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A couple of weeks ago, I did an article on the "Top 3 NFL QBs who are facing the most pressure in 2026." Is that link a shameless plug to the article? Possibly, (wink), but this time around, we look at the top three "teams" that will face the most pressure during the 2026 season. Teams that may or may not exceed expectations, but will need to produce in some form or fashion, otherwise a demise of personnel will loom after or before the offseason.
In no particular order, let's dive into the teams that will be a bit more under the microscope this summer and regular season.
Dallas Cowboys - 2025 Record 7-9-1
The spotlight is constant for the self-proclaimed "America's team." The Cowboys were in the playoff picture last season until the defense let up a bit, and then the spotlight dimmed. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker, 34, has inherited 20 new players on defense. The question is who will start where immediately, and whether fans have patience for them to figure it out this summer. The days of giving up over 30 points a game on numerous occasions must end.
Dak Prescott was terrific last season, and the Cowboys do have George Pickens back on the outside, though he's not under a multi-year deal yet. The pressure is once again on in Dallas for a playoff run.
Cincinnati Bengals - 2025 Record 6-11
A boatload of the pressure falls on Bengals coach Zac Taylor this year after three consecutive seasons of failing to reach the playoffs. The jury is still out on whether or not Joe Burrow is injury-prone (depending on who you ask). Several aspects of the Bengals' fate rely heavily on Burrow staying healthy and producing. They have two of the best receivers in the game in Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but they must protect Burrow.
The division is a tough one for the Bengals, sure, but at least the defensive line issues have been addressed. Right? Meanwhile, the secondary has been largely untouched. Will a breakup ensue in 2027? We'll find out.
Buffalo Bills - 2025 Record 12-5
Yes, it is odd to see a team that went 12-5 and was considered a Super Bowl contender on this list, but here we are again. Change is needed; the Bills are once again the favorites in the AFC to reach the Super Bowl: a new head coach, a new stadium for crying out loud. The numbers for Josh Allen were down last season due in part to the fact that weapons were few and far between on the outside. Year after year of near misses, Josh Allen is in his prime. It's time.
Although it will be a tough road, especially with a healthy Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs, the fans are ready to celebrate a Lombardi Trophy being hoisted in Buffalo.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: These three NFL teams are facing the most pressure in 2026
Continue reading...
In no particular order, let's dive into the teams that will be a bit more under the microscope this summer and regular season.
Dallas Cowboys - 2025 Record 7-9-1
The spotlight is constant for the self-proclaimed "America's team." The Cowboys were in the playoff picture last season until the defense let up a bit, and then the spotlight dimmed. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker, 34, has inherited 20 new players on defense. The question is who will start where immediately, and whether fans have patience for them to figure it out this summer. The days of giving up over 30 points a game on numerous occasions must end.
Dak Prescott was terrific last season, and the Cowboys do have George Pickens back on the outside, though he's not under a multi-year deal yet. The pressure is once again on in Dallas for a playoff run.
Cincinnati Bengals - 2025 Record 6-11
A boatload of the pressure falls on Bengals coach Zac Taylor this year after three consecutive seasons of failing to reach the playoffs. The jury is still out on whether or not Joe Burrow is injury-prone (depending on who you ask). Several aspects of the Bengals' fate rely heavily on Burrow staying healthy and producing. They have two of the best receivers in the game in Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but they must protect Burrow.
The division is a tough one for the Bengals, sure, but at least the defensive line issues have been addressed. Right? Meanwhile, the secondary has been largely untouched. Will a breakup ensue in 2027? We'll find out.
Buffalo Bills - 2025 Record 12-5
Yes, it is odd to see a team that went 12-5 and was considered a Super Bowl contender on this list, but here we are again. Change is needed; the Bills are once again the favorites in the AFC to reach the Super Bowl: a new head coach, a new stadium for crying out loud. The numbers for Josh Allen were down last season due in part to the fact that weapons were few and far between on the outside. Year after year of near misses, Josh Allen is in his prime. It's time.
Although it will be a tough road, especially with a healthy Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs, the fans are ready to celebrate a Lombardi Trophy being hoisted in Buffalo.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: These three NFL teams are facing the most pressure in 2026
Continue reading...
