The NFL schedule release was last week, and with all of the offseason moves finalized we now can get a somewhat accurate prediction of how the 2026-2027 NFL season is going to look.
Contenders:
Rams
The Rams are obvious contenders for this next season. They were one game away from having the #1 seed in the NFC and had the MVP, Matthew Stafford, as well as the runner-up for Offensive Player of the Year, Puka Nacua. Their strength of schedule is currently ranked as the seventh hardest in the league which means they will be adequately prepared to beat good teams. The Rams are one good defensive secondary piece away from making history this upcoming season.
Chiefs
The Chiefs have been the dynasty of the 2020’s and unfortunately, this is looking to continue this upcoming season. The addition of Kenneth Walker is exactly what the Chiefs needed, a dependable player on offense for Mahomes. The Chiefs were injured last year but have had almost 9 months to recover, and with an easy schedule that includes 2 or 3 tough opponents, the Chiefs will be back this season.
Bills
The Bills are in the sweet spot this season. They have a few tough games, yet they are sitting at the #18, the hardest schedule in the league, meaning that they will be prepared to face tough teams but will not have an insane schedule. With former MVP, Josh Allen on the roster, this could be the year that the Bills finally break the curse and win the Super Bowl.
Pretenders:
Lions
The Lions turnaround has been nothing short of amazing and a joy for NFL fans to watch. However, they have fallen short the last few years. While some fans are excited for them to make it there, they seem stuck in the same spot, an amazing regular season all to choke in the playoffs. The Lions roster is almost identical to the past few seasons and their strength of schedule is the easiest in the league. This means that the Lions will most likely have a boosted win total, yet they will not be ready to face the premium competition that will be in the playoffs.
49ers
The 49ers have some of the best players in the league and every year are projected to do good, this year is no different. With the only tough opponents and the play being in their conference, they will have a beefed up win total. But, it seems that the luck of the 49ers always runs dry with injuries or fluke plays, they cannot seem to get over the hump of a Super Bowl and this year will be no different.
Broncos
The Broncos have had big expectations ever since they signed Russel Wilson and they fallen short. That was until last year when they finally broke into the Playoffs and even made the AFC championship with some help from the referees, but with Bo Nix’s broken ankle they could not make it any further. They have a weak strength of schedule and will not be able to repeat the same success as last year.
No one knows how any NFL season will go and with injuries and rookies, any team could step up to win at the biggest stage. However, these are my picks and predictions for how I think the season will go.
