61 NFL predictions forward of the 2026 season

We’re so near soccer being again, and Lord do we want it.

Should you’re on Twitter proper now, you’re in all probability seeing each individual you’ve ever interacted with launching verbal spears at strangers in the event that they dare say this quarterback is best than that quarterback, which all ends with a Ravens fan exhibiting you a photograph of his crime board that proclaims Joe Burrow is definitely the Zodiac killer. I’d let you know what’s hidden away in each Bo Nix truther’s secret room, nevertheless it’s X-rated and we don’t want to enter element there.

We’re all rabid at this level and want video games on our display screen. However worry not, my fellow sickos – the Corridor of Fame Recreation is strictly three weeks away on the time of writing, with coaching camps opening up in a single week’s time. Till then, although, how about yet one more long-form piece for everybody to get offended about?

With this season concluding with the 61st Tremendous Bowl, I compiled a working listing of 61 predictions for the 2026 NFL season and past. From sport outcomes, to notable trades and signings, to a training carousel after the marketing campaign is finished, take a peek into my crystal ball as I inform the story of the 2026 NFL season.

1. WR Stefon Diggs indicators with Dallas Cowboys

I do know everyone seems to be metaphorically stuffing Diggs in a field, taping him up, and FedEx-ing him to the Washington Commanders’ facility in Landover, nevertheless it’s one other NFC East workforce that we should always keep watch over. Exterior of stars CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, Dallas has zero depth at receiver. Ryan Flournoy, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Kavontae Turpin are the names behind the terrific duo – that merely gained’t minimize it. Signing Diggs as a chess piece who can transfer round each on the perimeter and the slot, identical to Lamb and Pickens can do, would give the Cowboys one of the best trio of pass-catchers within the NFL.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield don’t get extension executed

This leaves Mayfield to play out the ultimate yr of his deal and develop into a free agent in 2027. Maintain that in thoughts for later.

3. Vikings commerce J.J. McCarthy to Ravens

The writing is on the wall for J.J. McCarthy. The Vikings gained 14 video games with Sam Darnold, didn’t carry him again, after which watched him win a Tremendous Bowl whereas they limped to a 9-8 document. McCarthy accomplished lower than 60 % of his passes with 11 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. He will get dealt to Baltimore and Jesse Minter, who gained a Nationwide Championship with McCarthy at Michigan because the Wolverines’ defensive coordinator.

4. Rams defeat 49ers in blowout style in Week 1

The Rams are taking part in with venom drooling out of their mouths in Week 1. Myles Garrett has top-of-the-line debuts with a brand new workforce in NFL historical past, sacking Brock Purdy thrice and forcing an interception that’s returned for a landing by fellow new Ram Trent McDuffie. Matthew Stafford throws 4 touchdowns, a pair every for Puka Nacua and Davante Adams because the Rams run away on the opening Thursday of the season by the rating of 38-20.

5. Deshaun Watson is Browns Week 1 starter

This Browns quarterback room stands out as the worst in NFL historical past. Having to decide on between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders is like selecting between an extended, torturous dying or a torturous, lengthy dying. Todd Monken chooses Watson to be the Week 1 starter towards the Jaguars, which ends in a 24-16 loss to Jacksonville.

6. Jayden Daniels lights up the Eagles in Week 1

The Commanders start their season on the highway in Philadelphia within the late-afternoon window on Fox, and man doesn’t that simply really feel proper? Few issues make me really feel as nostalgic because the NFC East getting America’s Recreation of the Week. I really feel prefer it’s 2007 once more, and I’m sitting with my dad in the lounge with a stunning view of the tree in our yard as the intense coloured leaves fall off one-by-one with the scent of cinnamon within the air whereas Tony Romo and Donovan McNabb squared off.

Reminiscences of yesteryear apart, Jayden Daniels enters this season with some extent to show after an injury-riddled 2025 marketing campaign, and he makes an announcement in Week 1. The LSU product throws for 284 yards, three passing touchdowns, and provides 64 yards with a speeding rating on the bottom as Washington defeats Philadelphia 34-27.

