Sporting News releases 2026 NFL regular season and playoff projections
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 5:00 AM
Last updated Sep 8, 2026
Sporting News released its forecast for the 2026 NFL regular season, projecting divisional winners and final playoff standings. Coming off a Super Bowl 60 title victory for the Seattle Seahawks over the New England Patriots, analysts evaluated team prospects ahead of the season. Notable projections include the Chicago Bears finishing with a 14-3 record in the NFC North, while the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs are slated to lead the AFC East and West with 12-5 records. The analysis accounts for coaching transitions, such as Joe Brady's promotion in Buffalo and Jesse Minter's new role with the Baltimore Ravens, alongside injury recovery timelines for players like Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes. These projections serve as a framework for the league leading toward Super Bowl 61, which is scheduled to take place February 14, 2027, in Los Angeles.
- •Seattle Seahawks defeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60.
- •Super Bowl 61 is scheduled for February 14, 2027, in Los Angeles.
- •Chicago Bears are projected to finish with an NFC-best 14-3 record.
- •Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs are predicted to secure 12-5 records.
- •Sporting News evaluated roster changes and injury impacts for all 32 teams.
- 5:00 AMYahoo Sports — NFL predictions 2026: Sporting News' expert picks for final standings, playoffs and Super Bowl 61
"Who will be the latest team to win the Super Bowl? What teams will and won't make the playoffs after the 2026 regular season? Sporting News looks into its crystal ball again to make year-long picks and predictions.
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