SEATTLE — The confetti on Fourth Avenue has barely settled, but in the NFL, the clock never stops ticking. With a 31-21 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX now in the books, the Seattle Seahawks sit atop the football world. But as general managers descend on Indianapolis for the Combine, the question isn’t just who won last week—it’s who survives next year.
1. Seattle Seahawks (Super Bowl LX Champions)
The Mike Macdonald era didn’t just arrive; it kicked down the door. By dismantling the Patriots’ offense in New Orleans, Macdonald’s defensive schemes proved they are the league’s new gold standard. The frightening part? The core is young. With Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy wrecking interiors and Devon Witherspoon locking down skylines, this unit is built for a three-to-four-year window of dominance.
The offseason priority is clear: pay the playmakers. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is now eligible for what promises to be a market-shattering extension. After his Offensive Player of the Year campaign, the price tag likely starts at $35 million annually. General Manager John Schneider also faces a massive decision on Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III. Letting a fan favorite walk in free agency is tough; letting a 25-year-old who just ran for 140 yards in the Super Bowl walk is harder.
2. Los Angeles Rams
Rumors of the Rams’ demise were greatly exaggerated. With 2025 NFL MVP Matthew Stafford confirming his return for an 18th season, Sean McVay’s squad remains the NFC’s most dangerous challenger to Seattle. The “locked-in” status of Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams gives this offense a terrifying floor, but the ceiling depends on the offensive line rebuild.
The retirement of tackle Rob Havenstein leaves a gaping hole on the right side. Los Angeles must address this immediately, or Stafford’s final ride could end on his back rather than in the end zone. The NFC Championship Game loss to Seattle still stings, but with Jared Verse and Kobie Turner entering their prime, the Rams possess the firepower to flip the script in 2026.
“We saw what they did in the Super Bowl. We respect it. But we also know we had them on the ropes in January. 2026 starts today.”
— Kyren Williams, Rams Running Back
3. New England Patriots
Losing the big game hurts, but the Patriots are arguably in the best long-term shape of any AFC contender. Drake Maye showed poise beyond his years in the postseason, and Coach of the Year Mike Vrabel has instilled a toughness that was sorely missing post-Belichick.
The salary cap situation is tricky. Stefon Diggs carries a massive $26.5 million cap hit next season. Does New England keep the veteran for one more run, or pivot to a younger, cheaper option to pair with Maye? The answer likely defines their offseason. If rookie linemen Will Campbell and Jared Wilson can take a sophomore leap, the Patriots won’t just be back—they’ll be favorites.
4. Philadelphia Eagles
Forget the 2025 mid-season drama; the Eagles roster is still a Ferrari. The concern is under the hood. Lane Johnson (35) is nearing the finish line, and the offensive line requires a youth infusion to keep the “Tush Push” unstoppable. New offensive coordinator Sean Mannion faces the envy of the league: figuring out how to feed Saquon Barkley, DeVonta Smith, and A.J. Brown enough touches to keep everyone happy.
Defensively, Vic Fangio’s unit remains young and lethal. Jalen Carter and Cooper DeJean are already playing at All-Pro levels. If they retain pass-rush depth, Philadelphia remains the class of the NFC East.
5. Denver Broncos
Sean Payton has his guy. Bo Nix finished 2025 with eight game-winning drives, silencing critics who called him a “reach.” The Broncos dominated the regular season before a snowy AFC Championship disaster, but the foundation is rock solid. The offensive line, led by Quinn Meinerz, is a mauler’s dream.
The next step is finding a bell-cow back. The running game vanished after J.K. Dobbins’ injury, forcing Nix to play hero ball. A consistent ground attack would make Vance Joseph’s blitz-heavy defense even more effective by keeping them fresh.
6. Chicago Bears
The Bears are fun again. Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze turned the NFC North into their personal playground late last season. Going from worst to first is impressive; sustaining it is the hard part. The offense is electric, but the defense faces a potential talent drain with Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker hitting free agency.
General Manager Ryan Poles has built a juggernaut on paper, but 2026 is about maturity. Can a young team handle the weight of expectations now that they are the hunted?
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
Liam Coen performed a miracle in Jacksonville. Taking a 4-13 team to 13-4 is historic, and Trevor Lawrence finally looks like the generational talent we were promised. The offense, featuring Brian Thomas Jr., is explosive.
The question mark is Travis Etienne. The running back is an impending free agent, and paying running backs is always a gamble. If Jacksonville lets him walk, they need a “Plan B” immediately to maintain the balance that made them AFC South kings.