7. Chiefs defeat Broncos to shut Week 1

I’ll give props to my good pal Matt Verderame of Sports activities Illustrated for proclaiming that a very powerful sport of the season for each Kansas Metropolis and Denver is the primary one. If the Chiefs win, they’re within the driver’s seat with an easy first half schedule. Following Week 1, their schedule from Weeks 2-6 is as follows:

It’s very doubtless, and even possible that the Chiefs are 4-1 after the primary six weeks in the event that they defeat Denver in Week 1, which provides them an early command of the division. Kansas Metropolis and Patrick Mahomes remind everybody that they’re nonetheless the massive canine within the AFC and defeat the Broncos 23-20 on a final second Harrison Butker subject purpose.

8. Eagles begin season 0-2

After the back-and-forth shootout with the Commanders by which they fall brief, the Eagles journey to Tennessee to face the Titans. When it comes to survivor swimming pools, many decide the Eagles with such hubris, however are shocked to see that Robert Saleh’s protection does what it did to Hurts within the divisional spherical this previous January. Hurts struggles, throwing a pair of interceptions, together with the game-sealing decide to Kevin Winston Jr which locks up a 20-17 win for Tennessee, placing the Eagles in an early 0-2 gap.

9. Mike Evans hauls in three touchdowns in Week 2 vs. Dolphins

Taking part in the Dolphins after the Rams is the equal of cage-fighting a new child child after boxing Mike Tyson. After an 18-point loss to the Rams to start their season, the 49ers bounce again with a Mike Evans masterclass, catching eight passes for 109 yards and three touchdowns en path to San Francisco defeating Miami 31-13.

10. Lions rating 40 factors in consecutive weeks

The Lions are 2-1 coming into Week 4, defeating the New Orleans Saints and New York Jets in Weeks 1 and three, respectively, with loss to the Buffalo Payments sandwiched in between. They then have a two-game road-trip, going through the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals. In entrance of a nationwide viewers on Sunday Night time Soccer, Jahmyr Gibbs goes off for 3 complete touchdowns whereas Jared Goff goes for 303 yards and 4 scores, defeating the Panthers 41-17. The following week towards Arizona, Goff and rising playmaker Isaac TeSlaa hook up for seven receptions, 88 yards, and two scores whereas the protection forces three takeaways in a 40-9 public execution.

11. Patriots begin season 1-3

The Patriots start their season by taking part in 4 playoff groups from a yr in the past of their first 4 video games. They open the season in Seattle towards the Seahawks in a Tremendous Bowl LX rematch. They then host the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2 – a sport they misplaced final season after turning the ball over 5 instances. They hit the highway once more for Weeks 3 and 4 towards the Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Payments, respectively. Tremendous Bowl hangovers are a really actual factor, particularly when three of your first 4 video games are away from house with a cross-country journey thrown in. Now, fortunately for them, they play the Raiders and Jets in Weeks 5 and 6, however New England will come out of the gate sluggish, dropping to Seattle, Jacksonville, and Buffalo with their lone win within the first month coming towards Pittsburgh.

12. Joe Burrow has two five-TD move performances in first 5 weeks

The Bengals lastly get off to a sizzling begin, beginning with a shootout with Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers. Burrow throws a pair of touchdowns to Ja’Marr Chase, one to Tee Higgins and one to Chase Brown, dueling with Mayfield who throws three touchdowns of his personal within the first three quarters. A fifth Burrow landing to Andrei Iosivas seals a 38-27 win over Tampa Bay. In Week 5, Burrow carves up one other Florida workforce because the Bengals blow out the Miami Dolphins 44-16.

13. Myles Garrett has large evening vs. Giants in Week 2

On the Week 2 version of Monday Night time Soccer, the Rams host the Giants in what finally ends up being the second consecutive colossal Myles Garrett efficiency to start his tenure as a Ram. The 2-time Defensive Participant of the Yr sacks Jaxson Dart thrice and earns a half sack on one other takedown. And simply to poke enjoyable on the offseason actions of the Giants’ quarterback, a number of Rams gamers are seen carrying blue hats with the phrase “Make America Garrett Once more.”

14. Payments open new Highmark Stadium with a bang

After falling to the Texans 24-23 in Week 1, the Payments go nuclear on the Detroit Lions to kickoff Week 2 on Thursday Night time Soccer. Josh Allen throws three touchdowns, James Prepare dinner runs for 2, and Buffalo places a beating on the Lions 38-24.

