A slow start in any season is far from a guarantee that the team will miss the playoffs, and the opposite is also true. We saw the 2025 Detroit Lions, for example, start 7-4 last year but miss the playoffs with a 9-8 record.
Another example on the other end would be the 2025 Indianapolis Colts, a team that began the year 8-2 before not winning another game the rest of the way. We're still early enough in the season for certain teams to rebound from a sluggish start, and it's also important to note the remaining strength of schedule for teams:
Remaining Strength of Schedule
— SFdata9ers🏈📊 (@sfdata9ers) October 22, 2026
1. MIN --- hardest ---
2. ATL
3. MIA
...
30. DAL
31. TB
32. JAX --- easiest ---- pic.twitter.com/3ZNbIcafwe
There are some losing teams that don't have tough schedules the rest of the way, so that could also factor into a slow start turning into a playoff berth. Let's talk about four losing teams that can still make the playoffs as Week 7 approaches.
These four losing teams could rebound and make the playoffs in 2026
Houston Texans (2-4 entering Week 7)
The Houston Texans began the year 0-4 and already have two wins in a row. They also have one of the easiest remaining schedules in the AFC as well, which is notable. It's also notable that the Texans started 0-3 last year but managed to finish 12-5 and get into the playoffs.
For whatever reason, the Texans seem to 'need' a slow start to figure things out. There are examples of other teams in the NFL that tend to start slow and rebound as the year goes on - Sean Payton's Denver Broncos is another team.
With another winnable game coming up, this time against the New York Giants, the Texans are well-positioned to continue stacking wins, and another double-digit win season seems to be on the table.
CJ Stroud has also played his tail off this year and is not only deserving of a contract extension, but could also end up playing his best football since his rookie season.
Los Angeles Rams (2-4 entering Week 7)
The Los Angeles Rams are dealing with a lot right now. Not only are they currently one of the biggest disappointments in sports, but the injuries are mounting, and the 2-4 start was just far from what the doctor ordered. However, the Rams remaining schedule is on the easier side, and there is always a chance this team simply gets healthier.
The Rams are no strangers to the playoffs and have a ton of Pro Bowl and All-Pro caliber players. In fact, how many of us would truly be shocked if the Rams went on a run...?
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