Dozens of NFL executives and coaches weighed in to help us provide insight into how the 2026 season will unfold for each team.
Jeff Howe
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NFL 2026 schedule, weekly game projections and live scores
Austin Mock
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Vic Tafur
NFL Simulator 2026: Live forecast of the playoff picture and outcomes for every team
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LSU's dominant performance against Clemson jumps them up the rankings. Rutgers blowout loss to UMass sets a new low for Power 4 teams.
Chris Vannini267
Sean McVay's Rams seem to have the makings of a Super Bowl champion. Can all of his stars shine in Los Angeles this season?
Chad Graff and Josh Kendall259
For all the crap in college football, this sport is still the best.
Seth Emerson100
Our writers also predict a top-five offense for the Chargers, a dominant Eagles defense and Malik Nabers as Comeback Player of the Year.
The Athletic NFL Staff414
Also, the 49ers' D-line looks to get back to being disruptive and the Colts will find out if Daniel Jones is really the guy.
Ted Nguyen68
Gators fans used the cheer for years inside The Swamp, but a nationwide racial reckoning led Florida to end it in 2020.
Matt Baker322
Austin Mock, Jasmine Cui and more
Michigan's miracle finish was overshadowed by officiating controversy while Kiffin routed Clemson in his LSU debut (without NFL players).
Stewart Mandel552
The start of any season is all about hope. Which teams' fans are optimistic ahead of Week 1, and which are not feeling as good?
Adam Coleman182
They emerged from blowouts and marketing pitches, architectural quirks and television broadcasts, each becoming entrenched in tradition.
Ira Gorawara39
The Jags are back. Teal with it. Here's how to watch their anticipated 2026 campaign.
Steven Louis Goldstein
To no one surprise, Indiana fans are feeling pretty good about their team? Which team's fans are the most pessimistic?
Manny Navarro100
What will happen in Lane Kiffin's LSU debut? Can Coach Prime start the season with a win in Atlanta? Which QB throws for the most yards?
Manny Navarro36
The Chiefs and Ravens don't look like their usual powerful selves, while many have doubts about the Patriots repeating their 2025 magic.
Mike Sando232
It's been a long offseason since Indiana claimed a shocking national title. What do you need to know before kickoff? Let us be your guide.
The Athletic College Football Staff24
The Jaguars are set up for another big season.
Michael Beller and more2
There will be no excuses — not a lack of home games, nor a tough schedule. Coen wants his team ready to win "anyone, anytime, anywhere."
Jeff Howe10
Georgia has the edge over Texas according to the odds, but there are several teams with a realistic chance of winning the SEC.
Dan Santaromita and Austin Mock33
Last year was one of the busiest college football coaching carousels ever, but there should be no shortage of moves in 2026, either.
Chris Vannini28
