Super Bowl 2026 Contenders: Who Has a Shot at the Ring in 2026?
The Highlights
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We’ve officially entered that part of the NFL season where every Sunday starts to feel like a playoff game and the injuries start to matter more than the talent. If you’ve been watching out for Super Bowl 2026’s top players, you’ll be eager to know who the top contenders are heading into next year.
While it’s still too early to call the definite frontrunners, we can absolutely take a look at the popular favorites as we barrel into the season’s final stretch. Find out what makes them such common picks and why that matters with this Giant Sports Cards blog.
The Top Super Bowl 2026 Contenders
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are currently leading prediction markets like Polymarket as the top contenders for this season’s big finale. If you’re looking to pick up a few football card boxes and unbox a Rams rookie early, now might be the best time.
What makes the Rams a popular candidate right now? They have a solid offense in Kyren Williams (with him being a top-three RB in terms of touchdowns) and Matthew Stafford. The defense is impenetrable, with Kobie Turner holding things down even as a second-year player, along with rookie Jared Verse.
The Full Picture
While they have a lot going for them, they might not be a complete shoo-in as top Super Bowl 2026 contenders. Despite their roster of stellar players for the 2026 Super Bowl, the Rams’ inexplicable recent loss to the Panthers puts the Bears in top standing in the NFC.
What does that tell us? It’s still too early to call a clear frontrunner, and it’s just about anyone’s game with this wide-open league right now. Still, if the Rams can steer clear of any (further) major injuries, they have a great shot at the ring.
Philadelphia Eagles
Who doesn’t love a repeat? Another big Feb. finish is just what the doctor ordered if you’re a Philly fan, and it might just be likely.
The Eagles are the second-best Super Bowl 2026 contender despite a devastating Thanksgiving loss to the Bears. Is now a good time to buy a hobby case and hunt down Eagles players?
They’re still working with:
- A top 5 roster in the league, especially if Saquon Barkley can return to delivering.
- Incredible O-Line potential
- Rock-solid defense with Zack Baun functioning as an anchor
Will 2026 Be a Repeat?
Their evident strengths aside, it’s also clear that this isn’t quite the same Eagles lineup that swept up the ring against the Chiefs. Key players like Barkley have been uneven in the last few months. Similarly, QB Hurts needs to step it up as well if the team wants to bring in the new year with an all-new ring.
In terms of Super Bowl 2026 players, they have everything they need as long as they can make a few timely tweaks.
Seattle Seahawks
In terms of Super Bowl 2026 contenders, you can think of the Eagles as the grizzled veterans and the Seahawks as the new challengers. They’re still very rough around the edges with some obvious kinks to work out, but their evident potential has earned the Seahawks a high spot in many prediction rankings.
Why should you be looking for a Seahawks card in a Panini card case? Consider explosive new additions like DeMarcus Lawrence and vets like breakout superstar Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Byron Murphy II is also poised for what many are calling his breakout season.
Cautious Excitement
They might be a top Super Bowl 2026 contender, but the Seahawks’ run game is still on the weaker side. Injury-prone players like Kenneth Walker could also be a liability in the late season if they can’t fully bounce back.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills are once again the heartbeat of AFC contention, with players like Josh Allen already making a push for MVP, hitting the all-time rush TD record for a QB. Nothing makes a stronger case for these potential 2026 Super Bowl players than their recent win against the Steelers.
The Bills are keeping pace with the AFC division leaders and still have a strong shot at coming out in first. Additions like Joey Bosa have helped this Super Bowl 2026 contender’s defensive rebuild, with McDermott’s focus on defensive play-calling already showing results.
A Long Way To Go
The defensive rebuild has been a commendable effort by McDermott, but it’s also clear that the team has a long way to go. They are also quite prone to injuries on the defensive side, giving them a similar weakness to the Seahawks. On offense, the receiving corps has not been as strong as it has in past years, but with Josh Allen at the helm, anything can happen.
New England Patriots
At 11-2, the Patriots are currently leading the AFC East standings with the Bills in hot pursuit. This Super Bowl 2026 contender should come as no surprise, considering they hold the record for the most wins.
What’s driving the odds for the Pats? Two words: Drake Maye. The Patriots QB was absolutely unstoppable against the Giants on Monday Night Football, and he shows no signs of slowing down. Where Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes need a supporting cast to deliver consistently, Maye appears to be lifting his team even without an elite offensive line.
Is It Time for the 7th Win?
With a much-needed bye for rest, these potential Super Bowl 2026 players will need to make the most of the time to recover, especially with injured performers like Jared Wilson and left tackle Will Campbell.
If they can beat the Bills in their big upcoming game back at home, they might be a lock as a top Super Bowl 2026 contender.
Sleeper Picks You Can’t Miss
While we’re at it, why not look at other division leaders and potential dark horses?
Chicago Bears
You’ve probably noticed the Bears have been a running theme in our Super Bowl roundup. The NFC North division leader is in excellent shape with budding superstars like Caleb Williams. We’re going to get a clearer picture of the Bears’ long-term odds with their upcoming game against the Packers.
Jacksonville Jaguars
There’s a fascinating tie happening in the AFC South standings with the Jaguars and Colts.
Both of these teams are strong Super Bowl 2026 contenders, provided they can get over a few humps. The Jaguars have had an impressive season with a 25-3 rout against the Titans, but their pass defense vulnerability remains a key obstacle.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are in similarly formidable shape this season. Jonathan Taylor is absolutely tearing it up with his rushing TDs.
You might find yourself collecting these Super Bowl 2026 players in Panini National Treasures if they can outperform the Jaguars for a clear top spot.
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are absolutely dominating right now in the AFC West standings, making them a great sleeper pick as Super Bowl 2026 contenders. Other teams might be more flashy, but the Broncos have carved out a clear gap for themselves with a current 10-2 score.
Will that be enough to snag the big ring? It’ll all come down to Bo Nix’s ability to perform in the QB seat and prevent their offensive regression. Their late-season games against the Chargers and Chiefs will be the ultimate decider here.
Why Early Knowledge Matters
Teams that separate themselves in Weeks 10-14 are almost never flukes. If you’re looking to snipe out Super Bowl 2026 contenders, now’s the best time to pay attention to the teams that stand out and those that don’t.
After all, a Super Bowl victory only happens for teams that are consistent long before February.
Another advantage of knowing early? You can move quickly on upcoming sports card releases and be the first to pull rookie cards for 2026 Super Bowl players that have the potential to take the ring home.
Get The Early Advantage
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the most likely Super Bowl 2026 contender?
The Los Angeles Rams are currently in the running as the top contender for the 2026 Super Bowl. That said, this season is wide-open, and many other teams can shift up to the top spot before February.
What are some great dark horse teams for the 2026 Super Bowl?
The Cowboys, Packers, and Ravens are three teams that all show promise and could end up upsetting the top prediction spots at the moment.
Does the Super Bowl affect sports card prices?
Yes, a strong performance can cause the card values of 2026 Super Bowl players to skyrocket. That’s why knowing about the top Super Bowl 2026 contenders is so critical if you’re a collector.