6. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers have been to the playoffs three times, and in each instance, they have failed to get out of the Wild Card Round, and Herbert himself has simply played horrific football. With as talented as he is, many have expected more substantive playoff success, but it just has not come.
Well, the 2026 season could bring more of those questions to light if the Chargers either fail to make the playoffs or again crash and burn in the first round. While Herbert has great counting stats, there is quite literally nothing else for him to hang his hat on.
5. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
Matthew Stafford just won the MVP award and helped the Los Angeles Rams win the Super Bowl in the 2021 season, so in theory, he's good, right?
Well, while he has checked all of the boxes, Stafford and the Rams were a Super Bowl-caliber team last year until they weren't, and with Stafford getting up there in age and approaching 40 years old, a decline is coming at some point.
The Rams also went aggressively all-in this offseason to try and keep this window open for another few seasons, perhaps lining up with how much longer Stafford plans on playing. The 2026 season is hugely important for Stafford, and it's largely due to his age.
4. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals have not been to the playoffs since the 2022 season, and with Burrow's Hall of Fame skillset, it's getting to the point now where if the Bengals don't win this year and fail to make the playoffs, major changes could take place.
You almost wonder if Burrow, perhaps privately, has mapped out a potential exit from Cincinnati if the 2026 proves to not be what it needs to be. We've seen big-name QBs get moved before via trade, but Burrow himself has also dealt with more injuries than you'd like from a franchise passer.
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