Seattle Seahawks Crowned Champions of Super Bowl LX

The Seattle Seahawks have emerged victorious at Super Bowl LX, defeating the New England Patriots in a tightly contested matchup at Levi's Stadium on Sunday. This victory is notable not just for the Seahawks but also for their quarterback, Sam Darnold, who became the first player from the touted Class of 2018 to secure a Lombardi Trophy. As the celebrations begin in Seattle, other NFL teams are already turning their sights toward the 2026 season, where the challenges of remaining at the top are just beginning.

Transitioning Focus Toward the Future

With the 2025 season now behind them, many NFL teams are contemplating significant changes as they prepare for a new era. The phrase "Not for Long," so often cited in the NFL, rings true, especially as the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine approaches, alongside free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft scheduled to be held in Pittsburgh.

Analysts from Bleacher Report recently ranked all 32 teams from worst to best for next season, and the Seahawks unsurprisingly topped the list. Yet, as successful as this season has been, maintaining that success will be paramount and challenging for them.

Challenges for Other Teams in the League

While the Seahawks bask in their glory, clubs at the bottom are readying for major overhauls. The New York Jets, who struggled through the 2025 season, have found themselves looking for a new direction after landing the second pick in the draft, despite it being a weak year for quarterbacks. With an abysmal ranking of 29th in total offense, the Jets face a painful reality of needing what seems to be a miracle to compete next year.

In the NFC West, the disarray continues for the Arizona Cardinals after a disastrous season that saw them losing 14 out of their last 15 games. New head coach Mike LaFleur inherits unpredictable dynamics at quarterback as the team weighs its options regarding Kyler Murray's underwhelming performance and hefty contract.

The Cleveland Browns are now under the guidance of former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken. The franchise's inconsistency continues as they navigate decisions stemming from the fallout of the Deshaun Watson trade and the hiring of a new coaching staff.

Optimism Amid Uncertainty

Despite the questionable futures, some teams are creating a buzz for 2026. The Las Vegas Raiders, after a dismal three-win season, are optimistic about the upcoming year with the hiring of Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and the potential acquisition of No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans are looking to build on their promising foundation with rookie quarterback Cam Ward showing improvement.

The New York Giants, now led by veteran coach John Harbaugh, exhibit a renewed sense of purpose. With the right pieces around promising young players, they can aspire towards a competitive season ahead.

The State of the AFC South

The Washington Commanders are in dire need of rebuilding after a disappointing 5-12 record following an NFC title game appearance the previous year. They carry glaring needs for both offense and defense heading into the offseason. With cap space available, their approach will determine if they can reclaim their relevance in the playoff race.

In Miami, turmoil looms as new head coach Jeff Hafley faces a roster burdened by the toxic contract of Tua Tagovailoa. The financial constraints heading into the season lead to further speculation about who will start for the Dolphins come fall.

Searching for Stability

As offseason chatter swirls, the Indianapolis Colts navigate an uncertain starting quarterback situation while hoping to improve their chances after a tumultuous 2025 finish. Texas’ C.J. Stroud must find momentum for the Houston Texans to become legitimate contenders, given their Super Bowl-caliber defense paired with an underperforming offense.

The Philadelphia Eagles remain the team to beat in the NFC East, though with uncertainties to resolve. Meanwhile, with the Green Bay Packers aiming to bounce back, a solid core remains intact while preparing for key decisions regarding their key players heading into next year.

Final Thoughts

As we transition from the jubilation of Super Bowl victory to the laborious offseason, the Seahawks find themselves in a unique but challenging position. With substantial salary cap space available, they are poised to build on their recent success, but the hurdles are plentiful. The 2026 NFL season promises to offer fresh narratives as teams aim to climb back to glory or sustain their achievements. The fight for the championship will reignite soon, beginning with strategic decisions made in the coming months.