15. Shedeur Sanders takes over as Browns starter in Week 5 vs. Jets

Deshaun Watson begins the primary 4 video games of the yr for the Browns, going 1-3 within the course of with the one win coming towards the Panthers. The offense is horrible, although, as is Watson, to the shock of nobody. He’s thrown three touchdowns to 6 interceptions after a Thursday evening loss to the Steelers by the rating of 19-10 – a sport so boring, Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit begin speaking about how nice the Atlanta Braves had been within the Nineteen Nineties by the second quarter. With a mini-bye week, Todd Monken makes the swap forward of Cleveland’s matchup with the Jets.

16. Fernando Mendoza makes first begin in Week 8 vs. Jets

The No. 1 general decide takes over halfway via the yr after a 1-6 begin for the Raiders.

17. Sean Payton takes again play calling duties from Davis Webb

After a 3-5 begin is capped off with a second loss to the Chiefs, Sean Payton can’t assist himself and strips offensive coordinator Davis Webb of being the play-caller, taking again that accountability for himself.

18. Cardinals commerce S Budda Baker to Lions

After dismantling the Cardinals, the Lions go into their bye week and make an enormous addition, buying and selling for the Cardinals’ star security to assist shore up a secondary that wants assist.

19. Chiefs commerce for Cardinals WR Michael Wilson

After sweeping the Broncos, the Chiefs are 6-1 and searching so as to add one other offensive weapon to place them excessive within the AFC. They ship a fourth-round decide to the Cardinals in alternate for Wilson, who’s coming off a 1,000-yard season in 2025.

20. Justin Jefferson commerce rumors start

After a 3-5 begin, culminating with a Monday evening loss to the Payments the evening earlier than the commerce deadline, there are loud whispers that Justin Jefferson might want out of Minnesota. The commerce deadline comes and goes with out him being moved, however the narrative for the rest of the season is that if this would be the final yr of Jefferson in a Vikings uniform.

21. Aaron Donald returns to Rams

Donald returns to the Rams after Thanksgiving to make a push at one other championship, making his season debut in Week 13 towards the Chiefs on Thursday Night time Soccer.

22. Josh Allen has seven TD efficiency vs Dolphins

I’m sorry, Dolphins followers. Actually, I’m. If it makes you are feeling higher, I actually like Jacob Rodriguez and Kyle Louis and suppose each can be studs. However Allen has owned the Dolphins all through his profession. He has two 400-yard video games and 6 300-yard video games towards Miami in his profession. In Week 11, coming off a 4 total-touchdown efficiency in a win over the Jets, Allen throws for 5 touchdowns and rushes for 2 extra because the Payments bury Miami 52-16.

23. Packers finish Bears’ playoff hopes on Christmas Day

One yr after the Bears overcame a fourth-quarter deficit to shock the Packers twice within the span of three weeks, Inexperienced Bay returns the favor to Chicago. Coming into the sport at 7-7, the Bears can’t afford one other loss in the event that they wish to stay alive within the NFC playoff race. With simply over a minute to go in regulation and the sport tied at 23, Jordan Love launches a moon ball to Christian Watson, who catches it, snaps away from a sort out, and runs into the top zone to lock up a 30-23 win, all however placing the dagger within the playoff hopes of the Bears.

24. Ravens season is ended by Steelers in Week 18 for second straight yr

The Steelers have a wild card spot locked up, coming into the ultimate week of the season with a 10-6 document. Baltimore sits at 9-7 and want a win to get in. Aaron Rodgers throws a landing to Michael Pittman whereas Rico Dowdle rushes for an additional. With the sport tied at 17, Rodgers leads a drive to the Ravens’ 31 yard-line, the place Chris Boswell nails a 48-yard subject purpose to offer Pittsburgh a 20-17 lead with 1:43 to play. Lamar Jackson leads Baltimore to Pittsburgh’s 45, not fairly inside subject purpose vary when the Steelers power a fourth-and-seven. Joey Porter Jr. locks down Zay Flowers, stopping a completion and securing a win for the Steelers, and one more missed postseason for the Ravens.

