Too soon? Bears, 49ers among early bets to win next year’s Super BowlplayStephen A. calls on Bills president to improve Buffalo’s roster (2:38)Stephen A. Smith says new Bills president Brandon Beane needs to bolster the roster to give the Bills a chance at making the Super Bowl next season. (2:38)ESPNMultiple AuthorsFeb 8, 2026, 10:51 PM ET
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Super Bowl LX just ended, but is it ever really too early to look ahead to next season?
We didn’t think so either. With a full list of odds out following the Seattle Seahawks’ win over the New England Patriots, we asked our experts to take an early stab at predicting next year’s winner.
Here is what Matt Bowen, Liz Loza, Pamela Maldonado, Eric Moody and Seth Walder had to say.
Note: Odds by DraftKings Sportsbook
and subject to change.
Having a healthy Fred Warner and Nick Bosa would do wonders for the San Francisco 49ers’ chances next season. Kyle Terada/USA TODAY SportsLos Angeles Chargers 15-1
Walder: I know, I know. I’m falling for it, just like we always do every year. But it’s different this time! It really is! The Chargers made the playoffs this year despite barely having functioning offensive tackles. It’s not just that, when healthy, they’re OK in that area — they’re great in that area with Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater on the field. Add in Mike McDaniel to run the offense and I think the Chargers truly have the potential to be special next season.
San Francisco 49ers 17-1
Maldonado: San Francisco’s 2025 campaign was defined by attrition, with DE Nick Bosa, LB Fred Warner, TE George Kittle, OT Trent Williams and others shelved at various points. Yet the 49ers still went 12-5 and won a playoff game. That type of fight under duress lays the foundation for a legitimate potential Super Bowl berth, assuming injury luck regresses to the mean.
Denver Broncos 19-1
Moody: Losing Bo Nix ahead of the AFC title game was devastating, but Denver still has a clear path to Super Bowl LXI after emerging as one of the league’s most complete teams this past season. With Nix continuing to develop and a defense that already ranks among the NFL’s best, the Broncos have a strong foundation under Sean Payton. The next step is upgrading the offense, particularly at wide receiver and tight end, while adding depth at running back. Those improvements, along with Nix taking another step forward, would position the Broncos as a serious championship contender.
Super Bowl LXI championship oddsSeattle Seahawks
