8. Will Anderson Jr, DE, Houston Texans
Will Anderson Jr made the Pro Bowl and All-Pro team this year. He racked up 12 sacks, 54 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and 20 quarterback hits. Anderson's 2025 season was the best and most productive of his career thus far.
In the offseason, the Houston Texans also managed to get better on defense, adding a trio of key players in Jadeveon Clowney, Kayden McDonald, and Reed Blankenship. It's actually wild to think that Houston's already elite defense got better, but it did.
And with Anderson being looked at as one of the best rushers in the NFL, the 2026 season should continue that. Houston's unit is back and better than last year, which would allow everyone else to enjoy a stronger year.
7. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks
Jaxon Smith-Njigba had quite the 2025 season for the Seattle Seahawks. For 2026, it feels like Smith-Njigba is again primed for a big year. While the Seattle offense was special last year, the receiving was a bit top-heavy. That's a slight problem, but it's also not, as 'JSN' was more than able to carry a significant load on offense, and he now has Sam Darnold in his second season, so there is reason to believe that there is a heightened level of comfort between Darnold and his favorite target.
6. Ja'Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
If Burrow enjoys a top-10 season like we're predicting, there is a very real chance that Ja'Marr Chase continues to be among the best at his position. Chase won the de-facto wide receiver triple crown in 2024, leading the league in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.
Chase and the Bengals do have a rather urgent do-or-die season this year, as missing the playoffs three years in a row is simply unacceptable given how generationally talented he and Burrow are.
He's the most complete receiver in the NFL and is going to enjoy another hyper-productive season in 2026.
5. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
Consistently among the best players in the NFL, there really isn't a reason to believe Allen won't again be among the best in the league. It's simply the truth at this point. While the playoffs have been tough for the Buffalo Bills, Allen's dominance can't really be disputed.
We're also approaching a discussion as to whether Allen is a Hall of Famer - he does seem to be on pace for the Hall, but it could still be too early to tell. Either way, Allen is a dual-threat weapon and is again going to amass a ton of yards, touchdowns, and find himself back in the playoffs and among the best in the league.
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