The NFL playoffs are notoriously unpredictable, with each season bringing new surprises to the league's hierarchy. As teams look to turn their fortunes around, some are projected to struggle more than others. Early forecasts indicate that several teams could find themselves at the bottom of their respective divisions come the end of the 2026 season.
Miami Dolphins' Rebuilding Phase
Entering the 2026 season, the Miami Dolphins are undergoing a significant rebuild. With Malik Willis as their starting quarterback and a receiving corps lacking a clear leader, the outlook appears grim. Rookie Chris Bell is recovering from a torn ACL, leaving Jalen Tolbert, Malik Washington, and Tutu Atwell as the primary options, a combination that likely won't strike fear in the hearts of opposing defenses.
Despite having a dynamic playmaker in Pro Bowl running back De'Von Achane, the team may struggle if they constantly find themselves playing from behind. Tight end Greg Dulcich is generating buzz as a potential offensive contributor, yet his track record from his Broncos days raises questions about consistency. With new head coach Jeff Hafley attempting to address the Dolphins' defensive concerns, especially in the secondary, 2026 could be a long year with many potential lopsided losses.
Cleveland Browns' Quarterback Quandary
The Cleveland Browns face their own set of challenges, particularly in their quarterback room. With Deshaun Watson and rookie Shedeur Sanders battling for the starting position, neither has distinguished themselves during the spring practices. The Browns are notably the only team in the AFC North with quarterback uncertainty, compounded by the fact that they will be fielding a new offensive line.
Receiver Jerry Jeudy may provide some offensive firepower, but the inexperience of rookies KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston suggests that the Browns' offense will experience its share of growing pains. Defensively, the loss of star edge-rusher Myles Garrett, traded to the Rams, adds another layer of difficulty, leaving the team with substantial talent gaps as they seek to develop their young roster.
Indianapolis Colts' Fragile Future
For the Indianapolis Colts, quarterback Daniel Jones' performance can be deceiving. Despite showing flashes of potential, his injury history casts a long shadow over his capability to lead the team consistently. Missing significant time in five out of seven seasons, Jones is also returning from a torn Achilles—a major concern for any franchise.
Compounding matters, Jones may lack his primary weapon, wide receiver Alec Pierce, who is recovering from ankle surgery. With a shaky defensive record under coordinator Lou Anarumo, who has one of the worst rankings in terms of points allowed throughout his career, the Colts’ 8-9 record from 2025 may look to regress in 2026.
Las Vegas Raiders Navigating Tough Waters
The Las Vegas Raiders could see improvement from their dismal three-win season last year, largely due to first-time head coach Klint Kubiak's fresh perspective. With 2026’s No. 1 overall pick, quarterback Fernando Mendoza, at the helm and talented playmakers like tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty, some bright spots exist.
However, operating in one of the league’s toughest divisions presents a formidable challenge. While the team’s long-term strategy appears to prioritize development with conventional starter Kirk Cousins, Mendoza is also being slowly integrated into the system. Compounding their challenges, the Raiders' wide receiver group lacks depth, potentially straining their offensive productivity.
New York Giants Struggling to Overcome Injuries
The New York Giants, under new head coach John Harbaugh, attempted to shift their culture but could face hardships this season. Questions loom over their offensive consistency, particularly due to the injury timeline for wide receiver Malik Nabers, who recently underwent a second procedure on his knee.
With fellow receiver Darius Slayton and tight end Isaiah Likely currently untested as primary targets, the Giants may revert to a run-heavy approach. Adding to the challenge is the uncertain health of their lead running back, Cam Skattebo, who is recovering from multiple serious injuries. The Giants could see their overall production hindered, especially if their defense, led by players like Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, cannot make up for offensive shortcomings.
Green Bay Packers' Shift in Dynamics
The Green Bay Packers face turmoil as they anticipate a potential last-place finish in the NFC North, a scenario unfamiliar for this franchise. Off-the-field issues with running back Josh Jacobs, whose ongoing legal situation casts a shadow over the season, only complicate matters.
Furthermore, the defense may struggle to perform at its peak without edge-rusher Micah Parsons, who begins the year on the physically unable to perform list. As the Packers’ offensive strategy shifts from run-heavy to a more pass-dependent system, they could find themselves grappling against emerging offenses in their division, such as the Minnesota Vikings.
Atlanta Falcons: Stuck in Mediocrity
The Atlanta Falcons have seen only slight improvements in recent seasons, often hovering around .500. As uncertainty looms over their quarterback situation—with both Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa battling injuries—the team may again find themselves undermined by mid-tier quarterback play.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski will likely lean heavily on running back Bijan Robinson and talent like tight end Kyle Pitts. However, doubts persist regarding whether either quarterback can effectively distribute the ball to capitalise on these weapons.
As the 2026 season approaches, the fate of these struggling franchises hangs in the balance, with many questions left to answer as training camps approach. Each team's ability to navigate roster challenges and capitalize on their strengths will be crucial in determining their standings as the season unfolds.
