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Greg Schwartz

8 NFL Favorites That Will Not Win Their Division In 2026

The start of a new NFL season brings hope for most franchises. Shifting rosters, new coaching staffs, returning players, and parity can lead to unexpected breakthroughs and surprises that can change the league’s landscape, if only for a season. One of the things that history has taught us is that front-runners will stumble and underdogs will break through. A closer look at the outlook for the 2026 NFL season shows that eight teams favored to win their respective divisions will fall short of that goal. Let’s look at those 8 teams that are favored to win their divisions but won’t. Which strong NFL teams are not favored to win their division this season? Buffalo BillsJan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; A detailed view of the Buffalo Bills helmet before the AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images Despite finishing the 2025 NFL season behind the Patriots for second place in the AFC East, the Bills are once again the favorites to win the division in 2026. Why wouldn’t they? They boast one of the league’s best quarterbacks in Josh Allen. His ability to control a game with his arm and extend drives with his feet means that Buffalo is never really out of a game, and this season, the Bills have improved their passing attack with the addition of D.J. Moore.  Buffalo also made moves off the field, firing long-time head coach Sean McDermott for his repeated failure to succeed in the regular season, only to fall short in the playoffs. Promoted from offensive coordinator with the endorsement of Allen, new head coach Joe Brady brings a certain stability to the organization that an outside hire wouldn’t. That’s what an optimist would say.  A realist sees a much different picture. Perhaps the real problem wasn’t with McDermott. Sure, he was the head coach, so the blame will fall on him, but Joe Brady was the offensive coordinator last season and plans to retain that responsibility as head coach. The head coach may have changed, but has the offense?  Not really, especially with the same quarterback, who just might not be a big game player; he wouldn’t be the first, and he won’t be the last. The Bills will still be a winning team, but New England has also improved and is a real threat to the Bills’ AFC East supremacy. Tampa Bay BuccaneersNov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmets against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images It’s tough to say if the Buccaneers are the favorites to win the NFC South in 2026. Actually, it’s tough to say if any team in the division is the favorite to win it. One thing’s for sure, it’s really tough to call any NFL team in the division a winner, as none of them had a winning record in 2025. In fact, 2020 was the last year in which two teams in the division finished a season with double-digit win totals.  So, since we wanted one team from each division, and the Buccaneers have the most established quarterback in the division, we’ll take them as the favorite. Baker Mayfield has a lot to play for this season. Entering the final year of his contract, the 31-year-old will certainly be motivated to play well so he can earn a new, big-money deal.  Regardless of their weaknesses, the Bucs are predicted to win 8-9 games in 2026, which should be enough for the top spot in the division. However, if they can get to 8-9 wins, the Panthers, Falcons, or Saints can too. Football is a physical sport, and players get hurt.  A team forecasted to win 8-9 games doesn’t have a lot of margins for error and probably can’t afford to absorb significant injuries to key players. Additionally, their three division rivals aren’t that far from having successful seasons themselves. The Falcons and the Panthers, who won the division last year, tied the Bucs with 8 wins in 2025, so it really is anyone’s crown. It just won’t be Tampa. Baltimore RavensJan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; A view of Baltimore Ravens players’ helmets on a heated bench against the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images In 2025, the Steelers won the AFC North, and many felt that wasn’t due to their dominance. On the contrary, it was due to two of their division rivals having down seasons, and one of them being the Cleveland Browns. Heading into 2026, the Ravens are the clear frontrunners for the division this year.  Lamar Jackson is easily the best dual-threat quarterback in the NFL today, if not all-time. In addition to his strong, accurate passing ability, he possesses speed and elusiveness that’s rarely seen by a quarterback. Not only can he turn broken plays into massive gains, but Jackson’s playmaking ability forces opposing teams to place a defender on him every play.  