As the 2026 NFL season gets underway, SBNation asked thirteen of its football writers to project which team will hoist the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl LVIII. While preseason forecasts rarely predict the final outcome, the poll offers a snapshot of expectations across the league.
Overall Landscape
Only three of the thirteen experts chose the Los Angeles Rams as the 2027 champion, despite the Rams entering the preseason as the top‑ranked team in the power rankings. Four writers backed the Buffalo Bills, two favored the Chicago Bears, and the remaining selections were spread among several other clubs. In total, six different teams were named as potential champions.
Rams Predictions
Mark Schofield paired the Rams with a 28‑17 win over the Baltimore Ravens, noting his confidence in quarterback Matthew Stafford’s ability to finish the season on a high note. James Dator offered a more decisive 31‑10 victory for the Rams, praising the veteran‑heavy roster and the addition of defensive end Myles Garrett as a game‑changing move. Both writers highlighted the Rams’ depth and coaching stability as reasons to expect a deep playoff run.
Bill’s Outlook
Several writers placed the Bills at the top of the AFC. Kyle Thele argued that Buffalo is the best AFC team and that quarterback Josh Allen will finally capture a ring by defeating an overmatched Dallas Cowboys squad. Beth Maiman echoed this optimism, citing Allen’s recent personal milestones and the new stadium as factors that could propel the Bills to the championship game. Both writers warned, however, that injuries could still derail the Bills’ aspirations.
Other Contenders
Shamus Clancy projected a Super Bowl matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs, envisioning a 31‑20 Eagles victory powered by a healthier offensive line and a star‑filled defense. Ricky O’Donnell favored the San Francisco 49ers over the Denver Broncos, pointing to Kyle Shanahan’s consistent coaching and the 49ers’ ability to win double‑digit games. David Fucillo also backed the 49ers, predicting a 30‑23 win over the Los Angeles Chargers and highlighting the impact of new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.
Jeanna Kelley chose the Chicago Bears to defeat the Cincinnati Bengals, noting the Bears’ recent NFC two‑seed finish and the Bengals’ offensive talent as reasons the Bears could turn the tide. Mookie Alexander, a self‑confessed Seahawks fan, selected the Houston Texans to overcome Seattle, emphasizing quarterback C.J. Stroud’s potential rebound after a disappointing postseason.
What the Numbers Mean
The poll underscores the uncertainty that defines preseason forecasting. While the Rams enjoy the highest preseason ranking, only a quarter of the writers see them as the ultimate champion. The Bills, with four votes, emerge as the most popular pick, reflecting confidence in their offensive firepower and recent roster stability. The spread of selections—six different teams—illustrates the competitive balance many expect across both conferences.
Looking Ahead
Fans are invited to weigh in with their own predictions in the comments, and SBNation plans to revisit the poll at the end of the season to see how the early expectations stacked up against reality. As the regular season unfolds, injuries, mid‑season trades and coaching adjustments will likely shift the landscape, reminding everyone that in the NFL, anything truly can happen.
Original reporting: All Sports Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
