With the NFL season roughly three months away, fans are already looking forward to a Super Bowl 60 rematch in Seattle between the Seahawks and the Patriots. However, the global focus is currently locked on the FIFA World Cup.
The NFL is providing vital infrastructure for this tournament, loaning out 11 of its premier venues, rebranded for the event, including the “Los Angeles Stadium” (SoFi Stadium) for Team USA’s debut, the Dallas and Atlanta stadiums for the semifinals, and the “New York Stadium” (MetLife Stadium) to host the grand final on July 19
Gridiron Predictions: Which Stars Are Favoring the Favorites?
While the world watches the pitch, NFL players have weighed in with their own expert predictions. A recent survey of 29 NFL stars reveals that France is the overwhelming favorite among the players to hoist the trophy.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott admitted that while he’s rooting for the U.S., his realistic pick is Brazil. Conversely, players like Marcus Mariota and Terry McLaurin are firmly backing the French squad, citing the world-class offensive firepower of Kylian Mbappé as the deciding factor.
The consensus is clear: while Les Bleus are the “paper favorites,” the unpredictable nature of the tournament leaves plenty of room for debate.
Chasing Glory: Golden Boot Contenders and U.S. Hopes
When it comes to individual honors, the Golden Boot, awarded to the tournament’s top scorer, is widely expected to be captured by Mbappé, though legends like Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, and even Brazil’s Neymar are also capturing significant attention.
Among the NFL’s ranks, there is a mix of patriotic fervor and calculated analysis. Several players, including stars from the Buffalo Bills and Falcons, are hopeful for a deep run from the United States, despite the daunting challenge of the U.S. men’s team looking to surpass the quarter-finals for the first time in the modern era.
Meanwhile, niche storylines continue to generate buzz, such as Harrison Butker’s hope for a final marquee matchup between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the quarter-finals. Ultimately, whether it’s the clinical precision of France or the flair of South American giants, the NFL’s elite are as invested in this tournament as any die-hard fan.