2026 NFL Predictions: MVP, Super Bowl, Biggest Bust & Bold Predictions

Every NFL season brings unexpected breakout stars, disappointing teams, and bold storylines that nobody sees coming.

As the 2026 season approaches, everyone has predictions. Some will prove accurate, while others will age terribly. That's part of what makes football so much fun.

In this article, I'm sharing my biggest predictions for the 2026 NFL season—from my MVP pick and Super Bowl matchup to the team I believe will disappoint the most and the bold prediction that could shock the league.

Let's get into it.

My 2026 NFL MVP Prediction: Justin Herbert

If you're looking for a dark horse MVP candidate, my pick is Justin Herbert.

Herbert has always possessed elite arm talent, but I believe this season sets up differently than previous years. The Chargers have made significant offensive changes, and I expect those changes to unlock another level of Herbert's game. Mainly bringing in Mike McDaniels to lead that offense. With weapons like Hampton, Gadsden, McConkey, and Johnston, as well as an improved and healthy offensive line..this is the best chance Herbert has had to dominate.

Instead of relying solely on his arm, I believe we'll see Herbert become a more dynamic quarterback who creates plays both inside and outside the pocket.

That's why I want as many fantasy football shares of the Chargers offense as possible this season.

Why Herbert Can Win MVP

Several factors point toward a breakout year:

• An improved offensive system

• More explosive playmakers around him

• Increased opportunities to use his athleticism

• A team capable of competing for the playoffs

• Improved and healthy offensive line

• Improved AFC West that should lead to shootouts

  
  

The AFC is loaded with star quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Patrick Mahomes, but I believe Herbert finishes the year at the top of the MVP conversation.

The Chargers Could Be One of the NFL's Biggest Surprises

The Chargers aren't just interesting because of Herbert.

Their offense has the potential to become one of the league's most explosive units.

Running back Omarion Hampton should add another dimension to the offense, while Herbert's ability to stretch the field could create more room for the running game.

I don't necessarily believe Los Angeles is ready to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl, but I absolutely expect them to be a playoff team capable of making noise.

AFC Champion Prediction: Buffalo Bills

If I had to pick one AFC team to reach the Super Bowl, it's the Buffalo Bills.

Josh Allen has consistently kept Buffalo among the AFC's elite, but the Bills have repeatedly fallen just short of the ultimate goal.

This feels like the season they finally break through.

Why Buffalo Makes the Super Bowl

Several reasons stand out:

• Josh Allen remains one of football's most dangerous quarterbacks.

• Buffalo has added more offensive weapons.

• The offense should continue evolving.

• The Bills have enough experience to handle the pressure of another playoff run.

• New coaching staff and new stadium..just feels like the shakeup they have needed.

  
  

Every championship window eventually closes, but Buffalo's is still wide open.

NFC Champion Prediction: Los Angeles Rams

On the NFC side, I'm picking the Los Angeles Rams.

This roster has championship potential on both sides of the football.

The defense looks capable of becoming one of the NFL's best, while the offense continues to feature proven veterans alongside explosive young playmakers.

Matthew Stafford continues to defy expectations, and as long as he's healthy, the Rams remain legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

The combination of Stafford, Puka Nacua, Kyren Williams, and Blake Corum gives Los Angeles one of the league's most balanced offenses. And the defense could be absolutley legendary this season.

Super Bowl Prediction: Rams vs. Bills

My official Super Bowl prediction is:

Los Angeles Rams vs. Buffalo Bills

Both teams have championship-caliber quarterbacks, talented defenses, and enough offensive firepower to make deep playoff runs. Both teams are very similar and this would be a very fun Super Bowl matchup, and a rematch of a game we will get the watch on MNF in week 5 this season.

If this matchup happens, I believe the Rams ultimately come away with the Lombardi Trophy. Not to mention this would be a Rams home game, as So-Fi Stadium gets set to host Super Bowl 61 this February.

It wouldn't surprise me if this game becomes one of the most entertaining Super Bowls in recent memory.

Biggest NFL Bust Prediction: Seattle Seahawks

Every season, one team fails to live up to expectations.

My pick this year is the Seattle Seahawks.

That doesn't necessarily mean Seattle will be a bad football team.

Instead, I think expectations have become incredibly high following last season's success.

Repeating that kind of performance is difficult.

Why Seattle Could Regress

Several factors concern me:

• A difficult first-place schedule

• Key roster changes

• Losing important contributors

• Loss of Klint Kubiak, and other offensive coaches

• Strong competition within the NFC West

  
  

The Rams and 49ers remain dangerous, making every divisional game a challenge.

While Seattle still has elite talent—including Jaxon Smith-Njigba—I think they'll take a step backward compared to last season. Playing that first place schedule, plus the Rams and 49ers twice each, will be a tough task.

My Boldest NFL Prediction

Here's the prediction that could end up looking brilliant—or completely ridiculous.

I believe the Green Bay Packers miss the playoffs, and head coach Matt LaFleur loses his job.

That's a massive prediction considering Green Bay's recent success, and that I think LaFleur is a good coach who wins a lot of games.

However, expectations in today's NFL are higher than ever.

If the Packers underperform in a loaded NFC, ownership could decide it's time for a new voice leading the organization. Even with LaFleur's recent extension.

It's certainly not the most likely outcome, but bold predictions aren't supposed to be safe. Here is a bonus prediction as of July 2026...not only will LeFleur get fired, the Packers will pivot to Mike Tomlin as their next head coach next offseason.

Teams I'll Be Watching Closely

A few other teams have my attention entering the season:

• Kansas City Chiefs

• Los Angeles Chargers

• Buffalo Bills

• Los Angeles Rams

• Detroit Lions

  
  

Each has legitimate playoff aspirations, and several could find themselves competing for a championship by season's end.

Final Thoughts

The NFL has a way of proving everyone wrong.

Some of these predictions will hit. Others won't.

That's part of what makes football the best sport in the world.

Right now, though, I'm sticking with these predictions:

• NFL MVP: Justin Herbert

• AFC Champion: Buffalo Bills

• NFC Champion: Los Angeles Rams

• Super Bowl Champion: Los Angeles Rams

• Biggest Bust: Seattle Seahawks

• Boldest Prediction: Packers miss the playoffs and Matt LaFleur is fired.

  
  

The only certainty is that the 2026 NFL season will deliver plenty of surprises.

What are your bold predictions for the season? Leave a comment below, and let me know which prediction you agree—or disagree—with the most.

If you enjoy NFL predictions, fantasy football advice, and weekly football analysis, be sure to check back for more articles throughout the season and subscribe to Fat Daddy Sports on YouTube for new videos every week.