We’ve done it again. We’ve endured the dark end-of-winter days, another spring of meh and, in my opinion, the most overrated season of them all, summer. Give yourself a pat on the back, you’ve made it to the best time of the year, the NFL season is back.
The slate is wiped clean. Everything that happened last year is memory-holed and hope exists for everyone (except for Dolphins fans). Here’s how I am predicting the 61st NFL season to pan out:
- Strength of schedule: 1 = toughest; 32 = easiest
AFC East
1. Buffalo Bills (12-5 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 8/32
Josh Allen is the best player in the league, full stop. They added DJ Moore, retained Joe Brady as their HC and many beat writers are expecting Dalton Kincaid to (finally) take the next step. The defense will once again be the weak link, but when you have Superman at QB, your team always has a chance. Spoiler alert, I think Allen wins his second MVP and leads the Bills to the top seed in the AFC.
Projection: 12-5
2. New England Patriots (14-3 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 6/32
I’m writing this post-opening game loss, but it doesn’t change how I feel about the Patriots. Yes they made the SB, yes they added AJ Brown, but after an offseason full of turmoil and drama as well as a much more difficult schedule, I think a reality check is coming for Patriots fans.
Tua, Bryce Young, Josh Allen, Rattler, Cam Ward (rookie), Dillon Gabriel, Penix, Baker, Fields, Flacco, Dart (rookie), Lamar (didn’t finish the game), Brady Cook & Quinn Ewers (rookie). That’s the list of QB’s that the Patriots beat last year. Save Allen, Baker & half of a Lamar game, the rest on that list wouldn’t strike fear into many fans. It’s going to be tough sledding, especially with the news that AJ has already been placed on IR.
Projection: 9-8
3. New York Jets (3-14 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 12/32
I truly don’t know what to expect from the dumpster fire that has been the NY Jets for the better part of the last 2 decades. Geno is an upgrade? The Aaron Glenn experience has certainly been a rollercoaster as well, but in theory, the defense should be competent? If and that’s a big IF, Wilson & Breece can stay healthy and the OL can keep Geno upright, I think they could be fun? I don’t know much but I do know they should be able to clear the (very low) bar they set last year.
Projection: 5-12
4. Miami Dolphins (7-10 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 2/32
This is the chalkiest pick of them all, but the Dolphins are just playing for Arch Manning, right? Malik Willis *could* be fun, Chris Bell & Caleb Douglas *could* be fun, but how long until Achane just says “fuck this”? The coaching is a question mark, the defense has the least snaps played amongst their group in the NFL, but #FinsUp.
Projection: 2-15
AFC North
1. Baltimore Ravens (8-9 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 24/32
The Harbaugh-era is over, to the delight of most Ravens fans, I would assume. Enter: Jesse Minter. That alone should excite Baltimore fans and, barring injuries, we should see this defense return to an elite level. I’ve long been a Lamar-doubter, even with 2 MVP’s to his name. But I think we are going to see a well-balanced, explosive offense with Lamar at the helm. Father Time is chasing Derrick Henry, but I think it’s going to take a few more year before he gets him on the ground. In a highly competitive division, I expect the Ravens to answer the bell.
Projection: 11-6
2. Cincinnati Bengals (6-11 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 30/32
All of this is predicated on Joe Burrow’s health (shocker, right). It’s make or break for this Bengals team. From the coaching staff down to the last player on the practice squad. If things go south this year, the Bengals could be the first team in NFL history to remove every single person associated with the organization. I think the Bengals sneak into the playoffs, again it is all predicated on the health of Joey B.
Projected: 10-7
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 19/32
Wiilllllllll Haaaarrrrd. Jk, Aaron Rodgers is still the QB and he’s reunited with film-grinder Mike McCarthy. It’s the Steelers, so you can probably pencil them in for a near-.500 season, even without Tomlin at the helm. Get your terrible towels out and fire up Renegade, except there will be no playoffs this year and the perpetual “are we good, are we not” will continue.
Projection: 7-10
4. Cleveland Browns (5-12 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 32/32
Frisky defense, that’s about it. I’m not going to make a joke about Deshaun, that’s a touchy subject. If he can get the ball into KC Concepcion’s hands, that might be worth watching. However, I think I’ll just catch those clips on the internet after-the-fact. Maybe Jared Verse can stir up a headline or two, idk.
Projection: 4-12
AFC South
1. Houston Texans (12-5 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 26/32
We all know how good this defense was last year, and I think they’ll be just as good in 2026. The offense, particularly the QB, is the bigger question. I love the combination of Monty & Marks but more importantly, they invested A LOT in the OL. I think Stroud ultimately is a fine QB, which is all you really need when you have an elite defense (ie. 2025 Seattle Seahawks). In what could be a sneaky-tough division, I think it’s the Texans that come out on top.
Projection: 11-6
2. Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 22/32
Never in a million years would I have penciled the Jags in for 13 wins last year. Even with BTJ harnessing his best David Blaine vanishing-act, the offense hummed right along. I expect Parker Washington to pick up where he left off but I’m not sold on Thuten & Rodriguez to carry the load like Etienne did. Maybe I’m wrong and Liam Coen keeps this thing moving, but I’d expect a small step back for Duuuuuuuvall.
