FOX Sports analyst Colin Cowherd has unveiled a series of bold predictions for the 2026 NFL season, forecasting that Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams will win MVP and projecting notable playoff misses for teams like the Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos.
Quarterback Projections and Team Standings
Cowherd anticipates a breakthrough season for Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, predicting he will win the league's Most Valuable Player award. He bases this on Williams entering his second year in Head Coach Ben Johnson's offense, drawing parallels to Jared Goff's success in a similar situation. Cowherd highlighted Williams's low interception rate and his ability to make spectacular plays, supported by what he views as strong offensive weapons for the Bears.
In the AFC West, Cowherd foresees a playoff resurgence for the Los Angeles Chargers, led by quarterback Justin Herbert. He attributes this potential to significant improvements in the team's offensive line, which has historically been a point of concern. Cowherd suggests the Chargers could contend for the AFC Championship, citing continuity in coaching and offensive scheme as key factors.
Conversely, Cowherd projects a significant decline for the Green Bay Packers, predicting they will finish last in the NFC North. He points to the division's increasing strength, with teams like the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions expected to improve. Cowherd specifically noted the Packers' defensive struggles late last season when edge rusher Micah Parsons was injured, suggesting their performance could falter if similar issues arise.
Cowherd also predicts the Denver Broncos will miss the postseason after their AFC Championship appearance in the previous year. He attributes this to an expected regression from their strong record in close games and the anticipated improvements of rival AFC teams. The transition to a new offensive coordinator and potential challenges for quarterback Bo Nix are also cited as contributing factors.
Jalen Hurts and Offensive Adjustments
Regarding the Philadelphia Eagles, Cowherd expressed optimism for quarterback Jalen Hurts, even with the potential shift in offensive dynamics. He argues that Hurts can thrive by distributing the ball more widely, suggesting that the offense performed better statistically when wide receiver A.J. Brown was not the primary focus. Cowherd drew a comparison to the Dez Bryant and Dak Prescott connection, indicating Hurts will flourish despite losing a top receiver.
These predictions offer a speculative outlook on the 2026 NFL season, focusing on potential individual achievements and shifts in team performance across key divisions and conferences.