ESPN analysts released their best bets for the 2026 NFL season as teams look to improve on 2025 performance. Heading into the season, the Los Angeles Rams stand as the Super Bowl favorite at +500, creating a sizable gap from the Baltimore Ravens (+10-1), Buffalo Bills (+10-1), and defending champion Seattle Seahawks (+12-1). In the NFC, the Rams are favored to win the conference.

Among division winners, the Philadelphia Eagles are the only team favored to repeat in the NFC East, while the Detroit Lions (+175) are projected to win the NFC North despite roster flaws. Pamela Maldonado highlights Detroit's favorable schedule and Jahmyr Gibbs as key factors despite offensive line concerns. In the AFC, the Houston Texans are priced at +18-1 to win the Super Bowl, with Matt Bowen praising their championship-caliber defense led by De Meco Ryans.

Ben Solak suggests Jacksonville Jaguars offer value at +15-1, noting their strong weighted DVOA ranks them third in football, though Houston holds a divisional edge. The analysis covers division races and conference odds, noting significant movement from last season when New England and Seattle were longshots at 60-1 and 120-1 respectively before major midseason shifts altered the landscape.