2026 NFL Division, Playoff, Award Predictions

Photo via houstontexans.com

The 2026 NFL season begins on Wednesday, September 9th, at Lumen Field. The Seattle Seahawks will receiver their rings in front of the visiting AFC Champion New England Patriots.

Meaning it is time to finalize our predictions!

I have discussed every NFL team this offseason in one fashion or another, but this article will serve as a mini-preview of each team's 2026 season as a whole.

We will be going through every division, predicting the record for every team, along with every NFL award and each conference champion. And of course the Super Bowl champions.

When I predict these records, they are all collectively possible, as I am going through the NFL season game by game on playoffpredictors.com.

Time to tell you what the 2026 NFL season has in store for us.

Starting in the AFC.

AFC West:

1. Los Angeles Chargers: 11-6 (4 seed)

Los Angeles lost their excellent DC in Jesse Minter, but added an excellent OC in Mike McDaniel. These are the defining moves of their offseason.

I am extremely excited to watch Justin Herbert in McDaniel's offense. While there is no superstar weapon, the cast is overly solid and well rounded. If both All-Pro tackles stay healthy, I see a top 10 offense in the Chargers' future.

It's a tough division, but if LA can win 4 of the 6, I think they can take the West.

2. Kansas City Chiefs: 10-7 (6 seed)

I mentioned a variety of reasons I believe Kansas City would rise back into the postseason in this article, and it of course starts with Patrick Mahomes. I sneakily like the Chiefs depth chart this year, and when Mahomes has a solid roster, it usually means postseason.

The defensive front is upgraded, and the secondary, while young, is sneaky good. I trust the defense to turn out well above average. And the offensive explosion should be back with Kenneth Walker. Having the worst explosive run rate in the NFL in 2025 is what killed Kansas City.

Despite finishing in 3rd place last season, the Chiefs do not have an easy schedule. They'll have to take care of the teams I have below them in this division to reach the postseason, as well as some tough NFC West opponents.

3. Denver Broncos: 9-8

The one seed missing the postseason? This was my toughest decision in this entire article, but I deferred to the Chiefs over Broncos.

The 14 win Broncos are essentially running back the same roster, only without DL John Franklin-Myers and with WR Jaylen Waddle. For Denver to rise above this record, Bo Nix needs to take another step in his play and truly maximize the offense with Waddle.

Denver's schedule is naturally tough, particularly the bookends. Starting with KC, JAX, LAR, SF, LAC, and SEA could be a make or break for the season. Especially considering their final three games are BUF, NE, LAC. The Broncos are a good team, very capable of winning these games. But they won't get away with winning close games in these matchups like they did in 2025.

4. Las Vegas Raiders: 6-11

I like this Raiders team. They made massive changes this offseason, in the coaching staff and roster. I appreciate how they gave themselves options on the offensive line and in the secondary. There's a lot of depth, we just aren't sure how good that depth is. I loved their draft class.

Like the rest of the division, Las Vegas has difficult games on their schedule. But they also have approximately 5 games against what many would consider bottom feeder teams.

If Klint Kubiak can create a consistent offense that is centered around a productive run game, the Raiders can easily hit the 6 win mark.

AFC North

1. Baltimore Ravens: 13-4 (3 seed)

One of the better rosters in the NFL has a new HC in Jesse Minter, who I believe can help launch this defense back into the elite tier of the NFL. Adding Trey Hendrickson, along with rookie Zion Young, to a defensive line that is getting Pro Bowl DT Nnamdi Madubuike back is an incredible upgrade.

The offensive line may be exposed at some point, but the offense should also be elite with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry in the backfield.

The Ravens schedule isn't particularly notable. There are tough AFC games in there, but no stretch that is particularly devastating. They end the year with four straight divisional games, so Baltimore has to finish strong.

2. Cincinnati Bengals: 10-7 (7 seed)

Adding Dexter Lawrence and Bryan Cook, along with a pair of new edge rushers, to this defense changes a lot. This is a Bengals team that has a 14-11 record with Joe Burrow on the field the past two seasons, and that's with one of the worst defenses in the NFL.

If Burrow plays a full season, it's hard to picture this team missing the postseason. Dexter Lawrence alone changes the outlook of an entire defense, and the Bengals made legit moves around him. It's hard to discuss it without having seen it, but I have belief.

Cincinnati also possesses a fairly winnable schedule.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers: 8-9

Unfortunately, this is the year I jump off the Pittsburgh train. I like a lot of what they offer. The defense is improved, especially with new DC Patrick Graham. I think they are more than reliable on all levels. The offensive line play should be strong as well.

