Analyst Predicts AFC and NFC Playoff Seeds, Super Bowl Contenders and 2027 Draft Order
A preseason outlook projects the Buffalo Bills as the top AFC seed, the Denver Broncos advancing to the Super Bowl, and the Los Angeles Rams representing the NFC, while also outlining the 2027 draft order and individual award favorites.
The upcoming 2026 NFL season is set to begin with the Buffalo Bills projected as the AFC's No. 1 seed, followed by the Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cincinnati Bengals, Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs. The analyst expects the Bills to fall short in the AFC Championship, while the Broncos’ strong defense and offensive line could carry them to the Super Bowl.
In the NFC, the Detroit Lions are forecast to lose the top seed, the Philadelphia Eagles are predicted to win a Wild Card game against the Chicago Bears but fall to the Los Angeles Rams, who are expected to defeat the Seattle Seahawks in the conference championship and advance to the title game.
Looking ahead to the 2027 NFL Draft, the New York Jets are listed first, with the Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, Washington Commanders, and Atlanta Falcons occupying the next four slots.
Individual award projections name Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert as MVP, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs as Offensive Player of the Year, Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson as Defensive Player of the Year, Philadelphia Eagles tackle Lane Johnson as Protector of the Year, Seattle Seahawks rookie running back Jadarian Price as Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Dallas Cowboys defensive rookie Caleb Downs as Defensive Rookie of the Year.