At the halfway point of the 2026 NFL season, the playoff picture is taking shape with historic divisional extremes. The NFC North is the first division ever to have four teams three or more games above .500 through Week 9, while the NFC South is the only division with four teams two or more games below .500.
Contenders
Buffalo Bills (7-1) off to their best eight-game start since 1993; Josh Allen is an MVP favorite, James Cook has rushed for 75+ yards and a touchdown in seven straight games, and the defense stifled the Vikings.
San Francisco 49ers (7-1) are Super Bowl favorites (+540); Brock Purdy leads the No. 3 scoring offense (29.4 PPG), but injuries to Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, and Gracen Halton loom.
Denver Broncos (7-2) have won five straight despite the worst yard differential (-699) for a 7-2 team in history; Bo Nix is 18-12 when trailing in the second half, the best win percentage since 1970 (min. 20 games).
Jacksonville Jaguars (6-2) traded multiple picks for Jordan Davis, Davon Godchaux, and Jessie Bates III; they lead the AFC South, are 14-2 in their last 16 games, and boast the No. 2 scoring defense (15.1 PPG allowed).
Kansas City Chiefs (6-2) rebounded with a 23-point win over the Jets; Kenneth Walker III had 143 total yards and three TDs, though receivers average only 117.5 yards per game (28th).
Cincinnati Bengals (6-2): Joe Burrow has 26 total TDs in eight games; Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins combined for 47 catches, 693 yards, and eight TDs in three games, but the rushing attack ranks last among 6-2 teams (85.6 YPG).
Chicago Bears (7-2) feature an explosive offense and a defense bolstered by Jeffery Simmons; turnover issues remain but firepower is evident.
Detroit Lions (6-2) have allowed just 15.5 PPG during a four-game win streak after a 31.8 PPG start; additions of Brian Branch and Andre Cisco help.
Green Bay Packers (6-3) have the best deep-ball attack with Jordan Love, Christian Watson, and Matthew Golden (1,662 combined receiving yards), but rank last in rushing (68.2 YPG) and lost Josh Jacobs to a broken finger.
Minnesota Vikings (6-2) acquired Kirk Cousins at the deadline; his chemistry with Justin Jefferson (98.9 receiving YPG together, most all-time for a duo) and a Brian Flores defense make them a team to watch.
Pretenders
New York Giants (5-2-1) lead the NFC East but are viewed as long shots; J.J. McCarthy hasn't thrown a TD in two starts, the only QB in 40 years to win four straight starts with zero passing TDs.
New England Patriots (5-4) were crushed 45-27 by Green Bay, the most points allowed at home since 1970; Drake Maye threw three INTs, and the backfield is depleted.
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) are seen as a feisty playoff team but not a Super Bowl contender; Aaron Rodgers' offense averages 26.2 PPG over six games, Jaylen Warren has 998 total yards (5th in NFL).
Carolina Panthers (3-5) lead the NFC South but have lost three straight, averaging 17.7 PPG; offensive line and cornerback injuries leave them a +225 underdog to win the division.
