The NFL playoff landscape shifted dramatically on Saturday, January 17, 2026, with the Denver Broncos securing a 33-30 overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills and the Seattle Seahawks dominating the San Francisco 49ers 41-6. These divisional round outcomes not only determined the AFC and NFC Championship Game participants but also provided clarity for the 2026 NFL Draft order, which is now largely set for the first 28 picks.
With the Broncos and Seahawks advancing, the draft order reflects the final standings of teams eliminated from the playoffs. The Las Vegas Raiders, having finished with a 3-14 record, hold the first overall pick, followed by the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals. Other notable positions include the New York Giants at fifth and the Cleveland Browns at sixth, based on their regular-season performances.
The draft order is finalized in reverse order of the regular-season standings for non-playoff teams, with playoff teams slotted based on their postseason exit. The first 28 picks are now locked in, pending the outcomes of the remaining divisional round games. Specifically, the Chicago Bears’ result against the Los Angeles Rams will determine the exact positions for the Bills and 49ers.
For the Buffalo Bills, their heartbreaking loss to the Broncos places them in line for the 26th pick, but if the Bears win, they could move up to 25th. Similarly, the San Francisco 49ers, after their blowout loss to the Seahawks, are slated for the 27th pick, with a potential shift to 26th depending on the Bears’ game. This nuance highlights how late-season playoff results can fine-tune draft positioning.
The updated draft order comes as teams begin to plan for the offseason, with the 2026 NFL Draft scheduled to commence on April 23. Scouting departments are now focusing on prospect evaluations, knowing that their draft slots are nearly finalized. For franchises like the Raiders and Jets, securing top picks offers an opportunity to rebuild with elite talent.
Beyond the first round, the draft order for later rounds will be determined after the Super Bowl, with the championship game loser picking 31st and the winner 32nd. This structure incentivizes competitive balance, rewarding playoff success while providing draft capital to struggling teams.
In the broader context, Saturday’s games underscored the competitive nature of the NFL playoffs, with the Broncos and Seahawks showcasing their strengths heading into the conference championships. Meanwhile, teams like the Bills and 49ers must regroup and use the draft to address weaknesses exposed in their postseason exits.
Looking ahead, the finalization of the draft order marks a critical phase in the NFL calendar, where offseason strategies take shape. For fans and analysts, it sets the stage for months of speculation and analysis leading up to draft day, with each pick holding the potential to transform a franchise’s future.
