NFL analysts assess potential playoff contenders ahead of 2026 season kickoff
2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 8:00 AM
Last updated Sep 9, 2026
The NFL regular season begins Wednesday night as league experts evaluate roster moves and team prospects. Analysts identified the Rams as a potential powerhouse following roster additions including Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald. Debate persists regarding teams on the bubble, with the Vikings, Cowboys, and Bears facing skepticism about their playoff viability due to roster composition or division strength. Other clubs identified as potential sleepers include the Bengals, Chargers, Buccaneers, and Chiefs. Writers also noted tactical trends, specifically the increasing reliance on quarterbacks taking snaps from under center rather than in the shotgun. The upcoming games serve as the first test for these offseason projections.
- •The 2026 NFL season begins Wednesday night.
- •The Rams added veterans Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald to a roster featuring Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua.
- •Experts identified the Vikings, Cowboys, and Bears as teams likely to miss the playoffs.
- •The Bengals, Chargers, Buccaneers, and Chiefs were highlighted as potential underrated teams for the new season.
- •League trends show a shift toward quarterbacks taking more snaps from under center.
- 8:00 AMYahoo Sports — NFL 2026 season predictions: which teams can bring down the Rams juggernaut?
- 8:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — NFL 2026 season predictions: which teams can bring down the Rams juggernaut?
"The new season kicks off on Wednesday night. Our writers have their say on the MVP, rookies to watch and the disasters waiting to happen Quarterbacks living under center. The NFL has developed into a shotgun league, where most quarterbacks take the majority of their snaps three to seven yards away from the center. But the increase in efficiency when it comes to snaps taken right behind the center should have coaches directing their quarterbacks to do more of it. Matthew Stafford, Caleb Williams, and Sam Darnold led the way in 2025, and others will follow. DF Continue reading...
"The new season kicks off on Wednesday night. Our writers have their say on the MVP, rookies to watch and the disasters waiting to happen
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 9, 2026, 8:00 AMNFL 2026 season predictions: which teams can bring down the Rams juggernaut?
The new season kicks off on Wednesday night. Our writers have their say on the MVP, rookies to watch and the disasters waiting to happen
- The Guardian SportSep 9, 2026, 8:00 AMNFL 2026 season predictions: which teams can bring down the Rams juggernaut?
The new season kicks off on Wednesday night. Our writers have their say on the MVP, rookies to watch and the disasters waiting to happen Quarterbacks living under center. The NFL has developed into a shotgun league, where most quarterbacks take the majority of their snaps three to seven yards away from the center. But the increase in efficiency when it comes to snaps taken right behind the center should have coaches directing their quarterbacks to do more of it. Matthew Stafford, Caleb Williams, and Sam Darnold led the way in 2025, and others will follow. DF Continue reading...
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