6. Detroit Lions
I'm approaching the Detroit Lions in 2026 with some cautious optimism that they can bounce back to the form we saw from them in 2024 when they won 15 regular season games. Are they going to be that good this upcoming season? I would be shocked if they won that many games, but this team has way too good of an offense to be outside the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.
The defense for the Lions is the primary reason for concern right now, starting with their defensive backfield. It's one of the worst units in the NFC, and could be a major hindrance to the Lions staying in true contention in the NFC.
But over the course of the regular season, this team is going to be tough to beat, because you're going to have to score a lot of points to beat them. They have a high floor and high ceiling on the offensive side of the ball, especially with Drew Petzing taking over as the OC in 2026.
5. Chicago Bears
It would be inaccurate to say what the Chicago Bears showed us last season was simply fool's gold, but that defense is a major question mark entering 2026.
The Bears led the NFL with 33 takeaways last season, which obviously helped them win 11 games and a division title in the first year under head coach Ben Johnson. But how much can you rely on that type of defensive success, especially when you've lost so many key pieces that helped make it possible?
The Bears were 23rd last season in points allowed, 29th in yards allowed, 22nd in third-down defense, and 15th in red zone defense. And a fair question to ask as we enter the year would be: Did they actually get better on that side of the ball?
Offensively, the Bears are young, but they're incredibly talented. Johnson had that unit looking like a well-oiled machine with balance last season, and we're expecting Caleb Williams to keep getting better.
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