We did a similar exercise recently with teams we believe are guaranteed to make the playoffs this year, so it's only fitting that we turn this around and do the same exercise with teams that simply aren't going to make the playoffs.
There is a rather large NFL middle class of teams that can truly go either way - some of these clubs have playoff potential but also have a good chance of falling short. One of the hardest things to do in the NFL is to go from that middle class up to the top tier of juggernaut teams.
And for these eight teams, they're a long ways away. Let's talk about eight teams that are guaranteed to miss the playoffs this year.
Identifying eight teams guaranteed to miss the playoffs in the 2026 NFL Season
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins appear to be embracing a much-needed rebuild. While that could work out in the future and is the right way for an NFL team to operate, the present is typically always tough to deal with. The Dolphins parted with a ton of former key players this offseason and truly seem to be taking a 'bare bones' approach.
While the team could potentially find a future franchise quarterback in 2027, having a brand-new coaching staff, a bottom-7 roster, and a short-term quarterback in Malik Willis, there just isn't a path for the postseason for this team.
New York Jets
I do believe the New York Jets have a better roster than you think, as the offense is suddenly oozing with young talent, but Geno Smith is in at the QB position, which is less than ideal. Aaron Glenn also had a rough go at in as a head coach last year, his first year on the job. With three first-round picks in 2027, the Jets are clearly looking toward the future. If Smith can at least be average, the Jets could be frisky, but there isn't a playoff path for another year or two.
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