NFL Playoffs Begin Without Chiefs

NFL Wild Card 2026 playoffs kicked off with exciting matchups as the Kansas City Chiefs missed the postseason for the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era. The unprecedented absence from NFL Wild Card 2026 has dramatically opened up the AFC championship race, creating opportunities for several franchises. Several underdog teams are positioned to make deep playoff runs during NFL Wild Card 2026 weekend with traditional powerhouses facing elimination. Fans and analysts are closely watching how the NFL Wild Card 2026 playoff landscape unfolds without the dominant Chiefs organization competing. The NFL Wild Card 2026 games feature compelling storylines including breakthrough teams, veteran quarterbacks seeking rings, and defensive units looking to dominate. Betting markets for NFL Wild Card 2026 reflect increased parity and unpredictability compared to recent postseasons dominated by familiar contenders.