As the 2026 NFL season kicks off this September, the debate over who will claim the league's most prestigious individual honors is already heating up. The Vulius NFL Analysis Desk has canvassed its panel of experts to forecast the Offensive Player of the Year (OPOY) race, and the consensus is clear: this year's award could go to a non-quarterback for the first time since 2021. With training camps wrapping up and Week 1 looming, the contenders are locked in, and the storylines are electric.
The Case for Jahmyr Gibbs: Detroit's Bell Cow
No player generated more buzz among our panel than Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions. After the departure of David Montgomery to Houston, head coach Dan Campbell has publicly committed to making Gibbs the offensive centerpiece. "Detroit's offense will go through Gibbs," noted panelist Bryan Orenchuk, echoing Campbell's offseason declarations. Gibbs, who already amassed over 1,500 scrimmage yards in 2025, is poised for a monster workload. With Montgomery gone, the Lions' backfield belongs to Gibbs, and his explosive speed and receiving ability out of the backfield make him a nightmare for defenses. As Gary Baugher Jr. pointed out, Gibbs' 2025 numbers were comparable to Bijan Robinson's, who finished fourth in OPOY voting—but Gibbs received zero votes. That oversight is unlikely to repeat.
Wide Receivers in the Mix: Jefferson, Chase, and Brown
While running backs dominate the conversation, several wide receivers are staking their claims. Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings remains a perennial threat, even amid quarterback uncertainty. With a former No. 1 overall pick now under center, Jefferson could see a resurgence. "He's a menace without an actual quarterback," said Josh Sunderbruch, "and now he's got a legitimate signal-caller who will look for him as a safety valve." Jefferson's consistency—another 1,000-yard season in a down year—has made him a favorite among fans, with Mongo Peanut declaring, "I'm all in on JJettas to prove he is the best WR in the sport."
Meanwhile, JaMarr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals is poised for a career year if Joe Burrow stays healthy. Jeff Berckes believes the Bengals' offense could be "primed for a monster season," with Chase doing "insane things" as the top target. Across the AFC, A.J. Brown of the New England Patriots is another name to watch. Despite questions about the Patriots' overall improvement, Erik Duerrwaechter insists Brown is a "legit star" who will feast as Drake Maye's primary weapon.
Bijan Robinson and the Dark Horses
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is another favorite, with Sam Householder calling him "an absolute stud." Robinson's versatility and workload should keep him in the conversation even if the Falcons struggle as a team. But the dark horse candidate might be Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears. Donald Gooch predicts Williams will "destroy the 4K mark" while maintaining an elite touchdown-to-interception ratio, potentially making him the first player since Patrick Mahomes in 2018 to win both MVP and OPOY in the same season. The Superfans faction agrees, crowning Williams "The Iceman" and expecting him to sweep the hardware.
Historical Context and the Verdict
If a running back wins OPOY, it would be a historic moment for Detroit—the Lions haven't had an OPOY winner since Barry Sanders in 1997. Gibbs, with his dual-threat capability, seems the most likely to break that drought. As TJ Starman put it, "He'll step up into a larger role than he had last season, which was already huge." The Vulius panel is split, but the consensus leans toward Gibbs as the safest bet, with Jefferson and Chase as the primary challengers. One thing is certain: the 2026 season promises fireworks, and the OPOY race will be a storyline to watch all year long.
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