1 Reason Every NFL Team Shouldn't Be Overlooked in 2026

With Week 1 still on the horizon, every NFL team can make a legitimate argument to exceed expectations during the 2026 season.

Whether it's an elite quarterback capable of carrying a team through the toughest stretch of its schedule, a hardened veteran core that knows the recipe for success, a promising young prospect ready to take the next step or a new coaching staff poised to unlock untapped potential, every franchise has at least one reason to believe in its Super Bowl aspirations.

From rebuilding organizations still searching for a breakthrough after years of struggle to established contenders aiming to reclaim the spotlight with another deep playoff run, every squad starts the year at 0-0. No team should be written off before it takes the field for a meaningful game.

With that in mind, let's highlight one reason every NFL team can't be overlooked in 2026.

Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love Will Energize the Offense

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The Arizona Cardinals' chances of becoming an offensive force under new head coach Mike LeFleur received a major boost when the club drafted Jeremiyah Love at No. 3 overall this year.

The Notre Dame running back is an immense upgrade at a position of clear need for a club that finished No. 31 in rushing last year. Rather than dealing with more potential injuries from the incumbent backs and going through another revolving door of ineffective replacements, Arizona filled the gaping hole with the best possible prospect.

Love is a game-changing playmaker who profiles as a rare feature back at the NFL level. He'll be the focal point of an offense that may lack a franchise quarterback, but can still do some damage thanks to the rookie's ability to churn yardage and score touchdowns as both a rusher and receiver.

While it'll be almost impossible for Love to singlehandedly turn the Cardinals into a true contender, the team should still be dangerous in Year 1 of an uphill rebuilding effort.

Atlanta Falcons: The Addition of Tua Tagovailoa

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The Atlanta Falcons went through a seemingly endless search for answers at the quarterback position following Matt Ryan's departure four years ago. A solution appears to have materialized in the form of Tua Tagovailoa.

While Tagovailoa still must earn the QB1 role by beating out Michael Penix Jr. in training camp, it's become readily apparent that the incumbent isn't able to lift this talent-laden offense. With new head coach Kevin Stefanski at the wheel, the regime has no ties to the controversial Penix pick and can simply put the best player under center.

Tagovailoa has far more potential than Penix, even at the age of 28 after six seasons in the NFL. Tua orchestrated the league's No. 1 offense as recently as the 2023 season and can be one of the game's top passers when healthy.

If Tagovailoa can rekindle that form—and it shouldn't be too difficult with the likes of Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts as a supporting cast—the Falcons will finally find a way snap the league's second longest active postseason drought.

Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson Remains a Difference-Maker

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Almost every season Lamar Jackson finds a way to remind the world why he's one of the NFL's most uniquely talented players. Even during a down year like 2025—when Jackson missed four games with injury—the Baltimore Ravens remained in playoff contention until the final day of the season.

While the Baltimore Ravens did make a coaching change after nearly two decades with John Harbaugh on the sidelines, the team is a strong candidate to remain a force with Jesse Minter—one of the most promising head coaching candidates to come around in years—at the reins. Jackson's presence will ensure early success for the new coach, who has a chance to elevate this roster and finally get it over the hump for the first time since Baltimore won it all in 2012.

Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen Still in his MVP Prime

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Josh Allen has been and will remain one of the league's most gifted quarterbacks. He's proven capable of willing the Buffalo Bills to victory and constantly keeps the team in the Super Bowl hunt despite some suspect supporting casts in recent years.

The Bills made their most daring change of the Allen era this offseason, swapping out longtime head coach Sean McDermott for offensive coordinator Joe Brady. While it will be an adjustment, there's no reason to expect the team to regress as long as Allen remains in his prime.

Allen's combination of arm talent, mobility and improvisation will keep the Bills in the championship conversation and the team to beat in the AFC.

Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young Evolving into a Franchise Quarterback

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The Carolina Panthers were a plucky contender that snuck up on the rest of the league last season, winning a three-way tie for their divisional crown. They won't be overlooked in 2026, however, especially not after pushing the Los Angeles Rams to the brink in the Wild Card round.

Bryce Young's development transformed Carolina from a basement-dwelling rebuilding program into legitimate NFC South contender. His ascension from potential bust to possible franchise signal-caller has shifted the league's hierarchy, making the Panthers a team to watch this season.

It seems the game has finally slowed down for Young, who looked increasingly comfortable attacking all levels of the field during his make-or-break third season. The supporting cast around him has improved dramatically as well, giving the Panthers also a more complete roster capable of building on last season's surprise outcome.

With Young continuing to improve and confidence growing throughout the organization, the Panthers have every reason to believe they're capable of making an even deeper postseason run.

Cincinnati Bengals: Healthy Joe Burrow Keeping the Super Bowl Window Open

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If Joe Burrow is healthy, the Cincinnati Bengals have to be considered a Super Bowl contender. Factor in that Burrow still has two of the league's most dangerous wideouts in Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins at his disposal and it's hard to see a passing offense with more upside in 2026.

While Burrow has repeatedly demonstrated the poise, accuracy and decision-making necessary to beat any opponent, injuries have forced him to miss extensive time in two of the last three seasons. Defensive woes have also plagued the Bengals over the last few years, although the front office made strides to improve that side of the ball this spring.

With Burrow revealing during OTAs that he's "the best [he's] felt in a long time" and discussing the work he's put in to be as "strong, fast and powerful" as possible, the sky is the limit for Cincinnati in 2026.

Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Watson's Return

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The Cleveland Browns are one of the league's most downtrodden franchises, but there's hope that this group can punch up and make things interesting in 2026.

The Browns opted for some sweeping changes on the heels of a 5-12 season last year. They not only fired head coach Kevin Stefanski and replaced him with former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, but also leaned fully into a rebuild by trading away reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett for a package of players and picks.

The biggest change from last year is at the quarterback position. While the Browns still have incumbent Pro Bowl starter Shedeur Sanders on the roster, Deshaun Watson is likely to get the first crack at running Monken's offense. If he can stay healthy and return to the level he displayed during his tenure with the Houston Texans, the Browns will have a real shot at being one of the surprise stories of the season.

Chicago Bears: Flourishing Ben Johnson/Caleb Williams Connection

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Ben Johnson lived up to the immense hype surrounding the Chicago Bears' decision to hire him as their head coach last year. The former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator helped turn a team that went 5-12 the previous season into an 11-win playoff squad. While that was impressive, this group has the makings of one ready to take another sizable leap in 2026.

Johnson's work with Caleb Williams was the driving force behind Chicago's success. The coach's system elevated the second-year quarterback to the cusp of stardom and could push him into the league's upper echelon this season. If young wideouts like Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III make their expected strides, the Bears could even boast the league's top offense.

Considering the Bears won a playoff game and nearly reached the NFC Championship in Year 1 of the Johnson-Williams era, another full offseason to fine tune the scheming and open up more of the playbook will have remarkable results.

Dallas Cowboys: Major Defensive Improvements

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The Dallas Cowboys haven't had many offensive issues in recent seasons, but the defense has been the team's Achilles heel during its quest to return to the Super Bowl for the first time in over three decades.

Dallas ranked dead-last in the league in scoring and No. 30 in total defense last year, failing to shake off an abysmal start and improve despite desperation moves like trading for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams at the deadline. The front office moved the needle this offseason, however, by acquiring several talented veterans in free agency and adding five intriguing rookie prospects through the draft.

With key acquisitions like No. 11 overall pick Caleb Downs, No. 20 overall pick Malachi Lawrence and veteran cornerback Cobie Durant now in the mix, the Cowboys are brimming with defensive talent. If defensive coordinator Christian Parker can't get this unit to perform at a top-10 level, it will be considered a major disappointment.

