{"id":7355,"date":"2026-09-11T13:51:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-11T17:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/draftinsiders.com\/DraftInsiders\/?p=7355"},"modified":"2026-09-13T19:20:14","modified_gmt":"2026-09-13T23:20:14","slug":"7355-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/draftinsiders.com\/DraftInsiders\/7355-2\/","title":{"rendered":"NFL 2026 Predictions – Bengals Look to Surprise in Postseason"},"content":{"rendered":"

NFL 2026 Predictions\"\"
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Bengals Ready for SB Challenge
\nChiefs Looks to Rebound in AFC
\n<\/strong>Rams and Eagles Hope to Hold Off NFC Risers<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u00a0DraftInsiders.com<\/em>\u00a0\u2013 NFL 2026 Predictions<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0 Frank Coyle\/ Head scout<\/strong><\/p>\n

2026 Season Awards<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 MVP Award \u2013 QB\u00a0 Matthew Stafford \u2013 Rams
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

NFC<\/strong>
\nOffensive Player of the Year \u2013 QB\u00a0 Jared Goff \u2013 \u00a0Lions
\nDefensive Player of the Year \u2013 DE Myles Garrett \u2013 Rams
\nComeback Player of the Year \u2013 Kyler Murray \u2013 Vikings<\/p>\n

Rookies of the Year<\/strong>
\nOffense \u2013 RB Jeremiyah Love \u2013 Cardinals
\nDefense \u2013 LB Arvell Reese \u2013 Giants<\/p>\n

AFC<\/strong>
\nOffensive Player of the Year \u2013 QB Joe Burrow – Bengals
\nDefensive Player of the Year \u2013 LB Will Anderson \u2013 Texans
\nComeback Player of the Year \u2013 QB Patrick Mahomes – Chiefs<\/p>\n

Rookies of the Year<\/strong>
\nOffense \u2013 WR Carnell Tate – Texans
\nDefense \u2013 Edge David Bailey – Jets<\/p>\n

NFC<\/strong>
\nEAST<\/em><\/strong>
\nPhiladelphia Eagles \u2013 11-6
\nEagles 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.<\/p>\n

New York Giants \u2013 10-7
\nGMen are geared up to make the playoffs again behind new HC John Harbaugh and a maturing defense behind dominant front line.<\/p>\n

Dallas Cowboys \u2013 9-8
\nCowboys look to be \u00a0a contender behind a rebuilt defense and strong passing attack of QB Dak Prescott.<\/p>\n

Washington Commanders \u2013 6-11
\nCommanders look for talented QB Jayden Daniels to return to his 2024 form and elevate this club into contention.<\/p>\n

NORTH<\/em><\/strong>
\nDetroit Lions \u2013 10-7
\nLions look for their defense to step up after a weak 2025 performance.\u00a0 QB Jared Goff is prepped for another strong performance.<\/p>\n

Chicago Bears \u2013 9-8
\nQB 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.<\/p>\n

Minnesota Vikings \u2013 7-10
\nVikes 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.<\/p>\n

Green Bay Packers -7-10
\nYoung QB Jordan Love has been only average. Young club will miss defender Micah Parsons and Josh Jacobs for over a month.<\/p>\n

SOUTH<\/em><\/strong>
\nCarolina Panthers \u2013 10-7
\nPanthers have turned the page with top pick QB Bryce Young establishing himself as a reliable starter. \u00a0Their talented young defense continues to improve.<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Bucs \u2013 9-8
\nThe 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.<\/p>\n

New Orleans Saints \u2013 8-9
\nThe Saints look to young QB Tyler Shough to continue to improve and direct this young explosive offense. Saints\u2019 defense holds the key to any playoff run.<\/p>\n

Atlanta Falcons \u2013 6-11
\nFalcons 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.<\/p>\n

WEST<\/em><\/strong>
\nLos Angeles Rams \u2013 12-5
\nRams 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.<\/p>\n

Seattle Seahawks \u2013 11-6
\nSeahawks 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.<\/p>\n

San Francisco 49ers \u2013 8-9
\nThe 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.<\/p>\n

Arizona Cardinals \u2013 5-12
\nCards start the season with wholesale changes and rookie QB Carson Beck the probable starter. \u00a0They face massive turnover on both sides of the ball and show makeup to challenge for the #1 overall pick in the NFL Draft 2027.<\/p>\n

Divisional Champs<\/em><\/strong>
\nEagles, Lions, Panthers and Rams<\/p>\n

Wild Card Clubs<\/em><\/strong>
\nGiants, Seahawks & Bears<\/p>\n

NFC Championship<\/em><\/strong>
\nRams beat Lions in NFC title game<\/p>\n

AFC<\/em><\/strong>
\nEAST<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Buffalo Bills \u2013 11-6
\nBills look to reclaim the East tile behind star QB Josh Allen. \u00a0New receiver DJ Moore will be his primary receiver. \u00a0Good defense will have to prove better in big game situations to get that elusive SB title.<\/p>\n

