The 2025-26 NFL playoffs have been a chaotic and exciting time for nearly all participating teams. With 8 out of 12 games being decided by only one score, NFL fans have not been disappointed by the rollercoaster of successes, failures, heartbreaks, and jubilation from various teams. Many of these teams have several of their respective fans represented at Northern Valley Demarest High School, and these fans are eager to share their perspectives on the playoffs this year.

Senior Noah LaDew, longtime fan of the Green Bay Packers recounts his experience watching the Packers play (and lose to the Chicago Bears) in the playoffs:

“Even if they lost, it wasn’t because of the players. Our roster is so elite, the problem was kicker Brandon ‘McEpstein’ McManus. We would’ve won if he made his kicks; also the coaches let us down. LaFleur needs to be fired,” Ladew said.

Regardless of the constant public discourse over Packers quarterback Jordan Love and if he deserves to remain a starting quarterback in the league, LaDew remains adamant in his defense of the player who threw a paltry 52% completion percentage in the 27-31 NFC Wildcard loss to the Bears.

“Love is still top 5. He’s obviously better than Caleb Williams (Bears quarterback), the Bears got helped by the refs the whole game,” LaDew said.

Lifetime Giants fan and senior Rohan Srinivasan shares his excitement for the playoffs, and his thoughts on the overall quality of the games. 

“I think the playoff games this year have been incredible. They’ve all been fun to watch, and a bunch of them have been really close with overtime and last minute game winners. My Giants’ll play in one of those games next year, mark my words,” Srinivasan said.

When asked what his favorite game to watch has been so far, Srinivasan answered with the Seattle Seahawks vs Los Angeles Rams NFC Championship game that resulted in a 31-27 victory for Seattle.

“That was a great game. Each team had great players and receivers like Puka Nacua and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and watching big Sammy D (Sam Darnold, Seahawks quarterback) play against Stafford was really entertaining,” Srinivasan said.

Not all NVD fans appreciated all the playoff games the same, however, senior and recent fan of the Minnesota Vikings Austin Pae had a few choice negative things to say about some of the playoff games.

“The Bears and their fans all think that they’re better than the rest of the NFC North after just one year. They’re just really annoying. I was rooting for the Packers in their game against each other, and my cortisol was raised after they lost,” Pae said. 

Pae also commented on some of his favorite aspects of the playoff game that he enjoys paying attention to, especially as a former linebacker on NVD’s football team.

“I also liked watching the Broncos vs Patriots game. I like the Patriots and I think Drake Maye’s going to win the Super Bowl, but I also like watching defensive games. It was snowing hard by the end of the game and it looked like a lot of fun to play in,” Pae said.

Defensive games without a lot of scoring, and plenty of defensive stops are a type of game detested by some, but appreciated by others.

“I think that some of the best defenses in the league got to show out in the playoffs. The Broncos, Seahawks, and Texans all had really good defenses and it was cool watching them kill the quarterback again and again,” Srinivasan said.

As for outstanding players in the playoffs, there were a few key players highlighted by NVD fans.

“I think the Bears quarterback Caleb Williams obviously performed great. Even though the Bears lost against the Rams Caleb made insane throws and almost won the game single-handedly at the end,” LaDew said.

Once again, the defense and key defensive players were highlighted as well.

“Nik Bonitto, the defensive end on the Broncos kept beating the Patriots offensive tackle Will Campbell who is supposed to really good. That was impressive,” Pae said.

But as the playoffs have ended, narrowing the pool of contenders to the two competing teams left from the AFC and NFC, the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks respectively, fans are thrilled to have the chance to witness such a fun and exciting game.

“Both teams are really good and have good players, I think the Seahawks should win but you never know. I hope they win, I have a lot riding on them,” said Srinivasan.