The Biggest 'What If' for Every NFL Team in 2026

What if...?

It's that time of year. Fans across the country are saying the same thing: "If [player/coach] can put it all together, we could [win the division/make the playoffs/go all the way/win a game]."

Of course, many of these are rather large "ifs."

Regardless, let's play the "what if" game for all 32 teams as the preseason gets underway.

AFC East

AP Photo/Adrian Kraus

Joe Brady and Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills

If Joe Brady and Pete Carmichael can vibe with Josh Allen in their new roles, the Bills can finally get to the Super Bowl after falling short in seven consecutive postseasons.

Miami Dolphins

If Malik Willis can actually put it all together under Bobby Slowik, the Dolphins can spend the season as a surprise part of the playoff picture. 

New England Patriots

If the team can overcome a distracting offseason, survive a much more challenging schedule and again stay remarkably healthy, the Patriots could make a return trip to the Super Bowl. 

New York Jets

If a young offensive nucleus composed of Garrett Wilson, Omar Cooper Jr., Olu Fashanu, Armand Membou, Breece Hall, Mason Taylor and Kenyon Sadiq can flourish, veteran Geno Smith could excel as a bridge under Frank Reich to keep the Jets competitive all season. 

AFC North 

AP Photo/Gene J. Puska

Aaron Rodgers

Baltimore Ravens

If Lamar Jackson can remain healthy and rejuvenated under a rookie head coach and a 30-year-old offensive coordinator, the Ravens could finally get over the top in the AFC playoffs. 

Cincinnati Bengals

If the Bengals fall short again and Joe Burrow's health isn't to blame, it'll spell the end for Zac Taylor and the current staff in Cincinnati. 

Cleveland Browns

If someone can reveal himself to be a franchise-caliber quarterback this year in Cleveland, the rebuilding Browns will have one of the most promising passing offenses in the NFL entering 2027. 

Pittsburgh Steelers

If an extremely talented but aging defense can remain healthy and Aaron Rodgers can do the same in his age-43 campaign, the Steelers could extend their streak of non-losing seasons to 23 in another one-and-done playoff showing at best. 

AFC South

AP Photo/Kelly Jordan

Trevor Lawrence

Houston Texans

If C.J. Stroud can somehow recapture the magic from his rookie season as he enters his fourth year and turns 25 early in the season, the defensively stacked Texans can legitimately win the Super Bowl.

Indianapolis Colts

If Daniel Jones can come back from injury and find the level of play he achieved in September and October last season, the Colts have the pieces to make a nice playoff run. 

Jacksonville Jaguars

If Trevor Lawrence and Liam Coen can pick up where they left off with a hot home stretch against a soft schedule in 2025, the Jaguars will be a Super Bowl contender in 2026. 

Tennessee Titans

If Cam Ward can pick up where he left off—with six touchdowns, no picks and a triple-digit passer rating over the final four weeks of his rookie season—and make another leap under Brian Daboll, a new coaching staff could oversee eight or nine wins for the Titans this year.

AFC West

AP Photo/Wally Skalij

Justin Herbert and Mike McDaniel

Denver Broncos

If new offensive coordinator Davis Webb can leave a mark on Bo Nix in what becomes a breakout third season, a Broncos team without a major weakness can win the Super Bowl. 

Kansas City Chiefs

If Patrick Mahomes can return from injury and become the superhero he hasn't been since the 2023 playoffs, the Chiefs could extend their dynasty one more season. 

Las Vegas Raiders

If Klint Kubiak's offense clicks early with Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers, the Raiders will position themselves to be a team to beat with a non-rookie Fernando Mendoza in 2027. 

Los Angeles Chargers

If Jim Harbaugh and Mike McDaniel can take Justin Herbert to the next level and his offensive tackles can stay healthy, the Chargers can win this division and go on a deep run.

NFC East

AP Photo/Chris Carlson

Jaxson Dart

Dallas Cowboys

If big defensive changes pay off quickly and Dak Prescott can remain healthy and productive, the Cowboys have the ingredients to make a Super Bowl run. 

New York Giants

If Jaxson Dart's young playmakers show up healthy and produce, he can become a franchise quarterback for a playoff contender immediately. 

Philadelphia Eagles

If trading in A.J. Brown and Kevin Patullo for Makai Lemon and Sean Mannion turns out to be the right approach, the Eagles will be the team to beat in the NFC. 

Washington Commanders

If a coordinator change and better health luck benefit Jayden Daniels in a critical third season, the Commanders can overcome defensive flaws and contend in 2026. 

NFC North

AP Photo/David Banks

Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson

Chicago Bears

If Caleb Williams takes a third-year leap in his second campaign with Ben Johnson, an all-around strong Bears team becomes a Super Bowl contender. 

Detroit Lions

If the stacked Lions can finally clear the mental hurdles that have held them back the last few seasons, they can finally break through and play in their first-ever Super Bowl. 

Green Bay Packers

If Micah Parsons can return to health and dominate for a good chunk of the season, a steady and talented Packers team should be back in the Super Bowl picture come January. 

Minnesota Vikings

If Kyler Murray recaptures what he flashed early in his career with the Cardinals, or J.J. McCarthy suddenly dazzles in a breakout third season, a Vikings squad featuring a stellar offensive line, superb defense and a world‑class top target can win playoff games this year.

NFC South

AP Photo/Ella Hall

Tyler Shough

Atlanta Falcons

If Tua Tagovailoa or Michael Penix Jr. can bring it all together under the tutelage of Kevin Stefanski, an Atlanta team with tons of skill-position talent and some intriguing defensive weapons can win its first NFC South crown in a decade.

Carolina Panthers

If Bryce Young can take that critical next step, the Panthers can take the division with a winning record this time. 

New Orleans Saints

If Tyler Shough remains on the trajectory he established as a rookie in 2025, the Saints will become the team to beat in this division. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

If everyone stays pretty healthy and Baker Mayfield has a career year with dollar signs looming, the Bucs could make a return to the playoff picture and win a postseason game or two in 2026. 

NFC West

AP Photo/Wally Skalij

Myles Garrett

Arizona Cardinals

If someone shocks the world at quarterback and their three young offensive skill guys become stars, the Arizona offense will be one of the best in the NFL by the end of the year. 

Los Angeles Rams

If Matthew Stafford and Myles Garrett haven't lost a step coming off award‑winning 2025 seasons, and Puka Nacua and Davante Adams remain healthy and productive, the Rams can win their second Super Bowl of the decade.

San Francisco 49ers

If the oft-injury-ravaged 49ers can experience their first relatively healthy season since 2023, they can easily make the Super Bowl as they did that year. 

Seattle Seahawks

If they can survive losing offensive play-caller Klint Kubiak and key cog Kenneth Walker III, a Seahawks team with a target on its back in a tough division could make it back to the Super Bowl in 2026.