25. Colts end with prime 10 draft decide

I just like the teaching workers that Indianapolis has. Shane Steichen and Lou Anarumo are each terrific coaches, however the Colts don’t have the horses. Quarterback clever, even when Daniel Jones returns, they are going to be beginning a bottom-third participant on the place. Jonathan Taylor is terrific, however we’ve seen time and time once more an amazing working again alone is not going to win video games. Mixed with the overpaying of Alec Pierce and the departure of a number of veterans on protection, I can’t discover greater than 5 or 6 wins for the Colts.

26. Giants end final in NFC East once more

Regardless of the addition of John Harbaugh, the Giants find yourself being the 2026 model of the Las Vegas Raiders – a workforce that hires a Tremendous Bowl-winning head coach in hopes of taking a leap ahead, however performs poorly. That’s to not say the Giants will end with the No. 1 general decide, however 6-11 or 7-10 is probably going the place they’ll fall.

27. Kenneth Walker turns into first 1,000-yard rusher of Patrick Mahomes period

Yeah, imagine it or not, Patrick Mahomes has by no means had a 1,000-yard rusher. Isiah Pacheco got here shut in 2023 with 935 yards, however Walker will break the streak comfortably and prime 1,300 yards in 2026.

28. Myles Garrett breaks sack document for second straight yr

After recording 6.5 sacks within the first two weeks of the season, the Myles Garrett sack document watch turns into a focus across the NFL for the second straight season. It doesn’t take him the total 17 video games to realize it this time round, although, as he will get to Baker Mayfield in Week 15 to get sack No. 24 on the yr earlier than ending the season with 25.5 and profitable his second consecutive Defensive Participant of the Yr award.

29. Joe Burrow throws 50+ touchdowns, wins MVP

Burrow stays wholesome all season and goes on a tear, turning into the primary quarterback since Patrick Mahomes in 2018 to throw 50 touchdowns in a season, getting that coveted No. 50 in Week 17 towards the Baltimore Ravens.

30. League chief predictions

As an alternative of going one-by-one with every league-leader projection, we’ll mix a complete prime 5 for every main stat:

31. Ja’Marr Chase wins Offensive Participant of the Yr

Chase has one other large season, placing up 128 catches for 1,693 yards and 20 touchdowns.

32. Jayden Daniels wins Comeback Participant of the Yr

Daniels reminds everybody that he is without doubt one of the greatest younger quarterbacks in soccer, throwing 26 touchdowns and including seven on the bottom to only 9 interceptions as he leads Washington again to the playoffs.

33. Carnell Tate wins Offensive Rookie of the Yr

Tate instantly proves to be what the Titans wanted for Cam Ward, catching 85 passes for 1,207 yards and 9 touchdowns as he and Ward assist push Tennessee into the postseason.

34. Sonny Types wins Defensive Rookie of the Yr

Types is the important thing to Dan Quinn’s protection getting again on monitor. The Ohio State product can be a prime 5 tackler within the NFL, in addition to decide off 4 passes to assist Washington’s protection enhance from ending twenty eighth in success price.

35. Brian Schottenheimer wins Coach of the Yr

After two straight years of lacking the postseason, Schottenheimer will get Dallas to 12 wins and earns the Coach of the Yr award – the identical award his father gained in 2004.

36. Notable groups to overlook playoffs

The Broncos, Chargers, Ravens, and Jaguars will miss the postseason within the AFC whereas the Seahawks, Bears, and 49ers are neglected within the NFC.

Denver’s protection is terrific. Nevertheless, they had been 11-2 in one-score video games – that can virtually definitely revert to the imply. Moreover, Bo Nix acquired away with a variety of throws in 2025, rating first in interception worthy passes, per FTN Fantasy. Moreover, amongst 45 quarterbacks with 150 snaps, Nix was thirty second in success price, thirtieth in completion share over anticipated, and thirtieth in common air yards per try. With a more durable schedule and missing a higher echelon quarterback, Denver takes a step again.

Yearly, we’re instructed to be careful for the Chargers, and but they haven’t gained a playoff sport since 2018. There are a number of groups with extra explosive weapons, and their protection will regress with out Jesse Minter.

