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2026 NFL predictions: Experts pick Super Bowl winner, MVP - ESPN
Entertainment and CultureBy ESPN staff9/9/20261 min read
We asked our NFL analysts and reporters to make predictions for the 2026 season. Who are their favorites to win the Super Bowl and the MVP award?
✨ Key Highlights
- The 2026 NFL season kicks off with a Super Bowl LX rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, with the question of whether Seattle can repeat as champions.
- Super Bowl LXI is scheduled for Feb. 14, 2027, at SoFi Stadium, and ESPN gathered predictions from more than 60 analysts, writers, commentators, and pundits.
- Experts weighed in on their picks for the AFC and NFC conference champions, the Super Bowl LXI winner, and the regular-season MVP.
- In the AFC, the Denver Broncos emerged as a popular choice, with numerous experts including Mina Kimes, Mike Greenberg, Cynthia Frelund, and Louis Riddick backing them to reach the conference title.
- Other frequently cited AFC contenders included the Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, and Cincinnati Bengals, reflecting a wide split among the panel.
- The predictions are part of ESPN's broader NFL season preview content, offering additional news and analysis ahead of Week 1.
The 2026 NFL season begins Wednesday with a Super Bowl LX rematch between the Seahawks and Patriots. Will Seattle repeat, or is another team destined to win Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium on Feb. 14,