After all the rumors and leaks, we finally have the 2026 NFL schedule etched in stone, which means it’s time to make some (way-too-early) predictions.For that, we’ll simulate the season 100,000 times using my NFL Projection Model to see who is most likely to come out on top.The model works by projecting how a team performs compared to league average. Using this projection, we are then able to predict a winner for every game on the schedule. These projections take into account home-field advantage, rest and travel. And since it’s only May, rosters could still change and alter these projections — make sure to keep that in mind.Will the NFC run through L.A. or Seattle?The Seattle Seahawks beat the Los Angeles Rams two out of three times last year — including in the NFC Championship Game — en route to a Super Bowl title, but those three games were decided by a combined seven points. And home-field advantage might have been the difference, as the hosts went 3-0.My model has the Rams on top this year, however, as they're projected to be the better team — barely. The Seahawks actually have a slight edge in projected win total (11.2 to 11.1), but the Rams have better playoff (82 percent to 81.3) and Super Bowl (14.1 to 12.5) odds.Generally, offense in the NFL is more repeatable year over year than defense, and the strength of last season's Super Bowl-winning Seahawks squad certainly was on the defensive side of the ball. Factor in some of the offseason losses the Seahawks had on defense, paired with the Las Vegas Raiders hiring away former offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, and it's not hard to see why the model is a little lower on Seattle this season.