The 2025-2026 NFL season had numerous storylines. The Chicago Bears went from last to first in the NFC North, Cleveland’s Myles Garrett set the single-season sack record, and Seattle’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba set the team’s single-season receiving yards record.
These headlines were part of the story from this past season. However, what if certain games had different outcomes, specific players didn’t get hurt, and the league’s playoff picture ended differently?
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Here are the five biggest “what ifs” from the 2025-2026 NFL season.
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5. Indianapolis’ Daniel Jones Doesn’t Get Hurt
Dec 7, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) looks to throw downfield against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images
Quarterback Daniel Jones was injured during Indianapolis’ Week 14 game on December 7th. Entering the game, the Colts were 8-4. Indianapolis lost the game after Jones suffered the season-ending Achilles injury, followed by losses in weeks 15 to 18. What if Jones isn’t injured in the second quarter? When Indianapolis lost its quarterback, Jacksonville led 14-7.
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Following the injury, the Colts punted, and the Jaguars, who never trailed the rest of the way. If Daniel Jones isn’t injured, and Indianapolis doesn’t suffer losses in weeks 14 to 18, he undoubtedly leads the team into the postseason. Other than Week 16’s blowout loss, Weeks 15, 17, and 18 had each game decided by one possession.
If the Colts were victorious in the one-possession games, they would reach the playoffs at 11-6. Through the first 10 weeks of the season, Indianapolis was the NFL’s best team. Would the team have fared well if Daniel Jones hadn’t been injured and the Colts reached the playoffs?
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4. Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes Isn’t Injured
The Chiefs endured a rough regular season. Inconsistencies led the team to play catch-up before their quarterback suffered a season-ending ACL injury. Mahomes’ injury saw Kansas City fail to reach the playoffs for the first time since the quarterback became the full-time starter in 2018. This was also the second time the team hadn’t clinched a playoff berth since Andy Reid took over as head coach in 2013.
What if Patrick Mahomes wasn’t injured on December 14th? The Chiefs entered the game against the Chargers 6-7. Los Angeles edged Kansas City 16-13, and the Chiefs would go on to lose the season’s final three games.
If Mahomes isn’t injured and the team wins the game, followed by three consecutive victories, they reach the playoffs over Pittsburgh. Kansas City could have made things interesting if they defeated Houston in the AFC Wild Card.
3. San Francisco Doesn’t Suffer Crucial Injuries
Sep 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (97) on the field during warm ups prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Football is a rough sport, and teams deal with injuries each season. However, San Francisco dealt with the highest number of injuries in the 2025-2026 season. The team lost its two best defensive players, Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. The 49ers’ defense could have fared differently if neither player had been injured. San Francisco was blown out during its NFC Divisional Round game against Seattle.
The would-be Super Champions scored 41 points on San Francisco’s defense. It’s not out of the realm of possibility, suggesting the Seahawks have difficulties scoring with Nick Bosa and Fred Warner leading the 49ers’ defense.
2. Chicago Defeats Los Angeles in the NFC Divisional Round
The Cardiac Bears played the entire regular season with come-from-behind wins. After defeating the Packers in the NFC Wild Card, Chicago had a tough matchup against Los Angeles. The Bears, led by quarterback Caleb Williams’ best touchdown passes of the season, again came from behind and sent the game to overtime.
The Rams would end the game victoriously, putting an end to the Bears’ season. What if Chicago defeats Los Angeles in overtime? Seattle won the NFC Conference game against Los Angeles 31-27, but could Chicago have had another come-from-behind victory in store?
1. Bo Nix Isn’t Injured in the AFC Divisional Round
Jan 4, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) looks on during the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The Denver Broncos losing quarterback, Bo Nix, was the biggest storyline of the playoffs. Following their AFC Divisional Round win, Denver looked like the favorite for the Conference Championship. Unfortunately, Bo Nix was injured late in the team’s Divisional Round victory and fell to the Patriots, in the AFC Conference Championship, 10-7.
If Denver doesn’t lose its quarterback, there is no doubt the team will defeat New England and represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. The big question is whether the Super Bowl outcome is different if the Broncos face the Seahawks instead of the Patriots.
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