4. Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys had a top-10 scoring offense in the 2025 season, so all you're really asking from the defense is for that revamped unit to play some average football. If that happens, the Cowboys have a legitimate path to a 10-win season and a potential NFC East title.
With Dak Prescott among the best at his position and the roster now on par with Philadelphia's, the Cowboys chances at the postseason in 2026 are quite solid.
3. Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens began the 2025 season 1-5 and finished 8-9, nearly winning the AFC North. As long as the Ravens aren't starting off horribly injured, they should be just fine, as we've seen this team among the best in the league, as quarterback Lamar Jackson is an electric player and is someone who is almost always a top-5 player in the NFL when he's on the field.
The Ravens also have plenty enough talent to get back into the postseason, and if new head coach Jesse Minter can make quick work of the defense, Baltimore will be a handful.
2. Cincinnati Bengals
Similar to the Cowboys, the Cincinnati Bengals have an awesome offense and a defense that got a makeover this offseason. While the Bengals have missed the playoffs three years in a row now, they've made deep runs in the two years they've advanced into the postseason in the Joe Burrow era.
With the front office finally displaying the necessary urgency to fix the roster flaws, Cincy's roster is as well-rounded as it's been in years, which has laid the groundwork for a playoff berth.
1. Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions come in at No. 1 in our playoff predictions. Winning the NFC North in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, the Lions boasted a 27-7 regular season record during that time and have also finished with a winning record four years in a row now.
If not for a late-season collapse following a 7-4 start, the Lions would have made the playoffs, so it might be more likely than not that they get back in this year. Yes, the defense is still a bit banged up, but after two years of defensive injuries, those have to begin to regress to the mean, right?
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