LCK 2026 Play-Ins Nongshim Redforce Versus FearX Preview: Can BFX Enact Revenge?
Nongshim Redforce and FearX met in the final game of the LCK Regular Season. If BFX had won, they would have avoided this match. However, they lost 2-1 and must now get their revenge over NS. The scoreline was close last time, but the games were not. Each game was one-sided. Can BFX improve to earn their revenge over NS?
2026 Match History and LCK Records
Nongshim Redforce and FearX have faced off seven times this year. Their only non-best-of-three series was in the Kespa Cup. BFX have won two of the seven series against their opponents. One of those series came shortly after the trade that saw Diable and Taeyoon swap teams.
Both teams had similar records during Rounds 3-4. NS’s was slightly better at 5-3. BFX ended the second half of the Regular Season at 4-4. That gave them identical series scores, with NS ahead on game wins.
Featured Matchup
Diable Versus Taeyoon
It will be the final series between Diable and Taeyoon for 2026. The rivalry between the two AD Carries started after their trade. Diable leads in the series score. Over time, they have traded blows, with the final series showing their importance to both teams.
Whichever AD Carry led in the early game won. They both have the potential to take control of the series. It will be vital for both teams’ supports and junglers to give most of their attention to the bot lane. The AD Carry that maintains their lead in the series should come out on top.
What Have BFX Learnt?
NS are not perfect. They showed in the previous series that they are prone to mistakes. BFX almost recovered from the deficits. If they can find ways to keep NS from growing their leads, they might have a chance. Even if the gold is close, one mistake from NS will push the game back into BFX’s favor. Scout will likely perform better than VicLa. The other lanes could go either way. BFX will need to limit Scout’s impact to ensure he does not get a chance to help the rest of the rift.
The Consistent Inconsistency
Both teams have been inconsistent this year. Even in Round 3, NS started 2-0, but then lost their next three series. BFX did not have a 2-0 week throughout Rounds 3-4. Every week, they had one win and one loss. The team that stays more consistent throughout will be the victor. It is nearly impossible to predict which team will be consistent on the day. The two teams also have the highest potential among the Rise Group teams. Individually, the NS players can stand up to other LCK players. BFX were once the second-best team in Korea. Granted, that was with Diable, but Taeyoon has reached those heights with BFX. If either team reaches their peak, they could win 3-0.
Nongshim Redforce Versus FearX Prediction
Nongshim Redforce 3-2 FearX
The series could go either way. Both teams can win the series. It might be a blowout in either direction, or a series that goes to five games. Draft will also play a big role. The team that gets an advantage in setting up their AD Carry will have a lead. They will still need to execute well. We saw that in the previous series. Despite having Kalista and Renata Grasc, BFX lost the laning phase to Jhin and Shen. NS are the better team, but not far enough away to be the favorites.
Fighting For Their Lives
NS and BFX are fighting to stay alive in the LCK. The loser will see their year end. With no Kespa Cup, the teams will have an extended break. The winner will move on for one chance to reach the playoffs. They will go against HANJIN BRION for that final spot.
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