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The 2026 NFL season arrives with plenty of questions. Several contenders enter the year with legitimate Super Bowl hopes. Meanwhile, several rebuilding teams could surprise the league. The defending champion Seattle Seahawks enter with plenty of confidence. They finished 14-3 before winning three playoff games last season. However, the NFC looks much more competitive this year. The AFC also features several teams chasing Buffalo, Kansas City and Baltimore. Therefore, these predictions include some bold calls. Here is how I see all 32 teams finishing in 2026.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills — 12-5
The Bills reclaim the AFC East crown. Josh Allen remains one of football’s most dangerous quarterbacks. Buffalo also gets a fresh start under head coach Joe Brady. The schedule presents challenges early and late. Buffalo faces Baltimore, Kansas City and Chicago after its Week 7 bye. Still, Allen’s ability gives Buffalo a high floor. Prediction: AFC East champions and AFC Championship Game appearance.
New England Patriots — 10-7
New England takes another major step forward. The Patriots reached the AFC Championship Game last season. They also finished 14-3 after going 4-13 previously. Their biggest challenge involves maintaining that momentum. I expect Mike Vrabel’s team to remain physical and disciplined. However, the Patriots face a much tougher road this time. Prediction: Wild-card berth.
Miami Dolphins — 7-10
Miami finally starts another rebuild. The Dolphins still have offensive talent, but consistency remains the biggest concern. Their defense also needs to create more game-changing plays. I expect Miami to remain competitive against weaker opponents. However, the Dolphins will struggle against the AFC’s top teams. Prediction: Third place in the AFC East.
New York Jets — 5-12
The Jets remain stuck in the middle of a rebuild. There will be encouraging moments throughout the season. However, quarterback consistency will determine their ceiling. The defense should keep several games close. Still, New York lacks enough offensive firepower. Prediction: Fourth place in the AFC East.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens — 12-5
The Ravens bounce back in a major way. Baltimore endured a disappointing 2025 season. Lamar Jackson also battled injuries during that campaign. Now, Baltimore adds more defensive talent and new coaching ideas. The addition of Trey Hendrickson gives the defense another major pass-rush weapon. Jackson should also return to MVP-level form. Prediction: AFC North champions and Super Bowl contender.
Cincinnati Bengals — 11-6
Joe Burrow leads Cincinnati back into the playoffs. The Bengals still possess one of football’s best quarterback-receiver combinations. Ja’Marr Chase gives Cincinnati a weekly matchup problem. The defense remains the biggest concern. Nevertheless, Burrow should win several close games. Prediction: Wild-card berth.
Pittsburgh Steelers — 8-9
Pittsburgh finally experiences a losing season. Mike McCarthy takes over a team with plenty of defensive talent. However, the quarterback situation creates too many questions. The Steelers will remain competitive in most games. Still, they will struggle against Baltimore and Cincinnati. Prediction: Third place in the AFC North.
Cleveland Browns — 4-13
Cleveland remains near the bottom of the AFC. The Browns have some promising young pieces. However, the roster still needs more talent. The quarterback position remains the biggest concern. Therefore, I expect another developmental season. Prediction: Fourth place in the AFC North.
AFC South
Jacksonville Jaguars — 11-6
Jacksonville becomes one of the AFC’s biggest surprises. The Jaguars have quietly built a talented roster. Their defense should create problems for opposing offenses. Meanwhile, their offense should become more consistent. The division also gives Jacksonville several winnable games. Prediction: AFC South champions and playoff breakthrough.
Houston Texans — 10-7
Houston reaches the playoffs again. C.J. Stroud remains the biggest factor for this team. The defense should keep Houston competitive throughout the season. However, the Texans face a difficult divisional battle. Jacksonville edges them for the division crown. Prediction: Wild-card berth.
Indianapolis Colts — 7-10
Indianapolis improves but misses the playoffs. The Colts have enough talent to win several games. However, consistency remains their biggest obstacle. They should compete for the division into December. Still, Houston and Jacksonville remain slightly ahead. Prediction: Third place in the AFC South.
Tennessee Titans — 5-12
Tennessee remains a work in progress. The Titans have some promising young players. However, the roster still lacks enough overall depth. They will steal a few games at home. Nevertheless, another losing season seems likely. Prediction: Fourth place in the AFC South.
AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs — 11-6
Patrick Mahomes returns to his superstar form. Mahomes suffered a serious knee injury during the 2025 season. However, reports indicate optimism about his Week 1 availability. Kansas City also added more weapons around him. Andy Reid remains one of the league’s best coaches. The Chiefs may not dominate like before. Still, Mahomes gives them enough to win the division. Prediction: AFC West champions.
Los Angeles Chargers — 10-7
The Chargers finally make another playoff run. Justin Herbert remains an elite quarterback. Mike McDaniel now brings a different offensive approach to Los Angeles. That could unlock another level from Herbert. The Chargers face a challenging schedule, though. Prediction: Wild-card berth.
Denver Broncos — 9-8
Denver narrowly misses the playoffs. The Broncos remain one of the league’s most complete teams. However, their early schedule looks extremely challenging. Denver faces Jacksonville, the Rams, San Francisco and Los Angeles early. That stretch could leave little room for error. Prediction: Third place in the AFC West.
Las Vegas Raiders — 4-13
Las Vegas begins another difficult chapter. The Raiders have talent, but their roster still needs more depth. The quarterback position also remains a major question. Several games will remain competitive. However, winning consistently will prove difficult. Prediction: Fourth place in the AFC West.
