2026 NFL Predictions: Super Bowl matchup, Playoff bracket, and Award winners

The 2026 NFL season got kickstarted on Wednesday night, with the reigning champion Seattle Seahawks overcoming a Sam Darnold injury to beat the New England Patriots . It was a rematch of last season's Super Bowl .

Given how hard it is for Super Bowl participants to make it back to The Big Game the following season, one would be wise to not pick either of them to make it that far. In fact, in most predictions for the new season, they don't usually appear . The main constant in those predictions, though, are the Los Angeles Rams .

Just about everyone has the Rams as their NFC pick for the Super Bowl. With all of the jaw-dropping moves they've made in recent offseasons, it would surprise absolutely no one if they win it all. But will they? Let's run through MARCA English's predictions for the Super Bowl, playoff teams, and winners for each major award .

Kicking things off is the AFC , which seems somewhat straightforward when it comes to who is best positioned to make the playoffs.

2026 AFC Playoff Picture Predictions

Then, we move on to the NFC, where the picture is a bit less clear.

2026 NFC Playoff Picture Predictions

Getting the first seed, and a bye in the first round, should set both the Broncos and Rams up for playoff success . But this time around, Josh Allen and the Bills get the better of the Broncos in the AFC Championship game to advance to the Super Bowl.

On the other side, the Rams prove everyone right and make it to the Super Bowl, where they will face the Bills. Final Super Bowl LXI prediction: Bills 27, Rams 24 .

2026 NFL Player and Coach awards predictions

As for who will win this season's awards, there's an endless amount of options. Last season, it was no surprise to see Matthew Stafford win MVP, Jaxon Smith-Njigba OPOY, and Myles Garrett DPOY. Can any of them repeat?

Comeback Player: Aaron Donald

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