Teams can begin the year with a losing record and still make the playoffs. Conversely, there are teams that may begin the year with a winning record but ultimately miss the playoffs. There is a ton of parity in the NFL, so it's not worth putting too much weight across the first few weeks of a season.
When we get to the end of October, though, and teams start getting six, seven games under their belt, that does become time when, one way or another, their true identity is known. With the first month of the season now over, we can dive into certain teams a bit more.
These three teams might have losing records right now, but they'll still rebound and make the playoffs this year.
These three losing teams will still make the playoffs in the 2026 NFL Season
New Orleans Saints, 1-2
The New Orleans Saints certainly know how to put points on the board. This team is a two-point conversion away from having beaten the Detroit Lions, for what it's worth, so this 1-2 record is a bit misleading. Second-year quarterback Tyler Shough honestly looks awesome, and while Week 3 was a bit sloppy in the end, think about the big picture here.
The Saints have a young-ish QB in Shough who is clearly more comfortable in this offense. They have enough playmakers to put points on the board and also have the pleasure of playing in the weaker NFC South.
Lastly, Shough, at least in my eyes, clearly stands out as being the best QB in that division. With the team having a ton of winnable games left on their schedule, the Saints can flirt with 9 or 10 wins and get into the playoffs as the division winner.
Los Angeles Rams, 1-2
The Los Angeles Rams got blown out in Week 1 and surrendered a second-half double-digit lead in Week 3 to the Denver Broncos. Not many expected the Rams to begin the season like this, but here we are. This team is still among the most talented in the NFL, and with some key players surely making their way back in the coming weeks in Puka Nacua and Myles Garrett, this team could peak at the right time.
Speaking of the Broncos, they were 1-2 to begin the 2025 season before ending the year 14-3. The Rams being one game under .500 right now, even while it feels gross, isn't a major cause for concern. They're an incredibly talented and well-coached bunched and will absolutely bounce back and finish as one of the top teams in the league when postseason play begins.
Houston Texans, 0-3
Houston did begin the year 0-3 in 2025 before finishing 12-5. While I am not sure this team is going to win 12 games again, starting slow but finishing strong is part of this team's DNA. This could end up being a coaching thing, as DeMeco Ryans is clearly one of the better coaches in the league and has been a part of NFL teams as a player, so he brings that unique experience.
The Texans are oozing with talent and might simply be a team that needs to start slow to grasp the urgency and what is at stake. You absolutely do need to see better play from QB CJ Stroud and even the offensive line, but this slow start isn't because the team isn't talented.
Houston having to dig themselves out of another mess isn't ideal, but it's something they just did and can do again.
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