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

The 2026 NFL season is about to kick off, and Sky Sports' panel of experts have laid out their bold forecasts, ranging from the most likely MVPs to the projected Super Bowl matchups and division winners. Below is a comprehensive rewrite and expansion of each analyst's picks, offering deeper context and additional insight into why these players and teams could shape the upcoming year. **Quarterback Projections** - **NDAMUKONG SUH** selects **Caleb Williams** of the Chicago Bears as his MVP frontrunner.

Entering his third campaign, Williams is expected to elevate his game to a new level, showcasing precision passing, poise under pressure, and the ability to command the Bears' offense. If he stays healthy, his blend of athleticism and football IQ could make him a dominant force throughout the league. - **NEIL REYNOLDS** backs **Lamar Jackson** of the Baltimore Ravens. After a season hampered by injuries, Jackson is poised for a resurgence under new defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.

The analyst believes the revamped scheme will keep Jackson upright and allow his dual-threat skill set to flourish, potentially putting him back in the MVP conversation. - **BRIDGET CONDON** puts her confidence in **Joe Burrow** of the Cincinnati Bengals. Burrow has already demonstrated elite quarterback play, and with a defense that is finally expected to be merely average rather than a liability, he should have the freedom to lead the Bengals back to the Super Bowl. Consistent health will be the key factor.

- **JASON BELL** highlights **Dak Prescott** of the Dallas Cowboys, forecasting that the Cowboys could field the league's most explosive offense. Prescott’s chemistry with star receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens could result in a high‑scoring attack capable of challenging any defense. - **JEFF REINEBOLD** champions **Josh Allen** of the Buffalo Bills, arguing that Allen is the league’s top player when paired with a strong supporting cast and a new offensive-minded head coach, Joe Brady. The combination of Allen’s arm strength and improved play‑calling should keep the Bills in contention.

- **CAM HOGWOOD** also backs **Joe Burrow**, noting his passionate offseason speech that demanded urgency from his teammates. With the return of key weapons like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, a healthy Burrow could dismantle opposing defenses and steer Cincinnati deep into the postseason. **Skill Position Stars** - **NDAMUKONG SUH** projects **Jahmyr Gibbs** of the Detroit Lions to become the focal point of their offense. As the primary ball‑carrier, Gibbs is expected to post elite rushing numbers if he avoids injuries, providing Detroit with a reliable ground game.

- **NEIL REYNOLDS** believes **Puka Nacua** of the Los Angeles Rams will thrive in what he calls the NFL’s best passing attack in 2026. Despite off‑field distractions during the offseason, Nacua’s talent should not diminish, and he could become a consistent deep‑threat weapon.

- **BRIDGET CONDON** points to **Ja'Marr Chase** as a vital piece of the Bengals’ offense. Chase’s production is directly linked to Burrow’s performance; when the quarterback excels, the receiver’s numbers soar, potentially making him a top‑10 receiver league‑wide. - **JASON BELL** reiterates the importance of **Jahmyr Gibbs**, emphasizing the Lions’ commitment to feeding him the ball in explosive fashion.

- **JEFF REINEBOLD** also backs **Ja'Marr Chase**, expressing confidence that head coach Zac Taylor’s offensive adjustments will unlock even more of Chase’s big‑play ability. - **CAM HOGWOOD** highlights **Bijan Robinson** of the Atlanta Falcons, noting that with quarterback uncertainty surrounding Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr., Robinson essentially carries the offensive load. After leading the league in scrimmage yards last season, he is expected to deliver another standout year under Kevin Stefanski’s system. **Defensive Standouts** - **NDAMUKONG SUH** picks **Maxx Crosby** of the Las Vegas Raiders as a disruptive edge rusher returning with renewed vigor.

Crosby’s reputation as a game‑changing pass‑rusher could make him a sack leader if he stays healthy. - **NEIL REYNOLDS** selects **Myles Garrett** of the Los Angeles Rams, noting his previous Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) campaign in Cleveland.

Paired with Aaron Donald, Garrett could chase a third DPOY award. - **BRIDGET CONDON** forecasts a cinematic comeback for **Aaron Donald**, suggesting the veteran defensive end might surprise everyone by returning stronger and more dominant, possibly hinting at a retirement‑year resurgence.

- **JASON BELL** believes Garrett will finally have the opportunity to close out games by consistently pressuring the quarterback in the Rams’ defense. - **JEFF REINEBOLD** adds that playing in a more pass‑heavy environment will increase Garrett’s sack opportunities, especially with teammates like Trent McDuffie and Aaron Donald. - **CAM HOGWOOD** focuses on **Will Anderson Jr.** of the Houston Texans, describing his ability to dominate practice and translate that dominance to live games. Anderson’s rise could position him as a premier pass‑rusher, potentially outshining even Garrett.

