The NFL is finally back, seven months after our Seattle Seahawks hoisted that Lombardi Trophy high after Super Bowl LX. Seriously, feels like yesterday! But as the 2026 regular season kicks off, with a Super Bowl LX rematch already happening on Wednesday, the early predictions for who’s gonna be playing for the title at SoFi Stadium this Valentine’s Day are flying around. And spoiler alert, the experts aren’t exactly “bullish” on our chances of running it back.
Reigning Champs, But Underrated?
Our Seattle Seahawks are the defending Super Bowl champs, baby, and it feels like the league’s already forgetting that incredible run. Out of seven different analysts, not one of them picked us to repeat as Super Bowl LXI winners. Ralph Vacchiano flat out said the “Seahawks aren’t what they used to be,” which, honestly, stings a little after seeing what this squad did last year. Yes, we allowed the fewest points in the entire NFL last season, a stat that should make anyone pause, but Ben Arthur still thinks the Houston Texans have “the best defense in the league,” even with all due respect to the Emerald City. It’s wild to hear these takes right as we gear up, especially when the whole world just watched us dominate.
The New Favorites and the Challengers
So, if they’re not picking our boys, who are these so-called experts betting on? The Los Angeles Rams are getting all the hype, picked twice to win it all. Henry McKenna is going full “runaway favorite” on them, saying no team in the league is more complete. He’s gushing about Matthew Stafford as a top three quarterback, Puka Nacua as a top three WR1, a number one defensive line, and Myles Garrett as a number one pass rusher. Seriously, McKenna thinks they’re the biggest favorites since 2007, calling it “not even close.” But hold up, Ralph Vacchiano isn’t so sure about the Rams, pointing out their “age and extensive travel issues” might be a real problem they have to overcome. Meanwhile, one person is betting on the Dallas Cowboys finally returning to glory this season. Over in the AFC, Sean Payton’s Denver Broncos are Vacchiano’s pick to grab that conference title, especially after QB Bo Nix’s broken ankle sadly derailed their shot last season. He’s got an even better team this year, apparently! And Vacchiano’s got the Chicago Bears, with young QB Caleb Williams, as an “up-and-comer” to make it out of the NFC, even if they have to “survive a bruising division and find a way past the loaded Rams and defending champion Seahawks.” Talk about a gauntlet.
The NFL season is just getting started, and while everyone else is already looking past the reigning champs, we know what our Seahawks are truly capable of. The Super Bowl LXI is set for February in Los Angeles, and it sounds like our squad has plenty to prove from day one. Let’s show them exactly what “not what they used to be” really means when the 12s are roaring and this team is playing its heart out. Get ready, Seattle, it’s time to ride!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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