And I do think the Steelers will remain incredibly competitive. My cop out for leaving them out of the playoffs is the QB. It's hard to win without elite offensive weapons when your QB doesn't throw the ball downfield.

4. Cleveland Browns: 3-14

Cleveland is a bad football team. They may have attempted to improve their offensive infrastructure, but they have no answer at QB and their hypothetically improved supporting cast is just hypothetical.

Despite trading Myles Garrett, this is still a strong defense. It's just at the top of the league anymore. Which means the 5 games you could win turns out closer to three. We'll see how Jared Verse looks this season.

AFC East

1. New England Patriots: 14-3 (1 seed)

Coming off a Super Bowl appearance, the Patriots will se a harder schedule this year. It won't matter at all. An upgraded receiving core and offensive line with an MVP quarterback, the Patriots should dominate again this season.

Defensively, they need veteran safety Kevin Byard to force turnovers and pay Christian Gonzalez the contract he deserves. Not having elite players at the DE and LB spots, along with a potentially spotty running game may keep the Patriots from reaching their ceiling, but I think they'll be just fine.

2. Buffalo Bills: 12-5 (5 seed)

Buffalo is relying on their new additions at DE, young players, and new DC Jim Leonhard to resurrect their defense. This is how they can be legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

An offense with Josh Allen and James Cook in the run game will be elite. We'll see if the new WR additions help the Bills increase their ceiling. But it really comes down to the defense.

Buffalo will need a hot start, with HOU, DET, LAC, NE, LAR being their first five, with BAL and MIN coming a couple weeks later.

3. New York Jets: 7-10

The Jets added a lot this offseason. The questions are with the play callers and QB, not exactly where you want to be asking questions. We'll see if the upgraded personnel helps up Aaron Glenn. New York truly does have a good offensive infrastructure, so Geno Smith's play will be the swing factor.

There are lots of winnable games in this Jets schedule. If Geno plays like he did in 2024, we might be asking if the Jets can beat New England or Buffalo, and if this helps them push for the postseason.

4. Miami Dolphins: 2-15

One of the worst rosters in the NFL, I have no positive expectations for Miami this year. It's hard to picture the method in which they would win a football game. Rushing for 200 yards and lucking into a couple turnovers, perhaps?

Miami doesn't exactly have an easy schedule either. Nine playoff teams from 2025, plus CIN, KC, MIN, and DET. Start watching college football, Dolphins fans. The 2027 draft class is looking good.

AFC South

1. Houston Texans: 14-3 (2 seed)

I do not sense a weakness on this defense. There was a moment where I was concerned about the depth up front, but then Houston drafted Kayden McDonald and signed Jadeveon Clowney. Nice.

In terms of ceiling, C.J. Stroud needs to step up, and I believe he will. The pass catching options are plenty good and the offensive line is upgraded. Now, how good can the run game be against elite competition? We shall see.

This may be an optimistic prediction, as Houston does have a difficult schedule. But when you have a defense like Houston's, it makes those tough games a lot easier.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: 8-9

Jacksonville has a fairly tough schedule. And I am not a fan of their offensive line, nor their defense. I like some of what they have defensively, but I am heavily concerned that they will not perform close to the level they did in 2025.

Trevor Lawrence would need an MVP level season in order to keep the Jaguars in the playoff race, let alone the division. I bring this up because it is possible. The Jags passing attack should be elite. Liam Coen is an elite play caller, and we saw Lawrence's ceiling for two months towards the end of the season. Can he replicate that for 4 months and not two?

3. Indianapolis Colts: 8-9

Indianapolis is on the verge of ending this era of Colts football, and an 8-9 record might do it. Their schedule is not easy, including starting off with BAL, KC, and HOU. The offense will need to replicate what they did in the first half of 2025 to push for the postseason.

Defensively, I like the pieces, and DC Lou Anarumo. But will the pass rush be enough to consistently impact opposing offenses? I'm not sure. A lot needs to go right for the Colts to have success in 2026.

4. Tennessee Titans: 5-12

How much of an impact will HC Robert Saleh and OC Brian Daboll have week to week? These are two trustworthy play callers in the past, will it be this way for the Titans? They added to the roster, but my confidence is higher in the coaches rather than the players.

I don't believe the offensive line and run game are good enough for Cam Ward to take a big leap, at least to the point where it translates to wins. Or to become "this years Patriots."

