The 2026 NFL season is set to begin this week, with BBC Sport journalists offering their prognostications for who will lift the Lombardi Trophy at Super Bowl 61 next February. Following a postseason where seven of the eight division winners differed from the previous year, and underdogs Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots for their first championship in over a decade, expectations are high for another unpredictable campaign.
Super Bowl Predictions
There is strong consensus among the panel regarding the Los Angeles Rams, who have aggressively strengthened their roster by acquiring defensive end Myles Garrett. Rob Staton and Hugh Ferris both selected the Rams to represent the NFC. Ferris noted the difficulty in picking any team other than Los Angeles, while Staton pointed out that only two franchises have repeated as champions since the turn of the century, making a repeat unlikely but the Rams a formidable threat.
From the AFC, the Buffalo Bills are the overwhelming choice. Despite last season’s exit, experts including Ferris, Haydn Parry, Joe Bradshaw, and David Brindle believe quarterback Josh Allen is overdue for a deep playoff run. Bradshaw and Staton highlighted the impact of new head coach Joe Brady, an offensive-minded leader who previously served as Allen’s coordinator, suggesting he could unlock the quarterback’s full potential.
Ben Collins offered a contrarian view, envisioning a scenario where the Los Angeles Chargers reach the title game in their own stadium, while former Ram Jared Goff leads the Detroit Lions to victory.
MVP and Coaching Honors
For the Most Valuable Player award, Josh Allen remains the favorite according to Staton and Bradshaw. However, Hugh Ferris is looking outside the box to select Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, citing the potential influence of new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. Other candidates mentioned include Cowboys signal-caller Dak Prescott, Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, whose health will be pivotal.
The Coach of the Year race features several notable first-year head coaches. Ferris predicts Joe Brady will silence critics if the Bills succeed. Rob Staton opted for Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, expecting Houston’s defense to dominate. David Brindle backed Sean Payton, praising his work with the Denver Broncos, while Ben Collins selected Lions coach Dan Campbell, anticipating a strong rebound from a team hampered by defensive injuries last season.
Rookies and Surprise Teams
Among rookies, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling drew significant attention. With several receivers injured or unavailable, Ferris and Bradshaw believe Stribling, selected in the second round, could fill a major void. David Brindle highlighted Seahawks running back Jadarian Price, who steps into a starting role following Kenneth Walker’s departure, while Ben Collins pointed to Washington Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles.
When asked about surprise packages, Staton identified the Las Vegas Raiders as a team poised for growth under new head coach Klint Kubiak. Brindle suggested the Cincinnati Bengals could make a deep run if Joe Burrow stays healthy. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns were widely predicted to finish with the league’s worst record, with Staton and Ferris citing the ongoing turmoil surrounding quarterback Deshaun Watson as a primary reason for their pessimism.
De’Zhaun Stribling as a rookie impact player? Hard to believe he’ll start immediately, but the 49ers have holes at receiver.
Interesting that Ben Collins chose Dan Campbell for Coach of the Year. I wonder if he’s due for a bounce-back season after those injuries.
The Browns worst team again? Deshaun Watson drama never ends. At least the predictions are consistent, if not encouraging.
Ben Collins picking the Chargers is such a contrarian take. I’m curious to see if they can actually contend in their new stadium.
Joe Brady for Coach of the Year with the Bills feels like a lock if Josh Allen stays healthy. Their offense should be explosive.
Myles Garrett to the Rams? That’s a scary defensive line. I’m cautiously optimistic about their Super Bowl chances now.