The Seattle Seahawks just hoisted the Lombardi Trophy as Super Bowl LX champions, but the odds for Super Bowl LXI are already out with some surprising contenders at the top. Are the usual suspects like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen poised to dominate once again, or will a young gun like Caleb Williams or Jayden Daniels rise to the occasion? Eleven NFL experts from ESPN weighed in with their predictions, and some of their picks might shock you.
Key Takeaways
- The Rams are a popular Super Bowl LXI pick, with three experts predicting they’ll win it all at their home stadium, SoFi Stadium. Their current Super Bowl LXI odds are +1200 according to DraftKings.
- Caleb Williams, the Bears’ quarterback, is a trendy MVP pick, suggesting high expectations for his performance in his second season, with some analysts projecting a significant leap forward. Williams is currently listed at +1500 to win MVP.
- The Bills are expected to improve significantly, particularly if they acquire A.J. Brown, which would solidify their status as a top-tier Super Bowl contender, although no deal has yet been reached.
- Multiple experts believe the Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, will bounce back strong after a down year, with Mahomes as a top MVP candidate and the team as Super Bowl contenders despite his recent ACL tear in the AFC Championship game.
Can the Rams Reclaim the Throne in Super Bowl LXI?
Several analysts are betting on the Los Angeles Rams to make a Super Bowl comeback. Jeremy Fowler highlighted the strong connection between Matthew Stafford and head coach Sean McVay, suggesting their partnership is only getting better with time. The Rams finished the 2025 regular season with a 12-5 record, showcasing their potential for dominance. Aaron Schatz even predicted a “fight for Los Angeles” at SoFi Stadium, envisioning a Rams-Chargers Super Bowl matchup. The Rams defense, particularly their secondary, needs improvement, but with strategic offseason moves, they could be a force to be reckoned with.
Field Yates also picked the Rams to win Super Bowl LXI, emphasizing their near miss in the conference championship. The Rams have a strong offense, ranking first in the league this past season. However, the Rams’ defense allowed 21.9 points per game in 2025. “The Rams will emerge as Super Bowl champs at SoFi Stadium, becoming the third team to win a Super Bowl at its home venue,” Yates predicts. This is not unprecedented as the Rams previously won Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium after the 2021 season.
Is Caleb Williams Poised to Win MVP in His Second Season?
The hype around Caleb Williams is real, with multiple experts predicting he’ll be a top MVP contender. Dan Graziano sees the “arrow pointing up” for Williams, crediting the Bears’ ahead-of-schedule arrival and the influence of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. The Chicago Bears, after acquiring Keenan Allen and D’Andre Swift, have Williams set up for a massive year. “Williams has that fourth-quarter clutch gene, and even if the Bears fix their defense to where he doesn’t need as many clutch performances, he should have plenty of opportunities to showcase his abilities in a tough NFC North,” Graziano said.
Field Yates also believes Williams will become an All-Pro, highlighting the potential for significant improvement in his completion percentage. Williams had a solid 2025 season, throwing for 3,912 yards and 29 touchdowns, but there’s still room to grow. According to ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, “The kid is special. He’s got all the tools, the talent, and the mindset to be a star in this league.” The key for Williams will be continued development and the Bears’ ability to build a strong supporting cast around him.
Could an Unexpected Team Shock the NFL World?
While established teams like the Chiefs and Bills are always in the conversation, some experts are looking at underdogs with potential. Ben Solak is “buying all sorts of Texans stock,” highlighting their defensive stability and offensive growth. The Houston Texans finished the 2025 season with a 9-8 record and a playoff berth. Mike Tannenbaum is optimistic about the Chargers, citing the return of healthy offensive tackles and the addition of Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator. “With offensive tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater healthy, and Mike McDaniel bringing some energy, Justin Herbert & Co. get over the hump and win the division,” Tannenbaum explained.
The Giants, under new coach John Harbaugh, are also generating buzz. Schatz believes they could make a “big leap” from worst to first, driven by Harbaugh’s coaching, the return of Malik Nabers, and the progress of Jaxson Dart and Abdul Carter. These unexpected picks highlight the volatility of the NFL and the potential for teams to drastically improve with the right coaching and personnel changes.
Players/Teams Mentioned
- Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs: Despite an ACL tear in the AFC Championship game, Mahomes is still considered a top MVP candidate. In 2025, he threw for 4,800 yards and 38 touchdowns.
- Caleb Williams, QB, Bears: Entering his second season, Williams is a popular MVP pick. He threw for 3,912 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2025.
- Josh Allen, QB, Bills: Allen is consistently in the MVP conversation. In 2025, he passed for 4,600 yards and rushed for over 700, showcasing his dual-threat ability.
- Los Angeles Rams: The Rams finished the 2025 season with a 12-5 record, and are a trendy Super Bowl LXI pick, with the Super Bowl being at their home, SoFi Stadium.
- A.J. Brown, WR, Eagles: Is a possible trade target to the Bills to boost their offense. Brown had 1,500 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025.
What This Means
- For Bills fans: Acquiring A.J. Brown would significantly improve their Super Bowl LXI chances, potentially moving their odds from +900 to +600 according to FanDuel.
- For Bears fans: The hype around Caleb Williams is justified, but his MVP chances hinge on the team’s defensive improvements. If the Bears defense can rank in the top 15, Williams’ MVP odds could shorten from +1500 to +1000.
- For NFL bettors: Keep an eye on the Rams, as their improved offense and home-field advantage make them a compelling Super Bowl bet at +1200 odds.
Source: www.espn.com
