The Cincinnati Bengals are projected to win Super Bowl LXI, defeating the Dallas Cowboys, according to predictions for the 2026 NFL season. The projections also forecast division winners, playoff teams for both the American and National Football Conferences, and individual team records.
The AFC East is expected to be won by the Buffalo Bills with a 12-5 record, followed by the New England Patriots at 10-7. The Miami Dolphins are predicted to struggle with a 2-15 record, and the New York Jets at 6-11.
In the AFC North, the Cincinnati Bengals are slated to finish 12-5, with the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers both at 9-8. The Cleveland Browns are projected to finish last in the division with a 4-13 record.
The AFC South could see a tight race between the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars, both predicted to finish 11-6. The Indianapolis Colts are projected at 9-8, while the Tennessee Titans are expected to finish 4-13.
The AFC West is predicted to be led by the Denver Broncos with a 13-4 record, ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs at 10-7. The Los Angeles Chargers are projected at 9-8, and the Las Vegas Raiders at 5-12.
The NFC East could be won by the Dallas Cowboys with a 12-5 record, followed by the Philadelphia Eagles at 10-7. The Washington Commanders and New York Giants are both projected to finish 6-11.
The NFC North is predicted to be dominated by the Minnesota Vikings at 11-6, with the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears both at 9-8. The Green Bay Packers are projected to finish 8-9.
In the NFC South, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are projected to win the division at 9-8, followed by the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers, both at 7-10. The Atlanta Falcons are predicted to finish last with a 5-12 record.
The NFC West is anticipated to be a competitive division, with the Seattle Seahawks projected to win at 13-4. The Los Angeles Rams are predicted to finish 11-6, and the San Francisco 49ers at 10-7. The Arizona Cardinals are projected to finish 3-14.
Playoff teams for the AFC are projected to include the Bills, Bengals, Texans, Broncos, Patriots, Jaguars, and Chiefs. The NFC playoff picture is expected to feature the Seahawks, Buccaneers, Vikings, Cowboys, Eagles, Rams, and 49ers.
The AFC Championship game is predicted to be a matchup between the Bengals and Bills. The NFC Championship game is projected to be a contest between the Cowboys and Rams. Ultimately, the Bengals are predicted to defeat the Cowboys in Super Bowl LXI.