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Ranking Every NFL Offense After the 2026 Draft
Welcome to the "tweak" phase of the NFL calendar.
Moves will still be made, but now that the heart of free agency and the entirety of the draft are in the books, most will indeed be "tweaks" rather than blockbusters.
That being the case, let's take a look at how the league's offenses stack up against each other based on how each looked in 2025 and has since evolved.
32. Cleveland Browns
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 31st / Yardage: 30th / Turnovers: 30th / EPA Per Play: 31st
Key 2026 Additions: OT Tytus Howard, IOL Elgton Jenkins, IOL Zion Johnson, OT Spencer Fano (1st), WR KC Concepcion (1st), WR Denzel Boston (2nd)
Key 2026 Departures: Most of the offensive line
Reason(s) for Optimism: The line had become a major problem and has now been retooled significantly. There's certainly some space for Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel to become something in Year 2, and former Pro Bowler Deshaun Watson is back for now as well. Plus, Todd Monken takes over the offense after experiencing plenty of success in Baltimore.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: Watson hasn't been a factor in half a decade, Sanders and Gabriel both completed fewer than 60 percent of their passes in 2025, change doesn't guarantee improvement with the line, and the receiving corps is likely to encounter growing pains.
31. Tennessee Titans
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 30th / Yardage: 31st / Turnovers: 15th / EPA Per Play: 30th
Key 2026 Additions: WR Wan'Dale Robinson, TE Daniel Bellinger, WR Carnell Tate (1st)
Key 2026 Departures: G Kevin Zeitler, C Lloyd Cushenberry III, TE Chig Okonkwo
Reason(s) for Optimism: While the numbers aren't pretty, rookie quarterback Cam Ward had little support and still managed to post a 103.8 passer rating in his last four games. Now, he should benefit from the additions of Robinson and Tate, as well as the return of Calvin Ridley from a broken fibula. There's also a lot of talent along the offensive line, and they have a respected new offensive coordinator in Brian Daboll.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: That talent hasn't delivered, and they're again playing musical chairs with the two interior spots that don't belong to Peter Skoronski. They're crossing their fingers that a lot suddenly goes right for Dan Moore Jr., JC Latham and whoever they start at center and right guard. Regardless, Ward faces some major challenges in terms of his play and his support in 2026.
30. Miami Dolphins
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 25th / Yardage: 26th / Turnovers: 27th / EPA Per Play: 25th
Key 2026 Additions: QB Malik Willis, WR Jalen Tolbert, WR Tutu Atwell, OT Kadyn Proctor (1st), WR Caleb Douglas (3rd), TE Will Kacmarek (3rd), WR Chris Bell (3rd)
Key 2026 Departures: QB Tua Tagovailoa, WR Tyreek Hill, WR Jaylen Waddle, OL Larry Borom, OL Cole Strange
Reason(s) for Optimism: There's certainly a new feel with Bobby Slowik taking over the offense from Mike McDaniel and an expensive new quarterback taking over for Tagovailoa. The Miami offense also had the most adjusted games lost to injury in the AFC in 2025, and injury luck generally balances out.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: Willis is an unproven former third-round pick working with an unproven receiving corps and an offensive line loaded with question marks. This is a work in progress with a lot of unknowns. There's a good chance 2026 will be somewhat of an open audition/rehearsal.
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29. New York Jets
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 29th / Yardage: 29th / Turnovers: 21st / EPA Per Play: 29th
Key 2026 Additions: QB Geno Smith, G Dylan Parham, WR Omar Cooper (1st), TE Kenyon Sadiq (1st), QB Cade Klubnik (4th)
Key 2026 Departures: QB Justin Fields, OG Alijah Vera-Tucker, G John Simpson
Reason(s) for Optimism: They've certainly stirred things up with Frank Reich and Bill Musgrave taking over the offense, as those two bring plenty of experience to the table. The stellar Garrett Wilson should benefit from the addition of Cooper and Sadiq, running back Breece Hall is a clear asset, and the young offensive line is on a good track with young first-round picks bookending the unit.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: Reich and Musgrave are not coming off successful recent coaching gigs, and quarterback Geno Smith is a post-prime bridge who has thrown 32 interceptions the last two seasons combined. While there are some exciting young pieces here, this is likely a transitional year for Gang Green's offense.