Denver Broncos: Bo Nix Can Become Next Elite AFC Quarterback

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The Denver Broncos may have made back-to-back playoff appearances and even reached the AFC Championship Game last season, but 2026 might be the season where the team firmly establishes itself as one of the league's most dangerous contenders.

The biggest reason to believe in Denver is the continued development of Bo Nix. After an impressive rookie season and even better sophomore follow-up, Nix enters his third year with the experience, confidence and supporting cast necessary to make further strides. His poise in pressure situations, accuracy on intermediate throws and ability to extend plays give the Broncos something they have desperately needed since Peyton Manning retired: stability at the quarterback position.

Head coach Sean Payton has a long history of maximizing his quarterback talent, and Nix's skill set has translated well to Payton's aggressive offensive philosophy. The AFC may be loaded with superstar quarterbacks, but Nix has quietly become one of the most effective. With him under center, the Broncos cannot be overlooked.

Detroit Lions: Returning with a Vengeance After Disappointing Season

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Head coach Dan Campbell has overseen a Detroit Lions rebuild that saw the club move from plucky upstart to bona fide Super Bowl contender.

His efforts hit a snag in 2025 when the team underwhelmed and missed the playoffs for the first time in three years, but Detroit should only grow from that painful experience.

This team has and will continue to have one of the strongest foundations in football, which is why it isn't concerning that the front office only opted for relatively minor roster adjustments this offseason.

Jared Goff remains an efficient, effective passer, Amon-Ra St. Brown is still an elite receiver, and the Jahmyr Gibbs-led rushing attack is poised to remain among the league's best following the addition of Isiah Pacheco in free agency. The first-round draft selection of Blake Miller gives the team the perfect young replacement for Taylor Decker, ensuring this unit won't miss a beat in the offensive trenches.

The team's defense hasn't changed much, either, although incoming prospects such as Derrick Moore, Jimmy Rolder and Keith Abney II will provide some much-needed depth for a Super Bowl run.

Campbell has built a culture centered around toughness, accountability and physical dominance, impressing his identity onto his players and the product on the field. As long as he remains at his post and the players continue to buy in, the Lions will be a tough out.

Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love's Continued Growth

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One of the main reasons for the Green Bay Packers' sustained success is the stability they've enjoyed under center. From Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love, the team has an uncanny ability to identify, acquire and develop passers.

With Love firmly established as a legitimate franchise quarterback, it's only a matter of time before he cements his place near the top of the league's QB hierarchy. He's helped the Packers achieve three consecutive playoff berths with relatively consistent play over his first three years as a starter and now appears on the cusp of making a jump to stardom.

Green Bay's brass has assisted this endeavor with shrewd roster construction. Even after parting ways with Romeo Doubs—the team's most productive pass-catcher in 2025— the team's top receiving options for 2026 include a litany of recent Day 1 and 2 picks in Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, Jayden Reed and Tucker Kraft.

If the signal-caller and his weapons can stay healthy and reach their collective ceiling, the Packers will emerge as a true offensive force for the first time in the Love era.

Houston Texans: A Truly Dominant Defense

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The Houston Texans rode the league's top defense into the playoffs last year, the third consecutive trip for the franchise. While this vaunted group was able to carry the team to a win in the Wild Card round, quarterback C.J. Stroud's complete meltdown in the Divisional ultimately cost a historic defense a chance at winning a Super Bowl.

Houston isn't giving up on Stroud, evidenced by a decision to overhaul his protection this offseason and provide more weapons for the three-year vet to work with, but the defense will need to remain elite to cover for the signal-caller if he doesn't return to form. That shouldn't be a problem with gamebreakers like Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter and Derek Stingley Jr. around.

With head coach DeMeco Ryans overseeing one of the NFL's most tenacious all-around defenses, the Texans are going to be in the hunt for the AFC South title regardless of how the offense fares in 2026.

