Previewing the 2026 NFL season: Bold predictions, strengths and concerns for all 32 teams

The 2026 NFL season kicks off Wednesday with a Super Bowl rematch featuring the reigning champion Seattle Seahawks hosting the New England Patriots (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC). Then, on Thursday, the NFL will have its first-ever regular-season game in Australia, where the Super Bowl-favorite Los Angeles Rams will take on the San Francisco 49ers (8:35 p.m. ET, Netflix). To welcome back football, we're previewing every single team in the league. Our NFL Nation reporters identified strengths and concerns for all 32 rosters, and then they laid out what would make 2026 a successful season. Analyst Matt Bowen gave a fantasy nugget for each team, analytics writer Seth Walder made 32 bold predictions, and ESPN Research provided QB stats to know. Plus, our Football Power Index predicted chances for every team to win its division, make the playoffs and more. The model even suggested best- and worst-case scenarios for all 32 teams, based on the 90th- and 10th-percentile outcomes across thousands of simulations, respectively. This is everything you need to know for the start of the season, which will conclude Feb. 14 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, for Super Bowl LXI on ESPN. Jump to a team: ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND JAX | KC | LV | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SEA SF | TB | TEN | WSH 1. Los Angeles Rams Chances to make the playoffs: 84.9% Chances to win division: 50.4% Projected wins: 11.3 Strength of schedule: Third hardest 2025 record: 12-5 Biggest strength: The passing game. There are several options to choose from on this star-studded roster, but it's hard not to pick the reigning MVP. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is coming off the best season of his career and will again have one of the best receiver pairs in the NFL: Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. Last season, Adams led the league with 14 receiving touchdowns, and Nacua led the NFL with 129 catches. -- Sarah Barshop Biggest concern: Offensive tackle. The Rams don't have much depth at tackle, which could matter if left tackle Alaric Jackson is suspended. The NFL is conducting its own investigation into an alleged incident of domestic violence by Jackson, who is not facing criminal prosecution because his case was assigned for diversion. Third-round pick Keagen Trost, who was expected to back up Jackson and Warren McClendon Jr., left the preseason opener with a hamstring injury. Coach Sean McVay said he's hopeful Trost will return to start the season. -- Barshop QB stat to know: Stafford is coming off a career-high 46 passing touchdowns -- his third season with 40 or more passing scores. Those three seasons are tied for the most by any QB in NFL history along with Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady. However, Stafford has seen major regression following each season of 40 passing TDs -- including going from 41 to 20 in 2012 and going from 41 to 10 in 2022. -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 14-3 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 9-8 This season is a success if ... the Rams win the Super Bowl. The Rams took steps to maximize the remaining time that Stafford wants to play, so expectations are sky-high for Los Angeles. -- Barshop One key fantasy nugget: The Rams regularly isolate Adams in scoring position given his ability to win off the release. His 14 touchdown receptions were the second most in a season this century (Randy Moss had 16 in 2007). -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: Tight end Terrance Ferguson will catch eight touchdown passes. I'm buying the hype here because it just makes too much sense. The Rams need a third pass catcher behind Nacua and Adams, and with a year of experience in the league after being a 2025 second-round pick, Ferguson could emerge as that guy. If either of those two receivers misses time, his ceiling could be even higher. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Rams 2. Buffalo Bills Chances to make the playoffs: 84.1% Chances to win division: 67.1% Projected wins: 10.7 Strength of schedule: 14th easiest 2025 record: 12-5 Biggest strength: Josh Allen. It's pretty simple. The Bills have an opportunity to win a Super Bowl once again this year, despite a first-time head coach, and that's because of who is playing quarterback. Allen, 30, is going into his ninth NFL season and has a new No. 1 receiver in DJ Moore. Breaking records has become commonplace for the 2024 MVP, and Allen gives the team a chance in every game. -- Alaina Getzenberg Biggest concern: It is a transition year for the new defensive scheme. Coordinator Jim Leonhard has been open about the fact this year's defense will not fully look like his vision for the unit as it transitions from a 4-3 to 3-4 base. There is a mix of new players who fit the scheme specifically and carryovers from the previous regime. How the group comes together will go a long way in determining the unit's success. -- Getzenberg QB stat to know: Allen's dual-threat ability is unlike anything the NFL has seen. Allen already has 299 passing and rushing TDs combined in his first eight seasons, 40 more than the next-closest player (Patrick Mahomes, 259). In fact, he already has the most through a player's first nine seasons (next closest: Peyton Manning, 288). -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 13-4 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 8-9 This season is a success if ... the Bills