24. New Orleans Saints
How about another NFC South team? The New Orleans Saints went 4-1 over their final five games in the 2025 season and did see then rookie QB Tyler Shough go a respectable 5-4 in his nine starts. Overall, it was a shockingly strong season for the Saints. Sure, the 6-11 record isn't that special, but that's also the point with rebuilding teams.
The Saints also added key talent on offense this offseason in Jordyn Tyson, Travis Etienne, and Jordyn Tyson. The defense is quite underrated as well, and this is one of the more fun 'sleeper' teams to look at as a potential breakout team.
Each year in the NFL, there does tend to be at least one team that simply shocks the NFL world and is a lot better than expected. New Orleans could be that group in 2026. The NFC South is also wide open, so there is a realistic path to a division title as well.
23. Carolina Panthers
How about another NFC South team! The Carolina Panthers did win the Hall of Fame game on Thursday and are coming off a playoff season. With that said, the team only went 8-9 and were on level playing field to the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
One thing I believe goes against them big-time is QB Bryce Young, who did play the best football of his career last year, but was rather mediocre. He threw for at least 200 yards in just four games and went 8-8 as a starter.
I'm someone who is lower on Young and really don't believe he has much more of a ceiling. With his overall limitations and a roster that is otherwise 'whelming,' Carolina's chances at repeating as division champions, especially with another 8-9 season, feel quite low.
They come in at No. 23 in our rankings.
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