Indianapolis Colts: Round 2 with Daniel Jones

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The Indianapolis Colts saw enough from Daniel Jones last year to feel confident running it back in 2026. While some unappealing free-agent options and underwhelming draft class may have also played a role in the contract extension Jones received, it's tough to deny the Colts may have had something special with the veteran under center.

Before injuries limited him and ultimately ended his season early, Jones had led Indy to a 7-1 start and emerged as a legitimate MVP candidate. In that eight-game span, the veteran completed a blistering 71.2 percent of his throws for 2,062 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding 86 yards and four more TDs on 64 totes.

If Jones can stay healthy and the supporting cast can continue playing at the level they achieved in the front half of 2025, there's high potential for this group to once again emerge as a force.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Liam Coen's First Second Season

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The Jacksonville Jaguars emerged as a Super Bowl threat in Liam Coen's first season as head coach. Now we'll finally get to see what he can do with some continuity on his side.

The 40-year-old hasn't stayed in one place for more than a single season since his days as a Los Angeles Rams assistant under head coach Sean McVay.

In the half-decade since, Coen sandwiched a return to L.A. as an offensive coordinator between two different stints as Kentucky's offensive coordinator before parlaying his impressive showing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers into a head coaching gig.

Considering the strides Jacksonville made under Coen in Year 1—going from 4-13 to 13-4 in the span of a season—it would be imprudent to expect a regression from this franchise on the rise.

Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes' Return to Form

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The Kansas City Chiefs will enter 2026 with many of the same questions they've faced in recent seasons such as "Can the offensive line hold up?" or "Is the receiving corps good enough?", but they'll now also need to answer an even more critical inquiry: "Will Patrick Mahomes bounce back from his injury?"

The answer to the former questions may still be up in the air, but the latter shouldn't be a concern. Mahomes has been fully cleared to participate in training camp after aggressively attacking the rehab process following the ACL and LCL tear that cut his 2025 campaign short.

Few quarterbacks in NFL history have demonstrated the ability to completely reshape games the way Mahomes does. His creativity, arm strength and experience make Kansas City a threat regardless of roster changes.

The 30-year-old did his best to keep an undermanned Chiefs squad afloat with his legs last year, but the addition of Kenneth Walker III in free agency will allow Mahomes to return to the pocket and thrive as a passer.

With Mahomes again running an Andy Reid offensive system that remains one of football's most difficult to defend, it wouldn't be wise to bet against the Chiefs returning to the top of the AFC.

Las Vegas Raiders: Vastly Improved Quarterback Situation

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The Raiders finally have a plan at the quarterback position, setting the Klint Kubiak era up for sustained long-term success.

Whether it's Fernando Mendoza developing into the franchise cornerstone Las Vegas is hoping for or Kirk Cousins providing veteran stability while the prized rookie develops, the Raiders enter the season with a clearer vision for the position than they have had in years.

Las Vegas has quietly assembled an intriguing young roster, highlighted by several up-and-coming playmakers on the offensive end. The dynamic duo of Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty will provide their quarterbacks with plenty of support, while an overhauled offensive line featuring two new free-agent starters should offer far more protection than Geno Smith received in 2025.

The Raiders won't become a Super Bowl contender right away, but they at least have the passers to orchestrate an offense at a high level and enough talent to make games uncomfortable for every opponent.

Los Angeles Chargers: Jim Harbaugh's Toughness

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The Los Angeles Chargers have long been a talented team, but one that couldn't consistently close out games before Jim Harbaugh arrived.

Harbaugh brought a physical identity with him to L.A., emphasizing toughness, discipline and complementary football. Those traits may not be flashy, but they win games—especially late in the season.

The tools for a double-digit win campaign are all at Harbaugh's disposal in 2026. Justin Herbert remains one of the NFL's most talented quarterbacks, the Omarion Hampton-led backfield platoon is one of the deepest in football and the receiving corps has plenty of juice with Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston as the top-two options.

