The 2026 NFL season will begin on September 9th with a game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, a rematch of Super Bowl LX. The league is exceptionally popular in the U.S., with over 50% of the population identifying as fans. In 2025, NFL games accounted for 83 of the top 100 rated television programs, including 23 of the top 24. The Super Bowl drew 127.7 million viewers, compared to 17.9 million for the Academy Awards.
Several quarterbacks face pressure to achieve Super Bowl success. Josh Allen, the Buffalo Bills quarterback and 2024 league MVP, has reached the AFC Championship twice, only to be defeated by Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Last season, Allen’s Bills were eliminated by Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos. The Bills have never won a Super Bowl, with a history of losing four consecutive championships in the ‘90s.
Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers, considered a top ten quarterback, has yet to secure a postseason victory, despite the Chargers’ recent injuries. Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals, who led his team to the 2022 Super Bowl, has been hampered by injuries, including a torn ligament in 2023 and turf toe in 2025. The Bengals have made acquisitions, including acquiring Dexter Lawrence II, to improve their defense.
Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens quarterback and two-time MVP, has a 3-5 career playoff record. The Los Angeles Chargers have hired offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.
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