Simulation Picks Rams as Super Bowl Favorites, Bears Sneak into Playoffs
A CBS Sports simulation of the 2026 season projects the Rams to finish 12-5 and be the overwhelming Super Bowl favorite, though they lose a tiebreaker to the Seahawks. The Bears are predicted at 9-8 to secure the second wild card spot despite facing the toughest schedule in the league.
The simulation, by SportsLine's Stephen Oh, projects the Rams as Super Bowl favorites at 12-5, though they'd lose a tiebreaker to the Seahawks. The Bears are predicted to grab the second wild card at 9-8 despite the league's toughest schedule.
In the AFC, tight races abound: Ravens lead the North at 60.9%, Texans edge the South at 47.8%, Broncos top the West at 47%, and Bills lead the East at 52.4%. The Jaguars aim for back-to-back playoff berths for the first time since 1998-99, while the Patriots face a Week 18 fight for the final wild card.
This simulation may influence fan expectations and betting markets, as projections often shape public perception of team prospects. It could also affect team morale, with underdogs like the Bears gaining confidence from a playoff nod, while favorites like the Rams face added pressure. For casual fans, it offers a narrative for the season, but it may also underscore the inherent unpredictability of football, reminding audiences that data-driven forecasts are merely educated guesses.