Yet the Ravens’ offense also includes running back Derrick Henry, who, despite being 32, continues to put up impressive numbers. Add a solid receiving group that includes Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and tight end Mark Andrews, and it’s easy to see why the Ravens are favored to win the AFC North, yet they won’t. This will be the first time in 18 years that John Harbaugh will not be patrolling the sidelines in Baltimore, as he was fired after last season.  While a veteran team can overcome a new head coach, there are bound to be bumps in the road. Unfortunately, a new head coach isn’t their only issue. The primary obstacle facing Baltimore lies 423 miles away, “as the crow flies,” in Cincinnati. The Bengals overhauled their defense, they contain a high-powered offense, and are the only NFC North team without a new head coach. The Ravens in ‘26? Nevermore. Seattle SeahawksSeattle Seahawks helmet (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images) The defending champions, the Seahawks, have to be the favorites to win the NFC West this season. In 2025, they steamrolled the NFC on their way to a 14-3 season before their victory over the Patriots in Super Bowl LX. The case for Seattle to repeat as division champs in 2026 is an open-and-shut one.  They still maintain one of the league’s most formidable defenses, and quarterback Sam Darnold seems to have finally found his game in the Pacific Northwest. In 2025, he proved himself to be a highly efficient signal-caller capable of minimizing mistakes and maximizing the elite talent of players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba. That was then, this is now; 2026 marks a new season. Can Darnold do it again? Especially since the offense took a big hit when they lost running back Kenneth Walker III to the Chiefs in free agency. It’s not just the QB, though. Can the team do it again? It is hard to repeat as champions in the NFL, whether it’s a division or the Super Bowl. Every team will be gunning for them this year as they all want to take down the reigning champs, especially their division rivals, who have both improved their teams.  The Rams have added defensive end Myles Garrett to an already lethal defense, and the 49ers have given QB Brock Purdy a new weapon in WR Mike Evans. They will both be coming after Seattle, and having that target on your back can wear a team down, which is why the Seahawks won’t repeat as division champs. Kansas City ChiefsKansas City Chiefs helmet (Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images) The Chiefs suffered a massive fall from grace in 2025, finishing the season with a dismal 6-11 record, good enough for third place in the AFC West. Unfortunately for Kansas City, once quarterback Patrick Mahomes was lost for the season with a knee injury, the Chiefs’ season was essentially done. In spite of last year’s issues, the Chiefs are once again favored to win the division in 2026.  Mahomes is on schedule to start the season under center, and his presence alone is enough to push Kansas City back into favored status. But it’s more than that: they will have a healthy Rashee Rice at wide receiver for a full season and have imported running back Kenneth Walker III, who was named Super Bowl MVP last season with the Seahawks. Head coach Andy Reid should have a field day planning for this offense.  But it’s not all sunshine and daisies in K.C., as they have their issues, too. Mahomes suffered a severe knee injury. He might be ready to start the season, but will he be effective? What about star tight end Travis Swift… er, Kelce. He will turn 37 this season and has already begun showing the effects of age and the wear and tear of living the glamorous life as a Swiftie.  The Chiefs also struggled in close contests, posting a 1-9 record in one-score games. After 13 seasons in charge, could Andy Reid have worn out his welcome? Is a new voice needed in the locker room? In all likelihood, the Chiefs are probably closer to a retool than their championship dynasty.  Philadelphia EaglesPhiladelphia Eagles helmet (Photo via Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images) Behind quarterback Jalen Hurts, running back Saquon Barkley, and a receiving corps that included A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and tight end Dallas Goedert, the Eagles cruised to an NFC East title last year. Riding their high-powered offense and a top-flight defense, Philadelphia became the first NFL team in the NFC East to repeat as division champs in 21 years.  