John Breech· Sep 23, 2026
Presenting CBS Sports' simulation of the rest of the season, he projects the full 14-team playoff field — Chiefs as AFC No. 1 seed and Seahawks as NFC No. 1 — and picks every playoff game score through Super Bowl LXI, where Seattle beats Kansas City 20-19 to win back-to-back titles.
“According to our computer, when all is said and done, the SEAHAWKS will become the first NFC team in 30 years to win back-to-back Super Bowls.”
published in writing · CBS Sports · read the original →
41 checkable claims — 14 playoff picks, 13 score predictions, 8 division winners, 2 conference champions, 2 seeding, byes and home field, 1 season win total and 1 super bowl pick — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing bet.
It names 14 players and teams, each linked to their own record.
None of them have settled yet — they grade once their results are in.
Of the 3 unsettled calls enough other pundits have weighed in on, this one lands below the rest of the room on every one.
Where do you stand? Pick this and every open claim on Picks →
Who this take is about
The games in this take
- Texans at Colts 8 calls
- Chiefs at Seahawks 6 calls
- Chiefs at Bills 3 calls
- Rams at Seahawks 12 calls
41 checkable claims in this take
Each one is scored on its own against the published methodology. A pundit naming several outcomes is graded on each, not on all-or-nothing.
- Seeding, Byes and Home FieldKansas City ChiefsSep 23, 2026
Kansas City Chiefs to take the top seed
“The Chiefs are now projected to get the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksKansas City ChiefsSep 23, 2026
Kansas City Chiefs to make the playoffs
“Projected AFC playoff field: 1. Chiefs (2-0)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksIndianapolis ColtsSep 23, 2026
Indianapolis Colts to make the playoffs
“5. Colts (0-2)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksDenver BroncosSep 23, 2026
Denver Broncos to make the playoffs
“6. Broncos (1-1)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksLos Angeles RamsSep 23, 2026
Los Angeles Rams to make the playoffs
“5. Rams (1-1)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Score PredictionsHouston TexansSep 23, 2026
Houston Texans 27 — Colts 23
“(4) Texans 27-23 over (5) Colts.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Score PredictionsLos Angeles RamsSep 23, 2026
Los Angeles Rams 27 — Panthers 21
“(5) Rams 27-21 over (4) Panthers.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Score PredictionsBuffalo BillsSep 23, 2026
Buffalo Bills 26 — Texans 20
“(2) Bills 26-20 over (4) Texans.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Score PredictionsSeattle SeahawksSep 23, 2026
Seattle Seahawks 23 — Rams 20
“(1) Seahawks 23-20 over (5) Rams.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Score PredictionsDetroit LionsSep 23, 2026
Detroit Lions 25 — Eagles 23
“(2) Lions 25-23 over (3) Eagles.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Score PredictionsSeattle SeahawksSep 23, 2026
Seattle Seahawks 27 — Lions 21
“NFC Championship: (1) Seahawks 27-21 over (2) Lions.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Conference ChampionsKansas City ChiefsSep 23, 2026
Kansas City Chiefs to reach the Super Bowl
“AFC Championship: (1) Chiefs 26-23 over (2) Bills.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksBaltimore RavensSep 23, 2026
Baltimore Ravens to make the playoffs
“Projected AFC playoff field: 3. Ravens (1-1)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksHouston TexansSep 23, 2026
Houston Texans to make the playoffs
“Projected AFC playoff field: 4. Texans (0-2)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksCincinnati BengalsSep 23, 2026
Cincinnati Bengals to make the playoffs
“7. Bengals (2-0)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Division WinnersDetroit LionsSep 23, 2026
Detroit Lions to win the division
“2. Lions (1-1) -- NFC North champion”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Division WinnersPhiladelphia EaglesSep 23, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles to win the division
“3. Eagles (1-1) -- NFC East champion”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Division WinnersCarolina PanthersSep 23, 2026
Carolina Panthers to win the division
“The biggest change from last week is that the Panthers are now projected to win the NFC South.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksSan Francisco 49ersSep 23, 2026
San Francisco 49ers to make the playoffs
“7. 49ers (2-0)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Conference ChampionsSeattle SeahawksSep 23, 2026
