Bold predictions for NFL playoff teams and Super Bowl 61 champion

The Super 60 ring to commemorate the Seattle Seahawks 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium.

The NFL season is less than a week away. It kicks off with a great matchup between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, teams that met in the Super Bowl.

What better time to check into the crystal football and make some bold predictions for what teams will make the playoffs as divisional champs and who will be the wild cards?

There are many games to be played, but why not take a stab, too, at who will meet in Super Bowl LXI on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 2027?

AFC

AFC East

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) and Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox (88).

Winner: Buffalo Bills

AFC North

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor.

Winner: Cincinnati Bengals

AFC South

Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr.

Winner: Houston Texans

AFC West

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) runs a route during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at Arrowhead Stadium.

Winner: Kansas City Chiefs

AFC wild cards

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) catches a pass in front of Atlanta Falcons cornerback Mike Hughes (21) in the first quater at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots

AFC champion

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans looks on from the sideline.

Houston Texans

NFC

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) runs onto the field for warmups.

Winner: Dallas Cowboys

NFC North

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) warms up before practice during mini camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

Winner: Detroit Lions

NFC South

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half during the NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium.

Winner: Carolina Panthers

NFC West

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Garrett Myles (95) talks to linebacker Byron Young (0) on a sideline during training camp at Loyola Marymount University.