Projection: 10-7
3. Tennessee Titans (3-14 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 25/32
A popular offseason improvement pick, I do think the Titans have something to look forward to. Bob Saleh should bring a massive upgrade to the defense and Brian “Deez Nuts” Daboll should help Cam develop. The key word there is *should*. I’m not sure about the OL, the running back group leaves quite a bit to be desired, BUT I think Carnell Tate will be better than expected. Rome wasn’t built in a day and the Titans won’t be rebuilt in a year. Next year though??
Projection: 6-11
4. Indianapolis Colts (8-9 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: T-28/32
Look, I don’t have much love for the Colts this year. Every year, there are a handful of teams that fall flat on their face and I think one of those teams this year is Indy. You’ve got a QB coming off of an Achilles injury, your (overpaid) WR1 in Alec Pierce is a huge question mark and I think whatever Irsay-magic that was with the team for the first half of last year, is gone. The silver lining is Seth, the “For the Shoe” guy, seemed to have upped his production this year.
Projection: 6-11
AFC West
1. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 9/32
I’m drinking the Kool-Aid, let’s just make that clear. At some point, the injury-luck HAS to go the way of the Chargers. Mike McDaniel + Justin Herbert (+ Alt, Slater, Hampton, Ladd, QJ) = offensive fireworks. Yes, they play in arguably the toughest division in football, but I think the 8 Chargers fans who live in LA will be rewarded for their loyalty with a division championship.
Projection: 12-5
2. Denver Broncos (14-3 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 15/32
Are we positive that Bo Nix’s ankle/leg is fine? I, for one, am not sold on his health but what do I know. What I do know however, is that this defense should be awesome again. Add in Waddle to a deep group of pass catchers and I think the Broncos should be playoff bound, once again. The real prediction should be: who leads the backfield in touches.
Projection: 10-7
3. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 5/32
This one might come back to bite me in the ass. Look, I respect what Big Red, Mahomes & Kelce have done for this organization. With that being said, I just don’t think paying K9 was the missing piece. I still don’t know how they plan on keeping Patrick off the ground and that secondary would keep me up at night, if I were a fan. I ultimately see the Chargers knocking the Chiefs out of the playoffs in Week 17. Things should be better than last year, but with back-to-back playoff-less seasons, will this be the curtain call for Andy & Travis?
Projection: 9-8
4. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 7/32
Can we just say WTF was that Brock Bowers news? I guess we can just fast forward to week 8 or 9 when they let Mendoza rip it. Oh and Maxx Crosby, there’s no way he’s on the roster by the end of the year.
Projection: 4-13
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 23/32
Go Birds. It’s no secret that I am (and will continue to be) a homer. But how can you not be ecstatic around the Birds this year. When the Eagles have an external play caller, with Hurts at QB, they have gone to the SB. I expect that pattern to continue this year. Hate em or love em, the Birds move the needle.
Projection: 12-5
2. Dallas Cowboys (7-9 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 20/32
There’s never a dull moment for America’s Team, except…it’s been a fairly dull offseason in the Big D. As much as it pains me to admit, Dallas has certainly improved their roster, especially on the defensive side of the ball. I’m still not convinced that Dak can carry a team to a SB and I don’t imagine that will change. 30 years and counting Cowboys fans, Thirty Years.
Projection: 11-6
3. Washington Commanders (5-12 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 16/32
The oldest and slowest defense in the league last year received a much needed facelift. With 8 new starters on that side of the ball, things could look a lot different for that defense this year. Oh yeah, Jayden Daniels is also healthy again. With LT Laremy Tunsil being ruled out for the season, the big question becomes: how healthy can they keep JD5? That record setting rookie year has started to fade from memory, I guess we’ll see if new OC, David Blough, can help recapture some of that magic.
Projection: 7-9
4. New York Giants (4-13 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 17/32
Call me crazy, but I don’t get the hype. And I’m not talking about Jaxson Dart, Skattebo, Nabers or the terrifying defensive front. I’m talking about Jon Harbaugh choosing Matt Nagy to run his offense. Matt Nagy, really? Yuck, no thank you. It wouldn’t shock me to see Jon Harbaugh have a LV Raiders, Pete Carroll-type stint.
Projection: 5-12
NFC North
1. Detroit Lions (9-8 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 27/32
They didn’t have a loud offseason, they lost a few pieces and I don’t know if they’ve completely moved on from Ben Johnson. However, they play 12/17 games indoors, they have All Pro’s at all 3 levels on defense and I’d argue they have the best trio of playmakers in ASB, Jameson Williams and Gibbs. They’re also tough as hell and I think they have one more run in the tank.
Projection: 11-6
2. Chicago Bears (11-6 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 1/32
On paper, this should be one of the most talented offenses in football. But it’s not the offense that gives me pause, it’s the defense. They lost a lot of guys on that side of the ball and they’re also due for some turnover differential regression. In 2025 they had 33 takeaways while they only gave the ball away 11 times. They also won six (6) games last year when trailing in the final 2 minutes. Water always finds its level, good luck in Hammond, IN.