Seattle Seahawks to reach the Super Bowl
“NFC Championship: (1) Seahawks 27-21 over (2) Lions.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Super Bowl PicksSeattle SeahawksSep 23, 2026
Seattle Seahawks to win the Super Bowl
“the SEAHAWKS will become the first NFC team in 30 years to win back-to-back Super Bowls”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Season Win TotalsCarolina PanthersSep 23, 2026
Carolina Panthers to finish with 7 wins
“we have the Panthers winning the division with a record of just 7-10”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Score PredictionsSeattle SeahawksSep 23, 2026
Seattle Seahawks 20 — Chiefs 19
“Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium: (1) Seahawks 20-19 over (1) Chiefs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Score PredictionsKansas City ChiefsSep 23, 2026
Kansas City Chiefs 21 — Broncos 19
“(1) Chiefs 21-19 over (6) Broncos.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Score PredictionsDenver BroncosSep 23, 2026
Denver Broncos 22 — Ravens 21
“(6) Broncos 22-21 over (3) Ravens.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Score PredictionsDetroit LionsSep 23, 2026
Detroit Lions 28 — 49ers 25
“(2) Lions 28-25 over (7) 49ers.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Score PredictionsBuffalo BillsSep 23, 2026
Buffalo Bills 28 — Bengals 24
“(2) Bills 28-24 over (7) Bengals.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Score PredictionsPhiladelphia EaglesSep 23, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles 21 — Vikings 17
“(3) Eagles 21-17 over (6) Vikings.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Division WinnersKansas City ChiefsSep 23, 2026
Kansas City Chiefs to win the division
“1. Chiefs (2-0) -- AFC West champion”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Division WinnersBuffalo BillsSep 23, 2026
Buffalo Bills to win the division
“2. Bills (2-0) -- AFC East champion”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Division WinnersBaltimore RavensSep 23, 2026
Baltimore Ravens to win the division
“3. Ravens (1-1) -- AFC North champion”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Division WinnersHouston TexansSep 23, 2026
Houston Texans to win the division
“4. Texans (0-2) -- AFC South champion”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksBuffalo BillsSep 23, 2026
Buffalo Bills to make the playoffs
“Projected AFC playoff field: 2. Bills (2-0)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Division WinnersSeattle SeahawksSep 23, 2026
Seattle Seahawks to win the division
“1. Seahawks (2-0) -- NFC West champion”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksSeattle SeahawksSep 23, 2026
Seattle Seahawks to make the playoffs
“Projected NFC playoff field: 1. Seahawks (2-0)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksCarolina PanthersSep 23, 2026
Carolina Panthers to make the playoffs
“Projected NFC playoff field: 4. Panthers (1-1)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksMinnesota VikingsSep 23, 2026
Minnesota Vikings to make the playoffs
“6. Vikings (2-0)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksDetroit LionsSep 23, 2026
Detroit Lions to make the playoffs
“Projected NFC playoff field: 2. Lions (1-1)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksPhiladelphia EaglesSep 23, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles to make the playoffs
“Projected NFC playoff field: 3. Eagles (1-1)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Score PredictionsKansas City ChiefsSep 23, 2026
Kansas City Chiefs 26 — Bills 23
“AFC Championship: (1) Chiefs 26-23 over (2) Bills.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Seeding, Byes and Home FieldSeattle SeahawksSep 23, 2026
Seattle Seahawks to take the top seed
“since Seattle is projected to finish with the best record ... 1. Seahawks (2-0) -- NFC West champion”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
What others said about the same people
- Fox SportsRoster Spot Calls · J.J. McCarthyHit · 100FOX Sports projects Kyle McCord as Miami's backup behind starter Malik Willis, Mitchell Trubisky as Tennessee's primary backup behind starter Cam Ward, and J.J. McCarthy making the Vikings' 53-man roster.
- Nathan JahnkeRoster Spot Calls · Elijah SarrattHit · 100An unsigned PFF preseason recap makes numerous depth-chart, roster and usage projections across the league, based on Week 3 preseason playing time — including Roman Wilson winning Pittsburgh's third receiver job, Luke McCaffrey's roster spot being in danger, Charlie Kolar as the Chargers' top tight end, and Kendre Miller as the Saints' RB2.