Talking of Minter, the Ravens’ offense is quietly simply… mediocre? Lamar Jackson is clearly implausible, however it might be wishful pondering at greatest to imagine he’ll play near the extent we noticed in 2024. Their pass-catchers are a backside half of the league unit, and all of their prime defenders outdoors of Kyle Hamilton are growing older and their play is declining.

Jacksonville can be enjoyable to look at offensively, and I’ve them as my first workforce out with a profitable document. Defensively they are going to be extra unstable, which is able to value them in shut video games.

Seattle can be this yr’s Lions. Dropping Ben Johnson threw Detroit a bit out of whack offensively, as Dan Campbell took over play-calling midseason from John Morton. Just like Jacksonville, they are going to be my first workforce out within the NFC – definitely not a nasty workforce, only a down season after an extraterrestrial 2025.

Chicago’s protection ought to fear all Bears followers. They misplaced 5 key contributors, and had been very reliant on takeaways in 2025. Mixed with the curler coaster trip that’s the Caleb Williams expertise, Chicago finishes 9-8 and outdoors the playoff image.

San Francisco’s core is simply too outdated, and you may by no means financial institution on them being absolutely wholesome. They overachieved in 2025 regardless of these accidents, however a variety of that needed to do with Robert Saleh calling the protection. With out Saleh, any defensive shortcomings will severely hinder the 49ers.

37. Bengals win AFC North

Off the energy of Burrow’s 52 landing passes and a protection that improves sufficient to carry up its finish of the discount, Cincinnati wins 12 video games and clinches the North for the primary time since 2022.

Buffalo will get again to the highest of the East, profitable 11 video games off the energy of Josh Allen’s 42 complete touchdowns and a protection that finds its groove below new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard.

This one I say with hesitancy as a result of we simply don’t know what Houston will get from C.J. Stroud, however that protection has zero holes. They go 11-6 and win the South.

The Chiefs reclaim the division after a one-year hiatus, and find yourself as the one AFC West workforce to get into the postseason.

41. Steelers earn No. 5 seed in AFC

So many appear to be down on the Steelers regardless of profitable 10 video games in 2025 and their roster and training workers getting a lot better. They get to 11 wins in Yr One below Mike McCarthy and clinch the highest wild card spot.

42. Patriots clinch No. 6 seed in AFC

New England takes a little bit of a step again in 2026, however that’s anticipated once you win 14 video games the yr earlier than. They get to 10-7 and earn the second wild card spot within the AFC.

43. Titans steal No. 7 seed in AFC

Yearly, there’s no less than one workforce that makes the postseason that nobody sees coming – I’ll say this yr’s workforce would be the Tennessee Titans. I like the offseason they’ve had. New head coach Robert Saleh will flip that protection round, and Brian Daboll has a confirmed monitor document of elevating quarterbacks. With additions like Carnell Tate, Wan’Dale Robinson, John Franklin Myers, Alontae Taylor, and Cor’Dale Flott, Tennessee’s roster is a lot better than what it was at the moment final season. Cam Ward takes an enormous leap ahead and leads the Titans to their first playoff look since 2021.

I’m going to wager on Dan Campbell the best way he bets on his guys on fourth down greater than any coach within the NFL. I just like the rent of Drew Petzing at offensive coordinator, and Detroit’s offense can be extra constant than it was a yr in the past. I do, nevertheless, have loads of worries about their protection. Their secondary has taken blow after blow over the past eight months. Brian Department tore his Achilles in December and his return date is unknown. Terrion Arnold was launched after being arrested on kidnapping expenses. Kerby Joseph’s knee is possibly essentially the most up within the air unknown within the NFL because it pertains to accidents – therefore the prediction for Detroit to amass Budda Baker. All that stated, I’ll be optimistic in regards to the Lions and have them rebound and win the division with a high-powered offense that outscores its issues.

I like the Cowboys in 2026. The offense can be top-of-the-line and most explosive within the NFL, and their protection can be a lot better below new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, together with a plethora of latest faces. Caleb Downs, Jalen Thompson, Cobie Durant, Rashan Gary – this protection goes to look so much completely different than it did in 2025 when it gave up essentially the most explosive performs within the league. Dak Prescott finishes prime 5 in MVP voting as Dallas wins 12 video games to take the No. 2 seed.

