NFL 2026 Predictions
Bengals Ready for SB Challenge
Chiefs Looks to Rebound in AFC
Rams and Eagles Hope to Hold Off NFC Risers
DraftInsiders.com – NFL 2026 Predictions
Frank Coyle/ Head scout
2026 Season Awards
MVP Award – QB Matthew Stafford – Rams
NFC
Offensive Player of the Year – QB Jared Goff – Lions
Defensive Player of the Year – DE Myles Garrett – Rams
Comeback Player of the Year – Kyler Murray – Vikings
Rookies of the Year
Offense – RB Jeremiyah Love – Cardinals
Defense – LB Arvell Reese – Giants
AFC
Offensive Player of the Year – QB Joe Burrow – Bengals
Defensive Player of the Year – LB Will Anderson – Texans
Comeback Player of the Year – QB Patrick Mahomes – Chiefs
Rookies of the Year
Offense – WR Carnell Tate – Texans
Defense – Edge David Bailey – Jets
NFC
EAST
Philadelphia Eagles – 11-6
Eagles are still the team to beat in the NFC and rely on young QB Jalen Hurts and veteran defense to make another strong run at title.
New York Giants – 10-7
GMen are geared up to make the playoffs again behind new HC John Harbaugh and a maturing defense behind dominant front line.
Dallas Cowboys – 9-8
Cowboys look to be a contender behind a rebuilt defense and strong passing attack of QB Dak Prescott.
Washington Commanders – 6-11
Commanders look for talented QB Jayden Daniels to return to his 2024 form and elevate this club into contention.
NORTH
Detroit Lions – 10-7
Lions look for their defense to step up after a weak 2025 performance. QB Jared Goff is prepped for another strong performance.
Chicago Bears – 9-8
QB Caleb Williams emerged last season and a big play threat and hopes to take this club to another level. Their young defense probably holds the key in the divisional battle.
Minnesota Vikings – 7-10
Vikes look to QB Kyler Murray to elevate this offense. He plays out a contract season and should benefit with working with WR Justin Jefferson. Their tough defense looks to hold the fort here.
Green Bay Packers -7-10
Young QB Jordan Love has been only average. Young club will miss defender Micah Parsons and Josh Jacobs for over a month.
SOUTH
Carolina Panthers – 10-7
Panthers have turned the page with top pick QB Bryce Young establishing himself as a reliable starter. Their talented young defense continues to improve.
Tampa Bay Bucs – 9-8
The Bucs look to QB Baker Mayfield to direct this attack. Their veteran talented defense has faded recently and must return to prior levels for this club to challenge for the NFC South.
New Orleans Saints – 8-9
The Saints look to young QB Tyler Shough to continue to improve and direct this young explosive offense. Saints’ defense holds the key to any playoff run.
Atlanta Falcons – 6-11
Falcons start injury prone QB Tua Tagovailoa while young Michael Pennix recovers from knee surgery. RB Bijan Robinson carries this attack. Defense ranks with the worst in the league.
WEST
Los Angeles Rams – 12-5
Rams are primed for a SB run in the tough West. Vet star QB Matthew Stafford directs a potent attack. Their top defense adds DPOY Myles Garrett and looks to returning star DT Aaron Donald to take the next step.
Seattle Seahawks – 11-6
Seahawks hope to ride the hot hand of Sam Darnold for a title defense. They look to aggressive defense to press for the NFC West division.
San Francisco 49ers – 8-9
The 49ers look to young Brock Purdy to lead this balanced offense which ranks among the best in the league. Key injuries especially on defense will determine if they challenge for the NFL title.
Arizona Cardinals – 5-12
Cards start the season with wholesale changes and rookie QB Carson Beck the probable starter. They face massive turnover on both sides of the ball and show makeup to challenge for the #1 overall pick in the NFL Draft 2027.
Divisional Champs
Eagles, Lions, Panthers and Rams
Wild Card Clubs
Giants, Seahawks & Bears
NFC Championship
Rams beat Lions in NFC title game
AFC
EAST
Buffalo Bills – 11-6
Bills look to reclaim the East tile behind star QB Josh Allen. New receiver DJ Moore will be his primary receiver. Good defense will have to prove better in big game situations to get that elusive SB title.
New England Patriots – 10-7
Pats will be tested to repeat in the East. Young QB Drake Maye looks to step up further after a brilliant 2025 season and poor SB loss. This young defense is a tough unit. Pats are expected to be in the SB hunt, though they will not sneak on AFC clubs.
