24. Minnesota Vikings
I'm not a Minnesota Vikings believer yet.
I've been wrong about this team before, to be certain. During the 2024 season, I was skeptical of them every single week as Sam Darnold led them to 14 wins in the regular season. All I could do was wait for the carriage to turn back into a pumpkin, but it never really did.
Even last year with their QB struggles, the Vikings won 9 games. It's more than reasonable to expect them to be better this year with Kyler Murray at QB. But until I see it, I'm not believing it.
23. New Orleans Saints
Very quietly, the New Orleans Saints had one of the best defenses in the NFL last season, and one of the best offseasons of any team in the NFL in 2026.
The combination of factors has me believing this is a team that could legitimately win the NFC South. I'm not going to put them too high on the Power Rankings list just yet, but just know that this is a team I've been high on all offseason.
I'm buying all the Tyler Shough stock right now. I'm buying what Kellen Moore was selling last year. This team could be one of the most improved in the league.
22. Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers deserve some respect for winning the NFC South last year, but let's be real about it: They had a losing record.
Although we saw some marked improvements on both sides of the ball, we need to see more from this team. The variance of outcomes on a week-to-week basis was too significant. When you look at the matchups the Panthers had last season with the Los Angeles Rams, you can see the upside this team has.
You can see the upside Bryce Young has.
With Young eligible for a contract extension, it's going to be fascinating to see whether this team keeps on the upward trajectory. I'm betting they will.
21. New York Giants
Give me all the Jaxson Dart stock.
If you're a football fan who is also a sports card collector, you know how coveted Jaxson Dart has been over the last year. This is one of the most promising young players in the NFL, and I'm not sure everyone realizes just how impressive he was last season. In 14 games, and with so many negative factors surrounding him, Dart racked up 24 total TDs (15 passing, 9 rushing). He got one of the biggest coaching upgrades of the offseason.
The Giants need some good luck in the health department, but they could be another surprise team this season.
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