SB Nation writers split on Super Bowl 2027 champion
Thirteen SB Nation writers made preseason Super Bowl picks, with the Buffalo Bills receiving the most support. The Rams are the preseason favorite but only three writers chose them. Six different champions were selected, highlighting the unpredictability of the NFL season.
The article reflects the inherent unpredictability of NFL preseason forecasting, noting that last year's Seahawks and Patriots entered the season ranked 19th and 21st in Super Bowl odds yet still met in the championship game. Among the 13 SB Nation writers polled, the Buffalo Bills received the most backing with four selections, while the heavily favored Rams earned only three picks despite being the preseason No. 1 in power rankings.
Six different champions were chosen overall, with the Bears receiving two selections and the Eagles, Cowboys, and Ravens each appearing in specific matchup predictions. Individual writers cited factors like Matthew Stafford's potential farewell season, Myles Garrett's addition to the Rams, and Josh Allen's postseason struggles as reasons for their picks, underscoring how roster moves and narrative arcs shape expert forecasting.
Preseason Super Bowl predictions primarily influence fan expectations and betting markets, potentially shaping public discourse around team legitimacy before a single game is played. When experts diverge sharply from preseason odds, as seen here with the Bills outpacing the Rams, it could reinforce the perception that any team has a viable path to the championship. This may affect how fans engage with the season, though such predictions carry no real-world consequence beyond entertainment value.