9 Bold Predictions for the NFL This Summer

Every summer, just to switch things up, we ask our VikingsTerritory writers to deliver a bold NFL prediction — that has nothing to do with the Minnesota Vikings. This publication continues the tradition.

Question: What is your bold NFL prediction for the summer? Something “out there.” Like — the Las Vegas Raiders trade for A.J. Brown. Something like that. This one should be non-Vikings-related.

These are our contributors’ responses.

Big Names Could Dominate the NFL’s Summer Drama

Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs. NFL predictions — Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby surveys the field during first-half action at Allegiant Stadium as his team battles the Kansas City Chiefs. On Nov. 26, 2023, Crosby once again served as the focal point of the Raiders’ defense, bringing his trademark intensity and relentless motor to a key AFC West matchup. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.

1. Maxx Crosby Lands in the NFC North

Predictor: Janik Eckardt

Maxx Crosby joins the NFC North party. Last year, Micah Parsons arrived in the division days before the season kicked off. This year, Crosby will follow. Crosby’s trade to the Ravens fell through, and the Lions or Bears, who could both use another rusher, especially one of his caliber, could bring him to the North to make the division even more competitive.

2. Kirk Cousins Is Reborn in Las Vegas

Predictor: Kyle Joudry

Kirk Cousins absolutely cooks in Las Vegas. Somehow, Sin City revitalizes the older quarterback, leading to sizzling play that functions as the runway toward lifting off as a full-time starter for the entire 2026 season.

3. Carson Beck Wins the QB1 Job in Arizona

Predictor: Wes Johnson

Incumbent starting QB Jacoby Brissett is strangely in a contract dispute with the Cardinals and doesn’t seem likely to resolve itself anytime soon. That’s good news for Beck, who has plenty of experience starting in the college ranks. For an Arizona team that likely wants to add its QB of the future in the loaded 2027 draft, it may as well roll out Beck and see what it has.

Beck’s peripheral college numbers mimic those of Raiders first overall pick Fernando Mendoza; it’s worth getting him on the field early to see if they found an answer in the desert

4. Quinn Ewers Looks as Good as Malik Willis in Miami

Predictor: Ted Schwerzler

The Dolphins paid a lot of money this offseason to bring in Malik Willis. Unfortunately for them, Quinn Ewers is still going to look every bit as capable of being their starter as the standout Packers backup is.

5. RB Rhamondre Stevenson to Packers

Predictor: Sean Borman

Tyrique Stevenson attempts to tackle Rhamondre Stevenson during a Bears-Patriots game. NFL predictions — Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson closes in on New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson during second-half action at Soldier Field. On Nov. 10, 2024, the two players shared a memorable sequence as the Bears defense worked to limit the Patriots’ rushing attack in a regular-season matchup. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images.

Amidst the uncertainty of Josh Jacob’s future, the Packers trade a 2027 draft pick to the Patriots for Rhamondre Stevenson. Green Bay aggressively secures a plug-and-play, 246-pound RB1 to protect Jordan Love’s championship window. Meanwhile, New England nets draft capital and clears Stevenson’s $7.4 million cap hit to hand the keys entirely to sophomore back TreVeyon Henderson.

6. Aaron Rodgers Retires during Training Camp

Predictor: Tony Schultz

One thing Favre did was go one year too long and got beaten up for nothing to end his career. I’m not wishing harm on anyone. I hate that. Rodgers has his other Achilles get stretched out and calls it quits. The worst part is that sports outlets are naming the Vikings as a QB trade partner, sparking a whole new argument among fans. Fingers crossed this doesn’t happen.

7. Bengals Kill Joe Burrow Trade Rumors, Reach AFC Championship

Predictor: Steve Hoikkala

The Bengals will put out the fire on any Joe Burrow trade rumors with an AFC Championship appearance in 2026. Yes, they lost Trey Hendrickson, but added Dexter Lawrence (DT), Boye Mafe (DE), Bryan Cook (S), drafted more defense with DE Cashius Howell (DE), Tacario Davis (CB), and bolstered the Center position with Connor Lew out of Auburn.

They return with offensive firepower that is at the top of the league, and if they get any middle-of-the-pack defensive effort, it may be enough to make a deep run in the AFC and hold onto their franchise QB for now.

8. Brandon Aiyuk Returns

Predictor: Brevan Bane

Brandon Aiyuk warms up before a game between the San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots. NFL predictions — San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk goes through pregame warm-ups before taking the field at Levi’s Stadium. On Sept. 29, 2024, Aiyuk prepared for a matchup against the New England Patriots, continuing his role as one of the most important playmakers in the 49ers’ offensive attack. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images.

Brandon Aiyuk commits to football. The rumor is Washington, but just seeing him publicly declare interest in football would be a stunner.

9. RB Trey Benson Traded to Packers

Predictor: Dustin Baker

Josh Jacobs has landed in a humongous mess due to his alleged actions, casting doubt on the Packers’ RB room and hampering the offense’s upside. As it stands, if Jacobs gets suspended, Green Bay would turn to MarShawn Lloyd, whose resume features absolutely no stability or consistency.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals have formed a running back unit consisting of Jeremiyah Love, Tyler Allgeier, and James Conner this offseason — ahead of Benson on the depth chart. Benson’s stock is at its lowest.

Insert the Jonathan Gannon connection from Arizona.

The Cardinals fired Gannon in January, and the Packers scooped him as their defensive coordinator. He knows Benson well. To get the trade over the finish line, Gannon pulls strings, and the Packers’ rushing offense will no longer be in shambles if Jacobs misses time.