2026 NFL Forecasts: Super Bowl Contenders, MVP Choices and More

The 2026 NFL season is about to kick off, and Sky Sports' panel of experts have laid out their forecasts, ranging from the most likely MVP candidates to the projected Super Bowl match‑ups and division winners. Below is a comprehensive re‑imagining of their picks, enriched with additional context and analysis to give readers a fuller picture of what to expect in the upcoming campaign. **Quarterback Projections** - **Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears)** – NDAMUKONG SUH believes Williams is poised for a breakout third year. After two seasons of learning the ropes, the former USC star is expected to command the Bears' offense, delivering precision passing and clutch performances that could propel Chicago into serious playoff contention.

- **Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens)** – According to NEIL REYNOLDS, a healthy Jackson under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Jesse Minter will rediscover the explosiveness that made him a former MVP. A rejuvenated offensive line and a more disciplined defense should give him the freedom to run and throw with confidence. - **Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals)** – Both BRIDGET CONDON and CAM HOGWOOD champion Burrow as the centerpiece of a Bengals resurgence.

After three seasons hampered by injuries and a sub‑par defense, Burrow now enjoys a healthier supporting cast, including elite receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. If the defense improves, Burrow could lead Cincinnati back to the Super Bowl.

- **Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys)** – JASON BELL envisions Prescott steering one of the league’s most potent offenses, with weapons like CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens stretching defenses. The Cowboys’ balanced attack could keep them in the NFC race throughout the year. - **Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)** – Jeff Reinebold rates Allen as the league’s premier talent, especially with the addition of offensive‑minded head coach Joe Brady.

A stronger supporting cast should allow Allen to showcase his dual‑threat abilities and keep Buffalo in the AFC hunt. - **Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions)** – NDAMUKONG SUH highlights Gibbs as Detroit’s primary offensive weapon.

If the running back stays injury‑free, his blend of speed and vision could produce elite rushing numbers and open up play‑action opportunities for the Lions. - **Puka Nacua (Los Angeles Rams)** – Neil Reynolds expects the Rams to field the NFL’s most dynamic passing attack in 2026. Despite off‑field distractions, Nacua’s consistency should remain intact, giving the Rams a reliable target for their aerial scheme.

- **Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons)** – Cam Hogwood points to Robinson as the linchpin of an uncertain Falcons offense. With quarterback questions surrounding Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr., Robinson’s ability to generate scrimmage yards will be critical for Atlanta’s success. **Defensive Standouts** - **Maxx Crosby (Las Vegas Raiders)** – NDAMUKONG SUH predicts a vengeful return for Crosby, who will reassert himself as a premier edge rusher, disrupting opposing quarterbacks and generating key sacks.

- **Myles Garrett (Los Angeles Rams)** – Both NEIL REYNOLDS and Jeff Reinebold see Garrett thriving in Los Angeles alongside Aaron Donald. The move from Cleveland to a more balanced Rams defense should provide Garrett with ample opportunities to rack up sacks and force turnovers. - **Aaron Donald (Los Angeles Rams)** – Bridget Condon anticipates a cinematic comeback for Donald, potentially culminating in a retirement‑to‑DPOY narrative.

His relentless pursuit of perfection could keep him dominant well into the later stages of his career. - **Will Anderson Jr.

(Houston Texans)** – Cam Hogwood highlights Anderson’s emergence as a practice‑shutting, game‑changing pass‑rusher. After a breakout season, he may become the primary disruptor on a Texans defense eager to establish a new identity. **Coaching Moves** - **Mike McDaniel (Los Angeles Chargers – Offensive Coordinator)** – NDAMUKONG SUH applauds McDaniel’s return to his offensive sweet spot, where he can craft innovative schemes for a young Justin Herbert, potentially unlocking a new offensive era for the Chargers.

- **Jesse Minter (Baltimore Ravens – Head Coach)** – Neil Reynolds argues that a fresh start under Minter could revitalize the Ravens, giving Lamar Jackson the freedom to excel while improving the defensive side of the ball. - **John Harbaugh (New York Giants – Head Coach)** – Bridget Condon surprisingly assigns Harbaugh to the Giants, believing his experience can guide the team to an NFC East title and mentor young quarterback Jaxson Dart. - **Sean Mannion (Philadelphia Eagles – Offensive Coordinator)** – Cam Hogwood notes that Mannion’s appointment could finally resolve the Eagles’ offensive identity crisis, unlocking Jalen Hurts’ full potential and positioning Philadelphia as a head‑coaching contender.

**Division and Conference Outlooks** - **NFC North** – NDAMUKONG SUH sees the Minnesota Vikings as the dark horse, with a solid coaching staff and structural stability that could outpace the more hyped Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers. - **AFC North** – Jeff Reinebold predicts a Cincinnati Bengals triumph, citing their ability to score against any opponent and a favorable schedule that could secure the division. - **AFC Championship** – The Los Angeles Chargers are projected by SUH to reach the AFC Championship game, thanks to a harmonious blend of coaching, quarterback talent, and a stout defense anchored by Khalil Mack. - **Super Bowl Projections** – Several analysts envision a showdown between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals.

While the Rams boast a formidable defensive duo in Garrett and Donald, the Bengals rely on Burrow’s leadership and a revitalized offense to exact revenge for their previous Super Bowl loss. **Individual Accolades and Surprises** - **MVP Race** – Caleb Williams, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen dominate the conversation, each offering a unique blend of skill, leadership, and statistical potential. - **Defensive Player of the Year** – Myles Garrett, Aaron Donald, and Will Anderson Jr.

are top candidates, with Garrett’s new environment in LA giving him a fresh platform to dominate. - **Comeback Player** – Bo Nix of the Denver Broncos garners attention from Neil Reynolds as a potential Comeback Player of the Year, especially under the tutelage of veteran head coach Sean Payton.

**Key Match‑ups to Watch** - **Rams vs. Ravens** – A potential high‑scoring duel featuring Matthew Stafford and Lamar Jackson, where the Rams’ defensive front could be the deciding factor. - **Bengals vs.

Rams** – A narrative‑rich clash that could see Joe Burrow and Matthew Stafford exchange blows, with the outcome hinging on each team’s defensive execution. - **Chargers vs.

Broncos** – An AFC showdown highlighting Justin Herbert’s poise against Denver’s revamped offense under Payton. **Final Thoughts** Sky Sports will broadcast every moment of the 2026 season, from the opening kickoff to the climactic Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027. Fans can follow live action, in‑depth analysis, and exclusive interviews across the network or stream contract‑free via NOW. Whether you’re rooting for a favorite team or tracking the MVP race, the upcoming season promises drama, surprise, and plenty of football excellence.