New York Jets – 5-12
Jets look to vet QB Geno Smith to direct this underrated offense. This defense has more questions and will look to rookie edge rusher David Bailey to step the pace on a young unit.
Miami Dolphins – 4-13
Dolphins have cleaned house and will rely on young QB Malik Willis to direct this attack which looks to runner De’Von Achane to balance this offense. Defense has been overhauled and will most likely go through painful growing pain.
NORTH
Cincinnati Bengals – 11-6
QB Joe Burrow is a difference maker here and capable of carrying this club to the SB. He goes to wideouts Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins both produce annual 1000-yard performances. Their defense has been rebuilt behind DT Dexter Lawrence to live up to SB hype.
Pittsburgh Steelers – 10-7
Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers looks to repeat for the North title in his final performance. They have improved their skilled position players. The Steel defense continues to slip noticeably especially vs the pass despite edge TJ Watt. This club is a contender, though needs offensive line and secondary to step up to make the postseason.
Baltimore Ravens – 9-8
The Ravens rely on a healthy QB Lamar Jackson to improve their passing game vs top competition. Can runner Derrick Henry produce another 1500 season. They look to a maturing secondary to improve coverage. Ravens will push to return to postseason, though need a big effort from Jackson vs top clubs.
Cleveland Browns – 5-12
Browns start vet QB Deshaun Watson hoping he can finally claim the starting role. Young receives will help. Their highly rated defense hopes to maintain after the trade of Myles Garrett.
SOUTH
Jacksonville Jaguars – 11-6
Jaguars look to young QB Trevor Lawrence to continue to improve. Wideouts Thomas, Washington and Meyers form a strong receiving group. Their young defense is loaded and looks to edge rushers Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen to set the pace along with young corner Travis Hunter. This club can take another step up with Lawrence directing this club to another AFC South title.
Houston Texans – 10-7
HC DeMeco Ryans has directed Texans to three straight postseason appearances despite inconsistencies of young QB CJ Stroud. Weak ground game must improve. Defense ranks with best in the game with edge Will Anderson, one of the games’ best defenders. Will press for South title, though only if the offense steps up in big spots.
Indianapolis Colts – 9-8
The Colts look to a healthy QB Daniel Jones to direct this balanced offense behind runner Jon Taylor. Their young defense has been slow to improve and a big reason they come up short in big games.
Tennessee Titans – 7-10
The Titans made wholesale changes on their coaching staff and roster. They look to young QB Cam Ward to continue to develop after a good rookie campaign. Young receiving corps will play a huge role in the unit’s development. Defense will improve under guidance on new HC Robert Saleh. Young changing club needs another strong postseason for roster development.
WEST
Kansas City Chiefs – 12-5
QB Patrick Mahomes returns after a disappointing season ending knee injury. He relies on Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice to lead the changing offense. New runner Kenneth Walker looks to revive a floundering ground game. Their defense will miss CBs McDuffie and Watson. DT Chris Jones ranks with the league’s best interior linemen. SB contender will be pushed to the fullest in league’s toughest division in the league.
Denver Broncos – 11-6
Broncos won the AFC West behind young QB Bo Nix. His ankle injury ended their playoff run. He looks to return to form and look to new vet receiver Jaylon Waddle. Their highly regarded defense performed exceptionally well. Club looks to finish this postseason.
San Diego Chargers – 10-7
The Chargers look for star QB Justin Herbert to respond to new OC Mike McDonal. Herbert was outstanding and looks to a healthy line to stabilize this attack. They can surprise for the West title, behind a talented young defense especially young vets, LB Henley and safety James.
Oakland Raiders – 5-12
Raiders will start talented vet QB Kirk Cousins. He keeps the position warm for rookie Fernando Mendoza who should get the call by midseason. Edge rusher Maxx Crosby may get traded this fall as this club looks to build on a strong draft class. Raiders will be hard pressed to get to .500 in the tough AFC. Needs a few strong draft classes from contention.
Divisional Champs
Bills, Bengals, Jaguars and Chiefs
Wild Card Clubs
Steelers, Texans and Broncos
AFC Championship
Bengals beat the Chiefs
Super Bowl Matchup
Bengals over Rams – 31-28
Joe Burrow drives Bengals to a SB title