28. Arizona Cardinals
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 23rd / Yardage: 19th / Turnovers: 17th / EPA Per Play: 23rd
Key 2026 Additions: QB Gardner Minshew, IOL Isaac Seumalo, RB Tyler Allgeier, WR Kendrick Bourne, OT Elijah Wilkinson, RB Jeremiyah Love (1st), OL Chase Bisontis (2nd), QB Carson Beck (3rd)
Key 2026 Departures: QB Kyler Murray, OT Jonah Williams, IOL Evan Brown
Reason(s) for Optimism: Jacoby Brissett actually outperformed Murray last season and should be the guy from the get-go, but he'll also be pushed by Minshew and Beck. He'll certainly be surrounded by a lot of talent with Love joining Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride at the skill positions, and that core will be coached by the reputable Mike LaFleur and Nathaniel Hackett. The Cards offense was also annihilated by injury last year and is likely to have better luck in that somewhat random category in 2026.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: They still failed to score more than 20 points in each of their last six games, and Brissett has an obvious ceiling. Harrison has yet to put it together, and a new look to the offensive line doesn't mean it'll be better. There's a good chance 2026 is dedicated to finding an offensive identity.
27. Carolina Panthers
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 27th / Yardage: 27th / Turnovers: 21st / EPA Per Play: 26th
Key 2026 Additions: OT Rasheed Walker, C Luke Fortner, OT Monroe Freeling (1st), WR Chris Brazzell II (3rd)
Key 2026 Departures: RB Rico Dowdle, C Cade Mays
Reason(s) for Optimism: Former top pick Bryce Young is coming off his best season yet, and he finished Year 3 strong with eight touchdown passes to two interceptions in his last six games. The Panthers have reinforced Young's pass-protection unit, so there's reason to believe he and reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan can take another leap forward in 2026.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: A lack of continuity with the line could still be problematic, and Young was still the league's seventh-lowest-rated qualified passer in 2025. He has not completely shed the bust label, and now he's lost a 1,000-yard back. The floor is quite low here.
26. Las Vegas Raiders
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 32nd / Yardage: 32nd / Turnovers: 21st / EPA Per Play: 32nd
Key 2026 Additions: QB Kirk Cousins, C Tyler Linderbaum, G Spencer Burford, WR Jalen Nailor, QB Fernando Mendoza (1st), RB Mike Washington Jr. (4th)
Key 2026 Departures: QB Geno Smith, IOL Alex Cappa, IOL Dylan Parham
Reason(s) for Optimism: Linderbaum represents a huge upgrade in a key spot as they prepare to embark on the Mendoza era. They're also deeper now at the skill positions, and running back Ashton Jeanty should have a good shot at taking off in his sophomore season as part of Klint Kubiak's exciting new offense.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: This is another example of a lot of change in a lot of spots potentially leading to growing pains. This was the worst offense in the NFL last season and it'll take time to get into a groove. All of the pieces are in place—we haven't even mentioned Kolton Miller's return from a shoulder injury and the presence of two super-talented young tight ends—but 2026 might be about working through the kinks.
25. Minnesota Vikings
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 26th / Yardage: 28th / Turnovers: 32nd / EPA Per Play: 28th
Key 2026 Additions: QB Kyler Murray
Key 2026 Departures: WR Jalen Nailor
Reason(s) for Optimism: Murray is a former No. 1 overall pick who could benefit from a new environment and at least gives the Vikings a quality alternative to the thus far disappointing J.J. McCarthy. And when you've got Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and a good combination of talent and continuity along the offensive line, anything's possible.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: McCarthy was just horrendous when healthy in 2025, and the Cardinals finally gave up on Murray after seven seasons of unreliability and inconsistency. There's a good chance nothing changes for either quarterback in 2026. That receiving corps also lacks depth.
