22. New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are one non-playoff team to keep in mind for the 2026 season. The Saints began the year with Spencer Rattler at QB, but soon pivoted to Tyler Shough, and it ended up paying off and setting the stage for what could be a special 2026.
Shough went 5-4 in his nine starts and honestly played about as well as you could reasonably expect a rookie QB to play. The Saints also bolstered the offensive line with David Edwards in free agency and brought in more help at running back and wide receiver with Jordyn Tyson and Travis Etienne.
With how weak the NFC South is, the Saints could absolutely win that division this year. Despite finishing in last with just six wins, the rest of the teams all won eight games, and a two-game difference in the NFL really isn' that much.
There is still a lot for the Saints to prove, but they ended the year winning four of five games and are a logical breakout team this year if you're looking for one.
21. Indianapolis Colts
As quickly as the Indianapolis Colts began the year 7-1, they crashed and burned down the stretch. It now feels like the Colts are in a position where they have to completely re-prove themselves for 2026 despite being one of the best teams in football for one-half of the 2025 season.
Daniel Jones is coming off a major injury, and former wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr is no longer in the picture. With the AFC featuring a ton of competent teams, the Colts don't really stand out in any way and are in a position where another non-playoff year could lead to some major changes, which could also be needed.
Indy is at No. 21 in our power rankings.
Add us as a preferred source on Google