One other workforce I’m very bullish on is the New Orleans Saints. The additions they’ve made this offseason ought to have their followers excited. Jordyn Tyson taken within the first spherical to enhance Chris Olave, Travis Etienne coming off one of the best season of his profession and now being paired with Alvin Kamara, David Edwards at guard, cornerback Martin Emerson on an affordable deal. It is a workforce that gained 4 of its final 5 video games in 2025, and Tyler Shough confirmed actual progress in that stretch – they win a large open division and host a playoff sport for the primary time since 2020.

Nothing groundbreaking right here. The Rams primarily constructed their very own model of the MonSTARS by buying and selling for each Trent McDuffie and Myles Garrett so as to add to a workforce that already featured Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and reigning MVP Matthew Stafford. They’ll win 14 video games and get the highest seed within the NFC.

48. Eagles earn No. 5 seed in NFC

The pendulum on the Eagles has swung the opposite method for me. At the start of the offseason, I used to be proclaiming they’d win seven video games after which blow every part up, firing Nick Sirianni and buying and selling Jalen Hurts. I’ve swung again to a extra favorable final result for Philly, rebounding after the aforementioned 0-2 begin by profitable 11 video games.

49. Packers earn No. 6 seed in NFC

The timetable for Micah Parsons’ return is unknown, however the Packers have a good first half schedule. Whereas they’ve a visit to Los Angeles to play the Rams, in addition to house video games towards the Payments and Texans, all of these video games happen after their Week 11 bye week. They arrive out of the gate with away video games towards the Vikings and Jets, which ought to put them at 2-0. They then face the Falcons and Buccaneers. At worse, they’re a 3-1 begin forward of their first sport towards the Bears, which is at house. If Parsons might return for the Sunday evening matchup with the Cowboys in Week 6 with Inexperienced Bay doubtlessly at 4-1, that’s the greatest case state of affairs. Even when it takes Parsons a bit longer to make it again, Inexperienced Bay’s magic quantity is six wins of their first 10 video games forward of the bye, which may be very doable.

50. Commanders earn No. 7 seed in NFC

Off the energy of a rejuvenated and wholesome Jayden Daniels, in addition to a protection that’s a lot improved with a number of new starters, Washington bounces again after a five-win 2025 marketing campaign and will get again into the postseason of their first yr again of their excellent basic uniforms.

51. Steelers upset Chiefs in wild card spherical

The Chiefs have the higher quarterback, definitely, however the Steelers have the higher roster 1-53. Even after the projected addition of Michael Wilson for Kansas Metropolis, Pittsburgh’s secondary may be very deep and may comprise the weapons Kansas Metropolis possesses. The dearth of edge rushers for the Chiefs offers Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers’ offense time and comfortability to constantly transfer the ball and sneak out of Arrowhead with a 23-20 win on a Chris Boswell walk-off subject purpose, profitable their first playoff sport because the 2016 season.

52. Cowboys vs. Rams in NFC Championship Recreation

The Rams earn the No. 1 seed, whereas Dallas is No. 2 within the convention. The Cowboys get to the Convention Championship Recreation by defeating a pair of division opponents. They defeat Washington 31-23 within the wild card spherical earlier than Christian Parker places the Eagles’ offense in hell for 60 minutes en path to a 20-9 win within the divisional spherical. The Rams get pleasure from a first-round bye earlier than defeating the Packers 34-27.

The 2 groups alternate offensive blows, however a Caleb Downs interception with lower than two minutes to play seals the 34-30 win for the Cowboys to ship them to their first Tremendous Bowl in over 30 years.

53. Bengals vs. Payments in AFC Championship Recreation

I’ve picked the Payments get to the Tremendous Bowl in every of the final three seasons, so possibly if I don’t decide them, they’ll really do it. Allen and Burrow go blow-for-blow, with a Ja’Marr Chase landing being what seals the Bengals’ 35-30 win over Buffalo.

