John Breech· Sep 9, 2026
An unsigned CBS Sports piece presents SportsLine's simulation of the entire 2026 season, projecting both conferences' playoff fields, division winners, win totals, every playoff game, and the Rams beating the Ravens in Super Bowl LXI.
“If our simulation shows us one thing, it's that the Rams are inevitable.”
published in writing · CBS Sports · read the original →
54 checkable claims — 14 playoff picks, 14 season win totals, 13 game outcome picks, 8 division winners, 2 conference champions, 2 seeding, byes and home field 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.
1 of 54 have settled so far, averaging 0 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess at the same calls.
Of the 16 unsettled calls enough other pundits have weighed in on, this one lands below the rest of the room on every one.
Where this call stands in the room
Philadelphia Eagles · 2026 season · wins5 calls from 5 pundits between 9 wins and 12 wins. John Breech said 10 wins. the room's median is 11 wins. not settled yet
Every dot is a call somebody published on the same question. Where the dots land says where this take sits, not whether it is right — nothing here is settled yet. Hover a dot for the name and number; click it to read that take.
Where do you stand? Pick this and every open claim on Picks →
Who this take is about
The games in this take
- Broncos at Chiefs 45 calls
- Eagles at Bears 4 calls
- Ravens at Bills 7 calls
- Ravens at Texans 3 calls
- Rams at Seahawks 11 calls
- Rams at Buccaneers 5 calls
54 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.
- Game Outcome PicksDenver BroncosSep 9, 2026
Denver Broncos to win
“(6) Chiefs at (3) Broncos ... the home team coming out victorious in five of our six wild-card games”
Miss · 0Scored 0a naive guess scored 100-200 skillHow this was scored
- won:
- KC
- score:
- 10-31
- skill:
- -200
- they picked:
- DEN
- season:
- 2026
- accuracy:
- 0
- baseline:
- 100
- the naive pick:
- KC
- difficulty:
- 2
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- Game Outcome PicksHouston TexansSep 9, 2026
Houston Texans to win
“(7) Patriots at (2) Texans ... the home team coming out victorious in five of our six wild-card games. The only road team to win is the Rams”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Game Outcome PicksBuffalo BillsSep 9, 2026
Buffalo Bills to win
“(5) Jaguars at (4) Bills ... the home team coming out victorious in five of our six wild-card games”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Game Outcome PicksLos Angeles RamsSep 9, 2026
Los Angeles Rams to win
“(5) Rams over (1) Seahawks”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Game Outcome PicksBaltimore RavensSep 9, 2026
Baltimore Ravens to win
“(1) Ravens over (4) Bills”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Game Outcome PicksHouston TexansSep 9, 2026
Houston Texans to win
“(2) Texans over (3) Broncos”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Game Outcome PicksBaltimore RavensSep 9, 2026
Baltimore Ravens to win
“AFC: (1) Ravens over (2) Texans”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Game Outcome PicksLos Angeles RamsSep 9, 2026
Los Angeles Rams to win
“NFC: (5) Rams over (2) Lions”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksPhiladelphia EaglesSep 9, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles to make the playoffs
“3. Philadelphia (NFC East champion)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Seeding, Byes and Home FieldBaltimore RavensSep 9, 2026
Baltimore Ravens to take the top seed
“Bye: Ravens”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Division WinnersHouston TexansSep 9, 2026
Houston Texans to win the division
“2. Houston Texans (AFC South champion)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Season Win TotalsKansas City ChiefsSep 9, 2026
Kansas City Chiefs to finish with 10 wins
“6. Kansas City Chiefs (Wild card 2) Projected record: 10-7”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksNew England PatriotsSep 9, 2026
New England Patriots to make the playoffs
“7. New England Patriots (Wild card 3)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksDetroit LionsSep 9, 2026
Detroit Lions to make the playoffs
“2. Detroit Lions (NFC North champion)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Season Win TotalsDenver BroncosSep 9, 2026
Denver Broncos to finish with 10 wins
“3. Denver Broncos (AFC West champion) Projected record: 10-7”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Division WinnersBuffalo BillsSep 9, 2026
Buffalo Bills to win the division
“4. Buffalo Bills (AFC East champion)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Conference ChampionsBaltimore RavensSep 9, 2026
Baltimore Ravens to reach the Super Bowl
“the simulation has Jackson and the Ravens moving on”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Season Win TotalsMinnesota VikingsSep 9, 2026
