Predicting the 8 Biggest Surprises of the 2026 NFL Season
Bleacher Report • • sports
Key Points:
- The 2025 NFL season was full of surprises, highlighted by the Seattle Seahawks' dominant Super Bowl LX victory over the New England Patriots, a team that had not made the postseason the previous year.
- Kyler Murray is predicted to revive his career with the Minnesota Vikings in 2026, winning Comeback Player of the Year and making the Pro Bowl after being released by the Arizona Cardinals.
- The New York Giants are expected to win the NFC East in 2026, driven by a strong young core and improved defense under new head coach John Harbaugh.
- Derrick Henry, at age 33, is projected to lead the NFL in rushing yards again, defying typical running back aging trends with his consistent high-level performance for the Baltimore Ravens.
- The New York Jets are forecasted to become the first NFL team to finish a season 0-17 in 2026, continuing their long-standing struggles despite coaching optimism.