The emergence of some young defensive stars gives Los Angeles the type of complete roster needed to compete in January. Veterans such as Khalil Mack and Derwin James Jr. have received much-needed support from the likes of Daiyan Henley, Tarheeb Still and Tuli Tuipulotu.

While this group limped to the finish line last year due to injuries, the Bolts have made back-to-back playoff appearances under Harbaugh and are likely to make it three in a row this year.

Los Angeles Rams: The League's Best Team

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Considering the offseason they've had, there is little chance any opponent will overlook the Los Angeles Rams in 2026.

After coming up short in the NFC Championship Game against the rival Seattle Seahawks, the Rams spared no expense in padding out the few remaining weak areas of their roster and going all-in for another Lombardi Trophy. The team retained most of its key free agents while swinging blockbuster trades to bring both Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie aboard, creating the league's most dangerous defense as a result.

With a potent offense led by NFL MVP Matt Stafford and game-breaking wideout Puka Nacua on the other side of the ball and head coach Sean McVay at the reins, the Rams will be almost impossible to stop this season.

Miami Dolphins: Malik Willis' Upside

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Although 2026 is largely expected to be a rebuilding season for the Miami Dolphins after they jettisoned head coach Mike McDaniel and longtime quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, there is still a chance the 'Phins can exceed their modest projections.

If this outcome occurs, it's likely due to the ascendance of Malik Willis. The quarterback came over from the Green Bay Packers along with new head coach Jeff Hafley, having spent two years backing up Jordan Love in Titletown. While Willis looked fantastic during his sporadic spurts of action, it remains to be seen if he can continue playing at that level as a full-time starter.

Willis does boast the athleticism and arm to be a star quarterback in the NFL. If he can put it all together in South Beach, Miami's season will go far better than expected.

Minnesota Vikings: Kyler Murray's Return to Prominence

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The Minnesota Vikings stumbled last year largely due to a poor decision to hand J.J. McCarthy the starting quarterback job. Rather than go into another season with the disappointing signal-caller as the top option, the Vikings positioned themselves for success by scooping Kyler Murray off the free-agent pile.

Murray may have had a down year of his own in 2025, but he's still shown himself to be a far more capable quarterback than McCarthy. The 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year is only a season removed from completing 68.8 percent of his throws for 3,851 yards and 21 touchdowns while adding 572 yards and five scores on 78 totes.

Murray could not have chosen a better spot to rehabilitate his career than the Twin Cities. With a receiving corps that features Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings as his top weapons, the 28-year-old should shouldn't have much trouble claiming the starting job and putting together a stellar campaign under head coach Kevin O'Connell.

New England Patriots: Running it Back After Shocking Super Bowl Berth

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With quarterback Drake Maye emerging as a bona fide superstar and the rest of the roster playing hardnosed football, the Pats went from a basement dweller to a Super Bowl runner-up in the first year of head coach Mike Vrabel's tenure.

While New England won't be overlooked in wake of their romp through the AFC portion of the NFL playoff bracket, the team was knocked for a soft schedule and injury luck. There is still plenty for the Pats to prove in 2026, a task Vrabel will surely have his squad up for.

Additions such as A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs will take the passing attack to another level, while the defense should remain stalwart under Vrabel's tutelage. This is a playoff team with upside to make back-to-back Super Bowls.

New Orleans Saints: Tyler Shough Ready to Rise

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The New Orleans Saints may not be viewed as a top contender entering 2026, but dismissing them entirely would be disrespectful to the work head coach Kellen Moore has accomplished with this roster.

The biggest question going into Moore's first season was at the quarterback position—especially in wake of Derek Carr's surprise retirement—but the Saints may have found a franchise passer in Tyler Shough. After a few rocky performances to open his career, Shough figured things out and helped guide New Orleans to four wins over the last five games of 2025.

