Dabbelt’s 2026 NFL predictions

COMMENTARY

Welcome to another NFL season. It all starts for real one week from tonight as the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks battle the New England Patriots as the 2026-27 season begins.

That means it’s time for my annual predictions for the upcoming season. Who are my favorites? Are there any sleepers this year? What about our two Ohio teams? Sit back and enjoy a look at my picks in each division.

AFC East

1. Buffalo- I understand that the Patriots advanced to the Super Bowl last season, and while it was a good run, Buffalo will reign supreme this year and get back on top. Josh Allen will get this team another division crown.

2. New England- I do think they will still be very talented, but not Super Bowl-talented. Drake Maye is a quarterback capable of another great season, but if they reach double figure wins, I will be shocked.

3. Miami- It is a battle to stay out of the basement in the division, and Miami will struggle to avoid the bottom. I do think they stay ahead of the Jets until New York proves they are better, but the Dolphins' offense is pedestrian.

4. New York- The Jets will battle to escape the bottom of the division, and they just might. Breece Hall is a legit running back, but can they get him protection to run the ball?

AFC Central

1. Cincinnati- Joey Burrow has spoken, and if he stays healthy, this is their year. They have improved their defense, which was an issue. They have the best receivers in the game and possibly the top quarterback (for sure top three) in the league. Keep him healthy; they are making noise. More on their outlook next week.

2. Baltimore- The team that could knock the Bengals off the top would be Lamar Jackson and company. Derrick Henry is a stud and maybe the best running back in the AFC. Their defense is always a problem for teams, and former Bengal Trey Hendrickson now lines up for Baltimore.

3. Pittsburgh- In Aaron Rodgers' last season, he wants to go out on top. DK Metcalf is an elite receiver, and their defense, while a bit weaker last season, is still the Steelers defense.

4. Cleveland- Well ….. they have a quarterback controversy already. Their offense is not very consistent, but I do like the Concepcion kid. Their defense could keep them in games, but if they get more than five wins, it will be surprising.

AFC South

1. Houston- the battle for the division title will be tough, but I have to go along with the experts to pick Houston. CJ Stroud is an elite quarterback, and he has weapons around him. Their defense will shut you down, and they could be one of the favorites to get to the big game.

2. Jacksonville- I was teetering between them and Indy for the second spot, but I am going with the Jags. Trevor Lawrence has come into his own, and they have players who can produce with him. Their defense, like Houston's, will be tough to score on.

3. Indianapolis- they could battle for second thanks to Jonathan Taylor. I am not sold on their quarterback play yet, but it is a new season.

4. Tennessee- like the Browns, I think it could be a rough year for the Titans. It’s Cam Ward’s show now. Let’s see if he can get it done.

AFC West

1. Denver- this one hurts me as a Chiefs fan. Denver is the best team in the division and broke KC’s long streak of division titles. I like Bo Nix, and now he has Jaylen Waddle to throw to, along with a very solid offense.

2. Los Angeles- They are also above the Chiefs to start the season, but let’s see if they stay there. Justin Herbert is a top quarterback in the conference, and he has plenty of people around him to do the job.

3. Kansas City- Mahomes should be back for the opener after ACL surgery, at least that is what they say. Who does he throw to? They have some quality receivers and a much older Travis Kelce. Realistically, I would say eight wins.

4. Las Vegas- They hope to get things figured out. They think rookie Fernando Mendoza is the answer, but we have heard that before from them. They could prove me wrong, but I wouldn’t take any money to Vegas on that.

NFC East

1. Dallas- Can Dak Prescott finally get over the hump? He has not done so yet, but their receiving corps of Lamb and Pickens will be dangerous again. Defensively, they will be better, and I think that will be enough in this division.

2. Philadelphia- their defense is very talented, and they have made some deep runs in the past few years. Saquon Barkley is such a beast in the backfield, but can Hurts continue to deliver in the big games?

3. New York Giants- John Harbaugh leads this franchise as their new coach, and I don’t know what to expect. They had some good preseason moments, but when things start for real, we will see.

4. Washington- Jayden Daniels is the real deal, and he has some additional weapons to work with. Could they leapfrog the Giants? Absolutely. They look to get back on track.

NFC North

1. Detroit- I am sticking with the Lions again this year no matter what happened last season. I think they are the best team, with the best quarterback, Jared Goff, and an explosive offense. Jahmyr Gibbs is a top running back. Some say the best in the league. And they still have Aiden Hutchinson coming after the quarterback.

2. Chicago- the other team I almost picked is Chicago, who will contend this season. Caleb Williams has good weapons with him, and this could be the year they make a deep run after winning the division last season.

3. Green Bay- Jordan Love is hungry for that title, and when Micah Parsons is back from injury, which should be soon, the Packers could surprise everyone and win this division. For now, I think that, in this balanced division, they still have a few things to iron out.

4. Minnesota- in this tough and balanced division, they will have a challenge to claim the title. Throw these teams into a hat and pick out who you think will win it? For now, I am sticking with the Lions.

NFC South

1. Tampa Bay- the worst division in football, as nobody finished .500 last season. Baker Mayfield will need to raise his game for 17 weeks, not just week two when the Browns come to town. This division is wide open.

Not much to say about the rest of the division. Everyone is so equal. Here are the remainder of my South picks.

2. Carolina

3. New Orleans

4. Atlanta

NFC West

1. Los Angeles- unlike the South, this division will be a dogfight. The Rams are my early favorites to win this division, as Matthew Stafford knows how to get it done.

2. Seattle- the defending champions have a lot to prove and want to get back to the promised land again. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a stud receiver, and Sam Darnold can get him the ball. Their defense is also elite. Can they do it again?

3. San Francisco- I do like Brock Purdy, and they have a top three running back in the league with Christian McCaffrey. They can score points, and usually their defense is solid. This division has great offensive talent, so their defense will have to deliver.

4. Arizona- they will struggle in this division with an unproven offense.