**Coaching and Front Office Moves** - **NDAMUKONG SUH** applauds the return of **Mike McDaniel** as offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers. McDaniel’s creative scheming, combined with a young Justin Herbert, could produce a high‑octane offense. - **NEIL REYNOLDS** backs **Jesse Minter** as the new head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, suggesting a fresh start after John Harbaugh’s long tenure could rejuvenate Lamar Jackson and the entire roster.

- **BRIDGET CONDON** surprisingly lists **John Harbaugh** as the head coach of the New York Giants, predicting he will guide them to an NFC East title and nurture the development of rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. - **JEFF REINEBOLD** highlights **Jeremiyah Love**, an emerging running back for the Arizona Cardinals, noting his preseason flashes but emphasizing the need for health and a more reliable offensive line. - **CAM HOGWOOD** praises **Sean Mannion**, the newly appointed offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, believing his scheme will unlock Jalen Hurts’ full potential and position Mannion as a future head‑coach candidate. **Division and Playoff Outlooks** - **NDAMUKONG SUH** predicts the **Minnesota Vikings** will capture the NFC North, labeling them the dark horse due to strong coaching and organizational structure.

- **NEIL REYNOLDS** foresees the **Miami Dolphins** avoiding the No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 draft, thanks to Malik Willis delivering enough wins to keep them out of the bottom of the league.

- **BRIDGET CONDON** expects the **Tennessee Titans** defense to outperform expectations, citing Robert Saleh’s track record of top‑10 defenses. - **JASON BELL** keeps the **Dallas Cowboys** in the Super Bowl conversation all season, driven by Dak Prescott’s leadership. - **JEFF REINEBOLD** projects the **Cincinnati Bengals** winning the AFC North, emphasizing their ability to score against any opponent. - **CAM HOGWOOD** highlights linebacker **Dallas Turner** of the Vikings as a breakout pass‑rusher who could reach double‑digit sacks, bolstering Minnesota’s playoff hopes.

**Conference Championship and Super Bowl Picks** - **NDAMUKONG SUH** envisions the **Los Angeles Chargers** reaching the AFC Championship, leveraging a balanced offense, a solid defense, and Khalil Mack’s elite play. - **NEIL REYNOLDS** anticipates a rough start for the **Los Angeles Rams**, but predicts they will overcome early setbacks and still capture the Super Bowl, despite quirky storylines like a spider bite on Davante Adams.

- **BRIDGET CONDON** controversially predicts the **Pittsburgh Steelers** will suffer their first losing season since 2003, citing a misguided experiment involving Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy. - **JEFF REINEBOLD** expects **CJ Stroud** to rejuvenate the Houston Texans, guiding them to the AFC Championship with the league’s top defense in a weak division. - **CAM HOGWOOD** backs the **New Orleans Saints** to win the NFC South and make the playoffs for the first time since 2020, driven by quarterback Tyler Shough’s emergence.

**Individual Game Forecasts** - **NDAMUKONG SUH** picks the **Denver Broncos** to defeat the Chicago Bears, highlighting Bo Nix as a potential Comeback Player of the Year and praising Sean Payton’s coaching pedigree. - **NEIL REYNOLDS** forecasts a high‑scoring duel between the **Los Angeles Rams** and the **Baltimore Ravens**, with the Rams’ defensive stalwarts Garrett and Donald ultimately deciding the outcome. - **BRIDGET CONDON** imagines the **Cincinnati Bengals** edging out the Rams in a dramatic Super Bowl, with a late‑game interception by Puka Nacua sealing the victory. - **JASON BELL** predicts a defensive showdown where the **Los Angeles Rams** defeat the **Denver Broncos** in the championship game, emphasizing Myles Garrett’s impact.

- **JEFF REINEBOLD** envisions a SoFi Stadium showdown between the **Los Angeles Rams** and the **Buffalo Bills**, highlighting the Rams’ three‑star defensive lineup and their elite coaching staff. - **CAM HOGWOOD** remains a staunch believer in **Joe Burrow**, forecasting a Bengals victory over the Rams in a shoot‑out that avenges their loss in Super Bowl LVI. **Conclusion** Sky Sports will broadcast every moment of the 2026 NFL season, including the full playoffs and Super Bowl LXI on February 14, 2027.

Fans can watch live on Sky Sports or stream without a contract via NOW. The predictions above provide a roadmap of the storylines to watch, the players poised for breakout seasons, and the teams that could surprise or dominate as the league heads toward another unforgettable year.