New England Patriots \u2013 10-7
\nPats 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.<\/p>\n

New York Jets \u2013 5-12
\nJets look to vet QB Geno Smith to direct this underrated offense. \u00a0This defense has more questions and will look to rookie edge rusher David Bailey to step the pace on a young unit.<\/p>\n

Miami Dolphins \u2013 4-13
\nDolphins have cleaned house and will rely on young QB Malik Willis to direct this attack which looks to runner De\u2019Von Achane to balance this offense. \u00a0Defense has been overhauled and will most likely go through painful growing pain.<\/p>\n

NORTH<\/em><\/strong>
\nCincinnati Bengals \u2013 11-6
\nQB Joe Burrow is a difference maker here and capable of carrying this club to the SB. He goes to wideouts Ja\u2019Marr 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.<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh Steelers \u2013 10-7
\nSteelers 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.<\/p>\n

Baltimore Ravens \u2013 9-8
\nThe Ravens rely on a healthy QB Lamar Jackson to improve their passing game vs top competition. Can runner Derrick Henry produce another 1500 season. \u00a0They look to a maturing \u00a0secondary to improve coverage. Ravens will push to return to postseason, though need a big effort from Jackson vs top clubs.<\/p>\n

Cleveland Browns \u2013 5-12
\nBrowns start vet QB Deshaun Watson hoping he can finally claim the starting role. Young receives will help. \u00a0Their highly rated defense hopes to maintain after the trade of Myles Garrett.<\/p>\n

SOUTH<\/em><\/strong>
\nJacksonville Jaguars \u2013 11-6
\nJaguars 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. \u00a0This club can take another step up with Lawrence directing this club to another AFC South title.<\/p>\n

Houston Texans \u2013 10-7
\nHC DeMeco Ryans has directed Texans to three straight postseason appearances despite inconsistencies of\u00a0 young QB CJ Stroud. Weak ground game must improve. Defense ranks with best in the game with edge Will Anderson, one of the games\u2019 best defenders. Will press for South title, though only if the offense steps up in big spots.<\/p>\n

Indianapolis Colts \u2013 9-8
\nThe 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.<\/p>\n

Tennessee Titans \u2013 7-10
\nThe Titans made wholesale changes on their coaching staff and roster. \u00a0They 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\u2019s development. \u00a0Defense will improve under guidance on new HC Robert Saleh. Young changing club needs another strong postseason for roster development.<\/p>\n

WEST<\/em><\/strong>
\nKansas City Chiefs \u2013 12-5
\nQB 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. \u00a0Their defense will miss CBs McDuffie and Watson. \u00a0DT Chris Jones ranks with the league\u2019s best interior linemen. SB contender will be pushed to the fullest in league\u2019s toughest division in the league.<\/p>\n

Denver Broncos \u2013 11-6
\nBroncos 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.<\/p>\n

San Diego Chargers \u2013 10-7
\nThe Chargers look for star QB Justin Herbert to respond to new OC Mike McDonal. \u00a0Herbert 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.<\/p>\n

Oakland Raiders \u2013 5-12
\nRaiders 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.<\/p>\n

Divisional Champs<\/strong>
\nBills, Bengals, Jaguars and Chiefs<\/p>\n

Wild Card Clubs<\/strong>
\nSteelers, Texans and Broncos<\/p>\n

AFC Championship<\/em><\/strong>
\nBengals beat the Chiefs<\/p>\n

Super Bowl Matchup<\/em><\/strong>
\nBengals over Rams – 31-28
\nJoe Burrow drives Bengals to a SB title<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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NFL 2026 Predictions Bengals Ready for SB Challenge Chiefs Looks to Rebound in AFC Rams and Eagles Hope to Hold Off NFC Risers \u00a0DraftInsiders.com\u00a0\u2013 NFL 2026 Predictions \u00a0 Frank Coyle\/ Head scout 2026 [read more…]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1946,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[3,11,123],"tags":[32],"class_list":["post-7355","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-ahead-of-the-curve","category-nfl-news","category-nfl-predictions","tag-draft-insider-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/draftinsiders.com\/DraftInsiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7355","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/draftinsiders.com\/DraftInsiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/draftinsiders.com\/DraftInsiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/draftinsiders.com\/DraftInsiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/draftinsiders.com\/DraftInsiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7355"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/draftinsiders.com\/DraftInsiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7355\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7362,"href":"https:\/\/draftinsiders.com\/DraftInsiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7355\/revisions\/7362"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/draftinsiders.com\/DraftInsiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1946"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/draftinsiders.com\/DraftInsiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7355"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/draftinsiders.com\/DraftInsiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7355"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/draftinsiders.com\/DraftInsiders\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7355"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}