It only took two weeks for ESPN’s Football Power Index to tweak its projected Super Bowl matchup.
Prior to the start of the 2026 season, ESPN’s computer model had the Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills squaring off in the Super Bowl. While that could very well be the matchup we get in February, the first two weeks of the season have inspired the FPI to alter its pick for the NFC.
As of this moment, ESPN’s FPI has the San Francisco 49ers getting back to the Super Bowl under head coach Kyle Shanahan. That would be his third trip to the Super Bowl since taking over the franchise in 2017.
The Bills remain the favorites to win the AFC, which isn’t a huge surprise considering Josh Allen has looked sensational amid their 2-0 start to the season.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Who is quickly climbing up the FPI rankings?
The Kansas City Chiefs have erased any doubts about them in just two games, taking down the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts. The trio of Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Kenneth Walker should lead them back to the playoffs.
In the NFC, meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks remain a team to watch even without starting quarterback Sam Darnold. They just defeated the Arizona Cardinals 31-7 thanks to a sensational performance (155 yards and three touchdowns) from Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
If we had to guess, ESPN’s projections for the playoffs will change dramatically by the time October arrives.