- Noah ComptonRoster Spot Calls · Caden CurryHit · 100After the Colts' preseason finale loss to Detroit, Compton projected several roster and depth-chart outcomes: Daniel Jones as the starting quarterback, rookie A.J. Haulcy as the starting strong safety, Seth McGowan as the backup running back, and rookie defensive ends George Gumbs Jr. and Caden Curry making the initial 53-man roster, while receiver Deion Burks appears likely to be cut.
- Nathan JahnkeRoster Spot Calls · Elijah SarrattHit · 100PFF's preseason fantasy recap makes a series of depth-chart, roster and usage projections based on final-week preseason snap counts, including Ja'Kobi Lane locking down the Ravens' third receiver role, Luke McCaffrey's roster spot being in danger, Kyle Pitts facing reduced 12-personnel usage, Kendre Miller as the Saints' RB2 and Emmett Johnson as the Chiefs' backup running back.
- Jeff KerrRoster Spot Calls · Cole PaytonHit · 100Kerr ranks the Eagles' 2025 draft picks by cut risk, predicting seventh-rounders Keyshawn James-Newby and Cole Wisniewski land on the practice squad, while Cole Payton, Uar Bernard, Makai Lemon, Eli Stowers and Markel Bell make the 53. He also says Lemon starts Week 1 and Bell is the right tackle of the future.
- Randy GurziRoster Spot Calls · Ar'maj Reed-AdamsMiss · 0Gurzi predicts the Buffalo Bills' final 53-man roster ahead of Week 1 against Houston, naming every player who makes it, who gets cut, and a few depth-chart outcomes (Damar Hamlin as backup safety, Alec Anderson as a new starter on the offensive line, Shane Buechele back on the practice squad).
More playoff picks
The same kind of call, about other players and teams.
- Ross JacksonPlayoff Picks · New Orleans SaintsMiss · 0Jackson projects a big sophomore jump for Saints QB Tyler Shuck, laying out a Drake May-style stat line (17 starts, 72% completions, ~4,601 passing yards, 24 TDs, 9 INTs) or a Bo Nix-style consistency line (over 4,000 yards, over 20 TDs, ~10 INTs), and says either path means a playoff season for New Orleans in 2026.
- Rich EisenPlayoff Picks · Jacksonville JaguarsHit · 100Eisen forecast the Week 18 results and the entire wild-card field: Buccaneers over Panthers but Carolina still gets in as the 5 seed when Atlanta beats New Orleans, 49ers over Seahawks, Ravens over Steelers, Jaguars beating Tennessee to win the AFC South, and six wild-card matchups (Seahawks-Panthers, Bills-Jaguars, Texans-Ravens, Packers-Bears, Chargers-Patriots, Rams-Eagles), with Houston upsetting Baltimore. He also tabbed Saints rookie Tyler Shough as a possible Offensive Rookie of the Year.
- Chris BrockmanPlayoff Picks · Pittsburgh SteelersHit · 100Brockman argued the road to the Super Bowl in the AFC goes through Foxborough, meaning the Patriots will finish as the No. 1 seed, and called his shot that the Chargers beat Denver in Week 18. He also declared the Bears a team of destiny who will win the NFC, said the Steelers will end their playoff win drought, and that Trevor Lawrence is playing like a top-five quarterback.
- Rich EisenPlayoff Picks · Green Bay PackersHit · 100Eisen agreed the Bears are a team of destiny who will win the NFC, insisted the Packers will make the playoffs and won't lose at home to the Ravens, said the Steelers should make the playoffs, and endorsed the view that Trevor Lawrence is playing like a top-five quarterback.
- Rich EisenPlayoff Picks · New England PatriotsHit · 100Eisen gave his Week 13 power rankings, with the Rams first, Patriots second and the Cowboys entering at No. 10, and also named New England and Philadelphia as the first teams to clinch playoff spots, picked Seattle to beat Minnesota, and tabbed Drake Maye as an MVP finalist and Mike Vrabel as Coach of the Year.
- Chris BrockmanPlayoff Picks · Pittsburgh SteelersHit · 100Brockman argued the Eagles' defense is the NFL's best and will drag a mediocre offense to the NFC championship, that the NFC North sends only two teams to the playoffs with the Bears among them, that the Rams are the league's best team, that a healthy Brock Purdy makes the 49ers an NFC threat who will beat the Saints and Falcons, and that the Panthers win the NFC South.