It won't be long now, and a lot of NFL teams are going to have to face the unfortunate reality of a brutal year ahead.
For some, it's going to be more brutal than others.
Looking ahead at the NFC for the 2026 season, there are already a handful of teams dealing with a combination of roster issues, injury issues, lack of clarity at quarterback, inexperience in the coaching department, or some combination of those factors.
It's risky to bury teams prematurely, but at the risk of being called out by Old Takes Exposed, let's take a look at 3 NFC teams that already look hopeless before the season even begins.
3 NFC teams that already look hopeless before the 2026 NFL season
3. Washington Commanders
This is the one team on this list I'm the least convinced about as we head into the 2026 season, simply because they made it all the way to the NFC Championship Game just two seasons ago.
But the further removed we are from that season, the more it feels like the Commanders just caught lightning in a bottle, and nothing more. The torn triceps injury suffered by starting left tackle Laremy Tunsil resulted in an absolute disaster as the Commanders went up against the Baltimore Ravens in joint practices.
Believe it or not, this Commanders team -- not their division rival Dallas Cowboys -- ranked dead last in the NFL last year in total yards allowed. They ranked 31st in 1st downs allowed, 31st in takeaways, and they certainly took measures this offseason to figure out ways to improve on that side of the ball.
Those upgrades on paper mean nothing until we see results on the field, and there's some healthy skepticism surrounding this team's 2026 projection with the injuries suffered by Jayden Daniels last year on top of the offensive line issues now.
2. Atlanta Falcons
There are a handful of issues right now surrounding the Atlanta Falcons.
The first issue is obviously at the quarterback position. To say the initial impressions made by Tua Tagovailoa haven't been good would be an understatement. He's been unable to play well enough to win the starting job outright with Michael Penix Jr. making his return from injury, and undrafted rookie Jack Strand has done a better job at stealing the spotlight this preseason.
The lack of confidence in Atlanta's quarterback situation aside, this team also has major issues right now on the defensive front. The loss of second-year player Jalon Walker is a huge blow to Atlanta's defensive projection this season, and the suspension of James Pearce Jr. is another dagger.
Kevin Stefanski has his work cut out for him this year. It's not impossible to think the Falcons can be competitive if they get a best-case scenario at quarterback, but that's looking increasingly unlikely by the day.
1. Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are already in a "race" to the bottom of the NFL this year.
You name it, this Cardinals team has it:
- Quarterback issues/question marks
- Rookie head coach who feels in over his head
- Tons of youth on the roster
- Lack of overall depth and top-end talent
Right now, the Cardinals' best hope for the season is to see weekly progression from their core young players. And that list goes beyond the obvious guys like Jeremiyah Love, Marvin Harrison Jr., and others. We need to see some progression from the likes of Walter Nolen, Denzel Burke, Will Johnson, and maybe even Carson Beck if/when he gets a chance this season.
Getting the top pick in next year's draft would go a long way for this Cardinals roster, but having young guys show progression in the midst of that is mission critical.
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