The chances of an Eagles three-peat are slim, if they exist at all. There are just too many factors standing in the way of that happening. Internally, the offense took a major hit when they traded A.J. Brown to New England. The loss of the passing game’s primary weapon will have ripple effects through the offense, especially if DeVonta Smith is unable to carry the load as the top receiving option.  Removing Kevin Patullo as offensive coordinator and replacing him with Sean Mannion creates another layer of instability, as Mannion is the team’s seventh since 2019. Changing the coordinator so frequently prevents the team from establishing a long-term rhythm. Of course, if true, the rumored reports that Jalen Hurts is not receptive to coaching and the execution of certain offenses don’t help matters. Externally, the rest of the NFC East is getting better, and while the Giants and Commanders aren’t a threat yet, Dallas is one. With Dak Prescott, Javonte Williams, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens, the Cowboys could potentially have one of the best offenses in the game. Not only will Dallas challenge the Eagles’ NFC East supremacy, but they will topple it in 2026. Houston TexansAug 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A Houston Texans helmet sits on the sidelines during the 4th quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports The Texans enter the 2026 season as the favorites to win the AFC South for several key factors. First is the continued growth of C.J. Stroud, who, with another year under his belt, is expected to return to his dominant form and lead an offense that has made numerous reinforcements.  A rebuilt offensive line should provide the protection that Stroud needs to be successful, as well as create holes for running back David Montgomery. Defensively, they’re elite, possibly one of the best in the NFL. Led by Will Anderson Jr., the unit creates game-changing pressure, giving the Texans a huge advantage over opponents and a remarkably high ceiling.  The Texans didn’t rest this offseason; they looked to address their holes by upgrading the offensive line and adding weapons to improve play action and red-zone efficiency. There’s a lot to like in Houston, but there’s a lot to like in places like Jacksonville and Indianapolis as well. The Jaguars have Trevor Lawrence at quarterback, and over the last couple of seasons, he has begun to blossom into an elite talent, throwing for over 4,000 yards with 38 total touchdowns in 2025.  They also have a top defense that forced 30 turnovers last year. The Colts have key pieces on offense, such as Alec Pierce, and a defensive unit that is capable of elite play. Led by DeForest Buckner, they can disrupt opponents’ passing and rushing attacks. While the odds of a Colts division title are a little less, the chances of the Jaguars taking the AFC South are much greater, possibly greater than those of the favored Texans. Detroit LionsHelmet of Detroit Lions place kicker Jake Bates (not in the photo) before the NFC divisional round between Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders] at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. The 2026 season has the potential to be a good year for the Detroit Lions. Despite missing out on the playoffs in 2025, they are favored to reclaim the top spot in the NFC North. They have an elite offense led by quarterback Jared Goff, and explosive playmakers like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta.  The defense, which suffered numerous injuries in 2025, is bound to be healthier this year. Finally, there’s their schedule advantage. They will be facing one of the easiest strength-of-schedule in the league, and held a 4-2 intra-divisional record last year, which is why analysts have given Detroit a 38% percent chance to win the division this year.  Additionally, although they finished 2025 in last place, their 9 wins placed them two off the division lead, showing how close this division is in the NFL. This is precisely why the Lions will not win the NFC North this year. The Bears, Vikings, and Packers are all capable of taking the division title. Minnesota has elite offensive playmakers, like Justin Jefferson, and a disruptive defense.  Over in Chicago, or wherever the Bears are playing, they are the defending division champs, have a potent offense led by Caleb Williams, and a defense that can generate game-changing takeaways and critical stops. Under the continued development of Jordan Love and a stout defense led by Micah Parsons, the Packers can’t be counted out either. The NFC North is an unpredictable division, and while analysts might give them a 38% chance of winning the division, we give them a 0% chance. 

