2026 NFL Season Predictions

 AFC East

1) Buffalo Bills (12-5)

2) New England Patriots (10-7) *Wild Card

3) New York Jets (4-13)

4) Miami Dolphins (3-14)

AFC North

1) Cincinnati Bengals (12-5)

2) Baltimore Ravens (11-6)* Wild Card 

3) Pittsburgh Steelers (9-8)

4) Cleveland Browns (5-12)

AFC South

1) Houston Texans (10-7) 

2) Indianapolis Colts (9-8)

3) Jacksonville Jaguars (8-9)

4) Tennessee Titans (7-10)

AFC West

1) Los Angeles Chargers (12-5) 

2) Kansas City Chiefs  (11-6)* Wild Card

3) Denver Broncos (8-8-1) 

4) Las Vegas Raiders (5-12)

NFC

NFC East

1) Dallas Cowboys (11-6)

2) Philadelphia Eagles (9-8)

3) New York Giants (8-9)

4) Washington Commanders (6-11)

NFC North

1) Detroit Lions (11-6)

2) Green Bay Packers (10-7) *Wild Card

3) Chicago Bears (9-8)

4) Minnesota Vikings (7-10)

NFC South

1) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7)

2) New Orleans Saints (8-9)

3) Carolina Panthers (5-12)

4) Atlanta Falcons (4-13)

NFC West

1) Los Angeles Rams (13-4)

2) Seattle Seahawks (12-4-1)*Wild Card

3) San Francisco 49ers (10-7) *Wild Card  

4) Arizona Cardinals (2-15)

AFC Playoff Seeds

1)Buffalo (12-5)

2) LA Chargers (12-5)

3) Cincinnati (12-5)

4) Houston (10-7)

5) Baltimore (11-6)

6) Kansas City (11-6)

7) New England (10-7)

NFC Playoff Seeds

1) LA Rams (13-4)

2) Detroit (11-6)

3) Dallas (11-6)

4) Tampa Bay (10-7)

5) Seattle (12-4-1)

6) Green Bay (10-7)

7) San Francisco (10-7)

Playoff Predictions

AFC

Wild Card Weekend

2) LA Chargers over 7) New England

3) Cincinnati over 6) Kansas City

4) Houston over 5) Baltimore 

Divisional Round

4) Houston over 1) Buffalo

2) LA Chargers over 3) Cincinnati 

AFC Championship Game

4) Houston over 2) LA Chargers 

NFC

Wild Card Weekend

2) Detroit over 7) SF 

6) Green Bay over 3) Dallas 

5) Seattle over 4) Tampa Bay

Divisional Round

6) Green Bay over 1) LA Rams

5) Seattle over 2) Detroit  

NFC Championship Game

5) Seattle over 6) Green Bay

Super Bowl

Seattle over Houston 

Broncos 2026 Season Preview

 With training camp behind us, the Broncos have finalized their roster and are looking forward to the beginning of the 2026 season and their Week 1 season opener at Kansas City on Monday Night Football. The Broncos are coming off a 14-3 season, an AFC West Title, and a berth in AFC Championship Game. The expectations have changed in Denver. Just like last year, I'm doing a preview of the Broncos season as the 2026 season is about to get going. Here's this year's 2026 Denver Broncos Preview......

Where we left off?  The last time we saw the Broncos they were walking off Empower Field at Mile High in a snowstorm just as they lost to the Patriots 10-7 in the AFC Championship Game. Bo Nix got hurt in the Divisional Round win over Buffalo the week before, and the Broncos played hard in his absence, but fell short in disappointing fashion to end a great 2025 season.

What changed? The Broncos really ran it back in the offseason. They brought most of their key players back. They added Jaylen Waddle to the offense, and lost Dre Greenlaw and Jonathan Franklin-Meyers. Otherwise, the team is basically the same. One of the biggest changes in the offseason was Sean Payton giving up play-calling in favor of OC Davis Webb.

New Faces in Denver: The Broncos were quiet in the beginning of free agency, but made a big trade a few days in when they acquired WR Jaylen Waddle from the Dolphins. Waddle is the explosive playmaker that this offense desperately needed. In the draft, Denver added DT Tyler Onyedim and RB Jonah Coleman. Both are expected to contribute in a some way during the season. 

