Sports
NFL Writers Weigh In: Can Anyone Stop the Star-Studded Rams in 2026?
By Doug Farrar, Bryan Armen Graham, Andrew Lawrence, Graham Searles
Four NFL analysts offer their predictions for the 2026 season, debating trends, division winners, and a possible Super Bowl LXI outcome.
One major storyline is the league's shift back toward quarterbacks taking snaps under center rather than exclusively from shotgun formation, a trend led in 2025 by Matthew Stafford, Caleb Williams, and Sam Darnold.
The Los Angeles Rams have emerged as a potential superteam after acquiring veteran stars Myles Garrett and a returning Aaron Donald, joining Stafford, Puka Nacua, and a secondary bolstered by Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. Analysts note the Rams and Cincinnati Bengals have both invested heavily in defense this offseason, with the Rams trading for Garrett and the Bengals acquiring Pro Bowl tackle Dexter Lawrence, fueling speculation of a possible Super Bowl rematch between the two teams.
Aaron Rodgers' final season is also highlighted, with hopes he can help Pittsburgh compete for a wildcard spot under new play-caller Mike McCarthy.
Among teams expected to fall short of the playoffs despite talent, analysts pointed to the Minnesota Vikings, citing an unsettled quarterback competition despite a strong defense under Brian Flores, and the Dallas Cowboys, whose offense led by Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb may not be matched by a thin defensive front despite standouts Quinnen Williams and Rashan Gary.
The Bengals were named the most underrated team, given past near-misses in the Super Bowl and AFC Championship game, and the belief that a healthy Joe Burrow paired with Lawrence's defensive presence could return them to contention. The Chargers, Chiefs, and Buccaneers also received mention as potential surprise teams.
On the negative side, the Cleveland Browns' quarterback situation was flagged as particularly troubling, with Deshaun Watson set to start despite a difficult preseason and lingering off-field controversy. The Indianapolis Colts' quarterback situation with Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson was also cited as a risk area.
For MVP predictions, analysts named Drake Maye of the New England Patriots, citing his growth and new weapons including AJ Brown and Romeo Doubs; Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens, highlighting his dual-threat ability; and Joe Burrow of the Bengals twice, pointing to his weapons Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Rookie standouts identified include Caleb Downs of the Cowboys, Jadarian Price of the Seattle Seahawks, Jeremiyah Love of the Arizona Cardinals, and Carnell Tate of the Tennessee Titans.
Division winner predictions varied. In the AFC East, picks split between the Buffalo Bills, citing new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, and the New England Patriots. The AFC North favored the Bengals or Ravens. The AFC South leaned toward the Houston Texans, with some support for the Jacksonville Jaguars. The AFC West picks included the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, and Kansas City Chiefs.
In the NFC East, the Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles were both cited as contenders. The NFC North, described as the league's toughest division, saw votes split among the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Vikings. The NFC South favored the Buccaneers, though the New Orleans Saints and their quarterback Tyler Shough received mention. The NFC West was unanimously predicted to go to the Rams.
For Super Bowl LXI, predictions varied: Rams over Bills, Rams over Broncos, Bengals over Rams, and Broncos over Rams. Analysts pointed to the Rams' aggressive roster-building strategy, the Broncos' strong defense and offensive line, and the Bengals' potential for redemption behind Burrow as key factors in their predictions.