7 bold NFL predictions entering 2026-2027 season

The 2026-2027 NFL season is nearly upon us. The season kicks off Wednesday, September 9th with a rematch of last year’s Super Bowl featuring the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. 

This season’s biggest early headline is the return of Aaron Donald to the Los Angeles Rams. The new season is due to produce several headlines and highlights. As the start of the NFL season gets underway, here are seven bold predictions.

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MORE:NFL predictions: Previewing all 16 AFC teams & predicting every record in 2026

Cincinnati wins the AFC North

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) asked for a different helmet in the first quarter of the NFL Preseason game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Detroit Lions at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026.

Last season, the Bengals were without quarterback Joe Burrow for two months. The team suffered a crippling effect, finishing 6-11. This season, Joe Burrow stays healthy, and the improved defense produces. Cincinnati goes from finishing one game out of last place last season to winning the AFC North.

Green Bay fails to make the playoffs

The Packers were set to start the season without defensive stalwart Micah Parsons before news broke of running back Josh Jacobs being placed on the commissioner-exempt list. Green Bay stumbles with key losses on both sides of the football, struggling to compete in one of the NFL’s toughest divisions. The team never gains traction and fails to reach the playoffs.

Caleb Williams wins MVP

Jan 18, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) calls the snap count from shotgun formation against the Los Angeles Rams during the third quarter of an NFC Divisional Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Ben Johnson helped Caleb Williams take a leap in his second season. Now, the two enter year two together and Williams becomes the first Chicago quarterback to pass for 4,000 yards. It doesn’t stop there as he throws for 40 touchdown passes, becoming the NFL MVP.

MORE:Previewing all 16 NFC teams & predicting every record in 2026

Miami wins only one game

There was no question whether this was going to be a long season for the Dolphins. However, it remained to be seen how much Miami would suffer. The team wins Week 1 against Las Vegas, and things seem to be headed in a better direction than first thought. Unfortunately, this is the only game the Dolphins win all season.

Bijan Robinson wins Offensive Player of the Year with 2,000+ all-purpose yards

Robinson entered the 2026-2027 season, coming off a big campaign. Poised to have another great year, he finishes the regular season with 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards. In doing so, he narrowly edges Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs for Offensive Player of the Year.

Aidan Hutchinson wins Defensive Player of the Year

Dec 4, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) reacts after a play during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Hutchinson rebounded last season following a devastating knee injury the year prior. Two seasons removed from injury, Hutchinson again leads Detroit’s defense, leading the league in sacks. He ends the season with his first Defensive Player of the Year Award. It’s a big season for the Lions as they reach the playoffs following last season’s absence.

Chicago’s Colston Loveland leads NFL TEs in receiving yards

The second-year tight end entered the season with all signs pointing in the right direction. He finished his rookie campaign with 58 receptions, 713 yards, and six touchdowns. Head coach Ben Johnson has the key piece to his offense and heavily features Loveland in year two. Colston Loveland finishes the season with 1,250 receiving yards, leading all NFL TEs. His rapport with Caleb Williams leads the quarterback to MVP honors.

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