NFL predictions: DAZN experts pick Super Bowl winner, risers, flops

DAZN's expert panel breaks down their Super Bowl picks, biggest risers, and the teams they think are heading for a harsh reality check in the 2026 NFL season.

Some are obvious, while others will get people talking, but all come with rationale.

Super Bowl winner

Los Angeles Rams: Jason Abbey

We have seen plenty of so-called 'super teams' fall flat, but it is hard to look beyond this Rams team.

With Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, and a ridiculously deep group of tight ends, reigning MVP Matthew Stafford has plenty of weapons at his disposal once again.

His offensive line is solid at worst, pending what happens with Alaric Jackson, who may face a suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

And now Sean McVay's group has added Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, star cornerback Trent McDuffie, and the return of Aaron Donald to complete a potentially dominant defensive front.

The Seahawks, Bills, Ravens, Broncos, and Patriots will not make it easy, but they are up against a monster in this LA outfit.

David Jensen / Stringer

Los Angeles Rams: Romain Champagne

The Rams were already one win away from the Super Bowl before adding Myles Garrett, Trent McDuffie, and Jaylen Watson, and they have now brought Aaron Donald out of retirement.

That could be the best defensive front in football, while reigning MVP Matthew Stafford still has Puka Nacua and Davante Adams in Sean McVay's offense.

Health is the main concern, but no other contender has fewer weaknesses.

San Francisco 49ers: Ana Gonzalez

Bold choice, probably, but the Niners have an often-overlooked team stacked with players who (if healthy) can win it all.

George Kittle, Nick Bosa, and Christian McCaffrey will start the 2026 season healthy; the only shame is that Ricky Pearsall will be out, but Deebo Samuel should help fill the void.

With Trent Williams and Fred Warner running the show, and Mac Jones capable of getting the job done should Brock Purdy go down, Kyle Shanahan's group is in great shape.

As long as the injuries do not decimate the roster once again, the 49ers could reach and win the Super Bowl.

Most improved team

New York Giants: Jason Abbey

It is hard not to improve on a 4-13 record, but I believe the 2026 Giants have the makings of a team that could double that win total.

Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, Malik Nabers, and Isaiah Likely give them a quartet of ascending skill players who, health permitting, can hang with much more established teams.

There are still some gaps up front, but Andrew Thomas and rookie Francis Mauigoa should combine to bring about improvements in that regard.

Defensively, it is still a bit patchwork, and Dexter Lawrence will be sorely missed, but Abdul Carter, Brian Burns, and Arvell Reese should star, giving the shaky but young secondary behind them half a chance.

Candice Ward / Stringer

New York Giants: Romain Champagne

There is genuine excitement around the Giants for the first time in years.

John Harbaugh brings credibility and experience, while Jaxson Dart, Malik Nabers, Cam Skattebo and Abdul Carter form an exciting young core.

Arvell Reese and Francis Mauigoa add two more top-10 picks, with veterans such as Odell Beckham Jr., Darnell Mooney, Brian Burns and DJ Reader providing leadership.

I do not expect an immediate Super Bowl challenge, but a jump from 4-13 into the wild-card race feels realistic.

Las Vegas Raiders: Ana Gonzalez

They are probably a dark horse right now, but the Raiders have had a promising offseason spent rebuilding the roster.

Fernando Mendoza looks like a promising future franchise QB with a great mentor in Kirk Cousins, who will hand him the reins when he's ready.

They most likely will not make the playoffs, but they stand a chance of finishing with a winning record this season.

Biggest disappointment

Carolina Panthers: Jason Abbey

Before you drag me over this one, Panthers fans, hear me out first.

I am a fan of what we started to see from Bryce Young and Tetairoa McMillan last year, and I can also get behind the new additions, particularly Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd.

But without the injured Taylor Moton and with Ikem Ekwonu for the first month or more, and with Monroe Freeling still finding his groove, I think Carolina could stutter out of the gate.

And with a slew of injuries befalling several others, some of whom I thought could become solid contributors, I believe Dave Canales' group may struggle.

If we know anything, it is that another 8-9 finish, which was enough for the Panthers to top the division last year, will probably not be enough to get the job done in 2026.

Chicago Bears: Romain Champagne

Patrick McDermott / Stringer

Chicago's offense should remain exciting, but repeating last season's success will be difficult.

Seven of the Bears' wins came after they trailed in the final two minutes; their defense enters the season with major questions in the secondary and pass rush, and they face the NFL's toughest schedule.

After winning the NFC North and a playoff game, a seven- or eight-win season and finishing outside the playoffs would represent a major disappointment.

Atlanta Falcons: Ana Gonzalez

They have one QB who is slowly making his way back from a major injury and another who has not shown any improvement after being waived by his previous team.

For that reason above all, I do not see this Falcons team going anywhere this season.

While they have stars like Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts, they lack a capable quarterback to feed them, which limits their ceiling.

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