Read more8 NFL Favorites That Will Not Win Their Division In 2026

10 Most Overrated Quarterbacks In The NFL Today – 2026 Edition

To say that the quarterback is the most important player on the football field would be a huge understatement. The quarterback has always been an important position, but changes to the rules that favor the passing game have elevated it to new heights. Today’s NFL game runs through the quarterback position. But not every quarterback is built the same. Some teams have great quarterbacks, some have horrible ones, and some teams are blessed with quarterbacks who are more bust than boom. Let’s take a look at 10 quarterbacks who fit the definition of overrated. Who are the most overrated NFL quarterbacks in 2026? Tua Tagovailoa – Atlanta FalconsDec 21, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) warms up before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images If we’re making a list of overrated NFL quarterbacks, it has to start with Tua Tagovailoa. Throughout the 2019 season, the Dolphins on field play appeared to fit the “Tank for Tua” narrative, resulting in his being drafted 5th overall by the Miami Dolphins in 2020. Since being named the starter in South Beach, Tua has been inconsistent at best. While he led the league in Passing Yards in 2023, with 4,624 yards, and led the Dolphins to the playoffs, he has not lived up to the hype.  A quick glance at Tua’s career stats does not paint an accurate picture of his standing in the league. Tagovailoa has a career record of 44-32, 120 touchdowns to 59 interceptions, and a completion percentage of 68%. However, over the last 6 seasons, Tua’s weaknesses have been repeatedly exposed, showing that the quarterback is nowhere near worth the 4-year, $212.4 million extension he signed in 2024.  In fact, Tua was cut by the Dolphins after the 2025 season and signed a 1-year deal worth the league minimum in Atlanta, where he will look to resurrect his career. Shedeur Sanders – Cleveland BrownsShedeur Sanders (Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images) There’s no question that Shedeur Sanders is a talented quarterback. The problem is that there is no way he could live up to the hype that he entered the NFL with. Sanders had a very successful, but brief, college career. He played 2 seasons with Colorado, throwing for over 7,300 yards with 64 touchdowns. Entering the 2025 Draft, there was a lot of hype on the young quarterback, but it seemed that it was more a result of his father. Sanders is the son of Hall-of-Fame cornerback Deion Sanders, who is one of the best self-promoters the sports world has ever seen. Entering the NFL is tough enough. It’s made even tougher when you are the son of a legendary player. When the hype machine is factored in, the pressure to perform goes through the roof. What didn’t help Sanders was that he was drafted by one of the most inept teams in the league – the Cleveland Browns. In 8 starts during the 2025 season, Sanders flashed his potential, but the Browns’ ineptness held him back. As long as the young QB stays in the mess that exists in Cleveland, his hype will not match his performance, labeling Shedeur Sanders as overrated. Josh Allen – Buffalo BillsJosh Allen (Image Credits: Imagn) I know I’m going to get some blowback for this selection. Let’s start with the obvious: Josh Allen is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL today. The 4x Pro Bowler and 2024 MVP has led the Bills to 7 straight winning seasons, compiling a won-loss record of 88-39, with over 30,000 passing yards and 220 touchdowns.  Based upon his on-field success and wide-ranging endorsements, the 29-year-old quarterback has clearly established himself as one of the faces of the game. So how does one of today’s star players end up on a list of overrated players? One word: playoffs. In the case of Josh Allen, it’s a lack of playoff success.  Allen led the Bills to 5 straight AFC East titles, establishing them as one of the best teams in the league. But over that time period, Allen has failed to lead Buffalo to a Super Bowl appearance, including in the 2025 season when the archenemy Chiefs were absent from the playoffs. With their biggest obstacle nowhere to be seen, Allen was still unable to lead the Bills to the Super Bowl. Until Allen tastes postseason glory, he will remain on the overrated list. Kyler Murray – Minnesota VikingsKyler Murray (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images) “With the 1st overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals select quarterback Kyler Murray.” With that announcement came a wave of excitement and optimism in the Phoenix area. In hindsight, do you think the Cardinals regret that decision? How about the 5-year,$230.5 million contract they signed Murray to in 2022? Think they regret that decision? Despite being paired with other star players such as Marvin Harrison Jr., Zach Ertz, James Conner, and DeAndre Hopkins, he has led the Cardinals absolutely nowhere.  