2026 NFL Season PREDICTIONS | Biggest Surprises, Disappointments & MVP Picks (Ep. 2174)

September 5, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

"Should the Raiders turn to Fernando Mendoza in week two?" Andrew Erickson asks early in this episode, setting the tone for a predictions show that is less about safe picks and more about identifying the teams and players most likely to implode, surprise, or ascend. The FantasyPros crew—Alfredo Brown, Derek Brown, and Andrew Erickson—spend the episode laying out their forecasts for the 2026 NFL season, with a particular focus on quarterback controversies, MVP candidates, and the teams most likely to disappoint.

The Quarterback Carousel: Kirk Cousins, Caleb Williams, and the Mendoza Line

The conversation kicks off with the most immediate quarterback drama: the Las Vegas Raiders. Derek Brown argues that rookie Fernando Mendoza's debut depends entirely on the quality of the team around him. If the offensive line and skill players remain a "dumpster fire," the Raiders will protect their investment and keep Kirk Cousins starting deep into the season. Erickson disagrees sharply, predicting Mendoza will start by week two after Cousins "lays an egg" against the Dolphins. He points to Cousins' diminished arm strength and the Raiders' brutal early schedule (Chargers, Saints, Chiefs, Bills, Rams) as a recipe for a quick hook. Brown counters that the Raiders' schedule is also tough for Miami, but the core disagreement is philosophical: Erickson believes Mendoza gets better by playing

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What you'll learn

1 (00:46) **Show Open & Raiders QB Situation** - The hosts introduce the episode and debate how long Kirk Cousins will remain the Raiders' starter before rookie Fernando Mendoza takes over.
2 (08:22) **Bears Vibes & Ben Johnson's "Fun Police" Mentality** - The crew discusses Ben Johnson's comments about Caleb Williams becoming "less goofy" and whether this signals a looming clash in Chicago.
3 (15:24) **MVP Predictions: Trevor Lawrence** - Andrew Erickson makes the case for Trevor Lawrence as his MVP pick, citing his elite second-half production in Liam Cohen's offense.
4 (18:08) **MVP Predictions: Joe Burrow** - Derek Brown picks Joe Burrow, believing the Bengals will be a Super Bowl contender and that Burrow will win both MVP and Comeback Player of the Year.
5 (21:24) **MVP Predictions: Lamar Jackson** - Alfredo Brown picks Lamar Jackson, arguing he is a perennial MVP candidate who finally has a modern offensive coordinator in Declan Doyle.
6 (23:07) **Biggest Jump: Bo Nix** - Derek Brown predicts Bo Nix will take the biggest leap, driven by the addition of Jalen Waddle and a new, faster-paced offense under Davis Webb.
7 (25:08) **Biggest Jump: Roman Duns vs. Luther Burden** - Andrew Erickson picks Roman Duns as his biggest jump, while Alfredo counters with Luther Burden, sparking a debate about which Bears receiver will break out.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Guests on this episode

Andrew Erickson Alfredo Brown Derek Brown

Show Notes

Throw it in park for the start of football by joining Alfredo Brown, Derek Brown and Andrew Erickson for their final 2026 NFL season predictions!

Can Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson win his third NFL MVP trophy? Will the Tennessee Titans be the biggest surprise team? Plus, what makes the Washington Commanders in a position to be the most disappointing franchise?

"The Tailgate" talks their biggest surprises, disappointments and MVP picks!

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Introduction - 0:00:00
Kirk Cousins (QB - LV) & Fernando Mendoza (QB - LV) - 0:00:36
Caleb Williams (QB - CHI) Taking a More Serious Approach - 0:07:36
Todd Gurley Signed Los Angeles Rams Jersey Giveway - 0:14:04
NFL MVP Season Predictions - 0:14:24
Biggest Jump Season Predictions - 0:22:18
Biggest Surprise Season Predictions - 0:30:05
Most Disappointing Season Predictions - 0:39:49
The Audience's BOLD Predictions - 0:53:19
Outro - 0:59:50

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