NFL 2026 Outlook: NFC North Playoff Chance and Chiefs' Mahomes Recovery

The NFL’s expanded seven‑team playoff format creates a realistic scenario for the NFC North to send all four of its teams to the postseason in 2026. Analysts note that the division could see the Detroit Lions win the title while the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings each secure a wild‑card berth, a first under the current system.

Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs entered 2025 with a disappointing 6‑11 record after a stretch of seven consecutive AFC Championship appearances. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered torn ACL and LCL ligaments, yet remains the franchise’s top player. To prepare for his recovery, Kansas City traded a 2027 sixth‑round pick to the New York Jets for quarterback Justin Fields and drafted LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier in the seventh round, potentially expanding its quarterback depth for the 2026 season.