Colin Cowherd· Aug 29, 2026
Cowherd laid out his full AFC and NFC division-by-division predictions, naming division winners, wild cards, new playoff teams, and order of finish in each division.
“So I have the Bills, Ravens, Texans, Chargers winning their division. Patriots, Bengals, Chiefs as wildcard.”
said on air or in an interview · The Herd with Colin Cowherd (podcast) · read the original →
37 checkable claims — 10 playoff picks, 9 power rankings, 8 division winners, 5 depth chart calls, 4 season win totals and 1 surprise team call — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing bet.
It names 21 players and teams, each linked to their own record.
None of them have settled yet — they grade once their results are in.
Of the 9 unsettled calls enough other pundits have weighed in on, this one lands above the room on 2 and below it on 7.
Where this call stands in the room
Shedeur Sanders · 2026 season9 calls from 8 pundits between 1 and 2. Colin Cowherd said 1. the room's median is 1. 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.
Their call against the record
Their call against what actually happened last time. Not yet settled.
Where do you stand? Pick this and every open claim on Picks →
Who this take is about
- Detroit Lions
- New York Giants
- Buffalo Bills
- New York Jets
- Baltimore Ravens
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Cincinnati Bengals
- New Orleans Saints
- Shedeur Sanders
- Cleveland Browns
- Blake Miller
- Los Angeles Rams
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Seattle Seahawks
- Houston Texans
- Fernando Mendoza
- Las Vegas Raiders
- David Bailey
- New England Patriots
- Jake Slaughter
- Kansas City Chiefs
37 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.
- Playoff PicksDetroit LionsAug 29, 2026
Detroit Lions to make the playoffs
“the Saints are going to be and the Lions are going to be new playoff teams and the Giants”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Surprise Team CallsNew York GiantsAug 29, 2026
New York Giants to beat expectations
“But I've said the Giants are also my pick for my double the win total team.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksBuffalo BillsAug 29, 2026
Buffalo Bills to make the playoffs
“Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, CJ Stroud, Justin Herbert, Drake May, Joe Burrow, and Mahomes make the playoffs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Season Win TotalsNew York JetsAug 29, 2026
New York Jets to finish with 5 wins
“Offensively, if Geno can be a C-plus quarterback, they should win four or five games.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Power RankingsAug 29, 2026
“I'm going to go Colts over the Jags... And the Titans for fourth”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Power RankingsAug 29, 2026
“I have them winning the division... Kansas City gets a slight edge to me. Raiders could be the best fourth plays team in football”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Division WinnersBaltimore RavensAug 29, 2026
Baltimore Ravens to win the division
“The AFC North ... I'm going to go with Baltimore just because a lot of changes, but they have the deepest roster.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Division WinnersLos Angeles ChargersAug 29, 2026
Los Angeles Chargers to win the division
“I have the Chargers 11-6 with the worst offensive line in football ... I have them winning the division.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Power RankingsAug 29, 2026
“I'm going to go with Baltimore... Cincinnati, I have as a new playoff team... Steelers... Cleveland, I don't hate them.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksCincinnati BengalsAug 29, 2026
Cincinnati Bengals to make the playoffs
“Cincinnati, I have as a new playoff team ... Patriots, Bengals, Chiefs as wildcard.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksNew Orleans SaintsAug 29, 2026
New Orleans Saints to make the playoffs
“the Saints are going to be and the Lions are going to be new playoff teams and the Giants”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Power RankingsAug 29, 2026
“I'll take. Them to win the division. New England's schedule is much tougher... The Jets in third... Dolphins are rebuilding... I'll pick them easily for fourth.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Power RankingsAug 29, 2026
“I think Carolina will vie for the division title and a playoff spot. I like the top two teams. Tampa Bay... I'm going to pick Atlanta. For fourth place.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Power RankingsAug 29, 2026
“I'm going to go Chicago second... I'm going to choose Green Bay over Minnesota... so I have them fourth”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksNew York GiantsAug 29, 2026
New York Giants to make the playoffs
“I think if Jackson Dart can stay out of the blue tent, I think it's a playoff team.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsShedeur SandersCleveland BrownsAug 29, 2026
Shedeur Sanders to be 1st on the depth chart
“Cleveland, I don't hate them. I just don't know who's quarterback. I'd go with Shadur.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsBlake MillerDetroit LionsAug 29, 2026
Blake Miller to be 1st on the depth chart
“They draft kid out of Clemson. He'll start it right. Tackle Blake Miller.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Division WinnersDetroit LionsAug 29, 2026
Detroit Lions to win the division
“I think the Lions have a combination of the best roster in division and the easiest schedule in the entire league this year.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Season Win TotalsLos Angeles RamsAug 29, 2026
Los Angeles Rams to finish with 11 wins
“They're going to be a really, really good team and win 11 games.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksLos Angeles ChargersAug 29, 2026
Los Angeles Chargers to make the playoffs
“Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, CJ Stroud, Justin Herbert, Drake May, Joe Burrow, and Mahomes make the playoffs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Division WinnersPhiladelphia EaglesAug 29, 2026
Philadelphia Eagles to win the division
