NFL Experts Weigh In on 2026 Season: Early Super Bowl and MVP Predictions

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NFL Experts Weigh In on 2026 Season: Early Super Bowl and MVP Predictions

With the Seattle Seahawks having just hoisted the Vince Lombardi Trophy as Super Bowl LX champions, the NFL's 2026 offseason is officially underway. The period between now and the kickoff of the 2026 season is ripe with anticipation, free agency speculation, and draft-day dreams. Recognizing the inherent interest in what lies ahead, a distinguished group of 11 NFL experts has offered their early forecasts for the upcoming campaign.

These seasoned analysts—including Matt Bowen, Jeremy Fowler, Dan Graziano, Pamela Maldonado, Eric Moody, Jason Reid, Aaron Schatz, Ben Solak, Mike Tannenbaum, Seth Walder, and Field Yates—have delved into their crystal balls to predict the Super Bowl LXI matchup and the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Beyond these marquee predictions, each expert also shared one significant forecast concerning the offseason or the forthcoming season, providing a comprehensive outlook on the league's potential trajectory.

The central questions loom large: Will the Seahawks be able to defend their title and achieve back-to-back Super Bowl victories, a feat accomplished by only a handful of teams in NFL history? Or will a new franchise emerge to claim championship glory? Furthermore, who is poised to be the league's next MVP? This collective foresight aims to illuminate the potential contenders and storylines, beginning with the anticipated Super Bowl LXI champion.

Super Bowl LXI Picks:

Matt Bowen, an NFL analyst, foresees the Chicago Bears triumphing over the Buffalo Bills. While Chicago needs to bolster its pass rush, Bowen believes the offensive foundation is solid under new coach Ben Johnson. With the playmaking ability of quarterback Caleb Williams, the Bears are projected to defeat Josh Allen's Bills for Super Bowl LXI.

Jeremy Fowler, a national NFL reporter, predicts the Los Angeles Rams will defeat the Denver Broncos. Fowler notes that the Rams matched up well against Seattle last season and are poised to make another deep run. The connection between veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford and head coach Sean McVay continues to strengthen, and while the secondary was a late-season concern, he expects the Rams to address it for better roster balance.

Dan Graziano, a national NFL reporter, is backing the Kansas City Chiefs to beat the Green Bay Packers. Graziano remains unfazed by a single down season and a torn ACL, expressing confidence in quarterback Patrick Mahomes and coach Andy Reid. He anticipates Mahomes and the Chiefs' offense returning to form, securing their third Super Bowl title in five seasons.

Pamela Maldonado, a sports betting analyst, picks the San Francisco 49ers over the Buffalo Bills. Maldonado highlights that despite significant injuries to key players like Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and George Kittle during the challenging 2025 season, the 49ers still managed 12 wins and a playoff victory. She argues that a roster tested by such adversity is well-equipped to contend once health stabilizes.

Eric Moody, a fantasy analyst, favors the Denver Broncos over the Seattle Seahawks. Moody feels the Broncos are undervalued despite winning the AFC West and tying for the league's best record last season. He points out that repeating as Super Bowl champions is historically difficult, with only nine teams achieving the feat, and champions often lose key players in free agency.

Jason Reid, a senior NFL writer for Andscape, predicts a Kansas City Chiefs victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Reid emphasizes that Patrick Mahomes' competitive drive will ensure his return to peak form. With Mahomes entering his age-31 season, Reid believes the Chiefs' championship window, supported by CEO Clark Hunt, coach Andy Reid, and GM Brett Veach, remains wide open for a potential fourth Super Bowl title since 2019.

Aaron Schatz, an NFL analyst, forecasts an all-Los Angeles Super Bowl matchup at SoFi Stadium between the Rams and the Chargers. Schatz notes the Rams' top-ranked offense and the inherent consistency of offensive play. He expects the Chargers to benefit from the return of their starting offensive tackles and the addition of Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator, along with ample cap space to address offseason needs.

Ben Solak, an NFL analyst, is bullish on the Houston Texans, predicting they will defeat the Rams. Solak is impressed by the Texans' defense, which he expects to remain intact, and the offensive growth shown throughout a season of transition with a new offensive coordinator and a revamped offensive line. He anticipates a significant leap for Houston with an improved running game.

Mike Tannenbaum, an NFL analyst, predicts the Washington Commanders will upset the Buffalo Bills. Tannenbaum believes quarterback Jayden Daniels will stay healthy and have a breakout season, playing every game and ultimately outdueling Josh Allen in a high-scoring 45-42 affair in Los Angeles.

Seth Walder, an NFL analyst, sides with the Los Angeles Chargers over the Green Bay Packers. While acknowledging the annual offseason hype surrounding the Chargers, Walder believes this year might be different. He cites the potential return to health of their two excellent offensive tackles, Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, as a built-in solution to their biggest weakness. The addition of Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator further solidifies Walder's belief.

Field Yates, an NFL analyst, also picks the Los Angeles Rams over the Denver Broncos. Yates predicts that the two teams that fell short in the conference championship games last season will find a way to reach the pinnacle in 2026. He notes that the Rams would become the third team to win a Super Bowl in their home stadium, following their own victory at SoFi Stadium after the 2021 season.

MVP Picks:

Matt Bowen, NFL analyst, backs Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys. Prescott surpassed 4,500 passing yards and threw 30 touchdowns last season. With the Cowboys likely to retain receiver George Pickens via the franchise tag, Prescott is expected to deliver high-level numbers again for a team that could contend for the NFC East title in 2026, especially with a potentially improved defense.

Jeremy Fowler, national NFL reporter, selects Bijan Robinson, RB, Falcons. Fowler suggests coach Raheem Morris might be correct in calling Robinson the league's best player. He describes Robinson as "breathtaking" and believes another 2,000-plus total yard season, especially if Atlanta makes a playoff push, will garner MVP consideration. Robinson is expected to thrive in Kevin Stefanski's wide-zone system.

Dan Graziano, national NFL reporter, is predicting Caleb Williams, QB, Bears, for MVP. Graziano sees a bright future for Williams under coach Ben Johnson with a Bears team that developed ahead of schedule. He highlights Williams' "fourth-quarter clutch gene" and anticipates ample opportunities for him to showcase his talent in the competitive NFC North, even if the Bears' defense improves.

Pamela Maldonado, sports betting analyst, picks Christian McCaffrey, RB, 49ers. Maldonado identifies McCaffrey as the engine of the 49ers' offense, who posted 1,202 rushing yards and 924 receiving yards while carrying the team through injuries. If San Francisco maintains its health and achieves another 12-plus win season, Maldonado believes voters will recognize the league's most complete offensive playmaker.

Eric Moody, fantasy analyst, selects Josh Allen, QB, Bills, for MVP. Moody acknowledges that the window for an Allen Super Bowl win might not last forever, but Buffalo is well-positioned. Since Joe Brady took over as offensive coordinator in Week 11 of the 2023 season, the Bills have averaged 29.1 points per game, a stretch during which Allen won his first MVP in 2024. Moody believes Allen is a strong MVP candidate again, particularly if Buffalo acquires a top-tier wide receiver this offseason.

Jason Reid, Andscape senior NFL writer, predicts Jordan Love, QB, Packers, will win MVP. Reid anticipates that next season will be Love's fourth directing Matt LaFleur's offense, and with continued development and a strong supporting cast, Love is positioned to be a leading MVP candidate.

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