Chiefs and Ravens top projected NFL playoff field after Week 1
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 16, 2026, 12:12 PM
Last updated Sep 16, 2026
After an unpredictable opening week, initial NFL playoff projections place the Ravens as the top seed in the AFC, with the Chiefs and Bills following closely. The projected playoff field sees both the Bengals and Texans making appearances, while the reigning AFC champion Patriots are forecasted to miss the postseason. Meanwhile, in the NFC, the Seahawks are predicted as champions of the West, and the Falcons are projected to emerge from the underperforming NFC South. The situation remains fluid based on analytics, with teams such as the Rams facing challenges after a rough 27-7 defeat to the 49ers.
- •Ravens projected as AFC North champions following Week 1.
- •Chiefs secured a strong win against the Broncos, improving playoff odds.
- •Falcons forecasted to lead the unpredictable NFC South despite Week 1 loss.
- •Rams and Chargers face tough prospects after losses, raising playoff questions.
- 12:12 PMCBS NFL — Predicting the entire NFL playoff bracket after Week 1, including a surprise Super Bowl winner
"A wild opening week reshaped our projected playoff bracket, with the Patriots missing out
Sources
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