Going into this year’s NFL postseason playoffs, most Philly fans wondered “Who are we going to cheer for now that the Birds are out?” One thing is certain: this year’s playoffs are full of surprises. From fan-favorites to underdogs, every game could flip the bracket on its head, making this one of the most unpredictable and fascinating postseasons in recent history. Whether you’re a die-hard Eagles fan (go Birds) or just a bystander, this year’s playoffs season is must-watch TV.
The playoff field originally featured a mixture of teams we all know and love, as well as some names one might not expect. In the AFC (American Football Conference), the Denver Broncos earned the No. 1 seed with a 14-3 record, thanks to their talented defense and head coach Sean Payton. Following closely with the No. 2 seed is the New England Patriots, also with a 14-3 record, who emerged as a strong contender, led by rookie quarterback Drake Maye. The Buffalo Bills are also now out of the running. In the NFC (National Football Conference), the Seattle Seahawks claimed the No. 1 seed with a home-field advantage for the team’s first two playoff games. The Los Angeles Rams clinched a win over the Chicago Bears, a surprising team to make the playoffs, with a score of 20-17 in overtime, securing a place in round 3 of the playoffs.
Approaching the Championship round of the playoffs, we had four teams contending to reach the Super Bowl: the Seattle Seahawks versus the Los Angeles Rams, and the Denver Broncos versus the New England Patriots. Claiming a spot in Super Bowl LX all came down to each team’s ability to execute in difficult situations, stay composed under pressure, and perform excellent plays. First, the Rams injuries and inconsistency on their defense ultimately led to their demise against the Seahawks for the NFC Title. Meanwhile, the Bronco’s ineffective offense and costly turnovers resulted in a loss to the Patriots for the AFC Title. We will see the Seahawks and Patriots in San Francisco for Super Bowl LX on February 8.
Even though the Eagles didn’t make it as far as us Philly fans hoped, this postseason has still delivered the kind of drama that makes January football thrilling. With every matchup being so close and the ability for the pendulum to swing any which way, it was difficult to choose a team to support. I am in support of the Seahawks, but it was difficult to pick a clear favorite. The unpredictability and feeling that a single play could throw off the entire game is exactly why the NFL catches people’s attention. Whether you’re cheering with your dad in your living room or watching on your laptop studying for your history test, this year’s postseason was one to watch. No matter who wins the 2026 Super Bowl, this year’s postseason has reminded us why January football is one of the most exciting times of the year.