The Saints committed to their young signal-caller this offseason, surrounding him with a litany of new weapons (including first-round pick Jordyn Tyson and free-agent acquisition Travis Etienne Jr.) that make the offense even more dangerous. If Shough picks up where he left off last year, the Saints will have a puncher's chance in a wide-open NFC South race.

New York Giants: Realizing Their Collective Talent

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The New York Giants are ready to emerge as a legitimate Super Bowl threat on the heels of a transformative offseason.

With John Harbaugh taking over as head coach, the stage is set for this potential-laden squad to put all its high-upside pieces together and make a run. The team has an enviable young offensive nucleus built around Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo and Malik Nabers, while the defense added a ton of veteran playmakers in free agency.

The expectations for Big Blue may be unreasonably high for a program that hasn't won more than six games since 2022, but there is every reason to trust Harbaugh can maximize the roster's potential and get the Giants to live up to these lofty projections.

New York Jets: Young Players Emerging Alongside Proven Vets

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The New York Jets have been one of the NFL's most frustrating franchises over the past decade-plus. While 2026 is largely expected to be more disappointment for a team mired in the league's longest playoff drought, the promising prospects this organization has been collecting could become the type of impact players capable of swinging games.

While the offense still lacks a young star quarterback to build around, Geno Smith could be enough to keep the team afloat for a stretch. The signal-caller has some strong weapons such as Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson and rookie first-rounder Omar Cooper Jr. to lean on and make this unit far more formidable than it was in 2025.

Gang Green's defense will have a whole new look as well after the front office elected to sell off established pieces in Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams last year. Rookies such as D'Angelo Ponds and David Bailey are joining forces with grizzled veterans in Demario Davis and Minkah Fitzpatrick to reshape what was one of the league's most underwhelming defenses.

The Jets probably won't be in the playoff hunt, but they should at least represent a tougher challenge for opponents this year.

Philadelphia Eagles: Roster Remains Strong

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Philadelphia has established itself as one of the NFL's most complete organizations, consistently maintaining elite talent through aggressive roster management and strong drafting. Nick Sirianni's team features one of the league's best offensive lines, a dominant rushing attack and a defense loaded with difference-makers.

Jalen Hurts remains the centerpiece in the City of Brotherly Love. While he's far from the perfect quarterback, his ability to win games and control short-yardage situations makes him one of the league's most unique and valuable weapons under center. Saquon Barkley is still at the peak of his powers and has potential to lead the league in rushing for the second time in the three seasons.

Philadelphia is far more than Hurts, Barkley and a small handful of other stars supported by replacement-tier talent, however. The roster has good starters and quality depth at nearly every position, affording the team the luxury of being able to exchange a Pro Bowlers like A.J. Brown for draft capital and remain competitive.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Rodgers' History of Success with Mike McCarthy

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The Pittsburgh Steelers' lineup won't look much different than it did last year, but the ceiling on the offense has been raised significantly after Mike McCarthy took over as head coach in wake of Mike Tomlin's resignation.

With Aaron Rodgers electing to stave off retirement for at least one more season, the future Hall of Fame quarterback is now poised to close out his illustrious career with one more Pro Bowl campaign. Rodgers thrived in McCarthy's system during their shared tenure with the Green Bay Packers and should do so again in Pittsburgh.

During the decade they spent together in Green Bay, Rodgers went 100-57-1 as a starter in the regular season and 9-7 in the playoffs while completing 64.9 percent of his throws for 42,615 yards and 337 touchdowns. Rodgers earned seven Pro Bowl nods, made a pair of All-Pro teams and won two league MVPs during that stretch, with their biggest success being a Super Bowl victory in 2010.

Although he's no longer the elusive gunslinger he was during his youth, Rodgers can still rekindle enough magic and display enough mastery in McCarthy's scheme to make the Steelers a truly dangerous opponent in 2026.