Tennessee has winnable games, and could stir things up within the division. It just seems as though they are in a different class from the teams above them in the South.

Onto the NFC...

NFC West

1. Los Angeles Rams: 13-4 (1 seed)

The defensive additions have been discussed repeatedly. This is a team that not only could, but probably should, finish number one in offense and defense. No matter what metric you look at.

Now, the schedule is not a cakewalk. We will know a lot about this Rams team by the time we reach the postseason, having to go through a tough division, as well as KC, GB, TB, PHI, LAC, BUF, and MIN. This will not be an undefeated squad, but they will be prepared for the playoffs.

2. San Francisco 49ers: 10-7 (6 seed)

San Francisco is heavily relying on many players who have had injury questions over the last year. But the team is just so solid, and that's pending how good their superstars look coming off of injuries.

A lot will come down to the pass rush, or what new DC Raheem Morris can scheme up to put pressure on the QB, something the 49ers were awful at in 2025.

The 49ers schedule is not easy, with a stretch of LAC, KC, and PHI in Weeks 15-17. There are many key NFC matchups(divisional games, MIN, DAL) that SF will have to win to reach the postseason.

3. Seattle Seahawks: 10-7 (7 seed)

Seattle got worse during this offseason, but the roster is still strong, and Mike Macdonald has the key pieces defensively to produce an elite unit. Macdonald is really the key here, I don't see him as the type to allow his team to falter.

I do question the offense. Statistically, it was not great in 2025. But, because of Klint Kubiak's strong-willed philosophy, the Seahawks were able to produce good results with play-action. Will new OC Brian Fleury demonstrate the same willpower?

Seattle, like the rest of their division, has a difficult schedule.

4. Arizona Cardinals: 3-14

A sneaky good roster is buried in an incredibly tough division and does not have a franchise QB. We will see if new HC Mike LaFleur can help out either Jacoby Brissett or Carson Beck produce good results, especially from an efficiency perspective. If so, Arizona will be a fun team to track with a bevy of offensive weapons.

Questions at QB and a bad defense, when having a hard schedule, is a recipe for a bottom of the barrel season.

NFC North

1. Minnesota Vikings: 11-6 (2 seed)

Minnesota was a 9 win team that has upgraded at the most important position. The entire season comes down to Kyler Murray's health. I largely trust Kevin O'Connell, and 100% trust Brian Flores on defense.

Despite losing Jonathan Greenard, Flores can generate pressure. I also appreciate the recent Kyle Van Noy signing, overall defensive draft class, and Harrison Smith is back! I have no concerns about where the Vikings will end up statistically on defense.

I have an odd confidence about Minnesota winning a lot of divisional games, and I don't find their overall schedule to be outwardly difficult. Seems like an easy double digit win season.

2. Detroit Lions: 11-6 (5 seed)

Both All-Pro safeties are starting the season on the PUP list. This is not ideal, as Detroit's defense is in bad shape without Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. Will rookie Derrick Moore be enough to provide enough pass rush?

I believe the Lions are good enough to make the postseason regardless, but the ceiling is significantly lower without healthy safeties. The offense will be quite elite, with an upgraded offensive line.

And, like Minnesota, I do not see a major issue with their schedule. I'd be shocked if Detroit didn't coast to double digit wins.

3. Chicago Bears: 7-10

A very bad defense, and a very good offense, even though the personnel is downgraded from 2025. I'm not sure Ben Johnson's magic play calling will be enough to lift Chicago to the postseason.

And yes, this defense will be awful unless 6th round DT Jordan van den Berg is Aaron Donald. Even the good parts, the secondary, isn't good. Kyler Gordon is out and Coby Bryant is done for the season.

Chicago will need a great divisional record, which they did not have last year(2-4), to have a shot at the postseason.

4. Green Bay Packers: 7-10

Green Bay was 0-5 without Micah Parsons last season, and will be without Parsons for at least 4 weeks to start the season. And even with Parsons, I do not trust this defense. The CBs are weak and the pass rush outside of Parsons is a question mark.

Matt LaFleur will need to embrace a pass heavy offense, something he has not done in his 8 year tenure. Let Jordan Love and this group of high potential pass catchers do their thing. That will be the Packers best shot at success this season.

NFC East

1. Philadelphia Eagles: 10-7 (3 seed)

Somehow, this might be the most stacked roster we have seen out of Philadelphia in recent years. The Riq Woolen and Jonathan Greenard additions to this defense are overwhelming. The only question that must be answered is how the new offensive scheme works under OC Sean Mannion. Jalen Hurts and co have not run a Shanahan-esque scheme. Will this massively benefit the run game and rhythm of the offense, or will Hurts struggle to throw over the middle?

