MMQB Staff Release 2026 NFL Season Predictions and Award Forecasts
The MMQB editorial team outlined their projected Super Bowl participants, award winners and bold forecasts for the 2026 NFL season, with most analysts favoring the Los Angeles Rams as champions.
The editorial staff of the MMQB football preview released their projected outcomes for the 2026 NFL season, including Super Bowl match-ups, award recipients and a series of bold predictions. Sixteen writers and editors submitted individual brackets, naming teams, players and coaches they expect to excel.
The majority of the staff selected the Los Angeles Rams as the Super Bowl champion, often pairing the team with quarterback Matthew Stafford as MVP. Other recurring selections included the Houston Texans as a strong contender, with several analysts predicting a Super Bowl appearance for the franchise. Individual award forecasts varied, but Jahmyr Gibbs was frequently named Offensive Player of the Year, while defensive honors were split among players such as Will Anderson Jr., Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald. Penei Sewell appeared multiple times as the projected Protector of the Year.
Bold predictions ranged from speculative schedule changes, such as a Monday NFC championship game, to player-specific milestones, including high sack totals for Myles Garrett and a potential defensive MVP for him. Several writers also highlighted coaching candidates, naming Dan Campbell, Jesse Minter and Jim Harbaugh among their picks for Coach of the Year.
The staff’s forecasts reflect a consensus that the Rams possess a balanced roster with strong offensive and defensive components, while the Texans are expected to rely on a dominant defense to advance deep into the playoffs. Other teams mentioned as playoff participants include the Seattle Seahawks, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals.
"The Rams have added Myles Garrett, Trent McDuffie, Aaron Donald and Jaylen Watson to their defense, making them a formidable contender," one analyst noted.
"Houston’s defense, anchored by Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, could propel the Texans to their first Super Bowl appearance," another writer said.
The predictions are presented as speculative analysis and are not official league forecasts.