Super Bowl LX just ended, but is it ever really too early to look ahead to next season?
We didn’t think so either. With a full list of odds out following the Seattle Seahawks‘ win over the New England Patriots, we asked our experts to take an early stab at predicting next year’s winner.
Here is what Matt Bowen, Liz Loza, Pamela Maldonado, Eric Moody and Seth Walder had to say.
Note: Odds by DraftKings Sportsbook and subject to change.
Los Angeles Chargers 15-1
Walder: I know, I know. I’m falling for it, just like we always do every year. But it’s different this time! It really is! The Chargers made the playoffs this year despite barely having functioning offensive tackles. It’s not just that, when healthy, they’re OK in that area — they’re great in that area with Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater on the field. Add in Mike McDaniel to run the offense and I think the Chargers truly have the potential to be special next season.
San Francisco 49ers 17-1
Maldonado: San Francisco’s 2025 campaign was defined by attrition, with DE Nick Bosa, LB Fred Warner, TE George Kittle, OT Trent Williams and others shelved at various points. Yet the 49ers still went 12-5 and won a playoff game. That type of fight under duress lays the foundation for a legitimate potential Super Bowl berth, assuming injury luck regresses to the mean.
Denver Broncos 19-1
Moody: Losing Bo Nix ahead of the AFC title game was devastating, but Denver still has a clear path to Super Bowl LXI after emerging as one of the league’s most complete teams this past season. With Nix continuing to develop and a defense that already ranks among the NFL’s best, the Broncos have a strong foundation under Sean Payton. The next step is upgrading the offense, particularly at wide receiver and tight end, while adding depth at running back. Those improvements, along with Nix taking another step forward, would position the Broncos as a serious championship contender.
Jacksonville Jaguars 20-1
Loza: Jacksonville went from 4-13 2024 to 13-4 and AFC South champions in 2025, with the regime changes creating a reversal of fortune on both sides of the ball. Anthony Campanile revitalized the defense. The Jaguars allowed just 19.8 opponent points per game (eight fewest) in 2025 after giving up an average of 26.5 points per contest (fifth most) the prior year. Additionally, Liam Cohen appeared to unlock Trevor Lawrence‘s long-sought potential, helping the QB register career highs in passing TDs (29) and rushing scores (9). The Jaguars enter 2026 as the most balanced squad in the division, allowing the franchise to build on momentum well into the next year’s postseason.
Chicago Bears 25-1
Bowen: With Caleb Williams‘ elite playmaking ability and an explosive offense under Ben Johnson, the Bears have the foundational pieces to make a run. And with a couple of offseason moves to upgrade the pass rush, the Bears will have a championship profile next season.