24. New Orleans Saints
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 28th / Yardage: 23rd / Turnovers: 27th / EPA Per Play: 27th
Key 2026 Additions: RB Travis Etienne Jr., G David Edwards, TE Noah Fant, WR Jordyn Tyson (1st)
Key 2026 Departures: None
Reason(s) for Optimism: As a rookie second-round pick, Tyler Shough posted a 103.8 passer rating in his final four games and frequently gave us signs that he could be the long-term option under center in New Orleans. Now he'll have Tyson alongside Chris Olave in the receiving corps, as well as Etienne in the backfield, and the offensive line has a nice mix of talented upside and experience.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: Shough could encounter a sophomore slump as the league acclimates to his game in 2026, and it's not as though he was a superstar as a 26-year-old rookie. They're also relying on plenty of youth in the receiving corps, so there will inevitably be some hiccups.
23. Atlanta Falcons
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 24th / Yardage: 14th / Turnovers: 13th / EPA Per Play: 21st
Key 2026 Additions: QB Tua Tagovailoa, RB Brian Robinson Jr., WR Jahan Dotson, OT Jawaan Taylor, WR Olamide Zaccheaus, TE Austin Hooper, WR Zachariah Branch (3rd)
Key 2026 Departures: QB Kirk Cousins, WR Darnell Mooney, OT Kaleb McGary, RB Tyler Allgeier
Reason(s) for Optimism: First-team All-Pro running back Bijan Robinson can mask a lot of problems and should carry this unit on occasion in 2026. The experienced line is more of an asset than a liability, and Drake London and Kyle Pitts Sr. should also make life easier on whoever quarterbacks this team next season. Kevin Stefanski's new touch on the offense is also a potential boon.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: The primary issue is that lack of clarity on who will become the man under center. Cousins is gone, Michael Penix Jr. has been a disappointment and is recovering from a major knee injury, and Tagovailoa wore out his welcome to such an extent in Miami that the Dolphins are absorbing a massive dead-cap hit over the next two seasons.
With competence at quarterback, this could be a top-10 offense; without it, they could be a bottom-10 unit. I'm leaning toward the latter.
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 18th / Yardage: 21st / Turnovers: 9th / EPA Per Play: 20th
Key 2026 Additions: RB Kenneth Gainwell, WR Ted Hurst (3rd)
Key 2026 Departures: WR Mike Evans, RB Rachaad White
Reason(s) for Optimism: A relatively talented and experienced unit underwent minimal personnel turnover and could benefit from that continuity under intriguing new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson. Emerging star receiver Emeka Egbuka could also take the next step in support of veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield. This unit also had the fourth-most adjusted games lost to injury in football.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: Robinson didn't exactly have the Falcons dominating opposing defenses. And while Evans isn't the player he used to be, he was a staple in Tampa the last 12 years. It is true that the injury bug hit the Bucs hard last year, but it still feels like the 31-year-old Mayfield has hit a wall that will limit what this offense can do in 2026.