Bo Nix Year 3: Bo Nix enters his third season as the Broncos QB, and he has gained a reputation as a great late-game, come from behind QB. Nix threw for 3,931 yards, 25 TDs and 11 INT last season. He also ran for five TDs. He led Denver to a 14-3 record, the AFC West Title, the #1 overall seed in the AFC, and defeated the Bills in the Divisional Round for Denver's first playoff win in 10 years. He outplayed Josh Allen in that game, and proved to be one of the best up and coming QBs in the NFL. His broken ankle on the second to last play of the Divisional Playoff Game ended his season and he missed the AFC Championship. If anyone had doubts about how much Nix means to the Broncos, then look at how badly Denver missed him in the that game against the Pats. If Nix plays, then the Broncos go to the Super Bowl.

Rookies to Watch: Tyler Onyedim was drafted to rotate in and help ease the departure of Johnathan Franklin-Meyers. RB Jonah Coleman was drafted to compete for playing time in the backfield and contribute to the run game. It will be interesting to see how Coleman can get on the field and make an impact.

Impact Players: On offense, obviously you want Bo Nix to continue his rise to a franchise QB, and he does need to elevate his game even more. Courtland Sutton, Jaylen Waddle, Marvin Mims, and Pat Bryant could give the Broncos one of the best receiving groups in the NFL. The offense needs to take the next step with this group. On defense, the Broncos have a lot to live up from last season's performance. But, they have impact players at each level. Zach Allen on the defensive line, Nik Bonitto off the edge, and Pat Surtain at CB. This group has depth too, but these three players have to have great seasons again for the defense to continue to be a force.

Schedule Outlook: The Broncos have the roughest and toughest six games to start the season that I can remember in a long, long time. They go to KC Week 1, then host Jacksonville Week 2. They host the Rams in Week 3, and they head to SF in Week 4 and the Chargers in Week 5. In Week 6, they host the Seahawks on TNF. They have 5 out of their first 6 games against teams who made the playoffs last year, and the other game is against the returning Pat Mahomes in Arrowhead on MNF. If Denver can be 3-3 after those first six games, then they are in good shape the rest of the way. 

Final Thoughts: After making the playoffs in 2024 and making it to the AFC Championship in 205, the expectations have changed in Denver. GM George Paton has created a solid roster, and HC Sean Payton and changed the culture in Denver and made the Broncos into a contender. The Broncos are now considered one of the top teams in the AFC. A deep playoff run and/or berth in the Super Bowl is now the goal and expectation for this team. Anything less than that is a disappointment in 2026.

The 2026 Denver Broncos 53-Man Roster

Here is the 53 man roster for the Broncos as they commence on the 2025 season.......

Offense
QBs: Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham,  Sam Ehlinget

RBs: J.K. Dobbins, Jonah Coleman, RJ Harvey, Tyler Badie

WR: Courtland Sutton, Pat Bryant, Marvin Mims, Troy Franklin, Jaylen Waddle, Lil'Jordan Humphrey

TE: Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins, Evan Engram, Dallen Bentley

OL: Garrett Bolles, Ben Powers, Luke Wattenberg, Quinn Meinerz, Mike McGlinchey, Alex Forsyth, Alex Palczewski, Matt Peart, Kage Casey (Frank Crum-IR Designated to Return)

Defense

DL: Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, Jordan Jackson, Malcolm Roach, Eyioma Uwazurike, Sai"vion Jones, Tyler Onyedim

OLB: Nik Bonitto, Jonah Elliss, Que Robinson, Dondrea Tillman (Jonathon Cooper-Commissioner's Exempt List)

ILB: Alex Singleton, Justin Strnad, Karene Reid, Jordan Turner

 
CB: Pat Surtain, Ja'Quan McMillian, Riley Moss, Jahdae Barron, Kris Abrams-Draine

S: Brandon Jones, Devon Key, JL Skinner, Talanoa Hufanga, Tycen Anderson

Special Teams
K: Will Lutz

P: Jeremy Crawshaw

LS: Mitchell Fraboni

2026 Denver Broncos Schedule

Broncos 2026 Schedule 

(All times EST)

Week 1-Monday September 14th: @ Kansas City (8:15pm-ESPN)

Week 2-Sunday September 20th: Jacksonville (4:05pm- CBS)