San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Shanahan's Offense is Still Second-to-None

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The 49ers have dealt with a myriad of injuries, roster turnover and other issues in recent years, but their Super Bowl window remains wide open thanks to the brilliance of head coach Kyle Shanahan.

Shanahan has consistently found ways to create advantages regardless of who is on the field and executing his system. The coach can manufacture scores seemingly at will by creating favorable matchups and leveraging the unique talents of his versatile playmakers.

Last year's team fell short largely due to the injury bug ravaging the squad's defensive core, but 2026 represents a fresh start and a chance to stay healthy and make a third trip to the Super Bowl under Shanahan.

Seattle Seahawks: Super Bowl Core Intact

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The Seattle Seahawks suffered some roster attrition in wake of their Lombardi Trophy win, but they largely kept the band together this offseason and now find themselves in position to mount a valiant title defense.

The most notable departures were running back Kenneth Walker III—the Super Bowl LX MVP—edge rusher Boye Mafe and a pair of defensive backs in Coby Bryant and Riq Woolen. While these losses will sting, the Seahawks did well patching the holes in free agency and the draft.

The influx of new talent includes first-round RB Jadarian Price, third-round corner Julian Neal and veteran edge Dante Fowler Jr., players who complement the pre-existing championship nucleus well. Seattle may not be as loaded on paper as it was a few months ago, but this group could end up being even better in 2026 if some of the less-heralded players on the roster step up and deliver.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Baker Mayfield Remains a Quality QB

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' streak of four consecutive divisional titles and five straight playoff appearances ended last year, but this squad can become the class of the NFC South again in 2026.

Even after losing franchise icon Mike Evans in free agency, the Bucs have enough offensive firepower to engineer a winning campaign. Baker Mayfield has been a revelation in Tampa and the driving force behind the squad's recent successes, helping the Bucs remain a contender in wake of Tom Brady's retirement.

While he took a small step back from the Pro Bowl level he was playing at during his first two seasons, Mayfield remains in his prime and has the tools to get the job done in 2026. With a receiving corps that rates amongst the league's deepest and a stalwart offensive line that can keep its QB upright, it's unlikely Mayfield will allow the Bucs to finish below .500 two years in a row.

Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward Ready for Stardom

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Cam Ward didn't quite live up to the hype as the Tennessee Titans' No. 1 overall pick last year—suffering turnover issues early in the season and taking a league-worst 55 sacks while winning just three of his 17 starts—but he showed more than enough potential for the front office to feel confident that he's the long-term answer under center.

Ward's arm talent, creativity and ability to make off-schedule throws provides the Titans with an offensive ceiling they haven't had in years. Tennessee has spent significant resources rebuilding around their young quarterback, bringing in playmakers such as rookie first-rounder Carnell Tate and veteran possession receiver Wan'Dale Robinson to reshape a receiver's room that now looks like a legitimate strength.

While there will undoubtedly be some growing pains as the team works to pick up the schemes being implemented by new head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, Ward should ultimately have a successful Year 2 and make the Titans a fringe playoff contender.

Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels' Upside

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The Washington Commanders have one of the NFL's most exciting young quarterbacks, and that alone makes them dangerous to face on any given Sunday. While Jayden Daniels only managed to suit up for seven games during his injury-plagued sophomore 2025 campaign, he's a year removed from taking the league by storm as a rookie.

Daniels immediately changed the trajectory of the Commanders, bringing elite athleticism, accuracy and playmaking ability to a QB position that had been bereft of any semblance of stability for nearly a decade. He won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award after posting an incredible 69 percent completion rate with 3,568 passing yards and 25 touchdowns through the air and another 891 yards and six touchdowns on his 148 carries.

Last year represented a disappointing follow-up to the squad's wildly unexpected NFC Championship Game run, but Washington should be back in the playoff mix if Daniels is healthy. The team has rebuilt the roster around him, adding talent on both sides of the ball and now fields a far more complete team than the one that went just 5-12 in 2025.