If you’re staring at your screen wondering who is winning the Super Bowl right now, the answer depends entirely on whether you’re looking at the history books or the live playoff bracket. As of January 14, 2026, there isn't actually a Super Bowl game happening today. We are currently in the high-stakes "dead zone" between the Wild Card round and the Divisional matchups.
The Philadelphia Eagles are technically the defending champions. They crushed the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 back in February 2025 at the Caesars Superdome. Jalen Hurts took home the MVP, and the "Birds" officially ended Patrick Mahomes' hopes for a three-peat. But that’s last year’s news.
Right now? The field is narrowing fast.
The Current State of the 2026 NFL Playoffs
We just wrapped up a wild opening weekend. If you missed the scores, the Houston Texans essentially sent Mike Tomlin into retirement by beating the Steelers 24-20 on Monday night. It was a gritty, ugly game that saw the Texans' young core finally prove they belong in the January conversation.
Over in the NFC, the Chicago Bears survived a massive scare against the Packers, winning 31-27 after trailing by double digits. Caleb Williams looked every bit the franchise savior in that fourth quarter. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams took care of business against the Panthers, and the San Francisco 49ers pulled off a road upset against the defending champ Eagles.
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Yes, you read that right. The Eagles are out.
The dream of a repeat died in Philly this past Sunday. The 49ers’ defense looked rejuvenated, stifling the Eagles' run game and forcing Jalen Hurts into two costly turnovers. So, while the Eagles are "winning" in the sense that they have the most recent rings, they aren't winning this year's race anymore.
The Divisional Round Schedule
The bracket is set. The big dogs—the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos—are coming off their bye weeks and looking rested. Here is how the upcoming weekend looks:
- Saturday, Jan 17: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos (3:30 PM ET)
- Saturday, Jan 17: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (7:00 PM ET)
- Sunday, Jan 18: Houston Texans at New England Patriots (2:00 PM ET)
- Sunday, Jan 18: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears (5:30 PM ET)
It’s anyone’s game, honestly. Seattle finished the regular season at 14-3 and looks like an absolute juggernaut under their current defensive scheme. Denver matched that 14-3 record in the AFC, making Mile High Stadium a nightmare for any visiting team.
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Who is the Favorite to Win Super Bowl LX?
Vegas is leaning heavily toward the Pacific Northwest. The Seattle Seahawks are currently the betting favorites at +270. They’ve got the home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs, and Lumen Field is not a place where you want to play a must-win game in the rain.
The Los Angeles Rams are sitting right behind them at +320. Matthew Stafford is playing like he’s 25 again, and that offense is humming. If you're looking for a "dark horse," keep an eye on the Buffalo Bills (+650). They had to go on the road to beat Jacksonville in the Wild Card round, but Josh Allen in the playoffs is a different beast entirely.
Why the Patriots are Sneaky Dangerous
Nobody is talking about New England as a top-tier contender, yet they finished 14-3. They just quietly beat the Chargers 16-3 in a defensive masterclass. It wasn't "flashy" football. It was boring, disciplined, and suffocating. That's usually the recipe for a deep February run.
What to Watch For This Weekend
The Seahawks vs. 49ers matchup is the one everyone is circling. These are divisional rivals. They know each other's playbooks better than they know their own. San Francisco is coming off that emotional win against the Eagles, and they have the momentum. But Seattle hasn't lost at home in months.
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In the AFC, can the Texans keep the magic alive? C.J. Stroud has been surgical, but going into Foxborough in mid-January is a rite of passage for every young quarterback. Most of them fail.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're trying to stay on top of who is winning the Super Bowl right now, here’s what you need to do to prepare for the upcoming games:
- Check the Weather: Denver and Chicago are both expecting sub-freezing temperatures for Sunday. This heavily favors the ground game and punishes "finesse" offenses.
- Monitor Injury Reports: Watch the status of Seattle’s secondary. They had two starters leave the Week 18 game with minor strains, and their availability will dictate how aggressively the 49ers can throw the ball.
- Set Your Reminders: Super Bowl LX is scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. We are less than a month away from crowning a new champion.
The road to Santa Clara goes through Seattle and Denver this year. It's going to be a cold, brutal, and fascinating finish to the season.