If the past few NFL seasons have taught us anything, it’s that expecting the unexpected is usually the safest bet. The league has become almost impossible to predict, and that’s exactly what makes it so much fun.
With that in mind, we thought we’d have a little fun ourselves. These aren’t necessarily the outcomes we think are most likely to happen, nor are they based on betting odds or statistical projections. They’re simply bold predictions that could make this season one to remember.
Will they all come true? Almost certainly not. But if even one or two hit, don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Jahmyr Gibbs Becomes the NFL’s Next 2,000-Yard Rusher
Jahmyr Gibbs has already established himself as one of the NFL’s most explosive running backs, but 2026 feels like the year he reaches another level. With David Montgomery now in Houston, Detroit no longer has a true backfield committee. Gibbs enters the season as the unquestioned feature back, and head coach Dan Campbell has already said the Lions plan to make him their “bell cow.”
More carries should naturally lead to bigger numbers, but it’s Detroit’s offence that makes this prediction especially intriguing. If the Lions are playing with the lead as often as expected, Gibbs could see a steady diet of second-half touches to close out games. Add in his home-run speed and ability to break long runs from anywhere on the field, and 2,000 rushing yards suddenly doesn’t seem quite as far-fetched as it once did.
The New York Jets Snap Their 15-Year Playoff Drought
Fifteen years is a long time to wait for playoff football, but the Jets may finally be ready to end that streak. Aaron Glenn is changing the culture in New York, bringing a renewed sense of accountability to a franchise that has desperately needed it. Following a productive offseason, there’s genuine optimism surrounding this Jets roster.
Geno Smith isn’t expected to carry the franchise on his own, but he could be exactly the steady hand this offence has been missing. He’s surrounded by plenty of talent, with Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall leading the way, while first-round picks Omar Cooper Jr.and Kenyon Sadiq add even more firepower to the passing game.
The AFC remains a gauntlet, so nothing will come easy. But if the Jets can finally start winning the close games that have slipped away in recent seasons, ending the NFL’s longest active playoff drought is well within reach.
The NFL Sees Its First 70-Yard Field Goal
Kickers are stronger and more accurate than ever before. Today’s coaches are increasingly willing to let them try from distances that would have been unthinkable a decade ago. At this point, it’s only a matter of time before someone splits the uprights from 70 yards.
Since 2023, Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey alone has rewritten the record books with an NFL-best six successful field goals from 60 yards or longer. Aubrey has already connected from 65 and 64 yards in regular-season games, while several other kickers have shown they have the leg strength to challenge the NFL record under the right conditions.
The biggest obstacle isn’t power; it’s opportunity. Coaches rarely attempt kicks from 70 yards because a miss hands the opposing offence excellent field position. But whether it’s Aubrey, Cam Little or another big-legged kicker, someone will eventually get the perfect combination of distance, weather and game situation. When that happens, history will be made.
Kyler Murray Finishes Top 3 in MVP Voting
A change of scenery can do wonders for a quarterback, and few players have more to prove than Kyler Murray. His time in Arizona ended on a disappointing note, but landing in Minnesota gives him an opportunity to reset his career in one of the NFL’s most quarterback-friendly environments.
Recent history speaks for itself. Kirk Cousins consistently put up big numbers in Kevin O’Connell’s offence, while Sam Darnold posted career highs in passing yards and touchdowns in the same system. Now Murray steps into that offence with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson at his disposal, giving him arguably the best supporting cast he’s ever had.
If Murray can stay healthy and recapture the playmaking ability that made him the first overall pick, a top-three finish in MVP voting isn’t nearly as far-fetched as it sounds. Few quarterbacks have more motivation or a better opportunity to exceed expectations this season.
The Bills Finally Win the Super Bowl
Buffalo has spent the better part of the past decade knocking on the door, only to have its championship dreams end in heartbreak. Whether it’s playoff collapses, narrow defeats or simply running into Patrick Mahomes, the Bills have repeatedly come up just short. But eventually, every great team gets its moment.
Josh Allen is still in his prime, but the Bills no longer need him to do everything himself. James Cook has developed into one of the NFL’s most dynamic running backs, while the addition of D.J. Moore gives Allen the proven No. 1 receiver this offence has been missing. Buffalo also reinforced its defence through the draft and free agency, creating one of the most balanced rosters in the league.
Winning a Super Bowl is never easy, but the AFC feels more open than it has in years. After so many near misses, this could be the season the Bills finally bring the Lombardi Trophy to Buffalo.