21. Kansas City Chiefs
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 21st / Yardage: 20th / Turnovers: 25th / EPA Per Play: 11th
Key 2026 Additions: RB Kenneth Walker III, QB Justin Fields, WR Cyrus Allen (5th)
Key 2026 Departures: WR Marquise Brown, OT Jawaan Taylor
Reason(s) for Optimism: Walker is fresh off a Super Bowl MVP performance and should bring something new to an offense that has become predictable over time. And at the end of the day, this is still a unit fueled by future Hall of Famers in Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: Mahomes is coming off a torn ACL at age 30, and it's impossible to ignore the fact that he's been statistically average for three years running. His receiving corps lacks star power, and his famous tight end will turn 37 in October. This scoring offense hasn't ranked higher than 15th since 2022, and it won't be easy to buck that trend in 2026.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 15th / Yardage: 25th / Turnovers: 4th / EPA Per Play: 18th
Key 2026 Additions: WR Michael Pittman Jr., RB Rico Dowdle, OT Max Iheanachor (1st), WR Germie Bernard (2nd), QB Drew Allar (3rd)
Key 2026 Departures: IOL Isaac Seumalo, RB Kenneth Gainwell
Reason(s) for Optimism: As you can see by their turnover rank, they took good care of the ball with veteran Aaron Rodgers running the offense. All signs still point to the 42-year-old returning to the team in 2026, and he'll now have Pittman at his disposal in addition to DK Metcalf. A young offensive line also made plenty of progress in 2025.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: That line did have to shuffle a lot, and that's happening again. Iheanachor's role is unclear, but Seumalo needs replacing and left tackle Broderick Jones' status is very much up in the air. It also goes without saying that Rodgers is no longer the quarterback he once was, and his return is still not a slam dunk. This unit has a pretty clear ceiling, especially considering how healthy it was in 2025.
19. Houston Texans
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 13th / Yardage: 18th / Turnovers: 2nd / EPA Per Play: 22nd
Key 2026 Additions: RB David Montgomery, IOL Wyatt Teller, OT Braden Smith, IOL Evan Brown, IOL Keylan Rutledge (1st)
Key 2026 Departures: RB Nick Chubb, OT Tytus Howard
Reason(s) for Optimism: They've made significant changes to an offensive line that has been a liability for years, which could help C.J. Stroud's cause as he looks to recapture the magic from his unbelievable 2023 rookie season. There is talent, depth and competition there, and the receiving corps is solid if/when healthy.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: One of those receivers—Tank Dell—is still fighting back from a serious knee injury. There are big question marks there, and Stroud himself faces a tall task bouncing back from a poor playoff showing to cap a second consecutive disappointing campaign. And while the line could be better with more options, that's again a lot of change to navigate.
18. Indianapolis Colts
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 8th / Yardage: 9th / Turnovers: 21st / EPA Per Play: 7th
Key 2026 Additions: WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
Key 2026 Departures: WR Michael Pittman Jr., OT Braden Smith
Reason(s) for Optimism: Quarterback Daniel Jones re-signed with the team after experiencing a breakout (albeit abbreviated) season in 2025, as did top-producing receiver Alec Pierce. Even with the loss of Smith, the Colts have one of the most talented offensive lines in football. And don't forget about 2025 rushing touchdown leader Jonathan Taylor.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: Those top-10 offensive numbers in three major categories above are misleading. After their Week 11 bye, the Colts were held to 20 or fewer points five times in seven games. And even before going down with an Achilles injury that could impact his status for 2026, Jones had already fallen off a cliff with an 84.2 passer rating in his last five starts. It also won't be easy to replace Pittman.
17. Los Angeles Chargers
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 20th / Yardage: 12th / Turnovers: 17th / EPA Per Play: 24th
Key 2026 Additions: IOL Tyler Biadasz, IOL Cole Strange, IOL Jake Slaughter (2nd)
Key 2026 Departures: IOL Zion Johnson, IOL Bradley Bozeman, IOL Mekhi Becton, WR Keenan Allen
Reason(s) for Optimism: Those 2025 ranks were thrown off by the fact that the Chargers' bookend first-round offensive tackles missed a combined 28 games for a unit that was hit hard by injuries. With Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt healthy, quarterback Justin Herbert should build on what was a strong 2025 season under the circumstances. They've also brought in a new offensive coordinator in Mike McDaniel, who had a ton of success with talent in San Francisco and Miami.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: While swapping out the entire interior offensive line probably couldn't hurt considering its struggles in 2025, the lack of continuity could be problematic early on as Herbert readjusts to his regular tackles in a new offense. And while they have a lot of young talent at the skill positions, Omarion Hampton, Ladd McConkey and Tre Harris still have a lot to prove. This is a boom-or-bust situation.
