Following the Seattle Seahawks‘ victory in Super Bowl LX, focus now shifts to the impending 2026 NFL season and its championship prospects. With the off-season activities like free agency and the draft rapidly approaching, early predictions for the 2026 Super Bowl are shaping up, highlighting possible contenders and standout players.
Eleven seasoned NFL analysts—including Matt Bowen, Jeremy Fowler, Dan Graziano, Pamela Maldonado, Eric Moody, Jason Reid, Aaron Schatz, Ben Solak, Mike Tannenbaum, Seth Walder, and Field Yates—have shared their forecasts for the next Super Bowl matchup and the player likely to earn the MVP award. They also provided individual insights on what to expect during the offseason or the upcoming campaign.
Forecasting the Next Super Bowl Champion
Among experts, team predictions vary widely, reflecting the league’s competitive balance. Matt Bowen envisions the Chicago Bears, propelled by quarterback Caleb Williams‘ dynamic skills and a solid offensive core under coach Ben Johnson, overcoming the Buffalo Bills led by Josh Allen and Joe Brady. Bowen emphasizes that the Bears’ potential pass-rushing additions could tip the scales.
Jeremy Fowler favors the Los Angeles Rams prevailing over the Denver Broncos, pointing to the Rams’ strong performance against Seattle last season and the maturing partnership of Matthew Stafford with coach Sean McVay. He highlights the Rams’ need to bolster their secondary, which faltered late last season, aiming for a more balanced roster.
Dan Graziano places confidence in the Kansas City Chiefs capturing their third title in five years, banking on Patrick Mahomes’ recovery from a torn ACL and the steady leadership of coach Andy Reid. Pamela Maldonado supports the San Francisco 49ers, underscoring their resilience through injuries to key players like Joey Bosa, Fred Warner, and George Kittle in 2025, and foresees health returning their roster to championship contention.
Eric Moody, analyzing fantasy trends, advocates for the Broncos over the Seahawks, noting Denver’s strong finish in the AFC West and cautioning on the historic challenge of back-to-back Super Bowl wins, which only nine teams have accomplished.
Jason Reid also backs Kansas City to prevail, heralding the Chiefs’ confidence in Mahomes as they enter his 31-year-old season. Their management team, including CEO Clark Hunt, Reid, and GM Brett Veach, are working to maintain the dynasty’s momentum.
Aaron Schatz believes the Rams will defeat the Los Angeles Chargers in a home showdown at SoFi Stadium. He argues Los Angeles teams have powerful offenses, and though the Chargers gained cap space and new coordinator Mike McDaniel, the Rams’ offensive strength gives them the edge.
Ben Solak predicts the Houston Texans will rise, propelled by a sturdy defense and a developing offense with improved run game, driven by a revamped offensive line and new offensive coordinator, hinting at a breakout season.
Mike Tannenbaum expects the Washington Commanders to stun the Bills in a high-scoring, close contest led by Jayden Daniels, who he foresees staying injury-free and thriving.
Seth Walder throws support behind the Chargers, believing the return of offensive tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, combined with McDaniel’s arrival, could finally elevate the team to division champions over the Packers.
Field Yates concurs with Rams over Broncos, highlighting both teams’ near misses in last season’s conference championships and predicting the Rams will clinch the Super Bowl on their home turf, a rare feat achieved only twice before.
Who Will Be the Standout MVP Next Season?
When selecting an MVP candidate, analysts highlight established and emerging stars. Matt Bowen selects Dak Prescott, praising his recent passing achievements and projecting continued success in Dallas if the Cowboys retain wide receiver George Pickens and improve defensively.
Jeremy Fowler focuses on Bijan Robinson, the Falcons’ running back, commending his explosive versatility and forecasting a repeat 2,000-yard season within Kevin Stefanski’s offensive scheme, crucial for Atlanta’s playoff charge.
Dan Graziano anticipates Caleb Williams to shine, citing his clutch performances and improved team defensive support, which would allow him to fully demonstrate his talent in the demanding NFC North division.
Pamela Maldonado singles out Christian McCaffrey as vital to the 49ers’ offense, drawing attention to his dual-threat contributions and leadership through adversities. Her expectations rest on the squad staying healthy and securing double-digit wins.
Eric Moody points toward Josh Allen, noting the Bills’ offensive surge under coach Joe Brady since late 2023 and Allen’s proven MVP capability. He notes Buffalo’s intent to enhance their receiver corps to maximize Allen’s impact.
Jason Reid supports Jordan Love of the Packers, highlighting his growth under Matt LaFleur and projecting a breakout year as he enters his fourth season, potentially capturing the MVP trophy.
Aaron Schatz remains confident in Patrick Mahomes, underscoring his status as the league’s best player and his viability to reclaim MVP honors, dependent on his timely recovery from injury.
Ben Solak points to Lamar Jackson, expecting his health and a new offensive coordinator to help him deliver a full, impressive season that keeps him among MVP contenders.
Mike Tannenbaum advocates for Jayden Daniels, predicting his resurgence as the top quarterback from the 2024 draft class, which would not only boost the Commanders but elevate offensive coordinator David Blough’s coaching profile.
Seth Walder echoes Allen’s candidacy, emphasizing his pivotal role and workload, suggesting he remains a leading MVP contender as he aims for peak play next season.
Field Yates identifies Jackson as the most electrifying player, poised for a renaissance under coach Declan Doyle, who is highly regarded inside the NFL coaching community.
Additional Bold Outlooks for the Offseason and Upcoming Season
Matt Bowen foresees the Colts making a high-profile signing by acquiring Trey Hendrickson, the 2024 sack leader, strengthening their pass rush significantly.
Jeremy Fowler predicts the New York Giants will break through and reach the playoffs, propelled by head coach John Harbaugh’s leadership and strategic offseason additions to an improving roster.
Dan Graziano warns the Pittsburgh Steelers may endure their first losing season since 2003, suggesting the roster requires a more drastic rebuild than previously embraced.
Pamela Maldonado expects the Buffalo Bills to address their offensive weakness decisively by bringing in Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown, culminating in a potent Super Bowl-worthy lineup.
Eric Moody believes running back Travis Etienne Jr. will join the Chiefs during free agency, adding a versatile weapon to support their running game, which struggled to reach efficiency benchmarks last season.
Jason Reid anticipates a resurgent Chris Jones on the Chiefs’ defensive line, envisioning him return to All-Pro form and reinforce Kansas City’s championship aspirations.
Aaron Schatz aligns with Fowler on the Giants’ rise, crediting Harbaugh’s coaching and the development of young players like Malik Nabers, Jaxson Dart, and Abdul Carter for a substantial improvement in results.
Ben Solak predicts the Falcons will capitalize on Kevin Stefanski’s coaching, securing the NFC South title with improved quarterback play and tactical offense.
Mike Tannenbaum foresees the Chargers clinching the AFC West division, energized by the health of key offensive tackles and McDaniel’s system complementing quarterback Justin Herbert’s abilities.
Seth Walder forecasts the Dallas Cowboys reclaiming the NFC East crown, banking on offensive consistency and a likely uptick in defensive performance.
Field Yates is confident Caleb Williams will ascend to All-Pro status, expecting growth in completion percentage and benefiting from a largely intact Bears offense to enhance his development.
Collectively, these predictions underscore a highly competitive 2026 NFL season shaped by player health, strategic free agency moves, and coaching impacts. The unfolding offseason will be crucial as teams maneuver to construct rosters capable of chasing the Lombardi Trophy, with potential for new contenders to emerge and star players to redefine their legacies.