Week 3-Sunday September 27th: LA Rams (8:20pm-NBC)

Week 4-Sunday October 4th: @ San Francisco (4:25pm-CBS)

Week 5-Sunday October 11th: @ LA Chargers (4:05pm-CBS)

Week 6-Thursday October 15th: Seattle (8:15pm-Amazon Prime)

Week 7-Sunday October 25th: @ Arizona (4:05pm-CBS)

Week 8-Sunday November 1st: Kansas City (4:25pm-CBS)

Week 9-Sunday November 8th: @ Carolina (1:00pm-CBS)

Week 10-BYE WEEK

Week 11-Sunday November 22nd: Las Vegas (4:25pm-CBS)

Week 12-Friday November 27th: @ Pittsburgh (3:00pm-Amazon Prime)

Week 13-Sunday December 6th: Miami (4:05pm-FOX)

Week 14-Sunday December 13th: @ NY Jets (1:00pm-CBS)

Week 15-Sunday December 20th: @ Las Vegas (4:25pm-CBS)

Week 16-Friday December 25th: Buffalo (4:30pm-NETFLIX)

Week 17-Sat/Sun January 2nd/3rd: @ New England (TBD-NBC/Peacock)

Week 18-Sat/Sun January 9th/10th: LA Chargers (TBD)  

-We knew the Broncos were going to have tougher opponents in 2026, but the first six games are absolutely brutal. Going back to 2002, when the NFL expanded to 32 teams, eight divisions, and the current opponent rotation schedule, this is by far the most difficult opening to a season ever for the Broncos. Five out of the first six opponents were playoff teams last year, and the other is the Chiefs in Arrowhead in Week 1. Just a really tough way to start the year. If Denver is 3-3 after those six, then I will be happy. 4-2 and I'll be ecstatic. 

-After Week 6, the schedule becomes very manageable. The next eight games are definitely games that the Broncos can make up ground in the standings if they falter to start the year.

-The last three games are very difficult as well. The Christmas game against the Bills at home, then a trip to New England, and they finish at home against the Chargers. Those three games are tough and will be not be easy in games that will really determine the Broncos playoff fate.

-The Broncos got three primetime games. A MNF game at KC, SNF at home against the Rams, and TNF at home against the Seahawks. All three games are very attractive games. They also go to Pittsburgh for Black Friday, and the Christmas game at home vs Buffalo is a standalone, marquee game as well. I like the Black Friday game, but I'm not a fan of Christmas games, so I'd rather see that game another day.

2026 Denver Broncos Draft Class

 Here is the 2026 Broncos NFL Draft selections:

Round 3 #66 overall: Tyler Onyedim, DT, Texas A&M- The Broncos traded their 1st round pick in March to Miami for WR Jaylen Waddle, and then they traded out of the 2nd round and their first pick was the 3rd round pick at #66 overall and they took Onyedim. He fills a need at depth at defensive line. You can see a scenario where he plays a backup role this year, and moves into a larger role in 2027.

Round 4 #108 overall: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington- The Broncos added one of the top RBs in the draft all the way in the 4th round. The Broncos needed to add another RB to the group of JK Dobbins and RJ Harvey, and Coleman looks like he can contribute right away his rookie year in Denver.

Round 4 #111 overall: Kage Casey, OG, Boise State-The Broncos needed to add depth to the offensive line in some capacity during this draft, and they did that with Casey. He will slide in as a guard this year, and most likely get a chance to become a starter in 2027.

Round 5 #152 overall: Justin Joly, TE, NC State- Joly is a pass-catching TE that will eventually look to replace Evan Ingram in two years. He definitely has a solid chance to make the 53 man roster in August, but worst case is that he will be on the practice squad to start the year.

Round 7 #246 overall: Miles Scott, S, Illinois- He adds depth at safety after the departure of PJ Locke in free agency, but he is probably headed to the practice squad.

Round 7 #257 overall: Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah-Bentley's best hope is that he makes the practice squad and gets called up in case the Broncos deal with injuries in the TE room.

Round 7 #257 overall: Red Murdock, LB, Buffalo-Mr. Irrelevant certainly has one of the best names in the draft. Murdock will fight for a spot on the practice squad, and maybe can help out in special teams. 