16. Green Bay Packers
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 16th / Yardage: 15th / Turnovers: 3rd / EPA Per Play: 4th
Key 2026 Additions: WR Skyy Moore
Key 2026 Departures: WR Romeo Doubs, OT Rasheed Walker, IOL Elgton Jenkins
Reason(s) for Optimism: Quarterback Jordan Love is coming off the best season of his career, and he continues to have a wide array of receiving options at his disposal entering his age-28 season. There is also plenty of talent along the offensive line and in the backfield, and Matt LaFleur is a well-respected offensive mind. There is a sense of stability here.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: The line struggled in pass protection last season and underwent changes that aren't guaranteed to fix the problem. The jury is still out on 2024 first-round pick Jordan Morgan as he takes over at left tackle, and they'll simply need more from the interior. Doubs was the unit's most productive receiver in 2025, and there's still no clear-cut No. 1 target.
15. Washington Commanders
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 22nd / Yardage: 22nd / Turnovers: 24th / EPA Per Play: 16th
Key 2026 Additions: RB Rachaad White, RB Jerome Ford, TE Chig Okonkwo, WR Antonio Williams (3rd)
Key 2026 Departures: RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., WR Deebo Samuel, TE Zach Ertz, C Tyler Biadasz
Reason(s) for Optimism: 2025 felt like a Murphy's Law season altogether for a Washington team that lost star quarterback Jayden Daniels for all but seven games and ranked third in the league in adjusted games lost on offense to injury. The constant shuffling of personnel due to those injuries prevented the unit from ever establishing a rhythm, especially in the wake of significant offseason schematic changes. Daniels is healthy now, his line should be strong, and running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt is a prime breakout candidate.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: Samuel and Ertz are two veterans who have not been re-signed, and there's no guarantee that moving on from offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury will help. Daniels still needs to avoid an extended sophomore slump like the one that infected C.J. Stroud in his third season, and it's still fair to wonder about the overall depth and talent in the pass-catching corps.
14. Chicago Bears
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 9th / Yardage: 6th / Turnovers: 1st / EPA Per Play: 8th
Key 2026 Additions: C Garrett Bradbury, WR Kalif Raymond (FA), TE Sam Roush (2nd), WR Zavion Thomas (3rd)
Key 2026 Departures: WR D.J. Moore, C Drew Dalman, WR Olamide Zaccheaus
Reason(s) for Optimism: Caleb Williams and Co. will have had another full offseason developing in Ben Johnson's system, which already helped Williams improve significantly as Chicago turned the ball over a league-low 11 times in 2025.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: Williams still posted a sub-60 completion percentage and a 90.1 passer rating, which is far from stardom range. Now, he's lost a key veteran receiver as well as his Pro Bowl center. Progress from risers Colston Loveland, Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III should ease that burden, as should the acquisition of Bradbury, but this offense remains slightly unsettled for now.
13. New York Giants
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 17th / Yardage: 13th / Turnovers: 11th / EPA Per Play: 10th
Key 2026 Additions: WR Darnell Mooney, TE Isaiah Likely, WR Calvin Austin III, OL Francis Mauigoa (1st), WR Malachi Fields (3rd)
Key 2026 Departures: WR Wan'Dale Robinson, TE Daniel Bellinger
Reason(s) for Optimism: The Giants offense ranked strongly across the board in 2025 despite the fact rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart wasn't a major factor until October, top receiver Malik Nabers missed all but four games and sensational rookie running back Cam Skattebo made only five starts before suffering a season-ending injury himself. With all three of those guys healthy and more developed, and with Mooney, Likely and Mauigoa in the mix, I'd expect continued improvement under new offensive coordinator Matt Nagy.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: Nabers and Skattebo continue to miss time this offseason, and the sample sizes are small for those rookies. There's no telling if the league will adjust to Dart's game in his sophomore season, or how Mauigoa will fare in a major role as a rookie.
