Rams Rule the NFL, Dolphins Hit Rock Bottom: My 2026 NFL Record Predictions
The 2026 NFL season is finally here.
Over the last few weeks, I have made some pretty bold predictions about what I think could happen this season. However, with Week 1 approaching, I wanted to take it one step further and predict the final record of every team in the NFL.
To do this, I went through the schedule and looked at every team's fixtures individually. Interestingly, that process actually changed some of the predictions I made previously. There are teams I have become higher on, others I have moved down and a few division winners that I have completely changed my mind on.
So, from the Los Angeles Rams potentially winning 15 games to the Miami Dolphins collapsing to one of the worst records in football, here is how I think all 32 teams will finish the 2026 NFL regular season.
AFC North
Cincinnati Bengals: 12–5
I am very, very high on Cincinnati this season.
After three consecutive years away from the playoffs, I think this is finally the year the Bengals return. I expect Joe Burrow to have a huge bounce-back season, and I genuinely believe this might be the best overall roster he has had during his time in Cincinnati.
The offense should be electric, and the improvements made defensively give me much more confidence in this team than I have had over the last few seasons.
In my bold predictions article, I actually had Cincinnati finishing as the number one seed in the AFC. I have slightly changed my mind on that after going through every team's schedule, but I still think the Bengals are going to have an excellent season.
Prediction: 12–5, AFC North champions.
Baltimore Ravens: 11–6
I expect Baltimore to push Cincinnati right until the end.
I really like the pairing of Jesse Minter and Lamar Jackson, and I also like some of the defensive additions Baltimore has made this offseason.
This should be a very competitive division race. I ultimately have Cincinnati finishing one game ahead, but Baltimore should comfortably return to the playoffs and remain a very dangerous team.
Prediction: 11–6.
Pittsburgh Steelers: 8–9
I think Pittsburgh will be competitive.
I also hope Aaron Rodgers has a great farewell season. It would be brilliant to see him finish his career playing good football, but I simply do not think the Steelers have enough to get into the postseason in such a difficult AFC.
They should be competitive throughout the year, but I have them finishing just below .500.
Prediction: 8–9.
Cleveland Browns: 3–14
I think Cleveland could have a very bad year.
There are major question marks surrounding the quarterback position, while losing Myles Garrett is an enormous blow to a defense that previously gave this team something to build around.
In a division containing Cincinnati, Baltimore and a competitive Pittsburgh team, I struggle to see where many Cleveland wins are going to come from.
Prediction: 3–14.
AFC South
Houston Texans: 12–5
Houston is my favorite to win the AFC South.
I absolutely love this Texans defense, and I expect C.J. Stroud to improve this season. I still have some questions about Stroud when it comes to the biggest games, and I think that is something he will eventually have to prove if Houston wants to seriously compete for a Super Bowl.
But across the regular season, I think this is a very good football team.
Prediction: 12–5, AFC South champions.
Jacksonville Jaguars: 11–6
Jacksonville was one of my favorite teams to watch last season, and I am very high on them again.
I love Trevor Lawrence, I really like Liam Coen and I think this is a team that can cause a lot of problems in the AFC.
I do not quite have them beating Houston to the division, but I expect Jacksonville to put itself firmly into the Wild Card race and return to the postseason.
Prediction: 11–6.
Indianapolis Colts: 4–13
I am really worried about Indianapolis.
This is not only about what happens this season. I have genuine questions about the long-term direction of this franchise and where exactly they go from here.
I think this could be a very difficult year for the Colts and one that leaves them facing some major decisions next offseason.
Prediction: 4–13.
Tennessee Titans: 3–14
I also think Tennessee will struggle this season, but I feel very differently about its future.
Unlike Indianapolis, I can see a long-term direction with the Titans. There are young pieces to build around, and I think there are reasons for Tennessee fans to be optimistic beyond this year.
That does not necessarily translate into wins immediately, though.
Prediction: 3–14.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills: 13–4
This is where I have changed my mind slightly from my bold predictions article.
Originally, I predicted Cincinnati to finish as the number one seed in the AFC. I still think that is completely possible. However, after going through the schedule game by game, I have Buffalo finishing with the best record in the conference.
The Bills have built an excellent team around Josh Allen, but at some point this team has to get over the line.
For me, this feels like a now-or-never type of season for Buffalo. Allen is in his prime, the roster is capable of competing and expectations should be to reach the Super Bowl.
I think they dominate the AFC East and finish as the conference's number one seed.
Prediction: 13–4, AFC East champions and AFC No. 1 seed.
New England Patriots: 9–8
This is another prediction I made in my bold predictions article.
New England reached the Super Bowl last season, but I think they take a significant step backwards in terms of their record.
That does not necessarily mean they become a worse football team. In fact, they could actually be better and still win considerably fewer games.
The schedule is much tougher this time around, and I think the AFC as a whole will be stronger. I still expect good football from New England, but I have them narrowly missing the postseason.
Prediction: 9–8.
New York Jets: 3–14
I think the Jets are going to struggle badly for wins.