54. Cowboys defeat Bengals in Tremendous Bowl LXI

As an alternative of a coin toss, the 2 groups do the Spider-Man pointing at one another meme, as these two squads are so equally constructed. A star quarterback, two stud vast receivers, and a protection that wants them to outscore their shortcomings. Dak and Burrow placed on respective offensive masterclasses, every throwing three touchdowns as the 2 groups enter the fourth quarter in a 24-24 tie. Prescott throws his fourth landing of the sport to Jake Ferguson with 6:53 to play. On the following drive, as Cincinnati is on the point of a rating of their very own, a Burrow move is tipped within the air and snagged by Caleb Downs. Two first downs later, the Cowboys have lastly ended their championship drought with a 31-24 win.

55. Chargers fireplace Jim Harbaugh, promote Mike McDaniel

Within the midst of the postseason, those that missed out on the playoffs get began with their offseason – a few of whom make massive modifications. After lacking the playoffs, extending the playoff winless streak for the Chargers to seven seasons – three of which had been below the management of Harbaugh, Los Angeles considerably surprisingly strikes on from their head coach. Whereas he led Los Angeles to 2 straight 11-win seasons, the Chargers have been horrible in playoff video games. Lacking the postseason all collectively leads the franchise to go together with a youthful, extra forward-thinking thoughts in McDaniel at head coach.

56. Browns fireplace Todd Monken, rent Jim Harbaugh

Monken finally ends up being a one-and-done coach in Cleveland. It might not have occurred that method if Harbaugh didn’t develop into out there. The Harbaugh household is from Ohio, and John Harbaugh was reportedly tempted by the Browns’ job this previous offseason as a consequence of these roots. Brother Jim finally ends up taking the job, as Cleveland desperately wants an enormous identify who has confirmed to be a tradition shifter and winner.

57. Panthers transfer on from Bryce Younger

2025 can be the place the Bryce Younger Panthers peak. After a 5-12 season in 2026, the Panthers transfer on from the previous No. 1 general decide and prepare to go on a seek for their subsequent signal-caller within the 2026 NFL Draft.

58. Murmurs of Lamar Jackson leaving Baltimore get loud

After the Ravens come simply shy of creating the postseason in Yr One of many Minter period, and for the second consecutive yr, many surprise what the long run holds for Lamar Jackson. The 2-time MVP will enter the ultimate yr of his present deal in 2027. Does Baltimore look elsewhere at quarterback choices and ship Jackson away?

59. Buccaneers rent Mike Tomlin as head coach

Mike Tomlin goes again to the place his NFL journey started and accepts the Buccaneers’ head teaching job. Tomlin was the Bucs’ defensive backs coach from 2001-05, profitable a Tremendous Bowl within the 2002 season. After Tampa strikes on from Todd Bowles, they make a Sean Payton-esc commerce with Pittsburgh, as they nonetheless maintain Tomlin’s rights, sending a 2027 first-round decide and 2028 third-round decide to the Steelers in alternate for his or her new head coach.

60. Texans commerce C.J. Stroud to Falcons

The Falcons have a very nice assortment of expertise on offense, with Bijan Robinson being who many imagine is the highest working again within the NFL, and Drake London is without doubt one of the sport’s best receivers. Sadly, they’ve but to discover a quarterback who they will lean on, and that can proceed to be the case in 2026 with Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix. Atlanta trades for Stroud, who simply turns into one of the best quarterback Kevin Stefanski has had since Baker Mayfield. And talking of Baker…

61. Baker Mayfield indicators with Texans

Baker Mayfield is from Austin, which is a few two and a half hour drive from Houston. Regardless of a decent 2026 season that sees Mayfield throw for 4,000 yards and 31 touchdowns, the Bucs miss the playoffs. He decides to return house to a workforce that wants an improve at quarterback after being eradicated within the divisional spherical for the fourth consecutive yr regardless of having the league’s prime protection.

Whereas some could ask why the Texans would go this route, ask your self what you’d fairly have – C.J. Stroud on an extension between $45-55 million per yr or Baker Mayfield on a shorter-term deal for much less cash and extra first-round picks? I do know which one I’d select.

My crystal ball would by no means misinform you, and I hope you loved the predictive journey we went on collectively. The true factor begins very quickly. Now in case you’ll excuse me, I’ll be taking an finish of summer time nap to relaxation my weary head in preparation for the months forward. Comfortable soccer season to all.