NEAR Price Prediction: Protocol Eyes $1.40 Breakout After 14% Rally

NEAR Protocol has staged an impressive 14.29% rally in the past 24 hours, climbing from $0.99 to $1.14 as of February 26, 2026. With the token now testing critical resistance levels and showing improved technical momentum, traders are closely watching for the next directional move.

NEAR Price Prediction Summary

• Short-term target (1 week): $1.27 • Medium-term forecast (1 month): $1.14-$1.40 range
• Bullish breakout level: $1.40 • Critical support: $1.00

What Crypto Analysts Are Saying About NEAR Protocol

While specific analyst predictions are limited, recent technical analysis from blockchain news platforms provides insight into NEAR's trajectory. According to analyst Alvin Lang's February 23rd assessment, "NEAR Protocol trades with RSI at neutral levels, suggesting potential recovery to $1.35 resistance zone within 4-6 weeks if bulls reclaim key pivot levels."

Felix Pinkston noted on February 20th that "NEAR Protocol could rally to $1.20 if it breaks above resistance, with oversold RSI conditions potentially sparking recovery." Today's 14% surge appears to validate this technical outlook.

On-chain data suggests improved network activity, though specific KOL sentiment remains mixed as the protocol navigates current market conditions.

NEAR Technical Analysis Breakdown

NEAR's technical picture has improved significantly following today's rally. The RSI sits at a neutral 51.15, providing room for further upside without entering overbought territory. This represents a substantial improvement from the oversold conditions seen in recent weeks.

The MACD remains bearish with a histogram reading of 0.0000, though the convergence suggests momentum may be shifting. NEAR's position at 0.97 within the Bollinger Bands indicates the token is testing the upper band at $1.14, with potential for a breakout above this level.

Key moving averages paint a mixed picture. NEAR trades above both the 7-day SMA ($1.06) and 20-day SMA ($1.04), indicating short-term bullish momentum. However, the token remains below the 50-day SMA ($1.31) and significantly below the 200-day SMA ($2.03), highlighting the longer-term downtrend that needs to be overcome.

The current pivot point sits at $1.13, just below the current price, with immediate resistance at $1.27 and strong resistance at $1.40. Support levels are established at $1.00 (immediate) and $0.86 (strong support).

NEAR Protocol Price Targets: Bull vs Bear Case

Bullish Scenario

In the bullish case for this NEAR price prediction, a sustained break above the $1.27 immediate resistance could trigger a move toward the strong resistance at $1.40. This represents a potential 23% upside from current levels. Technical confirmation would come from:

• RSI breaking above 60 while maintaining momentum
• MACD histogram turning positive
• Volume sustaining above the 24-hour average of $46.2 million
• A decisive close above the 50-day SMA at $1.31

The NEAR Protocol forecast becomes increasingly optimistic if the token can reclaim levels above $1.40, potentially opening a path back toward the $2.00 psychological level over the medium term.

Bearish Scenario

The bearish scenario for NEAR involves a failure to hold the $1.13 pivot point, which could trigger a retreat toward the $1.00 support level. A break below $1.00 would expose the strong support at $0.86, representing a potential 25% downside risk.

Key bearish signals to watch include: - RSI falling below 45 - Rejection at the Bollinger Band upper boundary - Volume declining below recent averages - Failure to reclaim the 20-day SMA on any pullbacks

Should You Buy NEAR? Entry Strategy

For traders considering NEAR Protocol, the current technical setup offers both opportunities and risks. Conservative entry points include:

Aggressive Entry: Current levels around $1.14, with a stop-loss at $1.00 (12% risk) Conservative Entry: Wait for a pullback to the $1.06-$1.08 range (7-day SMA support) Breakout Entry: Above $1.27 with volume confirmation, targeting $1.40

Risk management is crucial given NEAR's ATR of $0.08, indicating moderate volatility. Position sizing should account for the potential 12-25% downside risk to key support levels.

Conclusion

This NEAR price prediction suggests cautious optimism for the protocol in the near term. The 14% rally has improved the technical picture, with the token now testing key resistance levels. A break above $1.27 could trigger the next leg higher toward $1.40, while failure to hold $1.13 may result in a retest of $1.00 support.

The NEAR Protocol forecast remains dependent on broader market conditions and the token's ability to sustain current momentum above key technical levels. Traders should monitor volume and RSI for confirmation of the next directional move.

Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry significant risk, and past performance does not guarantee future results. Always conduct your own research and consider your risk tolerance before making investment decisions.