12. Cincinnati Bengals
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 12th / Yardage: 17th / Turnovers: 27th / EPA Per Play: 19th
Key 2026 Additions: None
Key 2026 Departures: None
Reason(s) for Optimism: Nothing has changed for a team that is focused on its core four skill guys (Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Chase Brown) and a veteran offensive line fortified by massive financial and draft investments over the last few seasons.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: I'm not convinced that line is where it needs to be after ranking in the middle of the pack in pass-blocking efficiency at PFF in 2025. They'll need more from tackles Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims, and Burrow will have to stay healthy after missing significant chunks of two of the last three seasons. There's also a question of depth beyond those four skill guys. The Bengals have put all of their eggs in just a few offensive baskets, and it has not paid off thus far.
11. Baltimore Ravens
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 11th / Yardage: 16th / Turnovers: 21st / EPA Per Play: 13th
Key 2026 Additions: IOL John Simpson, TE Charlie Kolar, G Olaivavega Ioane (1st), WR Ja'Kobi Lane (3rd)
Key 2026 Departures: C Tyler Linderbaum, TE Isaiah Likely, WR DeAndre Hopkins
Reason(s) for Optimism: Intriguing new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle could bring new energy to this unit, which will miss Linderbaum and Likely but invested in two interior offensive linemen and still has veteran Mark Andrews as a safety valve for Lamar Jackson. Top receiver Zay Flowers has turned into somewhat of a star, and obviously Jackson and Derrick Henry have earned superstar statuses. The 29-year-old Jackson posted a 125.9 passer rating in his last three games of 2025.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: Jackson wasn't right until then, and he missed a good chunk of time in the middle of the season. It's fair to wonder about his durability, especially with Linderbaum off the roster and some uncertainty surrounding the interior. Throw in that Henry is fading at 32 and that there isn't a ton of pass-catching depth, and it becomes clear that the 30-year-old Doyle will have challenges in Year 1.
10. Philadelphia Eagles
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 19th / Yardage: 24th / Turnovers: 4th / EPA Per Play: 17th
Key 2026 Additions: WR Hollywood Brown, WR Dontayvion Wicks, WR Elijah Moore, WR Makai Lemon (1st)
Key 2026 Departures: WR A.J. Brown?
Reason(s) for Optimism: Lemon, Brown and Wicks give quarterback Jalen Hurts a wide variety of new targets, and Brown remains on the roster for now anyway. Saquon Barkley is still Saquon Barkley, Hurts remains one of the most dynamic offensive players in the league, and they're mixing things up with new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: The aging offensive line regressed in 2025 and still isn't exactly loaded with reinforcements. And if indeed they're essentially swapping Brown for Lemon, there's bound to be an adjustment period for the rookie in a major role alongside Devonta Smith. Barkley is 29 and also likely peaked in 2024. So there's a lot of negative momentum here, and some new receivers and another OC change might not be enough to correct that.
9. Denver Broncos
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 14th / Yardage: 10th / Turnovers: 11th / EPA Per Play: 15th
Key 2026 Additions: WR Jaylen Waddle
Key 2026 Departures: None
Reason(s) for Optimism: Continuity+Waddle isn't a bad formula when you have an emerging young quarterback who is already protected by the best offensive line in the NFL. Sophomore quarterback Bo Nix saw his QBR rise five points as he developed a clutch reputation in leading the Broncos on seven game-winning drives. He's now supported by that killer line, two high-quality veteran receivers and a strong running back duo.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: Nix's passer rating, however, dropped more than five points during what was altogether a statistically disappointing sophomore season. This year realistically hinges on the 26-year-old taking a big step forward, which is far from guaranteed. Some regression with this unit wouldn't be shocking.
