The 2026 NFL season is almost here, which means it’s time to make some predictions. Some divisions have clear favorites, while others could be complete toss-ups. Here are my picks to win all eight divisions this season.
AFC East: Buffalo Bills
Starting with the AFC East, I have the Buffalo Bills reclaiming the division. Yes, the Patriots reached the Super Bowl last season and added A.J. Brown, but the Super Bowl hangover is real, and it could take some time for their offense to mesh with its new superstar receiver. I think Buffalo takes advantage early in the season and does enough to take back the AFC East.
Prediction: Buffalo Bills
AFC North: Baltimore Ravens
In the AFC North, I have the Baltimore Ravens reclaiming the division. Last season was a major disappointment, as Baltimore finished 8-9 behind a porous defense and an inconsistent offense. I think the arrival of new head coach Jesse Minter provides the spark this team needs, especially defensively. With a fresh coaching staff and a healthy Lamar Jackson, I expect the Ravens to bounce back in a big way and for Lamar to return to MVP form.
Prediction: Baltimore Ravens
AFC South: Jacksonville Jaguars
In the AFC South, I have the Jacksonville Jaguars going back-to-back. I understand the Texans have a dominant defense and the Colts still have Jonathan Taylor, but I have more confidence in Jacksonville’s overall situation entering the season. With questions surrounding the other offenses in this division, I think Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars have enough stability and talent to take advantage and defend their AFC South crown.
Prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars
AFC West: Denver Broncos
In the AFC West, I have the Denver Broncos repeating as division champions. Denver went 14-3 last season, earned the AFC’s No. 1 seed, and has only improved its roster with the addition of Jaylen Waddle. I expect both the Chiefs and Chargers to be better in 2026, but I don’t believe either will win enough games to usurp Denver. Both could still make the playoffs, but I think it will be through the Wild Card.
Prediction: Denver Broncos
NFC East: Dallas Cowboys
In the NFC East, I’m going with the Dallas Cowboys. Yes, Cowboys fans say “this is our year” almost every season, and most years I don’t believe them, but this year I do. Dallas has a potent offense and what I believe will be a much-improved defense. There is also uncertainty throughout the division: can Philadelphia avoid another collapse, can the young Giants take the next step, and can Washington overcome its health concerns? I think Dallas takes advantage and finally returns to the top of the NFC East.
Prediction: Dallas Cowboys
NFC North: Detroit Lions
In the NFC North, I have the Detroit Lions bouncing back and winning the division. The Lions dealt with a brutal stretch of injuries in 2025 and never fully recovered from losing both coordinators the previous offseason. I think another year of adjustment helps Detroit get back on track in 2026. Oh yeah, having Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown certainly helps too.
Prediction: Detroit Lions
NFC South: New Orleans Saints
The NFC South might be the most uncertain division in football. Who is actually good here? This one feels like a complete toss-up, but I’m going with the New Orleans Saints. Tyler Shough showed last season that he can play, and New Orleans has surrounded its young quarterback with even more talent by adding Travis Etienne and Jordyn Tyson, while Chris Olave continues to emerge as a star receiver. I think that young offense takes another step and surprisingly carries New Orleans to the division title.
Prediction: New Orleans Saints
NFC West: Seattle Seahawks
The NFC West is an absolute gauntlet, and then there are the Cardinals. I have the Seattle Seahawks going back-to-back as division champions. It’s going to be difficult to knock off the defending Super Bowl champions, especially with the continuity they bring into 2026. The 49ers’ injury issues continue to mount, hell, even their coach got hurt this offseason, while I think the Rams could take some time to fully mesh after making major changes, including the addition of Myles Garrett. In a division this competitive, continuity matters, and that’s why I’m sticking with Seattle.
Prediction: Seattle Seahawks
There you have it. My eight division winners heading into the 2026 NFL season are the Bills, Ravens, Jaguars, Broncos, Cowboys, Lions, Saints and Seahawks. Some of these picks will look obvious by December, while I’m sure a few will come back to haunt me. That’s the fun of making predictions before a single regular-season snap has been played.
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