In the 7 injury prone seasons, Murray led the Cardinals to a 38-48-1 record. Much like another quarterback on our list (Tua), Kyler Murray was so bad in Arizona that the team released him in March 2026, and will still be paying him over $36 million in 2026 to suit up for the Minnesota Vikings. Maybe the Vikings will unlock his full potential, but based on the last six years, we’ve probably seen what Kyler Murray is. J.J. McCarthy – Minnesota VikingsSep 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) reacts after a play during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images In 2022, the Vikings finished the season with a 13-4 record and a loss in the Wild Card round of the playoffs with Kirk Cousins at the quarterback position. In 2024, the Vikings, with Sam Darnaud under center, finished 14-3 with a loss in the Wild Card round. Minnesota seemed like a team on the brink of realistically winning a Super Bowl. In 2025, they turned the offensive reins over to rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The 10th overall pick in 2024 came with a lot of promise and upside. Unfortunately for Viking fans, that is not what they saw. McCarthy started 10 games for Minnesota in 2025 before succumbing to a hand injury. His 2024 rookie year was also lost due to injury. The injuries and inconsistent play led the Vikings to sign free agent quarterback Kyler Murray to a one-year deal. That’s the same Kyler Murray who the Cardinals are paying over $36 million to play someplace else. Perhaps J.J. McCarthy isn’t the saving grace in Minnesota and instead will be placed into the pile of overrated quarterbacks. Dak Prescott – Dallas CowboysSep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) looks at his helmet during warmups before the game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images What do you call a quarterback who has been selected to 4 Pro Bowls, won an Offensive Rookie of the Year award, thrown for almost 36,000 yards with 243 touchdowns, has a 66.9 career completion percentage, won 83 games, and is the signal caller for one of the most popular NFL teams in existence? If we’re talking about Dak Prescott, you call him overrated. There is no denying that Prescott is talented… in the regular season. Postseason success has simply eluded the Cowboys quarterback. In 7 career playoff games, Prescott is 2-5. The lack of playoff success calls into question Prescott’s place as one of the highest-paid players in the game, signing a 4-year, $240 million contract extension in 2024. That deal will pay him an $80 million signing bonus and $231 million in guaranteed money. That seems like a lot of money to be paying a very overrated quarterback. Lamar Jackson – Baltimore RavensBaltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images) Here is another choice for an overrated NFL quarterback that I’m sure will get a lot of pushback. Lamar Jackson is one of the biggest dual threats on a football field. His ability to throw and run the ball effectively has led to Jackson racking up multiple awards, including being named to 4 Pro Bowls, being named a 3x All-Pro, winning 2 AP MVP awards, and 2 Player of the Year awards, culminating in what is sure to be an eventual selection to the Hall of Fame when he’s done playing. But there is a black mark on Jackson’s resume. Like many of the other quarterbacks on our list, Jackson lacks playoff success. The Ravens’ signal caller has led Baltimore to the playoffs in 5 seasons, resulting in a career playoff record of 3-5. In fact, Jackson’s statistics across the board take a downward turn during the playoffs. Regular-season success with postseason failure lands Lamar Jackson on our list of overrated quarterbacks. And he may be on the move as well. Jared Goff – Detroit LionsDetroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) cheers up teammates on the sideline before a first down against Green Bay Packers during the first half at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., on Sunday, September 7, 2025. It’s kinda difficult to call a person who has spent 10 years playing quarterback in the NFL, starting 151 games, winning 90 of those starts, and amassing over 39,000 yards with 256 touchdowns, overrated, but here we are with Jared Goff. Selected by the Rams with the 1st overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Goff went on to lead Los Angeles to a 42-27 record over his first 5 years in the league. He did steer the Rams to Super Bowl LIII, but did not have a great day on the grandest stage. Against the Patriots that day, Goff threw for 229 yards with one interception in the 13-3 loss, which is also the lowest scoring Super Bowl on record. In fact, the Rams would not win a Super Bowl until they traded Jared Goff to the Lions for Matthew Stafford. A former first overall pick, with regular season success and postseason failure, earns Jared Goff his place among the game’s overrated quarterbacks. Justin Herbert – Los Angeles ChargersJustin Herbert (Image Credits: Imagn) As a long-suffering Dolphins fan, a team that hasn’t had a franchise quarterback in over 25 years, I would gladly take Justin Herbert as my guy under center. In fact, the Dolphins had a chance to draft Herbert in 2020 but went with Tua Tagovailoa instead. We know how that’s turned out for Miami, but how