8. San Francisco 49ers
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 10th / Yardage: 7th / Turnovers: 20th / EPA Per Play: 6th
Key 2026 Additions: WR Mike Evans, WR Christian Kirk, WR De'Zhaun Stribling (2nd)
Key 2026 Departures: WR Jauan Jennings, WR Kendrick Bourne, possibly WR Brandon Aiyuk
Reason(s) for Optimism: They were once again slammed by injuries in 2025. Eventually, the team's poor injury luck has to change based on the law of averages, right? Maybe this is the year for a group that features the highest-rated passer in NFL history, a first-team All-Pro running back, future Hall of Famers at left tackle and tight end, and an extremely deep receiving corps that now features the six-time Pro Bowler Evans.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: That is a lot of shuffling at receiver, which could be problematic as George Kittle recovers from a torn Achilles. Some shine has already come off of quarterback Brock Purdy of late, so all that change might not be ideal. Let's not forget that Trent Williams turns 38 this summer, or that they're far from bulletproof in the interior. Tons of talent here, but also tons of question marks.
7. New England Patriots
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 2nd / Yardage: 3rd / Turnovers: 9th / EPA Per Play: 1st
Key 2026 Additions: WR Romeo Doubs, G Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT Caleb Lomu (1st)
Key 2026 Departures: WR Stefon Diggs, C Garrett Bradbury
Reason(s) for Optimism: Quarterback Drake Maye nearly won MVP as a 23-year-old sophomore, and little is changing around him with Vera-Tucker and Doubs essentially replacing Bradbury and Diggs. The line is talented (albeit not yet elite), and they've got a strong 1-2 punch in the backfield. Plus, there's a chance A.J. Brown is coming.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: The Pats benefited from an extremely favorable schedule during the 2025 regular season. When the tide turned in the playoffs, they averaged just 16.8 points per game. A tougher 2026 schedule and a potential regression in health—following a season where they were one of the league's healthiest units—will provide a much truer test of this group's abilities.
6. Seattle Seahawks
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 3rd / Yardage: 8th / Turnovers: 31st / EPA Per Play: 14th
Key 2026 Additions: RB Emanuel Wilson, RB Jadarian Price (1st)
Key 2026 Departures: RB Kenneth Walker III
Reason(s) for Optimism: The Seahawks obviously peaked late, averaging 33.7 points per game in the playoffs en route to capturing the Vince Lombardi Trophy. They appear to have their new franchise quarterback, the well-supported Jaxon Smith-Njigba won Offensive Player of the Year at the age of 23, and they should benefit from offensive-line continuity with all five starters returning in 2026.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: Walker played a major role during that playoff run and isn't easy to replace, especially with the line lacking top-end talent. It's also valid to be concerned that Sam Darnold might be a flash in the pan, although his success with the Vikings in 2024 should extinguish some of that. And we can't totally ignore those 28 turnovers from the 2025 regular season.
5. Dallas Cowboys
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 7th / Yardage: 2nd / Turnovers: 17th / EPA Per Play: 5th
Key 2026 Additions: WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Key 2026 Departures: None
Reason(s) for Optimism: As you can see, practically nothing has changed for a unit that ranked very highly in 2025. The biggest issue was ball security, but they even seemed to iron that out with just three turnovers in their last four games. Continuity on the depth chart and within the coaching staff should benefit a team with all of the pieces in place at all the skill positions and most of the offensive line.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: I say "most" because left tackle Tyler Guyton is still a question mark after ranking 57th among 58 qualified offensive tackles at Pro Football Focus in 2025. The former first-round pick's third season could make or break this group. And beyond that, obviously they'll need a healthy and consistent season from Prescott, which is far from a lock.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
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2025 Ranks: Scoring: 6th / Yardage: 11th / Turnovers: 13th / EPA Per Play: 12th
Key 2026 Additions: RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., TE Nate Boerkircher (2nd), OL Emmanuel Pregnon (3rd)
Key 2026 Departures: RB Travis Etienne Jr.
