It’s never too early to look ahead to next season. After the 2025–26 NFL campaign wrapped with the Seattle Seahawks’ 29–13 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX, FOX Sports’ Nick Wright released an early 2026 tiered breakdown of every team.
Death spiral
– Teams: Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets
– Wright’s view: He doesn’t see a clear path for these clubs to climb out of their current troubles.
One playoff team?
– Teams: New Orleans Saints, Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants
– Wright’s view: At least one of these six squads has a real chance to be competitive in the playoff chase.
Their fans believe
– Teams: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts
– Wright’s view: Supporters of these franchises are convinced a postseason berth is coming.
Anxious off-season
– Teams: Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
– Wright’s view: Moves and drama this offseason could produce an unpredictable regular season for these teams.
They are actually the same
– Teams: Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys
– Wright’s view: He sees parallels between the two — strong passing attacks and receiver talent, but organizational issues and defensive shortcomings that may hold them back.
Just enough to make you believe
– Teams: Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans
– Wright’s view: Each has reasons for optimism — recent deep runs, star players returning from injury, or rising young talent — yet each also carries lingering doubts.
Was it a fluke?
– Teams: New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens
– Wright’s view: The main question for both is whether their 2025 results were the start of something real or a one-season anomaly.
JV Seahawks/Rams
– Teams: Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears
– Wright’s view: These clubs showed flashes and played tight, entertaining games, but remain inconsistent and not yet elite.
Hunters finally
– Team: Kansas City Chiefs
– Wright’s view: Despite a down year, the Chiefs’ pedigree and quarterback play keep them among the elite, and they remain a team to be reckoned with.
Will they be able to break through?
– Teams: Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars
– Wright’s view: All three have flirted with postseason success and could be poised to take the next step.
Closer than you think
– Team: Los Angeles Rams
– Wright’s view: Their postseason win and competitive play suggest they’re nearer to contention than many assume.
Champions
– Team: Seattle Seahawks
– Wright’s view: As reigning Super Bowl champions, Seattle returns intact with no major departures expected and their title status secure.
Fan Take: Early tiers like this set the tone for offseason conversations and shape expectations for fans, bettors and front offices alike. They also highlight where the league might be headed — whether toward renewed dynasties, wide-open parity, or rising contenders that could reshape the next season.