Minnesota Vikings to finish with 9 wins
“7. Minnesota Vikings (Wild card 3) Projected record: 9-8”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Game Outcome PicksLos Angeles RamsSep 9, 2026
Los Angeles Rams to win
“Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium (5) Rams over (1) Ravens”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksMinnesota VikingsSep 9, 2026
Minnesota Vikings to make the playoffs
“7. Minnesota Vikings (Wild card 3) ... we have the Vikings stealing the NFC's final playoff spot”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksHouston TexansSep 9, 2026
Houston Texans to make the playoffs
“2. Houston Texans (AFC South champion)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Season Win TotalsHouston TexansSep 9, 2026
Houston Texans to finish with 11 wins
“2. Houston Texans (AFC South champion) Projected record: 11-6”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Season Win TotalsDetroit LionsSep 9, 2026
Detroit Lions to finish with 11 wins
“2. Detroit Lions (NFC North champion) Projected record: 11-6”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Division WinnersBaltimore RavensSep 9, 2026
Baltimore Ravens to win the division
“1. Baltimore Ravens (AFC North champion)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Season Win TotalsBuffalo BillsSep 9, 2026
Buffalo Bills to finish with 10 wins
“4. Buffalo Bills (AFC East champion) Projected record: 10-7”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksLos Angeles RamsSep 9, 2026
Los Angeles Rams to make the playoffs
“5. Los Angeles Rams (Wild card 1)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Season Win TotalsLos Angeles RamsSep 9, 2026
Los Angeles Rams to finish with 12 wins
“our simulation does have them finishing at 12-5”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksChicago BearsSep 9, 2026
Chicago Bears to make the playoffs
“6. Chicago Bears (Wild card 2)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Season Win TotalsChicago BearsSep 9, 2026
Chicago Bears to finish with 9 wins
“Our computer has them going 9-8”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Season Win TotalsJacksonville JaguarsSep 9, 2026
Jacksonville Jaguars to finish with 10 wins
“5. Jacksonville Jaguars (Wild card 1) Projected record: 10-7”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Game Outcome PicksDetroit LionsSep 9, 2026
Detroit Lions to win
“(2) Lions over (7) Vikings”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Game Outcome PicksDetroit LionsSep 9, 2026
Detroit Lions to win
“(2) Lions over (3) Eagles”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Conference ChampionsLos Angeles RamsSep 9, 2026
Los Angeles Rams to reach the Super Bowl
“NFC: (5) Rams over (2) Lions”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Seeding, Byes and Home FieldSeattle SeahawksSep 9, 2026
Seattle Seahawks to take the top seed
“Bye: Seahawks”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Division WinnersDetroit LionsSep 9, 2026
Detroit Lions to win the division
“2. Detroit Lions (NFC North champion)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksTampa Bay BuccaneersSep 9, 2026
Tampa Bay Buccaneers to make the playoffs
“4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFC South champion)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Season Win TotalsTampa Bay BuccaneersSep 9, 2026
Tampa Bay Buccaneers to finish with 9 wins
“our computer has the Buccaneers doing exactly that with a 9-8 record”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Game Outcome PicksPhiladelphia EaglesSep 9, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles to win
“(3) Eagles over (6) Bears”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksBaltimore RavensSep 9, 2026
Baltimore Ravens to make the playoffs
“AFC playoff projection ... 1. Baltimore Ravens (AFC North champion)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Season Win TotalsBaltimore RavensSep 9, 2026
Baltimore Ravens to finish with 11 wins
“Projected record: 11-6”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Super Bowl PicksLos Angeles RamsSep 9, 2026
Los Angeles Rams to win the Super Bowl
“in the end, the Rams won the Super Bowl on their home turf at SoFi Stadium”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksBuffalo BillsSep 9, 2026
Buffalo Bills to make the playoffs
“4. Buffalo Bills (AFC East champion)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksJacksonville JaguarsSep 9, 2026
Jacksonville Jaguars to make the playoffs
“5. Jacksonville Jaguars (Wild card 1)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksKansas City ChiefsSep 9, 2026
Kansas City Chiefs to make the playoffs
“6. Kansas City Chiefs (Wild card 2)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Season Win TotalsNew England PatriotsSep 9, 2026