2026 NFL Mock Draft

 Round 1

#1) Las Vegas Raiders select Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

#2) New York Jets select David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech

#3) Arizona Cardinals select Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State

#4) Tennessee Titans select Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

#5) New York Giants select Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

#6) TRADE-Cleveland Browns trade #6 overall to Kansas City for the Chiefs 1st round pick (#9 overall) and their second round pick (#40 overall) 

Kansas City Chiefs select Ruben Bain, DT, Miami

#7) Washington Commanders select Caleb Downs, Safety, Ohio State

#8) New Orleans Saints select Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

#9) Cleveland Browns select Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami

#10) New York Giants select Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

#11) Miami Dolphins select Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

#12) Dallas Cowboys select Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

#13) Los Angeles Rams select Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

#14) Baltimore Ravens select Olaivavega Ioane, OL, Penn State

#15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama 

#16) New York Jets select Makai Lemon, WR, USC

#17) Detroit Lions select Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

#18) Minnesota Vikings select Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

#19) TRADE-Carolina Panthers trade #19 overall to Houston for the Texans 1st round pick (#28 overall) and 3rd round pick (#69 overall)

Houston Texans select Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

#20) Dallas Cowboys select Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami

#21) Pittsburgh Steelers select Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Safety, Toledo

#22) Los Angeles Chargers select Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

#23) Philadelphia Eagles select Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

#24) Cleveland Browns select Denzel Boston WR, Washington

#25) Chicago Bears select T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson

#26) Buffalo Bills select Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn

#27) San Francisco 49ers select Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

#28) Carolina Panthers select Omar Cooper, WR, Indiana 

#29) Kansas City Chiefs select Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee 

#30) Miami Dolphins select KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

#31) New England Patriots select Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCF

#32) TRADE-Seattle Seahawks trade #32 overall to Arizona for the Cardinals 2nd round pick (#34 overall) and their 6th round pick (#183 overall) 

Arizona Cardinals select Ty Simpson, QB,  Alabama 

NFL Draft Cheat Sheet-Defensive Players

EDGE

1) Ruben Bain-Miami

2) Arvell Reese-Ohio State

3) David Bailey- Texas Tech

4) Ahkeem Mesidor- Miami

5) Cashius Howell- Texas A&M

6) Keldric Faulk-Auburn

7) T.J. Parker- Clemson

8) Anthony Lucas- USC

9) Gabe Jacas-Illinois

10) Joshua Josephs- Tennessee

Defensive Linemen

1) Peter Woods- Clemson

2) Lee Hunter- Texas Tech

3) Kayden McDonald- Ohio State

4) Christen Miller- Georgia

5) R Mason Thomas- Oklahoma

6) Caleb Banks- Florida

7) Chris McClellan-Missouri

8) Rayshaun Benny- Michigan

9) Domonique Orange- Iowa State

10) Dontay Corleone- Cincinnati 

Linebacker

1) Sonny Styles- Ohio State

2) CJ Allen- Georgia

3) Jacob Rodriguez- Texas Tech

 4) Anthony Hill- Texas

5) Jake Golday-Cincinnati

6) Josiah Trotter- Missouri

7) Kyle Louis-Pitt

8) Malachi Lawrence- UCF

9) Jaishawn Barham- Michigan

10) Tyreak Sapp- Florida 

Cornerback

1) Jermod McCoy-Tennessee

2) Mansoor Delane- LSU

3) Avieon Terrell- Clemson

4) D'Angelo Ponds- Indiana

5) Chris Johnson- San Diego State

6) Colton Hood- Tennessee

7) Keith Abney II- Arizona State

8) Brandon Cisse- South Carolina

9) Treydan Stukes- Arizona

10) Devin Moore- Florida

11) Julian Neal- Arkansas

12) Will Lee III- Texas A&M

13) Malik Muhammad- Texas

14) Brent Austin- Cal

15) Davison Igbinosun- Ohio State

Safety

1) Caleb Downs- Ohio State

2) Emmanuel McNeil-Warren- Toledo

3) Dillon Thieneman-Oregon

4) Keionte Scott- Miami

5) Genesis Smith- Arizona

6) A.J. Haulcy- LSU

7) Zakee Wheatley- Penn State

8) Kamari Ramsey- USC

9) Robert Spears-Jennings- Oklahoma

10) Bud Clark- TCU