This year proved to us that the amount of parity present in the NFL could really make any scenario be on the table. As the playoffs continues, the teams that just barely made it are probably more mad under these circumstances, as the league is wide open for the Super Bowl LX trophy.
With the Wild Card Round coming to an end soon, the Divisional Round promises to be entertaining. While we're talking about the current NFL playoff picture right now, we can still chat about those teams that did not make the playoffs, as some of them might not be all that far from returning in 2026.
Let's power rank the non-playoff teams for 2025 most likely to return in the 2026 season. Which team sticks out as being the most likely to get back into the big dance?
Ranking non-playoff teams with the best chance at getting back in the 2026 NFL Season
5. Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings won five games in a row to end the 2025 NFL Season and finished 9-8 on the season. The Vikings honestly would have made the playoffs this year with average QB play, but there lies the issue. However, there does seem to be a path for this team to find some type of upgrade in the offseason or at least some competition for JJ McCarthy. Adding Mac Jones via trade would make a lot of sense, and the team's defense is already pretty much set in stone.
The Vikings aren't that far away, and while we made some jokes all year about JJ McCarthy's 'nine' alter-ego, this team could easily get back in 2026.
4. Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts were 7-1 on the season, and this team was well on its way to a playoff berth and a likely AFC South title, but Daniel Jones obviously tore his Achilles. When you look at the Colts' situation, neither they or Jones have much of an option outside of just running it back, and that isn't a bad thing at all.
Jones was playing quite well, so a scenario where Daniel Jones is re-upped on a one or two-year deal makes sense, as this roster is otherwise very good.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were 6-2 through the first half of the season and had put themselves on pace for about 11 or 12 wins this year, but the entire operation regressed, and the injuries continued to pile up. Todd Bowles came under fire a lot this year but appears to be getting another shot, and I do believe that is the right move. The NFC South also appears to be wide open, and it's been the Bucs that have otherwise owned the division.
Simply getting healthier and not enduring so many notable injuries could allow the Buccaneers to squeak out another win or two, so this team putting a 10-7 record on the books in 2026 and getting back into the playoffs is likely.
2. Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens began the 2025 NFL Season 1-5. If this team began 3-3 or 4-2, we'd be talking about them being in the playoffs right now. With John Harbaugh now out of the picture, a fresh voice and getting healthier could really put the Ravens back on the map.
On paper, this team is among the best in the NFL, and I am not sure a single person would be surprised to see this team back in the playoffs in 2026. The AFC North also appears to be a bit dysfunctional, and this team does still have Lamar Jackson, who is easily the best player in the world at times.
1. Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions finished with a positive point differential and were 7-4 at one point in 2025. The team endured a brutal stretch to end the year, and were again plagued with injuries on the defensive side of the ball. GM Brad Holmes has built a juggernaut of a roster, but the secondary in particular has not been able to stay healthy.
And I hate to sound like a broken record, but the Lions' chances at getting back into the playoffs really could come down to players not getting hurt. Some of the injuries we've seen from teams on this list were too much to recover from.
Detroit still ended up winning 24 regular season games over the past two seasons, so this team knows how to win and will get back into the playoffs in 2026.