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2026 NFL Season Predictions: Super Bowl, Playoffs and Award Winners From the MMQB Staff
Sports Illustrated • • general
Key Points:
- The 2026 NFL season predictions feature the Los Angeles Rams as the favored Super Bowl champions, with Matthew Stafford often named MVP, while the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos are also considered strong contenders.
- Defensive standouts like Will Anderson Jr. and Myles Garrett are predicted to earn Defensive Player of the Year honors, with Garrett also highlighted as a potential Super Bowl MVP and historic defensive MVP winner.
- Several writers forecast breakout offensive players, including Jahmyr Gibbs as Offensive Player of the Year and rookies like Jadarian Price and Carnell Tate as top offensive rookies.
- Bold predictions include a potential record 11 missed games due to unforeseen events, a Monday NFC Championship game due to scheduling conflicts, and no midseason coaching firings for the first time since 2012.
- The Texans' defense is widely praised and expected to lead them to their first AFC title game and possibly a Super Bowl victory, with C.J. Stroud's performance seen as crucial to their success.