There will probably be a few surprise performances here and there because that happens every NFL season, but there are simply too many weaknesses on this roster for me to believe they can consistently compete.
Prediction: 3–14.
Miami Dolphins: 2–15
This one hurts because its personal to me
Miami is my favourite team in the NFL, but I have almost no confidence in them heading into this season.
I think the Dolphins could completely collapse.
I like Malik Willis, and I obviously love De'Von Achane, but if this season unravels, I do not think either player should be judged too harshly. The problems around them are simply too significant.
The offensive line worries me. The defense worries me. But above everything else, the wide receiver room is one of the weakest I have ever seen in the NFL. There simply is not enough talent around this offense.
As a Dolphins fan, I desperately hope I am wrong. But I think Miami could end the year with one of the worst records in football. This season will go down as a low point in franchise history.
Prediction: 2–15.
AFC West
Denver Broncos: 12–5
I have Denver winning the AFC West again.
I think Bo Nix remains underrated and deserves far more recognition than he gets nationally. I also really like the addition of Jaylen Waddle and what he can add to this offense.
Denver has the roster to remain one of the strongest teams in the AFC, and I think they successfully defend their division title.
Prediction: 12–5, AFC West champions.
Kansas City Chiefs: 11–6
Never bet against Patrick Mahomes.
Kansas City had a disastrous 2025 season by its standards, but I expect the Chiefs to bounce straight back into the playoffs.
I like the addition of Kenneth Walker III, and while I still would not describe Kansas City's running game as one of the best in football, he gives them another weapon offensively.
Ultimately, though, this prediction comes down to Mahomes. As long as he is the quarterback, I find it incredibly difficult to bet against Kansas City completely.
Prediction: 11–6.
Los Angeles Chargers: 9–8
The Chargers are one of my biggest disappointments this season.
I think they will remain competitive for most of the year, but their schedule is extremely difficult and I ultimately have them falling short of the postseason.
This also links back to one of my bold predictions for the season: I think this could be Jim Harbaugh's final year in charge if the Chargers miss the playoffs.
Nine wins is not a disaster, but with the expectations surrounding this team, it could still be viewed as a major disappointment.
Prediction: 9–8.
Las Vegas Raiders: 3–14
I expect another rebuilding year in Las Vegas.
Fernando Mendoza gives Raiders fans something to be excited about for the future, but I do not think this roster is ready to consistently win games yet.
I also have one much bolder prediction to watch: Maxx Crosby gets traded during the season.
If Vegas starts as badly as I expect, I could see a contender making an enormous offer for him. Dallas and Chicago are two teams I would keep an eye on if Crosby ever becomes available.
Prediction: 3–14.
NFC North
Detroit Lions: 13–4
This is probably the division I found hardest to predict.
I was extremely high on Chicago in my bold predictions article, and I still am. Honestly, Detroit versus Chicago feels almost like a coin toss to me.
The main reason I have Detroit winning the division is the schedule.
I think the Lions have an excellent offense, I like Jared Goff and I expect them to bounce back strongly after what was ultimately a disappointing season last year.
There is very little separating my top two teams here, but Detroit gets the slight edge.
Prediction: 13–4, NFC North champions.
Chicago Bears: 12–5
Do not interpret Chicago finishing second as me becoming less confident in them. I still think Caleb Williams can win MVP.
I also think the Bears have the talent to potentially finish as the number one seed in the NFC. I am genuinely not that confident about putting them below Detroit.
Ultimately, after going through the schedule, I simply have Chicago losing one more game.
That is how close I think this division will be.
Prediction: 12–5.
Green Bay Packers: 9–8
I like Green Bay, but I am not particularly excited about them.
They feel like a team that will spend most of the season around .500. They will be competitive and they will win some impressive games, but compared with Detroit and Chicago, I think they are a level below.
Prediction: 9–8.
Minnesota Vikings: 9–8
Minnesota is in a really unfortunate position.
I actually think they could be the best fourth-place team in the entire NFL. In a weaker division, they could potentially remain in the playoff conversation for much longer.
But they have Detroit, Chicago and Green Bay around them.
I expect Minnesota to remain competitive without ever becoming a serious contender.
Prediction: 9-8
NFC South
New Orleans Saints: 9–8
This is one of my biggest predictions of the entire article.
I have the New Orleans Saints winning the NFC South.
They finished last season strongly, and I like some of the offensive talent they have added around Tyler Shough, including Travis Etienne and first-round receiver Jordyn Tyson.
More importantly, this division feels completely open.
I do not think New Orleans needs to suddenly become an elite football team to win it. Nine victories could genuinely be enough.
Prediction: 9–8, NFC South champions.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 8–9
Tampa Bay could absolutely prove me wrong and win this division.
A healthy Baker Mayfield is still capable of playing excellent football, and I expect the Buccaneers to remain in the NFC South race for most of the season.
However, I have some major questions surrounding the direction of the team and coaching staff. If Tampa Bay underperforms, I think there could be significant changes after the season.
I have them finishing just one game behind New Orleans.