have things been for Herbert in LA? Since entering the league, Herbert has established himself as one of the top young quarterbacks in the NFL. Over his first 6 seasons in the league, Herbert has been named to 2 Pro Bowls and won the 2020 Offensive Rookie of the Year. He has thrown for over 24,000 yards to go along with 163 touchdowns and a win-loss record of 52-43. That is not a bad start to a career, but for the 6th overall draft pick, more has been expected from him. With Herbert under center, the Chargers have made the playoffs 3 times, being eliminated after one game all 3 times. There’s no denying that Herbert is a good quarterback, but in order to remove the overrated tag, he needs some playoff success. Joe Burrow – Cincinnati BengalsJoe Burrow (Photo By Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images) This is another difficult selection for this list, as I like Joe Burrow as a quarterback and would gladly take him on my favorite team. Since entering the league during the 2020 season, Burrow has established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the league. However, there’s one problem with that ranking – Burrow’s hasn’t done enough to warrant that level of regard. Sure, he has a winning record of 43-33-1 with a 68.5 completion percentage, over 20,000 yards thrown, and 157 touchdowns. Now for the negatives. Over the last 5 seasons, Burrow has missed multiple games due to injury, although that has allowed him to win 2 Comeback Player of the Year awards, and has not led the Bengals to playoff success. While he does hold a 5-2 career playoff record, Burrow has not led Cincy to Super Bowl success. In fact, during his only Super Bowl appearance to date, Burrow threw for 263 yards but was sacked 7 times in the loss to the Rams. It will take some playoff success to remove Joe Burrow from this list.

Read more10 Most Overrated Quarterbacks In The NFL Today – 2026 Edition

5 NFL Teams Headed For Disaster And 5 Built To Dominate In 2026

As we settle into the dog days of the NFL offseason, the time between the draft and the opening of training camps. With the dust of free agency, the draft, and the schedule release finally settling, we can begin to take a preliminary look at how NFL teams are shaping up for next season. Let’s take a closer look at 5 NFL teams facing a very dark future and 5 teams with a bright outlook on the 2026 season. Which NFL teams will have a good or bad 2026 season? Dark – Miami DolphinsA general view of a Miami Dolphins helmet on the field (Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images) The Miami Dolphins might have one of the darkest futures in all of the NFL. The franchise is in complete disarray, and in reality, it has been that way for over 25 years since Dan Marino retired. After “Tanking for Tua” and selecting the quarterback 5th overall in the 2020 Draft, this offseason, the Fins finally parted ways with Tua Tagovailoa. In fact, the team is enduring a record-breaking $99.2 million salary-cap hit to get Tua off the team.  As if the salary cap situation wasn’t bad enough, this NFL team has a myriad of other issues as well. Miami enters 2026 with a new General Manager, a new Head Coach, a new starting QB, a complete lack of skill at the receiving corps, a porous offensive line, a defense that also lacks skill, poor roster depth, and will have one of the toughest schedules next season.  In fact, it seems like the Dolphins are built around star running back De’Von Achane and nothing else. Yep, things look bleak in Miami. As a long-suffering Dolphins fan, I’d like to be optimistic with regard to the new regime, but the team’s history suggests that the dark days will overshadow Miami for quite a while. Bright – Denver BroncosOct 12, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of a Denver Broncos helmet against the Kansas City Chiefs prior to a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports Things are looking up in the Mile High City. After finishing the 2024 season with a 10-7 record and a loss in the Wild Card round, the Broncos officially arrived among the AFC elite in the 2025 season. Finishing the year with a record of 14-3 wasn’t enough; the Broncos then added an almost magical run in the playoffs that might just foreshadow the upside of this team.  Rookie quarterback led the Broncos to the number 1 seed in the AFC last year, but brought his game to another level when he led Denver to a victory over the heavily favored Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round. Unfortunately, Nix broke his ankle in the win over Buffalo and missed the Conference Finals against New England. However, with their backup quarterback starting against the Patriots for the right to go to the Super Bowl, the Broncos almost pulled off the improbable win.  