The Eagles will certainly be tested, with a stretch of IND, SEA, HOU, and SF from Weeks 14-17. But a team like Philly will win enough games to at least get to the dance.

2. Dallas Cowboys: 9-8

I did not end up making space for Dallas, who made notable upgrades to their defense this offseason. It mostly relies on new DC Christian Parker and DB Caleb Downs, and hoping the edge room can apply pressure. I'm not sure I fully trust the defensive line and CBs, although they both could work out.

I really do see a world where Dallas has an elite offense with a more than passable defense, but even in this world, it won't be an easy road to the playoffs. Having to face Philly twice, in addition to SF, LAR, SEA, HOU, BAL, and JAX, Dallas will need to win some tough game, especially against those NFC opponents. Their season likely comes down to those NFC West matchups. The Cowboys are fighting with those teams for one of the final playoff spots.

3. Washington Commanders: 7-10

Washington comes into this season looking so much better and so much younger. But will they fall to the level of their weak spots? I love the way the defense has been constructed, but the CBs can be picked on, especially with Trey Amos out to start the season. The pass rush is better, but that's a low bar. Can it be good enough to offset the CB issue?

And without All-Pro LT Laremy Tunsil, the offensive line goes from a strength to a weakness. And that does not help the concerns I already had about the run game. Jayden Daniels will need an MVP type of performance to push Washington towards playoff contention, which I do believe he is capable of.

This is not an easy schedule for the Commanders to take on, and although I wanted to put them back into the postseason, they really do need the best from Daniels. Again, it's possible, but it's tough to predict.

4. New York Giants: 5-12

I still do not see how a bottom three run defense will improve after trading away one of the best run defenders in the NFL. As much as I like Arvell Reese, that's not drastically moving the needle. There is a lot to be optimistic about for the Giants, but the roster simply is not complete enough to have a winning season.

And I personally do not trust the offensive coaching staff of Matt Nagy and Greg Roman to consistently put Jaxson Dart in the best situation. Although Dart as an individual does intrigue me, especially when he will get to throw the ball to Malik Nabers and Isaiah Likely this season.

NFC South

1. New Orleans Saints: 9-8

A high ranking defense in 2025, I do believe in Brandon Staley to design another above average unit this season. It will require growth out of some young players, particularly their 2025 draft class, but they all showed good things as rookies, so I believe.

The offense was the issue a season ago, and it's what i am confident in for this season. A steady offensive line, upgraded run game, and improved receiving core for Tyler Shough in Year 2.

This is a weak division, New Orleans is ascending as a team, and they have at least 8 very winnable games on this schedule. I have them going worst to first.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 8-9

Tampa feels underrated coming into this season, and I may be underrating them as well, with another sub .500 season. Their defensive front is very strong, the LB core is upgraded, and they have a good safety duo. The CBs are a potential weakness, but Todd Bowles' defense is set up for success.

And the offensive line and skill groups look strong too! Maybe I am underrating Tampa. For me, it comes down to the coaching staff and QB. Can Bowles be creative defensively? Does Baker Mayfield mesh with new OC Zac Robinson?

It also doesn't help that Tampa has a bit of a harder schedule in my eyes, with matchups against both LA teams, while the Saints get to face LV and ARI. In the end, it will come down to the divisional matchups.

3. Carolina Panthers: 7-10

The division winners from a year ago finish a game worse, but they might be a better team. The schedule is just more difficult, and the offense doesn't seem like it will take any significant strides. And losing Nic Scourton as a team that was trying to upgrade the pass rush hurts the Panthers a lot.

I do not think Carolina will be a bad team, they may even perform better than 2025. But that does not mean it will translate to more wins.

4. Atlanta Falcons: 5-12

It seems as if the public has caught up to how poor Atlanta looks going into the season, as this was my thought all the way back in June. Week 1 is four days away, and we still do not know who is starting at QB for the Falcons.

And what I thought was an intriguing defense with a young defensive front, all of that has been blown up in the last month. James Pearce Jr will likely be suspended, Jalon Walker is out for the season, Zach Harrison was released, and they traded for Gervon Dexter. Who knows what it will look like.

All I know is that it will be difficult to win games with whoever is at QB for the Falcons.

