Predicting the Entire 2026 Season

4th Place Teams

Saints 3-14

The Saints showed promise, but I still don't think they are ready to compete.

Bears 8-9

The Bears have some key losses on both sides of the ball and are due for some regression. They were neck and neck with the Packers for third, but after multiple tiebreakers, they landed in fourth place.

Giants 4-13

The Giants made several promising moves, but they still have a tough schedule and an unproven QB.

Cardinals 3-14

The Cardinals have given us absolutely nothing to believe in over the offseason.

Raiders 3-14

The Raiders are making progress, but they are still a year or two off from competing for something meaningful.

Jaguars 4-13

The Jags have some good pieces, but everyone is getting better, and I just don't believe the Jags have improved enough to weather their schedule.

Jets 1-16

I don't believe in the coaches or the quarterback, and they were already terrible.

Browns 8-9

I expect the Browns to shock some teams this year but come just short of third place and a winning record.

3rd Place Teams

Steelers 8-9

This could be the Steelers' season, and not because I expect them to take a huge step back; I just think the field is passing them by.

Titans 6-11

I expect Cam Ward to take a step forward, and even that looks shaky right now, but regardless, the Titans just aren't a dangerous team yet.

Dolphins 2-15

I don't know how Malik Willis is going to do away from the Packers, even though he will have a coach from that system. It is difficult to try and become a franchise QB for a team that hasn't had one, debatably, all century. But the Dolphins are actively tearing it all down as well.

Chargers 8-9

The Chargers division is now filled with two Super Bowl contenders, plus something inexplicably always happens to them during the season. It's easy to see an 8-9 finish for them.

Seahawks 10-7

I still expect the Seahawks to be good and make the playoffs, but I also expect their division to be loaded, and I think with the losses they have had and coaching changes, they will finish as the third team in this division

Cowboys 7-10

This is probably the most surprising result, but when you go game by game, even with the improvements to this team, it's just hard to find 9 wins. The Cowboys' schedule is very tough.

Packers 8-9

I don't foresee the NFC North having four teams with winning records again. The Packers have made the least impressive moves over the offseason, and they are losing Jacobs. I have them barely ahead of 4th place by the win-percentage tiebreaker.

Falcons 4-13

The Falcons still don't have a QB figured out, and their new coach is less than inspiring. They have talent, but it's not enough, and they haven't done anything to change that.

2nd Place Teams

Panthers 8-9

I like the Panthers a lot this year. Unfortunately, I have them falling just short of a winning season, but I foresee some surprise victories in their future.

Vikings 10-7

There's no reason the Vikings shouldn't bounce back right into the playoff picture. They have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, and if they put it together, they can beat anybody.

Commanders 9-8

A lot of people are writing the Commanders off, and I get it. QB coming off an injury; it's uncertain whether this will be the story of his career or a blip. Plus, the offensive line has taken a hit. I'm betting on Jayden returning to greatness.

49ers 12-5

49ers have had a media circus of an offseason, and last year didn't go the way they wanted. Despite all that, I think they are ready to bounce back.

Chiefs 12-5

I don't think the Chiefs are just gonna return to the very top and reclaim the division right away because they haven't constructed a team that strong. But even with some roster concerns, they have one of the GOAT QBs and coaches, and they are bringing back Eric Bieniemy. They are hungrier than they have ever been in a long time.

Patriots 10-7

I believe the Patriots will regress with a tougher schedule, but I don't think they will fall off. They are still gonna be a good team; their run wasn't fraudulent.

Colts 9-8

Nobody is really talking about the Colts, but with Daniel Jones back, this team should be back to being a top team in the AFC. Don't forget this is a very good team that was derailed by injury.

Bengals 11-6

I don't think the Bengals will be consistent enough to win the division. However, assuming they now have some semblance of defense, they should start doing a lot more winning.

1st Place Teams

Ravens 14-3

I'm going all in on this new coaching staff. The Ravens still have a lot, and if they tighten up on defense and leave behind some of their poor situational decisions from past years, they can make a splash.

Texans 12-5

First and foremost, I believe in this defense. I think it could be the league's best defense. I also just don't believe CJ Stroud could be as bad as he was in the playoffs again. I've watched him for years, and that was an outlier. Last season was the biggest wake-up call you could get, and the Texans have addressed the run game. They are ready to go for it all.

Bills 11-6

I expect the Bills to get better on both sides of the ball, especially on offense, and take back this division.

Broncos 13-4

The Broncos' defense is too good to downgrade; add that they have a brilliant offensive coach, a superstar young QB, and improved offensive personnel. This division still goes through Broncos Country.

Rams 13-4

The Rams are the Super Bowl favorites with the additions they made; of course, I have them winning the division

Eagles 13-4

As always, the Eagles' demise has been greatly exaggerated. I think they will have a better offensive coordinator. I think Saquon will bounce back, and without AJ brown leaking negative press and being a diva on the sideline, the Eagles can focus on doing what they do best: winning.

Lions 13-4

The Lions had a losing record and went undefeated against the division winners last year. The Lions may have had some bad injury luck last year, but after going through that and making some changes, I expect a big comeback. I don't see a Dan Campbell team staying down.

The Bucs 10-7

I'm not betting against underdog Baker. Plus, this was the best team in the division last year; they were derailed by injury.

Playoffs

NFC

Round 1

#2 Rams Defeat #7 Vikings

The Rams are a dream team this year, and unfortunately I think both Kyler and the Vikings will get déjà vu from their last playoff appearances against the Rams.

#6 Seahawks Defeated by #3 Lions

This is where the Seahawks' repeat campaign fizzles out. The Lions have the more complete team this year, and they will prove that.

#5 49ers Defeat #4 Bucs

I love the Bucs too, but I don't think coaching and talent are at the same level as the 49ers, and unfortunately they go home.

Round 2

Eagles Defeat 49ers

Eagles can match the 49ers pretty much everywhere but Jalen Hurts will provide the edge.

Lions Defeated by Rams

Another emotional rematch for the Rams and Lions, and this time I have the Rams getting their revenge and knocking the Lions out of the playoffs.

Conference Championship

Rams Defeat Eagles

The Rams are a Super Bowl favorite for a reason. They were pressing for a Super Bowl last year, and I think they have enough talent to finally surpass Philly.

AFC

Round 1

#7 Patriots Defeated By #2 Broncos

I think the Broncos' defense will smother the Patriots, and the Broncos' offense will operate pretty well against them.

#3 Texans Defeat the #6 Bengals

I think the Texans' defense shuts the Bengals down. We have seen it for years: defense wins championships, and when the Bengals ' high-flying offense meets the Texans, I expect them to stall out.

#4 Bills defeated by Chiefs

The Chiefs always beat the Bills, and I have no reason to believe that won't be the case this year as well.

Round 2

Chiefs defeated by Ravens

I think the first-seed Ravens will finally get over the hump. I expect them to manage the game better than they have in years past and take advantage of a Chiefs team that's dangerous but still vulnerable.

Texans defeat Broncos

Two great defenses and young QBs who have had a lot of success. I think the Texans' defense will win out. I expect CJ to be poised and win a low-scoring game.

Ravens vs. Texans

The Ravens are about the only team I think can stop the Texans. I think they have such an advantage at QB, and they have a running back that's gonna test this defense as much as it can be tested. Also, the Ravens have a pretty good track record against the Texans, and with Lamar, they can bust a game open against anyone.

Super Bowl

Ravens Defeat Rams

I have the Rams being upset in the last stage. Lamar and the Ravens do very well against NFC teams, and Lamar is the kind of player who can neutralize their biggest threat on defense, which is that defensive line.