NFL 2026 season predictions feature Rams, Josh Allen, and key award contenders
Season Outlook and Key Player Predictions
The 2026 NFL season is set to begin with a Super Bowl rematch between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. Following this, the Los Angeles Rams will debut their roster in an NFC West game against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. Later, Patrick Mahomes and Bo Nix are expected to return from injuries to play in an AFC West rivalry game.
Predictions for the season indicate a strong focus on quarterbacks for the NFL MVP award, a trend that has continued for 13 consecutive seasons. Among the contenders, Josh Allen is a prominent choice, having accumulated 79 rushing touchdowns and 299 total touchdowns in his career. Other quarterbacks receiving votes include Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Dak Prescott.
For Offensive Player of the Year, running backs and wide receivers are the primary focus, having claimed the award for seven straight years. Jahmyr Gibbs, noted as the highest-paid running back in NFL history, received significant support. Bijan Robinson also garnered votes among running backs, while last year’s winner, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, received fewer votes to repeat.
Defensive Standouts and Rookie Prospects
In the running for Defensive Player of the Year, Will Anderson Jr. of the Houston Texans and Myles Garrett are leading candidates. Anderson Jr., who finished second to Garrett last season, recently reset the market at his position. Some voters gave the edge to Anderson Jr., suggesting he is likely to be the top player on one of the league’s best defenses.
The Offensive Rookie of the Year award sees Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, former teammates, as popular picks. They were the first two running backs selected in April’s draft. For Defensive Rookie of the Year, pass rushers Rueben Bain Jr. of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and David Bailey of the New York Jets are leading the voting, ahead of Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs. All three were top 15 draft selections.
Patrick Mahomes is a strong candidate for Comeback Player of the Year after a serious knee injury. Aaron Donald, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, also presents a comeback narrative after two seasons away from the sport. Jayden Daniels, the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year, is another option after being limited by injuries last season.
Team Expectations and Bold Predictions
More than half of the voters selected the Rams to win the Super Bowl, though eight other teams also received at least one vote. Last year’s picks favored the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, and Kansas City Chiefs, with the Seahawks ultimately winning the championship.
Some bold predictions for the 2026 NFL season include Brock Bowers potentially becoming the first tight end in over two decades to lead the league in receptions. Jonathan Taylor is projected by one analyst to run for 2,000 yards. Another prediction suggests Ladd McConkey could win the receiving triple crown, leading the NFL in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. Additionally, Caleb Williams is predicted to make a significant leap to NFL MVP in his second season, becoming the first Bears quarterback to throw for over 4,000 yards in franchise history.
The Lions are predicted by one analyst to field the highest-scoring offense in NFL history, surpassing the Broncos’ 606 points from 2013. Kyler Murray’s strong season is also anticipated to lead the Vikings back to the playoffs, with predictions of over 5,000 total yards of offense for the veteran quarterback. Ja’Marr Chase is projected to become the first 2,000-yard receiver in NFL history, potentially breaking Calvin Johnson’s single-season record of 1,964 receiving yards.
Quarterback changes are also anticipated, with Fernando Mendoza expected to take over for the Raiders, Cade Klubnik for the Jets, and Taylen Green for the Browns. An undrafted free agent, Jack Strand, is predicted to lead the Falcons, starting more than half of the campaign.
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Source: nytimes.com
