favorites in the conference. With just two road wins needed after the bye to reach the Super Bowl, Denver has momentum on its side and a clear path to the title game.
Other AFC Playoff Teams
In addition to Denver, several teams are battling in wild-card matchups with hopes of advancing deep into the postseason:
- New England Patriots secured a strong record and a favorable seed, relying on disciplined play and playoff experience.
- Jacksonville Jaguars clinched a top-four seed with an impressive season, highlighting balanced offense and disruptive defense.
- Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans both qualified and will look to leverage their offensive firepower in playoff clashes.
- Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers round out the AFC playoff field with opportunities to upset higher-seeded teams.
These teams must navigate tough matchups in January to keep their Super Bowl aspirations alive. Given the parity in the AFC, each game will carry immense significance.
NFC Playoff Picture and Super Bowl Hopes
The NFC has its own exciting mix of contenders as the postseason begins.
Seattle Seahawks and NFC Favorites
The Seattle Seahawks entered the playoffs as one of the NFC’s most formidable teams, finishing with one of the best records in the league. Their balanced attack and veteran leadership make them a favorite to reach the NFC Championship game and potentially secure a Super Bowl berth.
Also in the NFC mix are teams like:
- Los Angeles Rams, who finished the regular season with a strong record and could pose a challenge deep into January.
- Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles, both of which clinched playoff spots and bring unique strengths to the bracket.
- San Francisco 49ers, as hosts of Super Bowl LX, are in the playoff picture as well and will look to make a run on their home turf.
- Green Bay Packers also made the field, adding veteran experience and fan interest to the NFC chase.
With multiple legitimate contenders, the NFC is shaping up for dramatic playoff games and compelling storylines that will influence who is playing in the Super Bowl 2026.
Key Matchups in the Early Playoffs
The wild-card round sets up a slate of important matchups where teams will fight for the right to advance and keep their Super Bowl hopes alive. These early games are crucial for teams seeking momentum and confidence heading into later rounds.
In the AFC, teams like the Jaguars, Bills, Texans, Steelers, and Chargers will square off in elimination games, while Denver awaits the winner of the lowest remaining seed. In the NFC, the Seahawks and Rams are poised to face challengers looking to knock off top dogs.
Each result will dramatically shape the bracket and narrow the list of potential teams who could end up playing in Super Bowl 2026.
Players and Coaches to Watch on the Road to the Super Bowl
Emerging Stars and Veteran Leaders
A number of standout players could influence the outcome of playoff games and determine which teams reach the Super Bowl:
- Quarterbacks with playoff experience, like those leading the Broncos and Seahawks, will be central to their teams’ success.
- Young stars on teams like the Jaguars and Bills could make breakout postseason impacts.
- Veteran leadership from seasoned players across the league will play a role in tight playoff contests.
Coaching Decisions Under Pressure
Coaches are equally significant in this postseason stretch. Strategic game plans and adjustments can swing close games, making coaching prowess a key factor in shaping who is playing in the Super Bowl 2026.
Super Bowl Week and Entertainment Highlights
As attention turns toward the eventual Super Bowl matchup, fans are also looking forward to the festivities surrounding the game. Super Bowl week is a multi-day celebration that includes fan experiences, parties, and the highly anticipated halftime show.
The halftime entertainment for Super Bowl LX has been announced, featuring a headline performance that promises to be a cultural event as well as a musical highlight. These festivities add to the allure of the game and elevate interest beyond the final score.
Road to the Vince Lombardi Trophy
The journey to Super Bowl LX continues to captivate NFL fans and sportsbooks alike. While we don’t yet have the official Super Bowl matchup, the playoff bracket and current standings provide a snapshot of the teams most likely to compete for football’s ultimate prize.
Denver’s top seed in the AFC, Seattle’s prominence in the NFC, and the depth of playoff contenders across both conferences highlight the competitive nature of this season. As the postseason plays out, every win and loss will sharpen the focus on which two teams will meet on February 8, 2026, in Santa Clara, California.
Whether you’re tracking your favorite team or watching the league’s rising stars, this playoff season promises unforgettable moments on the road to the Super Bowl.
What do you think — which teams will make it to the Super Bowl? Drop your thoughts below and stay tuned as the playoff drama unfolds!