NFC East
Philadelphia Eagles — 11-6
Philadelphia wins the NFC East again. The Eagles still have an excellent roster. Jalen Hurts remains the engine behind their offense. The Eagles lost A.J. Brown during the offseason. They added Hollywood Brown and Dontayvion Wicks instead. I expect Hurts to run more often again. That should create more opportunities for the entire offense. Prediction: NFC East champions.
Dallas Cowboys — 10-7
Dallas finally returns to the playoffs. The Cowboys have enough offensive talent to score points. Their biggest concern remains defensive consistency. Still, Dak Prescott should lead several fourth-quarter comebacks. Dallas also gets several favorable divisional matchups. Prediction: Wild-card berth.
New York Giants — 7-10
The Giants show noticeable improvement. Their defense should keep them competitive. However, the offense still needs more consistency. A seven-win season would represent meaningful progress. New York remains outside the playoff picture. Prediction: Third place in the NFC East.
Washington Commanders — 5-12
Washington takes a major step backward. Jayden Daniels still possesses tremendous talent. However, the roster around him creates legitimate concerns. Recent reports also point toward offensive-line and receiver issues. Those problems could make life difficult for Daniels. Prediction: Fourth place in the NFC East.
NFC North
Detroit Lions — 12-5
Detroit returns to the top of the NFC North. The Lions finished 9-8 last season. However, injuries played a major role in their struggles. Their 2026 schedule also ranks among the league’s most favorable. I expect Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown to lead the rebound. Prediction: NFC North champions and NFC title contender.
Green Bay Packers — 10-7
Green Bay reaches the playoffs again. The Packers possess enough young talent to remain dangerous. Jordan Love needs to become more consistent in big moments. If he does, Green Bay could surprise the NFC. However, Detroit remains slightly ahead. Prediction: Wild-card berth.
Minnesota Vikings — 9-8
Minnesota narrowly misses the playoffs. The Vikings should remain competitive under Kevin O’Connell. Their defense could carry them through several difficult stretches. However, the offense must become more consistent. Nine wins feels like the realistic middle ground. Prediction: Third place in the NFC North.
Chicago Bears — 8-9
Chicago takes a small step backward. The Bears won the NFC North last season with an 11-6 record. Caleb Williams remains capable of spectacular plays. However, Chicago faces a much tougher schedule this year. The defense also needs to replace important pieces. Prediction: Fourth place in the NFC North.
NFC South
Carolina Panthers — 10-7
Carolina becomes my biggest NFC surprise. The Panthers showed progress last season. Now, Bryce Young gets another opportunity to establish himself. The defense should also improve under Dave Canales. I expect Carolina to win several close games. Prediction: NFC South champions.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 9-8
Tampa Bay stays in the playoff conversation. The Buccaneers still have enough offensive talent. Their defense will determine whether they can make another postseason push. I expect them to remain competitive until December. However, Carolina gets the division edge. Prediction: Second place in the NFC South.
Atlanta Falcons — 8-9
Atlanta improves but remains inconsistent. The Falcons have enough talent to beat playoff contenders. However, they still need more consistency at quarterback. Their defense should keep several games close. Prediction: Third place in the NFC South.
New Orleans Saints — 5-12
New Orleans enters another rebuilding season. The Saints have some useful pieces. However, they lack the overall depth of stronger NFC teams. The defense should produce a few surprises. Still, five wins feels realistic. Prediction: Fourth place in the NFC South.
NFC West
Seattle Seahawks — 12-5
Seattle remains the NFC’s team to beat. The Seahawks won the Super Bowl after a 14-3 regular season. Mike Macdonald has built a tough, disciplined football team. Now, the challenge involves handling increased expectations. I expect Seattle to win the NFC West again. Prediction: NFC West champions and Super Bowl favorite.
Los Angeles Rams — 11-6
The Rams create the league’s most fascinating roster. Aaron Donald returned from retirement on a one-year deal. Myles Garrett also joined the team after a blockbuster trade. Matthew Stafford enters another season after winning MVP. That combination gives Los Angeles enormous upside. However, age creates some obvious concerns. Prediction: Wild-card berth and NFC Championship Game appearance.
San Francisco 49ers — 10-7
San Francisco returns to the playoffs. Christian McCaffrey remains the offensive centerpiece. The 49ers also have enough defensive talent to win close games. Injuries remain the biggest concern. If they stay healthy, San Francisco could challenge Seattle. Prediction: Wild-card berth.
Arizona Cardinals — 6-11
Arizona remains competitive but misses the playoffs. The Cardinals have several promising young players. However, the roster still needs more depth. Their defense should keep them within striking distance. Six wins feels like a reasonable projection. Prediction: Fourth place in the NFC West.
My 2026 NFL Playoff Picture
The AFC playoff teams:
Buffalo Bills
Baltimore Ravens
Jacksonville Jaguars
Kansas City Chiefs
Cincinnati Bengals
New England Patriots
Los Angeles Chargers
The NFC playoff teams:
Seattle Seahawks
Detroit Lions
Philadelphia Eagles
Carolina Panthers
Los Angeles Rams
San Francisco 49ers
Dallas Cowboys
My biggest surprises include Jacksonville and Carolina winning their divisions. I also expect Detroit to rebound after last season’s disappointing finish. Meanwhile, Chicago’s regression could become one of the NFC’s biggest stories. The biggest playoff battle should come in the AFC. Buffalo, Baltimore, Kansas City and Jacksonville all have championship potential. However, Seattle remains my favorite to represent the NFC. The Seahawks already proved they can handle the pressure. Now, they must prove they can handle the target. Super Bowl prediction: Buffalo Bills over Seattle Seahawks. Josh Allen finally gets his Lombardi Trophy. That would make this season one of the most memorable chapters in Buffalo history.
Let’s see how many I get right. Tell me if I am right or wrong?
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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