reach the Super Bowl. Unfortunately for new coach Joe Brady, that's the bar. Maximizing Allen's tenure is the priority, and anything comparable to or less than what Sean McDermott accomplished won't make for a fully successful season. -- Getzenberg One key fantasy nugget: Allen gives fantasy managers a major boost when the Bills have the ball on the doorstep of the end zone. He converted 22 of 28 true goal-line carries (78.6%) over the past three seasons. -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: Wide receiver Keon Coleman will record 750 or more receiving yards and at least five touchdowns -- both career highs. Earlier this offseason I thought there was a decent chance he'd be on a different team by now. But Coleman also hasn't been that bad in his first two years, posting a 49 overall score in ESPN's receiver score (just below average) and 1.6 yards per route run. Even though the Bills added Moore, I could see Coleman having a mini breakout in Year 3. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Bills 3. Seattle Seahawks Chances to make the playoffs: 68.0% Chances to win division: 26.3% Projected wins: 10.2 Strength of schedule: Sixth hardest 2025 record: 14-3 Biggest strength: The defense remains the strength even though it lost three players -- safety Coby Bryant, cornerback Riq Woolen and outside linebacker Boye Mafe - from the unit that allowed the fewest points in the NFL last season. The Seahawks still have plenty of difference-makers on that side of the ball, and they still have one of the game's brightest defensive minds, coach Mike Macdonald, calling the shots. -- Brady Henderson Biggest concern: It's more of a question mark than a concern, but Sam Darnold and the offense will be relying on a first-time coordinator in Brian Fleury. Macdonald's choice to replace Klint Kubiak, Fleury will be running an offense that's similar to his predecessor's, but he will almost certainly have to endure some growing pains as he calls plays for the first time. -- Henderson QB stat to know: Darnold has won 14 games in each of the past two seasons, making him one of two quarterbacks in NFL history with consecutive 14-win seasons along with Tom Brady in 2003 and 2004. No quarterback has had three consecutive 14-win seasons. -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 13-4 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 8-9 This season is a success if ... Seattle at least gets to the NFC Championship Game. We'll set that as the bar for success, since only seven defending champions since 2000 have reached the conference title game. -- Henderson One key fantasy nugget: Jaxon Smith-Njigba was the best receiver I studied last season, showing the ability to uncover at every level of the field. Plus, he can take the top off the defense with a league-leading 18 receptions on throws of 20-plus air yards in 2025. -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: Jadarian Price will finish the season as a top-eight running back in terms of fantasy points. He's a first-round pick at a position that doesn't usually have them, and Zach Charbonnet is coming back from a serious injury. The opportunity -- and talent -- is there for Price. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Seahawks 4. Baltimore Ravens Chances to make the playoffs: 79.8% Chances to win division: 50.3% Projected wins: 10.7 Strength of schedule: Fifth easiest 2025 record: 8-9 Biggest strength: QB Lamar Jackson. The two-time MVP is the biggest barometer for success. In the four seasons in which Jackson has played more than 13 games, the Ravens have captured three AFC North titles and two No. 1 seeds in the AFC. In four seasons in which he has played 13 or fewer games, Baltimore has one division title and has missed the playoffs twice. So, the key is to keep Jackson healthy. -- Jamison Hensley Biggest concern: Center. The Ravens have gone from a three-time Pro Bowler in Tyler Linderbaum to a big question mark in front of Jackson. It looks like Baltimore will start the season with Jovaughn Gwyn, who has played 11 offensive snaps in three seasons. But the Ravens could eventually turn to Ethan Pocic, who has 97 career starts but is coming off an Achilles injury that he suffered in December. Either way, it's not an ideal situation. -- Hensley QB stat to know: Jackson is coming off a losing record as a starter for the first time of his career (6-7 in 13 starts). Over the last eight weeks, Jackson had a 6-6 TD-to-interception ratio and was off target on a league-worst 22% of his pass attempts. However, he did average 8.4 YPA (third in NFL) over the season. -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 13-4 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 8-9 This season is a success if ... the Ravens advance to at least the AFC Championship Game. Baltimore fired coach John Harbaugh because of a lack of deep playoff runs. The Ravens need to avoid quick exits under Jesse Minter. -- Hensley One key fantasy nugget: With Jackson's electric dual-threat ability and a play-action-heavy system under new coordinator Declan Doyle, the Ravens quarterback is primed to produce big numbers. Jackson completed a league-best 80% of his play-action throws last season. -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: The Ravens' defense will rank in the top four in EPA per play. That's a pretty big jump from last season, when it finished 16th. But in Minter's first season with the Chargers, he took a defense that ranked 29th and brought it to seventh best. And Minter probably has more talent to work with in Baltimore. