Major sports outlets have begun releasing their comprehensive predictions for the 2026 NFL season. CBS Sports published full-season projections including final records for all 32 teams, Super Bowl LXI picks, and playoff matchups. ESPN ran one of its Football Power Index's 10,000 season simulations through the entire season and Super Bowl.

The Cincinnati Bengals have emerged as a consensus pick among analysts. Per Yahoo Sports and Cincy Jungle, the Bengals received multiple votes to win their first Super Bowl. Cincy Jungle noted that expectations are at an all-time high for the team after a complete roster revamp, with additions like Dexter Lawrence, Bryan Cook, and Jonathan Allen expected to bolster the defense following a three-year playoff drought.

Beyond Super Bowl predictions, Yahoo Sports identified five NFL teams that could stumble early in the 2026 season due to their opening schedules and other issues, though the outlet did not specify which teams. CBS Sports also previewed Week 1 odds, noting the Cowboys are road favorites against the Giants while the Panthers face the Bears in what the outlet described as a familiar position for the team.