NFL Playoffs Are Set, Transfer Portal Chaos & Sports Trends Shaping 2026

The NFL regular season is officially in the books, and the playoff picture for 2026 is set — but not without drama. From wild division finishes and last-second field goals to Black Monday firings and draft implications, Larry Smith and the Sports IQ crew break down everything you need to know heading into postseason football.Yahoo Sports Audience Engagement Editor Lo Yarnall joins the show to look back at the biggest sports trends of 2025 and what’s shaping the landscape in 2026 — from athlete empowerment and WNBA momentum to college softball’s rise, the transfer portal explosion, and why stars still drive the sports conversation.Later, longtime CNN Sports producer and Believe in Raiders co-host Dennis Ackerman dives deep into the Raiders’ turbulent season, the No. 1 overall pick, roster construction issues, and what comes next for a franchise searching for stability.Plus:Full NFL playoff breakdown (AFC & NFC)Black Monday coaching falloutDraft order insights and trade-down debatesCollege football transfer portal chaosOlympic storylines to watch in 2026And a Moment of Awe featuring Patrick Mahomes — in an Oregon jersey 😄Smart analysis, informed debate, and context you won’t get from the highlight shows — this is Sports IQ.