New England Patriots to finish with 9 wins
“7. New England Patriots (Wild card 3) Projected record: 9-8”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Division WinnersSeattle SeahawksSep 9, 2026
Seattle Seahawks to win the division
“1. Seattle Seahawks (NFC West champion) ... Our simulation has the SEAHAWKS winning the division.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksSeattle SeahawksSep 9, 2026
Seattle Seahawks to make the playoffs
“1. Seattle Seahawks (NFC West champion)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Season Win TotalsSeattle SeahawksSep 9, 2026
Seattle Seahawks to finish with 12 wins
“1. Seattle Seahawks (NFC West champion) Projected record: 12-5”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Division WinnersPhiladelphia EaglesSep 9, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles to win the division
“3. Philadelphia (NFC East champion) ... Our simulation has the Eagles running away with the division.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Season Win TotalsPhiladelphia EaglesSep 9, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles to finish with 10 wins
“3. Philadelphia (NFC East champion) Projected record: 10-7”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Division WinnersTampa Bay BuccaneersSep 9, 2026
Tampa Bay Buccaneers to win the division
“4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFC South champion)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Division WinnersDenver BroncosSep 9, 2026
Denver Broncos to win the division
“3. Denver Broncos (AFC West champion)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksDenver BroncosSep 9, 2026
Denver Broncos to make the playoffs
“3. Denver Broncos (AFC West champion)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Game Outcome PicksLos Angeles RamsSep 9, 2026
Los Angeles Rams to win
“(5) Rams over (4) Buccaneers”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
What others said about the same people
- Randy GurziDepth Chart Calls · Jadarian PriceHit · 100Gurzi suggests the Seahawks could sign three free agents — safety Donovan Wilson, guard Kevin Zeitler, and running back Kareem Hunt — if weaknesses show up after Week 1. He also notes Trevon Diggs starting on the practice squad and describes Seattle's projected backfield roles.
- Steven RuizTrade and Signing Calls · A.J. BrownHit · 100Ruiz expects the Eagles to trade A.J. Brown once the June 1 dead-cap threshold passes, most likely to New England, and thinks Baker Mayfield will get a Buccaneers extension making him the league's highest-paid quarterback within a month or two. He also argues the Lions may have to let one or two of their 2023 draft class leave, and that Houston should extend C.J. Stroud.
- Jeff KerrDepth Chart Calls · Jalyx HuntMiss · 0From an Eagles training camp practice, Kerr projects Willie Lampkin as a possible 53-man roster player, Jalyx Hunt as the likely Week 1 starting edge rusher over Nolan Smith, Byron Young as the No. 4 defensive tackle, Jake Elliott as the uncontested kicker, and Darius Cooper pressuring Hollywood Brown for the WR4 role.
- Brandon CarneyTrade and Signing Calls · A.J. BrownHit · 100Carney drafted a team of rookies he expects to make an immediate fantasy impact (headlined by Karnell Tate and Makai Lemon), predicted landing spots for the remaining big-name free agents, and gave way-too-early division winners, wild cards and award picks — Patriots, Chargers, Bengals, Jaguars, Eagles, Rams, Vikings and Saints as division champs with Joe Burrow as MVP.
- Jeremy WhiteTrade and Signing Calls · A.J. BrownHit · 100Jeremy White expects the Patriots to acquire AJ Brown, calling the trade likely inevitable within about a month.
- Chris BrockmanTrade and Signing Calls · A.J. BrownHit · 100Brockman predicted only Stafford and Josh Allen of last year's MVP vote-getters get votes again, Fernando Mendoza starts and wins Rookie of the Year, the Colts win the AFC South, AJ Brown is traded to New England leaving DeVonta Smith as Philadelphia's clear No. 1 and a breakout star, five running backs top 1,600 yards, George Pickens breaks a Cowboys receiving record, and Justin Fields starts for Kansas City in September.
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.
- Dwaine BoardPlayoff Picks · San Francisco 49ersHit · 100Board argues the 49ers can still make the playoffs even if Trent Williams leaves, expects Williams to be brought back, and favors drafting a wide receiver at No. 27 over an offensive tackle.
- Rich EisenPlayoff Picks · Carolina PanthersHit · 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 · San Francisco 49ersHit · 100Eisen agreed the NFC West will send three teams to the playoffs (Seahawks, 49ers and Rams), endorsed the Bears finishing no worse than the No. 2 seed, and said Chicago would beat Green Bay at home.