Prediction: 8–9.
Carolina Panthers: 6–11
I think Carolina will have some encouraging performances this year.
I like Bryce Young, and there are pieces here that I think can continue developing. But I do not see them repeating last season's postseason appearance.
If they regress significantly, there could also be pressure on the coaching staff by the end of the year.
Prediction: 6–11.
Atlanta Falcons: 3–14
Atlanta might be my biggest disappointment in the NFC.
The franchise feels like a complete mess to me, particularly with the constant turnover and uncertainty at quarterback.
Tua Tagovailoa has been named the Week 1 starter, and as a Dolphins fan, I genuinely feel bad seeing how his career has developed. I just do not think he is the same player anymore, and I am not convinced starting him solves Atlanta's problems.
I think this could be an extremely difficult year.
Prediction: 3–14.
NFC East
Philadelphia Eagles: 13–4
Here is another prediction I have changed.
In my bold predictions article, I picked Dallas to win the NFC East. I can still absolutely see that happening, but after looking more closely at Philadelphia's schedule, I have moved back towards the Eagles.
I actually think Philadelphia could be better this season despite some of the talent it lost during the offseason.
I have the Eagles winning 13 games and taking back the division.
Prediction: 13–4, NFC East champions.
Dallas Cowboys: 11–6
I am still very high on Dallas.
I think Dak Prescott is going to have an excellent year, and I expect the Cowboys to return to the playoffs.
Eleven wins could even be enough to win the NFC East if Philadelphia slips up, so I would not completely rule out my original bold prediction coming true.
But in my final standings, I have Dallas entering the playoffs as an extremely dangerous Wild Card team.
Prediction: 11–6.
New York Giants: 7–10
I think the Giants will be better than people expect.
Seven wins still leaves them comfortably outside the postseason, but this is more about seeing signs of genuine progress.
I expect enough encouraging performances this year to suggest that the franchise is finally moving in the right direction.
Prediction: 7–10.
Washington Commanders: 5–12
I think Washington could have a difficult year.
I have questions surrounding the coaching staff, and I would not be surprised if their head coach finds himself under significant pressure very early in the season.
There are also concerns surrounding Jayden Daniels' ability to stay healthy.
In a division where I expect Philadelphia and Dallas to be playoff teams, I think Washington falls a long way behind.
Prediction: 5–12.
NFC West
Los Angeles Rams: 15–2
The best team in football.
I originally made the bold prediction that the Rams would have a better record than every other NFC division winner but somehow still fail to win the NFC West.
After going through the schedule, I have changed my mind.
I have them going 15–2.
Just look at this team. Matthew Stafford. Myles Garrett. Aaron Donald. And that is before even getting into the rest of the talent across the roster.
I think the Rams are absolutely stacked.
Seattle could still beat them to the division. That was my original prediction, and I would not be shocked if it happened. But after looking at everything again, I think Los Angeles is the number one team in the NFL entering this season.
Prediction: 15–2, NFC West champions and NFC No. 1 seed.
Seattle Seahawks: 14–3
Imagine going 14–3 and not winning your division.
That is how highly I rate the NFC West.
Seattle is the defending Super Bowl champion, and I do not expect them to suddenly disappear. I think they will be right there with Los Angeles throughout the season and remain one of the best teams in football.
Fourteen wins would normally comfortably win a division.
This year, I do not think it will.
Prediction: 14–3.
San Francisco 49ers: 10–7
And then somehow the NFC West still has another potential playoff team.
I like San Francisco's roster, and I think they will be firmly in the postseason race.
My biggest concern is health. We have seen injuries completely change the trajectory of 49ers seasons before, and that makes it difficult for me to put them alongside Los Angeles and Seattle.
If they stay healthy, though, this is another very dangerous team.
Prediction: 10–7.
Arizona Cardinals: 2–15
Someone has to finish at the bottom of this division.
Unfortunately for Arizona, I think they could finish at the bottom of the entire NFC.
This schedule is brutal. Six of their games come against the Rams, Seahawks and 49ers, three teams I have winning a combined 39 games.
That gives Arizona almost no margin for error.
I think wins will be extremely difficult to find.
Prediction: 2–15.
Final Thoughts
After going through every schedule and every team, there are a few predictions that stand out above everything else.
The Los Angeles Rams are my number one team in football at 15–2, while Buffalo finishes 13–4 and takes the number one seed in the AFC.
I am also expecting huge seasons from Cincinnati, Houston, Denver, Detroit and Philadelphia, while Chicago and Seattle could both have outstanding seasons without even winning their respective divisions.
Then there are the surprises.
I have New Orleans winning the NFC South, New England falling from the Super Bowl to 9–8, the Chargers missing the playoffs and Miami collapsing to 2–15.
Some of these predictions are inevitably going to look ridiculous in a few months.
That is the NFL.
Injuries happen, players unexpectedly break out, contenders collapse and every year at least one team comes from nowhere.
But before a single game has been played, these are my final predictions.
32 teams. Eight division winners. One fantastic season coming up.
Now it is time for football.