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Ravens 5. San Francisco 49ers Chances to make the playoffs: 63.8% Chances to win division: 23.2% Projected wins: 10.0 Strength of schedule: 11th hardest 2025 record: 12-5 Biggest strength: Offensive talent and continuity. Eight starters return from an offense that ranked ninth in scoring, eighth in offensive EPA and seventh in yards last season. In the spots with new additions, the 49ers brought in future Hall of Fame receiver Mike Evans and intriguing rookie wideout De'Zhaun Stribling. Left guard is a question, and injuries always loom, but this is a group capable of bigger and better in 2026. -- Nick Wagoner Biggest concern: The pass rush. In 2025, San Francisco finished last in the NFL in sacks (20). It brought in defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, but it's still fair to wonder if the 49ers have enough on the edge with Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams coming off ACL injuries and rookie Romello Height replacing Bryce Huff. If the pass rush isn't markedly better, it could be another long season for the defense. -- Wagoner QB stat to know: Brock Purdy is coming off a season that saw him start just nine games because of injury but post his highest interception rate of his career; throwing an interception on 3.5% of his pass attempts. Purdy has seen his interception percentage increase in each season of his career from 2.4 to 2.5 to 2.6 to 3.5. -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 12-5 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 7-10 This season is a success if ... the Niners return to the Super Bowl. Perhaps unfair given their division, but this is the Niners' standard, and the clock is ticking on their veteran stars. Since 2020, San Francisco has made four NFC Championship Games and two Super Bowl appearances. -- Wagoner One key fantasy nugget: Deebo Samuel Sr.'s play speed has declined, but in coach Kyle Shanahan's offense, the 49ers can give him a long runway to find space on crossers. He also still has the ability to win weeks, with four games of 20-plus points last season. -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: Rookie running back Kaelon Black will record at least 650 rushing yards as the 49ers -- for real this time -- take it easy on Christian McCaffrey's workload. That would be 250 more rushing yards than last year's backup running back, Brian Robinson Jr. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the 49ers 6. Los Angeles Chargers Chances to make the playoffs: 66.2% Chances to win division: 36.1% Projected wins: 9.8 Strength of schedule: Seventh hardest 2025 record: 11-6 Biggest strength: Offensive tackle. This is one of two position groups (edge rusher is the other) on the Chargers' roster with multiple Pro Bowlers, with Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater both in their prime and bookending the line. With these two together, the Chargers are a different offense, and they are a big reason coordinator Mike McDaniel took this job. Behind Alt and Slater is fourth-round pick Travis Burke, who has emerged in the preseason as what coach John Harbaugh called a "Game 1 starter" and might serve as the team's tackle if veteran Trey Pipkins III starts at guard. -- Kris Rhim Biggest concern: Interior offensive line. Chargers fans are all too used to this concern. This group has been this team's Achilles' heel for what feels like forever. General manager Joe Hortiz brought in an entirely new interior this season, highlighted by the signing of center Tyler Biadasz. But Biadasz suffered a season-ending ACL injury in his left knee, moving rookie Jake Slaughter, who was in contention to start at left guard, to starting center. Now, Harbaugh says the team might platoon at left guard, raising more questions about the weakest position group on the roster. -- Rhim QB stat to know: Justin Herbert was sacked a career-high 54 times last season and contacted 206 times, the most of any QB in the NFL. The Chargers ranked last in the league in pass block win rate, according to ESPN Analytics, and the team used 32 different offensive line combinations, tied with the Browns for most. -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 12-5 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 7-10 This season is a success if ... the Chargers get a playoff win. Since their last playoff win in 2019, the Chargers have been a team whose success has largely been rooted in hypotheticals. Instead of reaching their potential, they've been on the wrong end of some of the most embarrassing losses in NFL history. A playoff win would signal that the paradigm has finally shifted for this seemingly cursed franchise. -- Rhim One key fantasy nugget: Running back Omarion Hampton is one of my top breakout candidates this season. With a healthier front and a new system under McDaniel that uses heavy two-back personnel, Hampton can build off his 15.2 points per game in 2025. -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: Alt will win Protector of the Year. This was my bold prediction in this space last year, and I feel like I was on track for the six games he played, so I'm trying my hand again. If the Chargers improve on offense, deserved credit will go to the return of Alt and Slater. