Predictions and award picks for the 2026 NFL season
Summary
The Athletic Football Show hosts its annual predictions episode, discussing the 2026 NFL season with a focus on individual awards. The panel selects Will Anderson for Defensive Player of the Year and Jamir Gibbs for Offensive Player of the Year, while debating Coach of the Year contenders like Jesse Minter and Dan Campbell. They also predict offensive and defensive rookies, highlighting Jeremiah Love and Ruben Bane, and note the unusually tight competition in the AFC.
Topics discussed
Introduction to Athletic Live and Google Gemini sponsorship
Show intro, housekeeping, and in-season schedule changes
Discussion on the crowded 2026 AFC playoff picture
Defensive Player of the Year picks: Will Anderson and Quon Mitchell
Offensive Rookie of the Year analysis: Bijan Robinson and others
Offensive Player of the Year long shots: Waddle and Jefferson
Sponsorship segments for US Bank, Monarch, and BetterHelp
Offensive Coordinator of the Year: Jesse Minter and Seahawks
Defensive Coordinator of the Year and Aaron Donald discussion
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Jayden Daniels and Jeremiah Love
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Ruben Bane and Niki Minwari
Assistant Coach of the Year: Mike McDaniel and Jim Leonard
Protector of the Year: Tristan Wirfs and Penei Sewell
MVP predictions: Dak Prescott, Lamar Jackson, and Jared Goff
Sponsorship segments and Pick Em Pro Football promotion
NFC Division and Wild Card playoff picks
AFC Division and Wild Card playoff picks
Super Bowl matchup predictions and final thoughts
Outro and final sponsorships
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