“I'm still going with Philadelphia winning the NFC East.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Power RankingsAug 29, 2026
“I'll take Seattle to win over the Rams... San Francisco, I worry about it... And then Arizona, bit of a mess... Arizona at fourth place.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Season Win TotalsSeattle SeahawksAug 29, 2026
Seattle Seahawks to finish with 12 wins
“I think Seattle could win 12.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Power RankingsAug 29, 2026
“I think these two teams, in my opinion, are the best two teams in the NFL, Seahawks-Rams, one and two in my book.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksHouston TexansAug 29, 2026
Houston Texans to make the playoffs
“Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, CJ Stroud, Justin Herbert, Drake May, Joe Burrow, and Mahomes make the playoffs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Power RankingsAug 29, 2026
“I'm going to go with the Giants over the Cowboys... I have the Cowboys better, but not a playoff team third. And Washington just doesn't have enough talent.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Division WinnersNew Orleans SaintsAug 29, 2026
New Orleans Saints to win the division
“the second easiest schedule in football is the Saints... I like the top two teams.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Fernando Mendoza to be 1st on the depth chart
“I really like Fernando Mendoza. My guess is he starts somewhere, somewhere before Thanksgiving.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksBaltimore RavensAug 29, 2026
Baltimore Ravens to make the playoffs
“Baltimore, by the way, is going to be a new playoff team, too.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Division WinnersHouston TexansAug 29, 2026
Houston Texans to win the division
“So I have the Bills, Ravens, Texans, Chargers winning their division.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsDavid BaileyNew York JetsAug 29, 2026
David Bailey to be 1st on the depth chart
“David Bailey on the edge is going to start.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Season Win TotalsLos Angeles ChargersAug 29, 2026
Los Angeles Chargers to finish with 11 wins
“I have the Chargers 11-6”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Division WinnersSeattle SeahawksAug 29, 2026
Seattle Seahawks to win the division
“a little surprise, I'll take Seattle to win over the Rams.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Division WinnersBuffalo BillsAug 29, 2026
Buffalo Bills to win the division
“the bills are the largest favorite ... I'll take. Them to win the division.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksNew England PatriotsAug 29, 2026
New England Patriots to make the playoffs
“Patriots, Bengals, Chiefs as wildcard.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Jake Slaughter to be 1st on the depth chart
“Jake Slaughter, the second round pick, will now play center, not guard.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Playoff PicksKansas City ChiefsAug 29, 2026
Kansas City Chiefs to make the playoffs
“I'll give Kansas City credit, I think they get back to the playoffs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
What others said about the same people
- Chris SimmsScore Predictions · Kansas City ChiefsHit · 100Simms went through the entire Week 3 slate with straight-up winners and predicted final scores, taking Jacksonville, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Detroit, Houston, Carolina, Kansas City, Seattle, the Giants, Baltimore, New Orleans, Minnesota, San Francisco, Denver and Philadelphia. He also expected Zay Flowers and Puka Nacua to sit, Kyler Murray to play, and said Marvin Harrison Jr. projects as no better than a good No. 2 or high-end No. 3 receiver.
- Connor RogersGame Outcome Picks · New York GiantsHit · 100Rogers picked Detroit, Houston, Carolina, Kansas City, Seattle and the Giants to win their Week 3 games, saying the Chiefs win by two touchdowns and the Giants by a field goal.
- Chris LongGame Outcome Picks · Cincinnati BengalsMiss · 0Long liked the Rams over the Broncos on Sunday night even without Puka Nacua, and expected the Bills to beat the winless Chargers in Buffalo. He also backed the Bengals over the Steelers, expected an angry Detroit team to handle the Jets, and still thought both the Lions and Vikings could win the NFC North.
- Steven RuizGame Outcome Picks · Las Vegas RaidersHit · 100Previewing Week 3, Ruiz picked the Ravens to beat the Cowboys in Brazil, Jacksonville over New England in a low-scoring game, an upset by the Broncos over the Rams, the Raiders over the Saints, the Eagles over the Bears, the Lions over the Jets, and his Hail Mary that Houston beats Indianapolis by two touchdowns.
- Nate TiceGame Outcome Picks · Baltimore RavensHit · 100Tice matched his guest on every Week 3 game, picking the Ravens over the Cowboys, the Jaguars over the Patriots in a close game, the Broncos to upset the Rams, the Raiders over the Saints, the Eagles over the Bears and the Lions over the Jets.
- Sam MonsonGame Outcome Picks · Seattle SeahawksMiss · 0Monson picked the Chargers to beat the Bills outright (jokingly crediting Buffalo's gray 'Nickel City' jerseys), took the Vikings to win outright in Tampa, and said Seattle would destroy Washington. He also reiterated his Super Bowl pick of Denver over the Rams, called the Dolphins destined for the No. 1 overall pick, and said the Saints are a worst-to-first candidate in the NFC South.
More playoff picks
The same kind of call, about other players and teams.
- Rich EisenPlayoff Picks · Minnesota VikingsMiss · 0Eisen argues Ohio State will produce multiple top-10 picks — Sonny Styles, Arvell Reese and Caleb Downs — becoming the first school with three defensive players in the top 10, and that Styles will not be available at No. 12 to the Cowboys. He also thinks Fernando Mendoza is worthy of the No. 1 overall pick and expects the Raiders to draft him, and picks Trey Lance over Anthony Richardson to start a game first, Micah Parsons to fetch a bigger trade return than Maxx Crosby, Kirk Cousins as the released QB most likely to reach the playoffs, and J.J. McCarthy as the Vikings' Week 1 starter.
- 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.