As we look to 2026 and beyond, the Broncos seem to be sitting in a good spot. With Head Coach Sean Payton firmly in place, a rising star quarterback in Bo Nix, and a new Wide Receiver in Jaylen Waddle, the Broncos have a bright future. Dark – Buffalo BillsJan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; A detailed view of the Buffalo Bills helmet before the AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images The Bills have been one of the best teams in the NFL over the last 10 years. In fact, they have made the playoffs in 8 out of the last 9 years, including the last 7 years, and have also won the AFC East crown in 5 of the last 6 seasons. So, how does a team that has been at the top of the league for the last decade end up staring at a dark future?  Despite all of that regular-season success, the Bills have failed to make it to the Super Bowl. For many years, it seemed that the Bills always fell short in the playoffs because they couldn’t get past the Chiefs. But 2025 was different. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes was lost for the season with a torn ACL and LCL. The path to the Super Bowl had been cleared for the Bills. This was their year, until it wasn’t.  On January 17th, in the Divisional Round against the Denver Broncos, the Bills lost 33-30, and another season ended in disappointment. The 2026 season would seem to be a turning point for the Buffalo Bills. Another season that ends in postseason failure, and it might be time to start asking some very difficult questions in Western New York. It would seem that 2026 could be the beginning of some very dark days in Buffalo. Bright – Seattle SeahawksDec 8, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Seattle Seahawks helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The defending Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks, not only look poised to defend their title but also have the ability to go on a multi-year Super Bowl winning streak. The weather forecast for Seattle might be overcast, but this NFL team’s future is very bright. The Seahawks have one of the most well-built rosters in the entire NFL. Led by quarterback Sam Darnold seemed to elevate his game to another level once he made his way to the Pacific Northwest and partnered up with Head Coach Mike Macdonald. It also helps matters that Darnold has the privilege of throwing the ball to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Ngigba, who has emerged as one of the best pass catchers in the league. On the negative side, they did lose star running back Kenneth Walker III in free agency, but with such a deep roster, the Seahawks should be able to overcome Walker’s loss. Their defense, which was elite in 2025, returns the same core group of players, so there is no reason to expect that unit to become a weakness for the organization. A deep roster with star players at key positions has put the Seahawks in a very good place. Dark – Arizona CardinalsJan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of an Arizona Cardinals helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images It would seem that the Arizona Cardinals are perennial entrants on these “worst of” lists. Things have been, and continue to look, bleak in the desert. One of the biggest issues facing Arizona in 2026 is that, based on 2026 win-loss projections, the Cardinals have one of, if not the, hardest schedules for the upcoming season. Another issue is the $54.7 million in dead cap money by releasing former “franchise quarterback” Kyler Murray. After 8 years, the organization decided they’d be better off paying their quarterback to play someplace else. With the ejection of Murray, the Cards are left with Jacoby Brissett and Kedon Slovis in the quarterback room (doesn’t exactly remind one of Montana and Young, does it?). With WR Marvin Harrison Jr., TE Trey McBride, and 1st round pick Jeremiyah Love, there is some talent on the Arizona roster, just not enough for fans to truly expect much for the foreseeable future. The dark clouds hanging over the desert don’t seem to be dissipating anytime soon. Bright – Chicago BearsNov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Chicago Bears helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images After finishing the 2024 season with a won-loss record of 5-12, not much was expected of the Bears heading into 2025. Boy, were people wrong. The Bears surprised a lot of people and so-called experts by finishing the 2025 season with a record of 11-6 and advanced to the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Second-year quarterback Caleb Williams and the rebuilding Bears, to the surprise of many, seemed to “arrive” a year earlier than expected.  In fact, in the Divisional Round last season, this team took the eventual NFL champions, the Seahawks, to overtime before losing 20-17. While things are looking brighter in the Windy City, not everything is roses there. The Bears’ offseason was more about treading water than adding missing pieces.  It seems that the Chicago front office spent the offseason simply replacing the pieces that were lost in free agency. Here’s hoping the Bears can, at the very least, maintain the status quo for 2026 and build for 2027. While I think things are looking up in Chicago, they probably have the most tenuous hold on the “Bright” listing than the other teams on our list. Dark – Tennessee TitansAug 25, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Tennessee Titans helmet against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports The Tennessee Titans have been on a losing slide over the past 4 seasons, bottoming out with identical 3-14 records in 2024 and 2025. As the Titans look towards the 2026 season and beyond, things do not appear to be getting any better. Second-year quarterback Cam Ward will look to improve on a rookie season that saw him throw for 3,169 yards with 15 touchdowns.  