The Athletic Picks Drake Maye for 2026 MVP as Vikings Win 4-Team NFC North
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 7
The Athletic Picks Drake Maye for 2026 MVP as Vikings Win 4-Team NFC North
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 7
Summary
Week 1’s arrival prompted The Athletic’s NFL writers to issue one bold prediction for each of the league’s 32 teams, led by New England quarterback Drake Maye as the projected 2026 MVP.
NFC North drew the sharpest spotlight: Minnesota was picked to win the division, while Chicago tight end Colston Loveland was forecast to post 90 catches, 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Several predictions centered on record chases, including Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson threatening Darren Sproles’ 2,696 all-purpose-yard mark and the Rams targeting the Bears’ 72-sack single-season record.
Others focused on turnarounds and breakouts, from Carolina rising to a top-five defense and Indianapolis ending its AFC South drought to Brock Bowers leading the NFL in catches and Xavier Worthy reaching 1,000 yards.
The package underscores preseason uncertainty across the league, using team-by-team forecasts to frame the biggest upside bets, rebound candidates and division races for the 2026 season.