NFL Week 1 is barely in the books, and the Seattle Seahawks already reminded everyone why betting against defending champions is risky business — they outlasted the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl LXI rematch, even after losing Sam Darnold to injury. But history says repeat trips to the big game are rare, which is exactly why most 2026 predictions skip both finalists entirely and circle back to one team everyone can’t stop talking about: the Los Angeles Rams.
Table of Contents
NFL Playoff Picture Right Now
| Seed | AFC | NFC |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Denver Broncos | Los Angeles Rams |
| 2 | Buffalo Bills | Detroit Lions |
| 3 | Baltimore Ravens | Philadelphia Eagles |
| 4 | Jacksonville Jaguars | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 5 | Los Angeles Chargers | Seattle Seahawks |
| 6 | Houston Texans | Chicago Bears |
| 7 | Cincinnati Bengals | Dallas Cowboys |
The AFC looks like a two-horse race between the Broncos and Bills, both of whom should coast into the postseason on the strength of complete rosters. The NFC is murkier, but the Rams’ aggressive offseason moves have made them the consensus pick across the league — a status they’ll need to justify once the games actually count.
The Path to Super Bowl LXI
Denver earns the top seed and a first-round bye, but that cushion isn’t enough — Josh Allen and the Bills are projected to steal the AFC Championship and punch their ticket to the title game. On the other side, the Rams validate the hype and represent the NFC.
Super Bowl LXI prediction: Bills 27, Rams 24, played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California — the same venue that’s quickly becoming the league’s marquee stage for its biggest international ambitions, much like the Rams’ recent Melbourne showcase highlighted the franchise’s growing global profile.
Award Winners to Watch
| Award | Predicted Winner |
|---|---|
| MVP | Josh Allen |
| Offensive Player of the Year | Jahmyr Gibbs |
| Defensive Player of the Year | Will Anderson Jr. |
| Offensive Rookie of the Year | Jeremiyah Love |
| Defensive Rookie of the Year | Caleb Downs |
| Comeback Player of the Year | Aaron Donald |
| Coach of the Year | Joe Brady |
Josh Allen taking home MVP would pair neatly with a Super Bowl win, while Aaron Donald’s Comeback Player nod reflects just how much intrigue surrounds his return to the Rams’ defensive front. Off the field, roster moves like Chris Olave’s record extension in New Orleans are a reminder that this season’s storylines extend well beyond the playoff race.
Chalk or Chaos?
Predictions like these rarely play out exactly as written — last year, almost nobody had Seattle and New England meeting in the Super Bowl. But that unpredictability is precisely what makes the 2026 season worth following from Week 1 through February.
FAQs
Q1. Who is favored to win Super Bowl LXI?
Current predictions favor the Buffalo Bills over the Los Angeles Rams, with a projected final score of Bills 27, Rams 24.
Q2. Where is Super Bowl LXI being played?
Super Bowl LXI will be held at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
