With training camps approaching and rosters taking shape, NFL analysts and experts have released their comprehensive predictions for the 2026 season, forecasting records, playoff teams, and ultimately, the Super Bowl champion.

Super Bowl Predictions

The NFL Football Power Index: 2026 projections, Super Bowl odds www.espn.com from ESPN's sophisticated simulation model provides data-driven championship probabilities. The Rams' aggressive offseason moves have made them the favorite in most expert predictions.

2026 NFL Season: Full season predictions with records, playoffs and Super Bowl nflspinzone.com shows analysts projecting the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks as the most likely Super Bowl LX participants.

AFC Predictions

AFC East:

• Buffalo Bills - Projected 12-5, division champions
• Miami Dolphins - Projected 9-8, wild card
• New York Jets - Projected 8-9
• New England Patriots - Projected 7-10 (improved with A.J. Brown)

AFC North:

• Baltimore Ravens - Projected 11-6, division champions nflspinzone.com
• Cincinnati Bengals - Projected 10-7, wild card
• Pittsburgh Steelers - Projected 7-10 (Rodgers' final season)
• Cleveland Browns - Projected 4-13 (rebuilding year) nflspinzone.com

AFC South:

• Houston Texans - Projected 11-6, division champions
• Indianapolis Colts - Projected 9-8
• Jacksonville Jaguars - Projected 7-10
• Tennessee Titans - Projected 6-11

AFC West:

• Kansas City Chiefs - Projected 12-5, division champions
• Los Angeles Chargers - Projected 10-7, wild card
• Denver Broncos - Projected 10-7, wild card
• Las Vegas Raiders - Projected 6-11 (Mendoza development year)

NFC Predictions

NFC East:

• Philadelphia Eagles - Projected 11-6, division champions
• Dallas Cowboys - Projected 10-7, wild card
• Washington Commanders - Projected 8-9
• New York Giants - Projected 6-11

NFC North:

So while the FPI considers the Packers the best team in the NFC North heading into 2026, the Lions are narrow favorites to win the division www.espn.com :

• Detroit Lions - Projected 11-6, division champions
• Green Bay Packers - Projected 11-6, wild card
• Minnesota Vikings - Projected 9-8
• Chicago Bears - Projected 7-10

NFC South:

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Projected 10-7, division champions
• Atlanta Falcons - Projected 9-8
• New Orleans Saints - Projected 8-9
• Carolina Panthers - Projected 6-11

NFC West:

• Los Angeles Rams - Projected 13-4, division champions (Super Bowl favorites)
• Seattle Seahawks - Projected 12-5, wild card
• San Francisco 49ers - Projected 10-7, wild card
• Arizona Cardinals - Projected 5-12

Bold Predictions

2026 NFL Bold Predictions: Cowboys Star Wins MVP, Chiefs Make a Comeback www.foxsports.com includes several daring forecasts:

• Fernando Mendoza will lead the Raiders to the playoffs
• The Eagles will have a Chiefs-like fall from grace
• A Cowboys offensive player will win MVP
• Multiple rookie quarterbacks will start Week 1
• One team will win 14+ games unexpectedly

A Lot Can Change

A lot can change between now and the season opener, but for now, here's one way the 2026 season could shake out www.si.com . Injuries, breakout performances, and mid-season trades will undoubtedly alter these projections.

Why wait to find out how your favorite squad will fare in the 2026 NFL season www.nfl.com ? Our analysts provide bold predictions for Week 18 and beyond, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting campaign.

The 2026 NFL season promises exceptional parity, compelling storylines, and unforgettable moments as teams pursue championship glory.