Simply put, the 2025 season was one of the more shocking we have seen in recent NFL history. The amount of parity that was present was truly something to behold, and the sheer amount of competition present last year can surely spill into 2026.
There are a ton of teams that are at least competent to some degree, and even some of the league's worst teams do something well. Year over year, the playoff field looks a bit different, as it's rare to see the same exact teams make the playoffs two years in a row, for example.
We've decided to make some more massive predictions, outlining teams that missed the playoffs in 2025 but are primed to return in 2026.
These teams missed the playoffs in 2025 but will return in 2026
Detroit Lions (9-8 in 2025)
It was shocking to see the Detroit Lions missing the playoffs in 2025. From top to bottom, this is one of the most talented rosters in the league. The Lions did start 7-4 last year and were primed to again win double-digit games and the NFC North.
But Detroit stumbled down the stretch, going just 2-4 across their final six games, and during this stretch, their defense gave up at least 29 points in four of those outings. If this team can just stay a bit healthier on the defensive side of the ball and at least be average, they'll easily find a way to win 10 or more games.
What we saw in 2025 was absolutely an outlier of a season for this current Lions era.
Baltimore Ravens (8-9 in 2025)
Another team that battle injuries in 2025, the Baltimore Ravens were staring down an AFC North title and a home playoff game, but a Tyler Loop missed field goal ended those dreams. With a new head coach installed in Jesse Minter, coupled with (ideally) better roster health, the Ravens will return to the top of the division in 2026.
This team does have the best quarterback in the NFL in Lamar Jackson, and Minter's highly successful tenure as the Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator does instill a ton of condifence that he can find some success with Baltimore in year one.
Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1 in 2025)
Somewhat similar to the Lions, the 2025 Dallas Cowboys had one heck of an offense, but also sported a bottom-tier defense. In the offseason thus far, the Cowboys have already made some notable change, bringing in Christian Parker to run the defense, trading for Rashan Gary, and signing Jalen Thompson.
And, like the Lions, the Cowboys do not need this defense to be one of the five best units in the NFL. Simply, the Cowboys have to be competent on this side of the ball. The lethal trio of Dak Prescott, George Pickens, and CeeDee Lamb consistently stressed defenses, and running back Javonte Williams provided a high-end spark on the ground.
Dallas has what it takes to win double-digit games in 2026, and with two first-round picks this year, the Cowboys really don't have an excuse to not shore up the defense.
Cincinnati Bengals (6-11 in 2025)
It's really the same song and dance for a few of these teams on this list. The Cincinnati Bengals were yet another team with a great offense and a poor defense. They spent in free agency to infuse that side of the ball with talent, and do have a high first-round draft pick.
Quarterback Joe Burrow can be the best passer in the NFL on any given day, and his offensive line does finally seem to be coming together. All in all, the Bengals' lack of success is frustrating, as they've missed the playoffs for three years in a row now.
But I'm kind of getting 2021 vibes from the Bengals this offseason - the team had a high-powered offense already and spent big-time to fix the defense, and in that season, it all came together.
New Orleans Saints (6-11 in 2025)
Going 4-1 over their final five games in 2025, the New Orleans Saints have the blueprint and might also have the quarterback. Tyler Shough played quite well last year, and the Saints defense was even quietly improved. Adding guard David Edwards and running back Travis Etienne in free agency shores up two major holes, and all of a sudden, the Saints might be a couple of attainable pieces away from winning the NFC South.
Adding another wide receiver and perhaps one more impact player on defense is really all that is standing in the way of the Saints returning to the playoffs for the first time in the post-Sean Payton era.