As the 2026 NFL season kicks off, a simulation by data scientist Stephen Oh from SportsLine offers a glimpse into the playoff landscape and predicts the winner of Super Bowl LXI.

AFC Playoff Projections:

1. Baltimore Ravens (AFC North Champion) - Projected record: 11-6
2. Houston Texans (AFC South Champion) - Projected record: 11-6
3. Denver Broncos (AFC West Champion) - Projected record: 10-7
4. Buffalo Bills (AFC East Champion) - Projected record: 10-7
5. Jacksonville Jaguars (Wild Card 1) - Projected record: 10-7
6. Kansas City Chiefs (Wild Card 2) - Projected record: 10-7
7. New England Patriots (Wild Card 3) - Projected record: 9-8

NFC Playoff Projections:

1. Seattle Seahawks (NFC West Champion) - Projected record: 12-5
2. Detroit Lions (NFC North Champion) - Projected record: 11-6
3. Philadelphia Eagles (NFC East Champion) - Projected record: 10-7
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFC South Champion) - Projected record: 9-8
5. Los Angeles Rams (Wild Card 1) - Projected record: 12-5
6. Chicago Bears (Wild Card 2) - Projected record: 9-8
7. Minnesota Vikings (Wild Card 3) - Projected record: 9-8

The simulation indicates a competitive season, particularly in the NFC West, where the Seahawks surprise by winning the division, despite the Rams being favored to advance further in the playoffs. In the AFC, the Ravens and Texans are projected to dominate their respective divisions.

In a thrilling playoff scenario, the Rams defeat the Ravens in Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium, marking a triumphant home victory. The simulation concludes that the Rams possess the defensive prowess to contain Lamar Jackson, leading to their championship win.