NFL: London Games-City Scenes
Oct 10, 2026; London, United Kingdom; A Super Bowl Vince Lombardi trophy and AFC and NFC team helmets at the NFL Experience at Trafalgar Square. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Through eight weeks of the NFL season, we have seen just about everything. Whether it’s elite performances, injuries, coaching mistakes, or the many surprises around the league, there has been no shortage of storylines.
The Rams were the talk of the league before Week 1 and are outside of a playoff spot. The NFC North has been the toughest division and could be all playoff teams, while the NFC East has had numerous quarterback injuries besides Dak Prescott.
In the AFC, the Chiefs have looked great, while the Chargers are winless, and who knows if/when they will finally get into the win column. The Bills, Patriots, Broncos, and Steelers all look good.
Before we get into the bold Super Bowl matchup that everyone is waiting for, let’s look at some AFC and NFC contenders.
MORE:
AFC contenders
Nov 1, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) calls out a play at the line of scrimmage against the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Everyone is looking at the Chiefs with their new offensive weapon, Kenneth Walker III, and their defense has been pretty solid as well. Great teams are elite defensively and have a great offense. Could the Chiefs be the team of destiny and get back to the Super Bowl after missing the playoffs? There may be better teams.
The Bills are always in the headlines for how good a chance they have but never come through. Josh Allen is the guy you want throwing the football, but this defense is a major concern. Unless they add at the deadline, they might not be the team you throw your coins into.
NFC contenders
NFL: Washington Commanders at San Francisco 49ers
Oct 19, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) throws a pass during the first quarter Washington Commanders at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The 49ers have looked strong and have stayed healthy. Brock Purdy is an MVP candidate, Christian McCaffrey has looked like his old self this year, and the defense is playing very well under their new defensive coordinator, Raheem Morris.
Every team in the NFC North has a chance to make some noise. The Vikings, despite having the best record in that division, still haven’t proven their offense can play well. The Lions are good, but their defense is one of the worst in all of football. The Packers have been inconsistent, and the Bears? We will get to them.
MORE:
Bold Super Bowl matchup: Bears vs. Jaguars
Top 10 Most Memorable Super Bowl Moments in History
The Vince Lombardi Trophy is displayed during Opening Night for Super Bowl LX at San Jose Convention Center. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Jaguars:
The team that people should be talking about more is the Jacksonville Jaguars. Liam Cohen was one of the best coaches last year and probably deserved Coach of the Year. His team is beating up teams right now, and Trevor Lawrence is guiding this squad in the right direction.
They have a surplus of weapons on offense between Parker Washington, Bhayshaul Tuton, Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers, and Brenton Strange. So many people who can change the game for this offense. It is a super fun team, and there aren’t many flaws to talk about with Liam Cohen’s Jaguars.
Bears:
Teams may think the Bears gave up too much for Jeffery Simmons, but it has already paid off in his first game against the Seahawks. The offense under Ben Johnson is sneaky and good, and it’s a top-10 offense in all of football right now.
In the playoffs, the Bears have a different energy and can beat any team in the NFC. This is a two-man race between the 49ers and Bears, but don’t count out the Lions if they improve their defense, or the Rams, who haven’t played their best ball.
Matchup:
A Jaguars vs. Bears Super Bowl would be incredibly thrilling, featuring two Coach of the Year candidates from last year in an exciting showdown. Expect a dynamic offense paired with a formidable defense, making for a captivating matchup