CBS Sports tips Bengals for first Super Bowl title in 2026 forecast

CBS Sports has published its preseason forecast for the 2026 NFL season, projecting the Cincinnati Bengals to win their first Super Bowl by defeating the Dallas Cowboys 27–23 in Super Bowl LXI.

The forecast covers projected records and playoff positions for all 32 teams, as well as postseason match-ups, individual awards and a projected draft order. The Bengals and Cowboys are both tipped to reach the championship game.

CBS Sports projects the Denver Broncos to repeat as AFC West champions, while the Philadelphia Eagles are forecast to miss the playoffs despite finishing above .500. The Los Angeles Rams are projected to finish with the NFL’s best regular-season record at 14–3.

Jared Goff is the forecast’s choice for the league’s Most Valuable Player, while Cashius Howell is projected to win Defensive Rookie of the Year and De’Zhaun Stribling is tipped for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

The predictions are preseason projections rather than confirmed results. CBS Sports describes them as an individual forecast based on expected roster changes, injuries, schedules and recent team performance.