The 2026 NFL season officially launched Wednesday night as the reigning champion Seattle Seahawks overcame a Sam Darnold injury to defeat the New England Patriots in a rematch of last season’s Super Bowl. Given the historical difficulty for Super Bowl participants to return to the championship game the following year, most analysts are hesitant to back either team for a repeat appearance.
Los Angeles Rams Emerge as Consensus NFC Favorite
While the Seahawks and Patriots face long odds, the Los Angeles Rams have become the near-unanimous choice to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. Following a series of high-profile offseason acquisitions, the Rams enter the season with heightened expectations, and a championship run would surprise few observers.
2026 AFC Playoff Predictions
The AFC playoff picture projects as relatively straightforward, with seven teams positioned for postseason berths:
- Denver Broncos
- Buffalo Bills
- Baltimore Ravens
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Houston Texans
- Cincinnati Bengals
2026 NFC Playoff Predictions
The NFC landscape appears more uncertain, but the projected playoff field includes:
- Los Angeles Rams
- Detroit Lions
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Seattle Seahawks
- Chicago Bears
- Dallas Cowboys
Super Bowl LXI Projection
Securing the top seed and a first-round bye should position both the Broncos and Rams for deep playoff runs. However, the forecast has Josh Allen and the Bills overcoming Denver in the AFC Championship Game to reach the Super Bowl. On the NFC side, the Rams validate the consensus pick and advance to the title game.
Final Super Bowl LXI Prediction: Bills 27, Rams 24.
2026 NFL Player and Coach Award Forecasts
Last season saw Matthew Stafford claim MVP, Jaxon Smith-Njigba earn Offensive Player of the Year, and Myles Garrett take Defensive Player of the Year honors. The projections for the upcoming campaign feature a new slate of candidates:
- MVP: Josh Allen
- Offensive Player of the Year: Jahmyr Gibbs
- Defensive Player of the Year: Will Anderson Jr.
- Offensive Rookie of the Year: Jeremiyah Love
- Defensive Rookie of the Year: Caleb Downs
- Comeback Player of the Year: Aaron Donald
- Coach of the Year: Joe Brady
Share your own predictions on our social media channels.
