With training camps set to begin in a couple of weeks and the Seattle Seahawks riding high as defending Super Bowl champions, the 2026 NFL season is already generating buzz. Free agency, the draft, and blockbuster trades, including A.J. Brown heading to the New England Patriots and Myles Garrett joining the Los Angeles Rams, have reshaped the landscape of contenders.
Here are 10 bold predictions for the 2026 season:
Patrick Mahomes can’t do it alone forever, especially coming off a significant injury. With aging weapons, an average wide receiver corps, defensive regression and a brutal schedule, the Chiefs will continue to miss out on the playoffs.
The two-time Defensive Player of the Year will thrive in Los Angeles’ aggressive scheme alongside Braden Fiske. With Garrett having actual help in the interior, he will have more space to work and terrorize quarterbacks, allowing him to break his own sack record of 23, set in 2025.
In his farewell season, Rodgers reunites with head coach Mike McCarthy and brings veteran leadership to a talented Steelers roster. Expect Pittsburgh to win the AFC North and make a surprising deep run to cap off his Hall of Fame career.
Maye threw for 31 touchdowns in his sophomore season and led his team to a Super Bowl appearance. With the addition of A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs and Josh McDaniel’s scheme clicking, Maye has a historic passing season and cements himself as a top-five quarterback.
In what many expect to be a down year for the Cowboys, Prescott will post career-best efficiency numbers and drag the Cowboys to an unexpected division title. After a solid first season with head coach Brian Schottenheimer, expect them to rise to the occasion this fall.
After years of mediocrity, a complete roster overhaul and new head coach Klint Kubiak produced a shocking turnaround season in the desert. Expect a major season from star tight end Brock Bowers and a breakout season for running back Ashton Jeanty.
7. The Chicago Bears make the Super Bowl
In head coach Ben Johnson’s second season, he leads the Bears to the Super Bowl for the first time in 19 years. With a high-powered offense and a young quarterback in Caleb Williams, who has consistently gotten better, expect a big season ahead.
St. Brown has been one of the most consistent receivers since he entered the league in 2021. He’s reliable and expands the field and offense for Jared Goff, as he’s coming off a 1,400-yard season. 2026 could be his best season yet.
Glenn is a great defensive mind but has struggled to build a competent and somewhat winning roster as head coach. With a bunch of head-scratching moves this offseason, don’t expect him to be there this time around.
Last season, the Panthers officially ended the Buccaneers’ streak of four NFC South championships in a row. This season, head coach Dave Canales and quarterback Bryce Young will get the offense running smoothly and contend for a playoff spot in 2026 after a solid offseason.
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