Projection: 9-8
3. Green Bay Packers (9-7-1 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: T-3/32
The biggest offseason move for the Packers was adding Duluth > Iowa State > Penn State WR coach, Noah Pauley (go dogs). The Packers have one of the toughest schedules in the NFL and I’m not sure when Micah will be back on the field. Jordan Love is fine, but is he going to be able to shoulder the load by himself? And Josh Jacobs, jfc man, disgusting. I don’t see it this year for Matt LaFleur’s team.
Projection: 8-9
4. Minnesota Vikings (9-8 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 11/32
Maybe the most difficult team to predict. Kyler has to be an upgrade over the Wentz-McCarthy-Brosmer led team that won nine games in 2025. The defense, led by Brian Flores, provides a built in floor that should always keep the Vikings competitive. There’s just something about that QB room that seems unsettling and *if* Kyler were to miss some time, then what?
Projection: 8-9
NFC South
1. New Orleans Saints (6-11 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 31/32
There’s a changing of the guard in the NFC South. Led by Kellen Moore and Tyler Shough, I’m expecting this team to pick up where they left off as 2025 came to a close. They’re loaded on the perimeter, they’ll have a surprisingly good offensive live and what can I say, I’m a Shough believer. Pair that with the second easiest schedule and only having to beat out Tampa & Carolina (sorry ATL fans), the Saints should secure their first South title since 2020.
Projection: 11-6
2. Carolina Panthers (8-9 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 10/32
Let’s not forget that the 2025 Carolina Panthers almost beat the Rams in the playoffs last year. I don’t know how close Bryce Young is to his ceiling, but throwing to 2nd year Tetairoa McMillan should help. More importantly though, the defense made some major improvements over the offseason. I’m going to call it now, for the first time in franchise history, the Carolina Panthers are going to finish over .500 in back-to-back seasons.
Projection: 10-7
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 21/32
I said there was a changing of the guard in the South and, like everything in life, when something goes up, something else goes down. I’m happy they signed Baker to an extension but they still have Todd Bowles as their HC. Week 15 @ NO is the game that is going to eliminate the Bucs from playoff contention (emotionally, not mathematically) and will be the week that the “Fire Bowles” noise becomes deafening.
Projection: 9-8
4. Atlanta Falcons (8-9 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: T-28/32
Tua, hurt. Penix, hurt. Cooper Rush week 1 starter, really? Let Minnesota State Moorehead’s finest, Jack Strand, let it rip! I really like Kevin Stefanski as a HC and the Bijan, London, Pitts trio is terrifying. However, who’s running the show at the QB position? This team has 4 wins written all over them.
Projection: 3-14
NFC West
1. Los Angeles Rams (12-5 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 13/32
Again, I’m writing this after the week 1 loss in Australia to the Niners. But the Rams are as all-in as you could possibly be. I believe in the Sean McVay + Stanford combo to figure everything out. I honestly think they viewed the Australia game as a “fuck it, we’ll figure it out for the remaining 16 games”. I’m not worried about them.
Projection: 13-4
2. Seattle Seahawks (14-3 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 14/32
Mike Macdonald is a mad man and his defense embodies everything you’d want. They fly around the field, they’re disciplined and I think they could be historic. They also avoided a total disaster with the news on Darnold, although I’m not sure how long he’ll be out. It’s incredibly difficult to repeat in the NFL and I don’t think it happens this year, but the Seahawks are going to be a tough out.
Projection: 13-4
3. San Francisco 49ers (12-5 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: 18/32
It’s hard to write off a Kyle Shanahan-led team. But that substation is completely unpredictable. They looked methodical against the Rams, but I’m just not putting much stock into a game played in another hemisphere. Similar to the Vikings, this is a very difficult one for me to predict. I just don’t know if I could put all of my eggs in the basket of health for CMC, Kittle, Deebo & Mike Evans.
Projection: 10-7
4. Arizona Cardinals (3-14 last year)
2026 Strength of Schedule: T-3/32
It’s a race to the bottom between the Dolphins and the Cardinals. Say something nice about the Cardinals: I think Michael Wilson is a really good WR. And Jeremiyah Love should be a lot of fun. I for one, will not be tuning in to many Cardinals games this year.
Projection: 3-14
If you’ve made it this far, you’re a real one. I’ll lay out my playoff predictions below and we’ll call it a wrap on this one. Be sure to check back in every Sunday morning, as I’ll have my weekly game predictions posted by 8am PST.
2026 Playoff Teams
AFC:
1. Buffalo Bills
2. Los Angeles Chargers
3. Baltimore Ravens
4. Houston Texans
5. Denver Broncos
6. Cincinnati Bengals
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
NFC
1. Los Angeles Rams
2. Philadelphia Eagles
3. Detroit Lions
4. New Orleans Saints
5. Seattle Seahawks
6. Dallas Cowboys
7. Carolina Panthers