The 2025-2026 NFL regular season delivered excitement, drama, and unexpected twists. Unfortunately both New York teams had disappointing seasons. The New York Giants finished the season with a 4-13 record, missing the playoffs and firing head coach Brian Daboll mid-season. They are hopefully building toward future improvement under a new coach and young quarterback Jaxson Dart. The NY Jets also struggled this season finishing 3-14 and out of playoff contention under first year head coach Aaron Glenn, as they, too, look to rebuild with draft capital and roster changes. The recent dynasty team, the Kansas City Chiefs, also ended the 2025-2026 season with an upsetting 6-11 record. Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a season ending torn ACL and LCL in his left knee. This marks the first time the Chiefs have missed the playoffs since 2014.
On the road to the playoffs, some teams reaffirmed their status as contenders while others emerged with surprising late season surges. In the AFC, the Denver Broncos finished the regular season with the league’s best record, earning the number one seed and a first round bye. Denver finished the season hot, winning 13 of their last 14 games to secure their impressive 14-3 record. The New England Patriots clinched their first AFC East title since 2019 thanks to second year quarterback Drake Maye and a physical defense.
“Drake Maye deserves the MVP because he has shown that he can bring a team that was not the best last year to leading the division the next year,” said sophomore Parker Perceval.
The Jacksonville Jaguars won the AFC South by winning their last eight games in a row. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence passed for over 4,000 yards on the season, while also throwing 29 touchdowns. The Pittsburgh Steelers scraped a division title at just 10-7. The Houston Texans finished just one game back of the Jaguars for the division title, claiming a 12-5 record. Houston was just as hot as Jacksonville, winning their last nine games in a row. The Buffalo Bills had high expectations entering the year, with many believing that they would take home another AFC East title. However, their inability to keep up with New England led to them settling for a Wild Card spot. The last AFC playoff spot went to the Los Angeles Chargers with an 11-6 record. Justin Herbert’s 26 touchdown passes were able to carry his Chargers to the playoffs.
In the NFC, the Seattle Seahawks finished with the top seed and earned home-field advantage. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njiba powered the Seahawks with 1,793 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. The Bears took the two seed with a surprising 11-6 record, defying expectations to take home the NFC North crown. The Philadelphia Eagles took the three seed and the NFC East title. Running back Saquon Barkley was integral to the defending Super Bowl champion’s offense, rushing for 1,140 yards and seven touchdowns. The fourth seed was also a surprise, as the Carolina Panthers went 8-9 and captured the NFC South title. The five seed is the Los Angeles Rams, who barely missed out on the NFC West title. They were led by MVP candidate quarterback Matthew Stafford, who threw for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns. The six seed San Francisco 49ers were tied on record with the Rams. Running back Christian McCaffrey led his team with 1,202 rushing yards and ten touchdowns. The Green Bay Packers came in at the seven seed, sporting a 9-7-1 record. However, they didn’t finish the season strong, losing their last four games in a row.
This year’s wildcard weekend delivered all the thrills. The 49ers knocked off the Eagles, ending the defending champion’s run earlier than expected.
“This year is going to be different with no Eagles or Chiefs. I think it’s good for the league to have new teams competing for the championship,” said freshman Ryan Klarman.
In the first round of the playoffs, the Patriots secured their first playoff win in years, shutting down the LA Chargers, and the Bills finally got a road playoff victory. The Rams also took down the Panthers in a high scoring affair, while the Texans dominated the Steelers. The Bears also pulled off the comeback over the Packers, sending them to the divisional round.
With these results, the divisional round matchups are set and the stakes are high as teams vie for a trip to the conference championships. These are matchups fans are buzzing about. In the AFC, the Broncos vs the Bills and the Patriots vs the Texans. In the NFC, the Seahawks play the 49ers and the Bears play the Rams. Players to watch include Drake Maye, the Patriots quarterback who has been gaining MVP buzz, Josh Allen, the Bills’ incredible quarterback who won MVP last year, Matthew Stafford, a veteran quarterback who has won the superbowl with the Rams in 2022, and Christian McCaffrey, who is considered the 49ers offensive weapon.
“I believe the Super Bowl will be a showdown between the Seattle Seahawks vs the New England Patriots. The dark-horse teams such as the Bills, Patriots, and 49ers cannot be discounted,” said sophomore Leo Raber.