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Chargers 7. Green Bay Packers Chances to make the playoffs: 61.9% Chances to win division: 31.3% Projected wins: 9.9 Strength of schedule: 14th hardest 2025 record: 9-7-1 Biggest strength: Jordan Love's connection with his pass catchers. Last season, he had too many mouths to feed, so they streamlined the receiver room, and it appears to have helped Love to develop chemistry with his top receivers -- Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Matthew Golden. Throw in tight end Tucker Kraft, and Love should be able to thrive. The Packers haven't had a 1,000-yard receiver since Davante Adams' last season (2021). They might have one (or two) now. -- Rob Demovsky Biggest concern: Can they survive without Josh Jacobs and Micah Parsons to start the season? Jacobs had the most carries out of the Green Bay running backs last season, and who knows when -- or whether -- he'll come off the commissioner exempt list and be available. The defense will have to find a way to generate pass rush without Parsons for at least the first month of the season. That will be new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon's greatest challenge. -- Demovsky QB stat to know: Among 26 quarterbacks who made at least 10 starts last season, Love ranked second in QBR (73), trailing only Drake Maye (77). -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 12-5 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 7-10 This season is a success if ... the Packers can do better than the No. 7 seed in the playoffs and make a legitimate run. They have been the last wild-card team three years in a row and have only one playoff win to show for it. Nothing less than the second weekend of the playoffs will be considered a success. -- Demovsky One key fantasy nugget: Watson's injury history could create some pause, but he brings a high ceiling to fantasy lineups given his vertical speed and expanding route tree. In 10 appearances last season, Watson scored 13.2 points per game; he topped the 20-point mark three times. -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: Love will finish in the top 3 in MVP voting. Love has always been a tad underrated relative to his numbers, but I suspect if he puts up a high-end QBR like he did last year (third best), he'll rise up ballots, too. That he has an elite offensive scheme designer in Matt LaFleur helps, too. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Packers 8. Detroit Lions Chances to make the playoffs: 71.4% Chances to win division: 40.4% Projected wins: 10.5 Strength of schedule: Second easiest 2025 record: 9-8 Biggest strength: The offense. Although Detroit enters the season under new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, it still has veteran QB Jared Goff running the show along with an elite group of playmakers -- including Jahmyr Gibbs, Jameson Williams, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta -- capable of scoring against any opponent. Despite a 9-8 finish last season, Detroit still finished top five in points per game (28.3). -- Eric Woodyard Biggest concern: Injuries. Several key players will begin the season on the injured reserve list, including RB Isiah Pacheco (back), center Cade Mays (wrist) and safeties Brian Branch (Achilles) and Kerby Joseph (knee), meaning they'll miss a minimum of the first four games. After finishing last in the NFC North, the Lions could benefit from an easier schedule, but they'll have to adjust until at least Week 5. -- Woodyard QB stat to know: Improved pass protection for Goff will be key. Last season, he had a QBR of 76 from a clean pocket, but that declined to 14 when he was pressured. That was the second-largest drop-off in the NFL ahead of only Mac Jones. -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 13-4 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 8-9 This season is a success if ... the Lions return to the postseason. Detroit missed the playoffs for the first time since 2022 last season. The organization has committed over $1 billion in contracts and extensions over the past two years and is seeking a return on its investment. -- Woodyard One key fantasy nugget: St. Brown remains one of the league's most consistent receivers with at least 1,000 receiving yards in four straight seasons. And he has averaged 18.8 fantasy points during that stretch. St. Brown will again be the top target in an explosive Lions offense. -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: Edge Aidan Hutchinson will win Defensive Player of the Year. Hutchinson ranked fourth in pass rush win rate last season, plays a ton of snaps and the Lions face the second-easiest schedule. Put that all together, and the result should be a ton of sacks for Hutch. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Lions 9. Kansas City Chiefs Chances to make the playoffs: 68.0% Chances to win division: 37.7% Projected wins: 9.9 Strength of schedule: 16th easiest 2025 record: 6-11 Biggest strength: Beyond Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have revitalized their rushing attack with Kenneth Walker III, Emari Demercado and rookie Emmett Johnson. All three are an upgrade from the position a year ago. And all three have the skills to break tackles for explosive gains to better support Mahomes. The Chiefs need to run more often behind one of the NFL's best interior group of linemen -- center Creed Humphrey, right guard Trey Smith and left guard Kingsley Suamataia. -- Nate Taylor Biggest concern: A lack of depth could sink the Chiefs. Unlike previous years, the drop off in talent on the offensive line is drastic. Jaylon Moore, a five-year veteran, appears to be the team's only hope at right tackle. The team also cannot afford to have a significant injury to linebackers Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill since the rest of the players at that position are inexperienced. The same could be said at safety. -- Taylor QB stat to know: While