The 2026 NFL season kicks off this week, promising a return to form after what veteran analyst Cris Collinsworth described as the “most unusual” campaign in decades. Following a 2025 season that saw the New England Patriots and Chicago Bears rise from division bottoms to Super Bowl contenders, only for the Seattle Seahawks to dominate Super Bowl 60 behind quarterback Sam Darnold, the stage is set for new narratives and familiar powerhouses to reassert themselves.
Rams’ star-studded return to contention
All eyes are on the Los Angeles Rams, who are being lauded for what one source, according to the New York Post, called the “greatest off-season in NFL history.” With Super Bowl 61 slated for SoFi Stadium, the same venue where the Rams lifted the Lombardi Trophy in 2022, the team has made aggressive moves to replicate that success. The Rams boasted the best offense in 2025, fueled by Matthew Stafford, who was named the NFL’s MVP for the season and has committed to his 18th year.
The defensive additions are equally striking. The Rams made significant trades, acquiring reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns, who recorded a record 23 sacks in 2025. In a monumental move, three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, 35, confirmed his return from a two-year retirement. This formidable duo ensures the Rams’ defense will feature two of the modern era’s most dominant pass rushers, collectively owning five DPOY awards. The Rams also bolstered their secondary by acquiring All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie from the Kansas City Chiefs and signing former Chiefs teammate Jaylen Watson, alongside re-signing key free agents like Tyler Higbee, Quentin Lake, Kam Curl, and Nate Landman. Their No. 13 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft was used on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, while Bubba Ventrone was hired to repair the special teams unit. After a 12-5 record in 2025 that saw them reach the NFC Championship game, the Rams are clearly aiming higher.
Chiefs aim for redemption as Rodgers bows out
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs are looking to bounce back after a challenging 2025 season that saw their dynasty begin to crumble. For the first time in 11 years, coach Andy Reid failed to lead the Chiefs into the play-offs, and Patrick Mahomes suffered his first major injury, returning from torn knee ligaments. Prior to 2025, the Chiefs had reached five Super Bowls in six years, winning three. Now, Mahomes, 30, a two-time season MVP, will have an elite running back at his disposal for the first time in his NFL career with the signing of Kenneth Walker, the first running back to be Super Bowl MVP since 1998. Tight end Travis Kelce, 36, who married Taylor Swift in the off-season, has committed to at least one more year.
Elsewhere, the 2026 season will mark the final chapter for Aaron Rodgers. The 42-year-old, four-time NFL MVP, led the Pittsburgh Steelers to the play-offs in 2025. New Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, with whom Rodgers won Super Bowl 45 with the Green Bay Packers, persuaded him to play one more year, despite Rodgers being “99% sure” of retiring after last season. This will be Rodgers’ 22nd and final year in the NFL.
MVP quarterbacks and Browns’ dilemma
The league also features two active MVPs still chasing their first Super Bowl rings: Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills and Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens, both drafted in 2018. The Bills have promoted Joe Brady to head coach after firing Sean McDermott, and will move into a new 60,000-seater stadium. The Ravens, meanwhile, have appointed ex-Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to succeed John Harbaugh, who is now with the New York Giants.
The Cleveland Browns face a familiar quarterback dilemma. Deshaun Watson, who signed a five-year, guaranteed $230 million contract in 2022, will begin the season as the first-choice quarterback after missing the entire 2025 season with a ruptured Achilles. Watson has played just 19 games due to injuries and a suspension since joining the team. Rookie Shedeur Sanders ended 2025 as the Browns’ starter, and some speculate he could return to that role as early as week three, especially after Watson described being booed by Cleveland fans during a pre-season game as “personal” and “disrespectful,” admitting “emotions got the best of me.” The Browns have had 13 starting quarterbacks over the past five years, a statistic they hope Watson can finally stabilize.
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