On February 8, 2026, the anticipated Super Bowl LX took place in Santa Clara, California. After a slow first half dominated by field goals, the Seattle Seahawks pulled away in the second half, securing a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots and earning the second Super Bowl championship in franchise history. After a month of recovery, however, National Football League (NFL) players are now getting ready for the upcoming 2026 season. To discern which teams will stand out, we can first evaluate this past season to identify the teams and players most likely to make an impact in 2026.
As expected, it is very likely that the Super Bowl finalists, the Seahawks and Patriots, will remain strong contenders. A new roster, including quarterback Sam Darnold and dominant defensive units, gave the Seahawks a major depth advantage that will continue in future seasons. The team is also supported by wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the Offensive Player of the Year, who had the most receiving yards this regular season, and running back Kenneth Walker, who was named Super Bowl LX MVP. Additionally, the Patriots, led by young quarterback Drake Maye and coach Mike Vrabel, have developed a balanced attack and strong scoring ability, showing a promising future. They are supported by wide receiver Steffon Diggs and running back Rhamondre Stevenson.
Another top contender is the explosive Los Angeles Rams, which features prominent players such as experienced quarterback Matthew Stafford, who won the 2025 NFL MVP and led the league with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns, and running back Kyren Williams, who rushed for 1,252 yards and 10 touchdowns. Additionally, the Buffalo Bills, while known for consistently losing in the final Super Bowl games, have also established themselves as a dominant team, with Josh Allen as their star quarterback and running back James Cook adding versatility to Buffalo’s attack. The Jacksonville Jaguars also saw huge improvement; Trevor Lawrence made big strides in 2025, proving them an emerging elite. Finally, the Denver Broncos, who led the NFL in sacks and pass rush effectiveness, could also contend.
Some dark horses that could emerge in 2026 include the Houston Texans, who have shown major year-to-year improvement, particularly on defense, with an increase in turnovers forced; the Detroit Lions, who finished 2025 with a strong winning record and continued consistency; and the Chicago Bears, who are rebuilding with the help of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, whose strong performance this season suggests significant potential. Moreover, the Cincinnati Bengals could get a major boost with the return of Joe Burrow, who missed time this season due to a toe injury.
In addition, the 2026 NFL Draft is set to take place between April 23 and April 25, with the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals securing top picks. One anticipated selection is Fernando Mendoza, who would strengthen any NFL team, having shown a very strong performance with the undefeated champion Indiana Hoosiers this season.
All in all, anything can happen in the 2026 season, but these teams are among the most likely to be strong. Fans should also keep an eye out for the NFL Draft and potential trades, which could shake the league up even more. Get ready, because the next season promises to be exciting.