While no one will confuse Ward with the second coming of Peyton Manning, the quarterback position is not one of the biggest problems with the Titans. Tennessee did spend $191 million dollars in free agency to shore up its defense, but other holes still exist. The front office has failed, so far, in providing their second-year signal caller with the pieces he needs to be successful.  Sorry, but signing wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson as your big offensive upgrade doesn’t really move the needle and warrant a feeling of optimism in Nashville. If the biggest upgrade made by the Titans is their new uniforms, things will remain bleak there for a long time. Bright – San Francisco 49ers A San Francisco 49ers helmet sits on the field (Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images) The San Francisco 49ers are the Jekyll and Hyde team on our list. Like the box of chocolates in “Forrest Gump,” one never truly knows what they’ll get with the 49ers. They followed up a Super Bowl loss in 2019 with a 6-10 2020 season. From 2021 to 2023, the Niners lost in 2 Conference Championships and 1 Super Bowl. They followed that 3-year run of success with a 6-11 2024 season. In 2025, the 49ers finished at 12-5 before losing in the Divisional Round to the eventual Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks. If recent history is to be followed, one could expect San Francisco to take a step back in 2026 and finish at 6-11 or 7-10. However, I am not one of them. I believe that the future of the 49ers is a bright one. On offense, the Niners return star quarterback Brock Purdy, who has won ⅔ of the games he has started, WR Ricky Pearsall, TE George Kittle, and superstar RB Christian McCaffrey. As if that wasn’t enough offensive firepower, during the offseason, SF added WRs Mike Evans and Christian Kirk. This is an NFL team that should be able to outgun any opponent. If defensive stars Nick Sosa and Fred Warner can return from their injuries, the Niners will be in a good spot. Dark – Kansas City ChiefsFeb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detailed view of a Kansas City Chiefs helmet in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Let’s end our entries of franchises facing a dark future with a selection that will certainly generate some controversy – the Kansas City Chiefs. Yes, the Chiefs have been the best team in the AFC, if not the NFL, over the past dozen years. Between 2013 and 2024, the Chiefs made the playoffs in 11 seasons, including 10 straight years from 2015 to 2024. During that period, they made 5 Super Bowls, winning 3, including back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023. Yep, for over a decade, the Chiefs have been the belle of the ball. But then the 2025 season happened. Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes was lost for the season with a torn ACL and LCL. While Mahomes is scheduled to return to the field in 2026, there’s no telling how effective he’ll be coming off a major injury, and we all saw how ineffective the Chiefs’ offense was without him last year. In addition, this team’s tight end, Travis Kelce, one of the best in the game, is finally starting to show his age and the wear and tear of 13 years in the NFL. Kansas City did add running back Kenneth Walker III in free agency to unburden Mahomes, but unless the Chiefs really start looking at the post-Mahomes/Kelce future and address those underlying problems, dark times will come to KC.   Bright – New England PatriotsPatriots Helmet (Photo By Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports) From 2001 – 2019, the Patriots appeared in 9 Super Bowls, winning 6 of them. The 20-year Tom Brady Era in New England was a dynasty the likes of which the NFL will never see again. It was only natural to think that the Pats would crash back to Earth once the Brady/Belichick partnership expired, but that didn’t happen. Belichick still kept the team competitive for the first three years of the post-Brady era, first with Cam Newton and then Mac Jones under center. After falling to 4-13 in 2023, New England parted ways with Belichick, and the rebuild truly began. Fortunately for the Pats, the rebuild did not take long. With Mike Vrabel as the Head Coach and Drake Maye in only his second season, the Patriots returned to the Super Bowl in February 2026. While they fell to the Seattle Seahawks by the score of 29-13, things are looking up in New England. Despite leading the Pats to a 14-3 record in 2025, Drake Maye should only get better as he grows more comfortable with the league. With expectations that they will add the right pieces around their burgeoning star quarterback, the Patriots have a very bright future.

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