2026 NFL season preview: Rams and Bills highlighted with bold predictions, strengths and concerns

ESPN's NFL Nation breaks down every team, with the Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills getting special focus on chances, key players and potential milestones

The 2026 NFL season kicks off with a Super Bowl rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, followed by the league's first regular-season game in Australia featuring the Super Bowl-favorite Los Angeles Rams against the San Francisco 49ers. To help fans navigate the upcoming campaign, ESPN's NFL Nation reporters have compiled strengths, concerns, fantasy nuggets and bold predictions for all 32 clubs, while ESPN Research supplies projected wins and best- and worst-case scenarios.

Among the league-wide data, the Rams and Bills stand out with the highest playoff probabilities, star-studded offenses and a handful of record-chasing milestones that could shape the narrative of the season and keep Los Angeles viewers glued to the action.

According to ESPN Los Angeles, the Rams boast an 84.9% chance to make the playoffs, a 50.4% chance to win the NFC West and a projected 11.3 wins, despite facing the third hardest strength-of-schedule in the league. The biggest strength is the passing game, anchored by reigning MVP Matthew Stafford, who is coming off a career-high 46 touchdown passes, and elite receivers Davante Adams and Puka Nacua.

The biggest concern, however, is offensive tackle depth. Left tackle Alaric Jackson is under investigation for an alleged domestic-violence incident, and third-round pick Keagen Trost left the preseason opener with a hamstring injury, leaving the Rams vulnerable if Jackson is suspended. Coach Sean McVay remains hopeful Trost will return for the season opener.

ESPN Research projects a best-case 14-3 record and a worst-case 9-8 finish for the Rams. A key fantasy nugget notes that Adams' 14 touchdown receptions last season were the second most in a season this century. Analyst Matt Bowen's bold prediction envisions tight end Terrance Ferguson catching eight touchdown passes, a scenario that could elevate the Rams' offense if either Adams or Nacua miss time.

The Buffalo Bills rank second overall with an 84.1% playoff probability, a 67.1% chance to capture the AFC East and a projected 10.7 wins, according to the same ESPN preview. Josh Allen, entering his ninth season, remains the biggest strength, having already amassed 299 combined passing and rushing touchdowns, 40 more than the next-closest player, Patrick Mahomes.

The Bills' biggest concern is the transition to a new defensive scheme. Coordinator Jim Leonhard is shifting the unit from a 4-3 to a 3-4 base, and the success of that transition will hinge on how quickly the mix of new players and carryovers can gel. The team also added No. 1 receiver DJ Moore, giving Allen another top target.

ESPN Research outlines a best-case 13-4 record and a worst-case 8-9 finish for Buffalo. A fantasy nugget highlights Allen's efficiency near the goal line, where he converted 78.6% of true-goal-line carries over the past three seasons. Analyst Matt Bowen predicts wide receiver Keon Coleman will post at least 750 receiving yards and five touchdowns, a breakout that could further boost Buffalo's offensive firepower.

Los Angeles fans have a front-row seat to the Rams' title chase, with Stafford's record-chasing TD total and a deep receiving corps promising fireworks, while the Bills' AFC East rivalry could bring high-stakes matchups to SoFi Stadium. Tracking the tackle depth issue and Buffalo's defensive overhaul will be key to understanding how the NFC West and AFC East shape the playoff picture for LA viewers.