THE 2025 season is officially over, which means all eyes are on next season and who has what it takes to win Super Bowl LXI.
The Seattle Seahawks have plenty of time to celebrate their Super Bowl LX trophy, but it’s never too early to look ahead to the future.
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Dallas Cowboys star Dak Prescott looks on during a game in DecemberCredit: Getty
Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson runs the ball during his team’s Week 18 loss to the Pittsburgh SteelersCredit: Getty
Lots of moving parts will take place between now and the start of the 2026 season, with free agency next month and the draft in April.
And some players and teams have plenty to prove next season.
But which ones will ultimately impress in 2026 after not reaching their goals?
Will there be repeat award winners? Will the Seahawks repeat?
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Those questions and more were answered on this week’s episode of The U.S. Sun Sport’s Football Ain’t That Our Ball.
First to worst?
In 2025, both the Chicago Bears and the AFC champion New England Patriots went from last place in their respective divisions to division champions the very next season.
So underwhelming teams are licking their chops to see who can be the next Bears, or even Patriots team.
The 6-11 New Orleans Saints are one team to watch that could make the job from worst to first.
“They are in a division that’s one of the worst in the league. The division winner Panthers, was 8-9. The Saints certainly have it easy,” NFL expert Ryan Sanudo said.
“They beat the Bucs at the end of the year.
“They really turned it on a bit.”
Host David Scott agreed as he believes in rookie quarterback Tyler Shough and thinks the team “can make a huge jump.”
Sanudo also believes the Tennessee Titans have a shot at winning the AFC South next season, noting that Cam Ward turned it on in the second-half of 2025, the squad has plenty of cap space, and the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Scott, meanwhile, didn’t agree with Sanudo’s Titans pick, expressing his non-belief in the 2025 No. 1 overall pick Ward.
He does think the New York Giants can turn their fortunes around thanks to Jaxson Dart and also new head coach John Harbaugh.
“They have a young core that could be spectacular. You’re looking at Dart. Malik Nabers. Cam Skattebo. The defensive talent has incredible talent all over. They need a few pieces here and there under John Harbaugh. They can take a huge step forward,” Scott said.
Sanudo begs to differ, however, as he said that winning the division will be tough with the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys always in the way.
Super Bowl
Matthew Stafford seen during the Los Angeles Rams’ NFC Championship Game loss to the Seattle SeahawksCredit: Getty
The Seahawks dominated the Patriots, 29-13, in Super Bowl LX, showcasing their defense throughout the game.
Seattle will be bringing back most of their core, so will they repeat?
Sanudo believes 2025-26 MVP Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams, who lost 31-27 to the Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game, will be the winners of the 2026 season.
“I like their chances. Stafford and a lot of those guys will be back. They have a top-12 pick. … They still have Chris Shula on defense. They could’ve been in the Super Bowl this year,” Sanudo said.
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix looks on before the divisional round win over the Buffalo BillsCredit: Getty
Scott has no issues with his colleague’s pick, but he has another team in mind to win the Lombardi Trophy.
He has the other Championship Game loser, the Denver Broncos, winning the whole thing.
“They were a [Bo Nix] broken ankle away from being in the Super Bowl. … I think they’re gonna run it back with a similar team.
“They just need help in the receiving group.”
2026 MVP
Jacksom walks off the field after the Week 18 lossCredit: Getty
Stafford is your reigning MVP, but who will win next season’s award?
This isn’t a tough one for one analyst.
“This is an easy one for me. I’m going to go Lamar Jackson. He’s already won two MVPs. He should’ve won a third in 2024,” Sanudo said.
While Jackson had a down 2025, his struggles were a result of the numerous injuries he suffered.
“When Lamar is healthy, he always has a chance of winning. And I think the Ravens can add a receiver or two in the draft or in free agency,” Sanudo added.
Prescott seen during the 2025 preseasonCredit: Getty
On the other hand, Scott strongly believes that Dak Prescott, who totaled 30 passing touchdowns against 10 interceptions, will earn the honor.
“I think if he just gets a complete team around him, he can really take a step forward,” Scott said.
He also believes the Cowboys need to add defensive talent for Prescott to help lead the team to wins, which can help his MVP case.
Offensive Player of the Year
Cincinnati Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase evades Patrick Surtain II during a playCredit: Getty
The Seahawks won the Lombardi Trophy, and star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njiba took home the Offensive Player of the Year.
But Sanudo is surprised that Cincinnati Bengals superstar wideout Ja’Marr Chase still hasn’t received the award.
“He’s 25 years old. Chase was second two years ago when Saquon Barkley won that award,” he said.
“It’s going to be when, not if, Chase wins the award.
“He’s just an otherworldly talent.”
Chase has back-to-back seasons with 125 or more receptions.
Notre Dame running back star Jeremiyah Love stiff-arming a defender during a 2024 gameCredit: Getty
As for Scott, he has a “Wild-Card pick” in 2025 Heisman finalist and rookie Jeremiyah Love.
“I’m projecting him to be drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs. In my opinion, he’s the best running back prospect we’ve seen in maybe two decades,” Scott said.
Scott’s pick is indeed bold, as Love would be just the third rookie in NFL history to win the Offensive Player of the Year.
Only NFL Hall of Famers Earl Campbell and Eric Dickerson, both running backs, have taken home the hardware
Defensive Player of the Year
Cleveland Browns superstar Myles Garrett won the 2025-26 DPOY and will always be the favorite to win the award.
But Sanudo and Scott wanted to spice things up.
Denver Broncos star edge rusher Nik Bonitto is Sanudo’s choice.
He noted that Bonitto was voted eighth in the 2024-25 DPOY and fourth in the most recent award.
“Bonitto’s always going to get 12 to 14 sacks. He’s that guy on the Broncos defense. He’s so quick and elusive,” Sanudo said.
Scott, meanwhile, thinks Detroit Lions star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson will win the honor.
“Hutchinson was on track to win the honor [in 2024] before his catastrophic injury,” he said.
“He came back and looked great this year.
“I think he’s going to continue to be the game-wrecking player.”