14. Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are going to be a good team this year, and I'd not be shocked if they won the NFC East. Last year, the Cowboys fielded a scoring offense that ranked inside the top-10, but a horrendous defense derailed the season. Even with the defense being as bad as it was, the Cowboys still managed to hang around the division race for much of the season.
And now, with a new-look defense set to take the field, highlighted by key additions like Rashan Gary and Caleb Downs, this unit can surely play average football - I don't see how that isn't realistic. Dallas sporting such a good offense also helps, as they'll continue to be able to extend drives and give the defense time to rest.
And assuming the defense is better than it was last year, that unit would, in theory, be able to get off the field more often, which also opens up more opportunities for the offense to go to work. Both units are going to be closer in skill/talent overall in 2026, and it could soon lead to Dallas being a balanced operation.
13. Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers will win at least nine games this year - that's just how this team rolls, but they still do not appear to be a legitimate contender. With some concerns along the offensive line, a rather barren pass rush without Micah Parsons for a little bit, and even some depletion at wide receiver, the Packers feel like a slam-dunk 9-8 or 10-7 team this year.
That would likely again be good enough for a Wild Card spot in the playoffs, but that can't continue being the goal. Until some major roster changes take place, the Packers are going to continue hitting a rather underwhelming ceiling.
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