FULL STANDINGS: Playoff Seeding:

AFC West:

Chargers 11-6 1. Patriots

Chiefs 10-7 2. Texans

Broncos 9-8 3. Ravens

Raiders 6-11 4. Chargers

AFC North: 5. Bills

Ravens 13-4 6. Chiefs

Bengals 10-7 7. Bengals

Steelers 8-9

Browns 3-14

AFC East:

Patriots 14-3

Bills 12-5

Jets 7-10

Dolphins 2-15

AFC South:

Texans 14-3

Jaguars 8-9

Colts 8-9

Titans 5-12

NFC West: 1. Rams

Rams 13-4 2. Vikings

49ers 10-7 3. Eagles

Seahawks 10-7 4. Saints

Cardinals 3-14 5. Lions

NFC North: 6. 49ers

Vikings 11-6 7. Seahawks

Lions 11-6

Bears 7-10

Packers 7-10

NFC East:

Eagles 10-7

Cowboys 9-8

Commanders 7-10

Giants 5-12

NFC South:

Saints 9-8

Buccaneers 8-9

Panthers 7-10

Falcons 5-12

NFL Award Predictions:

MVP - Drake Maye

This comes down to my belief in Maye over all else. And the fact that, out of my other top candidates, I think the Patriots will be the best team. Looking at the past 3 seasons now, there does not appear to be a consistent criteria for MVP. Maye will continue his elite play, conduct an elite offense, and once again finish on top of the NFC East. His case will be easiest to make my seasons' end.

OPOY - Jahmyr Gibbs

Gibbs is one of the most electric, and efficient, runners in the NFL who can also produce TDs at a high rate. And he now has the Lions backfield all to himself. He's one of the more elite offensive skill players in the NFL, this year looks like his best shot for OPOY.

DPOY - Will Anderson Jr

Anderson was my pick last year, but was bested by one of the single greatest seasons we have ever seen. Defensive ends have an inherent advantage with this award, and Anderson is an elite player who will produce elite numbers on an elite defense. He's due for a DPOY.

OROY - Carnell Tate

I think Tate fits Cam Ward's playstyle to a tee, which should lead to plenty of targets and big plays. We'll see how aggressive Tennessee is throwing the football, but I think Tate has as good of a shot as any at winning OROY.

In all honestly, my easy first choice for this was Saints WR Jordyn Tyson, but he suffered what is reportedly a brutal hamstring injury in training camp.

DROY - Rueben Bain Jr

The 15th overall pick fell in the draft, but landed on a team that will be in the division race until the end. And on a defensive front with lots of talent, giving him an easier path to having enough production to bring home the DROY.

CPOY - Kyler Murray

Comeback player of the year is a bit wishy washy at this point, but I think Murray hits the qualifications. He's been injured for years, including a foot injury that knocked him out for most of 2025. This, plus just not performing at his highest level, gives him a good case. And I think he will lead a good Vikings team to the postseason.

POY - Penei Sewell

In the second year of this award's existence, there is a chance they give it to an older player(Johnson, Williams). But Penei Sewell switching to LT on an elite offense as he paves way for one of the best run games in the NFL should put him in the conversation. If he keeps a clean sheet when it comes to sacks, voters will love Sewell.

COY - Kellen Moore

A coach leading his team to the postseason in Year 2, with an offense that I believe will take a big leap from his first season in New Orleans. Even in a poor division, the Saints offense, led by Year 2 Tyler Shough, should take a big enough leap to where a postseason berth could land Moore Coach of the Year honors.

AFC Champion - Houston Texans

Houston has a defense that is more than capable of carrying them through the AFC during the postseason. It's just a matter of the offense staying afloat, which I believe they can. The offensive ceiling could limit the Texans against truly elite competition, but it's rare to run into that.

NFC Champion - Los Angeles Rams

It is difficult to project anything other than this outcome. Outside of projecting injuries, there's no reason the best offense in the NFL that is adding Jaylen Watson, Trent McDuffie, Myles Garrett, and Aaron Donald to their defense should not make the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl Champion - Los Angeles Rams

Perhaps the most boring prediction of all time, but it's what I come up with. When you really think about each matchup, I don't see how Houston can get past the Rams in this hypothetical Super Bowl.

Super Bowl MVP - Matthew Stafford

If the Rams win the Super Bowl, the media will force Stafford to win SBMVP, no matter the performance. It happens with every notable QB. But I'm sure Stafford would have a good game, as he typically does.

Thank you for reading through my 2026 predictions article!

Let me know your hot takes for this coming season! What did you agree, or disagree, with from my predictions? How do you think your team will perform in 2026?

Stay tuned for more NFL and 49ers articles, news, and opinions!