Reason(s) for Optimism: Bolstered by Liam Coen's new system, the Jaguars led the AFC with 32.8 points per game from Week 9 onward in 2025. In that same window, quarterback Trevor Lawrence finally broke out with 15 touchdown passes to one interception and a 113.2 passer rating as the Jags finished the season on a six-game tear. The line may be far from dominant but has plenty of talent and experience, and 2025 No. 2 overall pick Travis Hunter should factor in after a knee injury cost him most of his rookie campaign.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: We're looking at a small sample from 2025, and the rest of the league could adjust. I'm still not convinced they've nailed it with the line, especially the interior. And replacing Etienne won't be easy. But these are pretty much nitpicks for a unit on the right track.
3. Buffalo Bills
30 of 32.jpg?w=684 "PREMIOS-FINALISTAS")
2025 Ranks: Scoring: 4th / Yardage: 4th / Turnovers: 15th / EPA Per Play: 3rd
Key 2026 Additions: WR D.J. Moore
Key 2026 Departures: G David Edwards
Reason(s) for Optimism: Based on Pro Football Reference's AV metric, Bills quarterback Josh Allen has been the most valuable player in the league this decade. That alone gets the Bills into the top tier, while explaining why they've had a top-six scoring offense in each of the last six seasons. That is unlikely to change in 2026, especially with Moore joining the skill-position group in support of reigning rushing champion James Cook and the reliable Khalil Shakir.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: Based on adjusted games lost, they were the healthiest offense in the league in 2025. If that balances out in '26, their depth will be tested following the loss of Edwards. And while shaking things up by moving on from Sean McDermott isn't necessarily a bad call at this stage, simply rolling with next-man-up Joe Brady might not result in material improvements.
2. Detroit Lions
31 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Lions Vikings Football")
2025 Ranks: Scoring: 4th / Yardage: 5th / Turnovers: 4th / EPA Per Play: 9th
Key 2026 Additions: C Cade Mays, OT Larry Borom, IOL Juice Scruggs, OT Blake Miller (1st)
Key 2026 Departures: OT Taylor Decker, RB David Montgomery, IOL Graham Glasgow
Reason(s) for Optimism: The talent is absolutely still there, especially at the skill positions. Quarterback Jared Goff is coming off another highly-rated season featuring a 34-to-8 touchdown-to-pick ratio, and Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta make up one hell of a core. This has been a top-five unit in terms of points per game in four consecutive seasons, and they should be in that range again in 2026.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: The offensive line has undergone a significant makeover for the second year in a row, and that lack of continuity could lead to more instability within an offense that also shipped off a 900-yard player in Montgomery and is on its third coordinator in as many seasons.
1. Los Angeles Rams
32 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Rams Seahawks Football")
2025 Ranks: Scoring: 1st / Yardage: 1st / Turnovers: 4th / EPA Per Play: 2nd
Key 2026 Additions: None
Key 2026 Departures: OT Rob Havenstein, WR Tutu Atwell
Reason(s) for Optimism: This unit features the reigning MVP at quarterback, one of the most lethal 1-2 receiver punches in the league, two high-quality tight ends, two high-quality running backs, and a top-tier offensive line that returns all of its starters to achieve ideal continuity under mastermind head coach Sean McVay.
Reason(s) for Pessimism: There isn't a lot of talent or experience beyond Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, which is far from ideal considering that Adams is 33 years old. Matthew Stafford is also supposed to be beyond his prime at 38 and very well could drop off after a career year, but we're really grasping at straws here.
.jpg?w=480 "Chiefs Free Agency Football")
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.jpg?w=600 "NFL Offseason Trade Block Big Board After Draft")
.jpg?w=600 "Maxx: Pavia's Fall a 'Wake Up Call'")
.jpg?w=600 "Undrafted Free Agent Tracker ✍️")