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It’s challenging to predict every NFL division entering a new season, and 2026 will be no different with many changes to players and teams.
It’s much easier to project franchises set up for success, like last season’s Super Bowl winners, Seattle Seahawks. Meanwhile, other top teams like the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams are expected to be in the mix again.
MORE: NFL Hall of Fame game surprised in the most unexpected way
The 2026 NFL season already has a lots of buzz surrounding top teams as training camp unfolds. That includes a number of significant injuries that could prove costly for franchises heading into the fall.
Meanwhile, there’s been turnover at key positions like quarterback and wide receiver as well. The Minnesota Vikings have a QB battle on their hands with J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray taking snaps.
The Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders have similar situations with veteran and younger QB options. It’s more likely that both teams opt for the vets early in the season though, which means Carson Beck and Fernando Mendoza’s time to play will have to wait.
MORE: NFL coaches do not need to sleep at the office to impress me
Carolina Panthers DE Jared Harrison-Hunte celebrates after sacking Arizona Cardinals star Carson Beck. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
AFC East – Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins are banking on Malik Willis to bring the franchise back to glory, but the offense doesn’t boast a lot of threats outside of De’Von Achane. Miami also has a new head coach and an uphill battle in a tough division.
AFC North – Cleveland Browns
Does a team really have a quarterback if there are four players in the mix to hold down the starting job? Cleveland’s defense is still elite even without Myles Garrett, but there’s only so much they can do without an explosive offense.
Meanwhile, the organization has the longest division title drought of all 32 NFL teams.
AFC South – Indianapolis Colts
Daniel Jones’ injury news is a major plus for the Colts, but their wide receiver situation is deeply concerning. The Colts gave Alec Pierce a massive contract extension, but injuries are lingering with him and Josh Downs.
AFC West – Las Vegas Raiders
Year 1 isn’t about Mendoza stepping into the limelight just yet despite being the number one overall draft pick. It’s difficult to see Las Vegas challenging the Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs or Los Angeles Chargers for the AFC West crown.
MORE: 4 NFL rookies with the most breakout potential in 2026
NFC East – New York Giants
John Harbaugh’s success in his first season away from the Baltimore Ravens hinges on Jaxson Dart. The Giants simply haven’t been able to protect their quarterbacks in recent years, which needs to change in order for Dart and the offense to thrive.
NFC North – Minnesota Vikings
There isn’t a shortage of talent on the Vikings and Kevin O’Connell’s proven to be an elite coach. The top concern for the Vikings is that McCarthy and Murray don’t inspire a lot offensively.
NFC South – Atlanta Falcons
New head coach Kevin Stefanski has two elite weapons on offense in Bijan Robinson and Drake London. However, the team’s quarterback situation is troubling with Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. not offering a whole lot of optimism.
NFC West – Arizona Cardinals
Arizona simply plays in the most challenging division in football with the reigning champions, as well as two other playoff contenders. Beck’s had a promising start to preseason, but the Cardinals would need to make a massive leap in a short period of time to overcome their in-division rivals.
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It’s much easier to project franchises set up for success, like last season’s Super Bowl winners, Seattle Seahawks. Meanwhile, other top teams like the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams are expected to be in the mix again.
MORE: NFL Hall of Fame game surprised in the most unexpected way
The 2026 NFL season already has a lots of buzz surrounding top teams as training camp unfolds. That includes a number of significant injuries that could prove costly for franchises heading into the fall.
Meanwhile, there’s been turnover at key positions like quarterback and wide receiver as well. The Minnesota Vikings have a QB battle on their hands with J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray taking snaps.
The Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders have similar situations with veteran and younger QB options. It’s more likely that both teams opt for the vets early in the season though, which means Carson Beck and Fernando Mendoza’s time to play will have to wait.
MORE: NFL coaches do not need to sleep at the office to impress me
Which teams will finish last place in 2026?
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Carolina Panthers DE Jared Harrison-Hunte celebrates after sacking Arizona Cardinals star Carson Beck. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
AFC East – Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins are banking on Malik Willis to bring the franchise back to glory, but the offense doesn’t boast a lot of threats outside of De’Von Achane. Miami also has a new head coach and an uphill battle in a tough division.
AFC North – Cleveland Browns
Does a team really have a quarterback if there are four players in the mix to hold down the starting job? Cleveland’s defense is still elite even without Myles Garrett, but there’s only so much they can do without an explosive offense.
Meanwhile, the organization has the longest division title drought of all 32 NFL teams.
AFC South – Indianapolis Colts
Daniel Jones’ injury news is a major plus for the Colts, but their wide receiver situation is deeply concerning. The Colts gave Alec Pierce a massive contract extension, but injuries are lingering with him and Josh Downs.
AFC West – Las Vegas Raiders
Year 1 isn’t about Mendoza stepping into the limelight just yet despite being the number one overall draft pick. It’s difficult to see Las Vegas challenging the Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs or Los Angeles Chargers for the AFC West crown.
MORE: 4 NFL rookies with the most breakout potential in 2026
NFC East – New York Giants
John Harbaugh’s success in his first season away from the Baltimore Ravens hinges on Jaxson Dart. The Giants simply haven’t been able to protect their quarterbacks in recent years, which needs to change in order for Dart and the offense to thrive.
NFC North – Minnesota Vikings
There isn’t a shortage of talent on the Vikings and Kevin O’Connell’s proven to be an elite coach. The top concern for the Vikings is that McCarthy and Murray don’t inspire a lot offensively.
NFC South – Atlanta Falcons
New head coach Kevin Stefanski has two elite weapons on offense in Bijan Robinson and Drake London. However, the team’s quarterback situation is troubling with Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. not offering a whole lot of optimism.
NFC West – Arizona Cardinals
Arizona simply plays in the most challenging division in football with the reigning champions, as well as two other playoff contenders. Beck’s had a promising start to preseason, but the Cardinals would need to make a massive leap in a short period of time to overcome their in-division rivals.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —
Continue reading...