Mahomes completed a career-worst 63% of his passes and threw just 22 touchdowns last season -- his lowest mark as a starter -- he made up for it with his legs. Mahomes set career bests in rushing yards per game (30.1) and rushing touchdowns (5), generating 25% of his fantasy points on the ground, the fifth-highest percentage among QBs with at least 12 games played. -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 12-5 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 7-10 This season is a success if ... Mahomes stays healthy after suffering a season-ending knee injury last season. The Chiefs will also need their rookies -- cornerback Mansoor Delane, defensive end R Mason Thomas and defensive tackle Peter Woods -- to improve throughout the season. -- Taylor One key fantasy nugget: Walker has real upside in coach Andy Reid's offense as a dual-threat running back. Walker caught 31 passes last season in Seattle, and that number should elevate through screens and schemed targets in Kansas City's passing game. -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: The Rashee Rice season of fantasy managers dreams finally happens. Rice will stay healthy and collect 1,300 receiving yards, establishing himself as one of the game's top wideouts. Last year Rice had a 68 open score but just a 23 catch score. The latter is less stable year-to-year, so if Rice can just get a little contested catch luck to go his way -- and he stays on the field -- he should be in for a big year. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Chiefs 10. Philadelphia Eagles Chances to make the playoffs: 62.8% Chances to win division: 46.3% Projected wins: 9.8 Strength of schedule: 16th hardest 2025 record: 11-6 Biggest strength: The defense. Entering Year 3 under Vic Fangio, this group is well-versed in the scheme and has the talent to maximize it. There are All-Pro caliber players at all three levels, from Jalen Carter up front to linebacker Zack Baun in the middle to Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell on the back end. The secondary has a chance to be special with cornerback Riq Woolen, the former Seahawk, joining the fray. This defense has top-three potential. -- Tim McManus Biggest concern: How Jalen Hurts & Co. will take to the new offense. The system has been overhauled under Sean Mannion to a largely under-center operation featuring heavy play-action throws over the middle and a timing-based passing attack. The results were mixed this summer, as Hurts leans into elements of the game he has not majored in previously, and the group overall works to sync up. Expect some boom or bust early. -- McManus QB stat to know: Since his second year as the Eagles' full-time starting quarterback in 2022, Hurts has led the team to more than 10 wins each season. This season, he is looking to become the seventh QB to win double-digit games in 5 consecutive seasons. The only active QB with a longer streak is Josh Allen with seven. -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 12-5 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 7-10 This season is a success if ... the offensive line gets back to its dominant ways and Saquon Barkley once again leads a highly efficient ground game. If that happens, this team will be a contender. -- McManus One key fantasy nugget: With A.J. Brown now on the Patriots, DeVonta Smith elevates to the top role in Philly's pass game. A slippery route runner with vertical ability, he caught 77 passes and topped 1,000 receiving yards last season. -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: Jonathan Greenard will record at least 0.8 sacks per game. I'm framing it that way because it's unclear when Greenard will be back from a pec strain in the offseason. Once he's on the field, I expect big things from Greenard playing alongside the rest of the defense, even after a down year in Minnesota. For context: 0.8 sacks per game translates to 13.6 sacks if he were to play all 17 games. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Eagles 11. Dallas Cowboys Chances to make the playoffs: 51.9% Chances to win division: 33.9% Projected wins: 9.2 Strength of schedule: Fourth hardest 2025 record: 7-9-1 Biggest strength: The offense led by QB Dak Prescott. The Cowboys can beat defenses in multiple ways with the big pass plays to wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, by the run game with Javonte Williams, and if they need to paper-cut a defense and execute down the field, they can do that. Health is paramount, especially with Prescott, now 33, but Year 2 of Brian Schottenheimer's offense should be more evolved than it was in 2025. -- Todd Archer Biggest concern: Defense. Even if there is optimism about what the unit displayed over the summer with Christian Parker, there is still everything to prove when the games are real. Parker is a first-time defensive coordinator. There is not a dominant edge rusher. Linebacker depth is a question, as is cornerback depth. There will be games when the offense is stifled, so can the defense win low-scoring games? -- Archer QB stat to know: Prescott recorded his fourth season with over 4,000 passing yards and 30 passing TDs in 2025, tying Tony Romo for the most in franchise history. Since he entered the NFL in 2016, the only other players with those numbers in 4 different seasons are Patrick Mahomes and Jared Goff. -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 12-5 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 7-10 This season is a success if ... they make the playoffs. The Super Bowl drought might continue, but the postseason is doable with the talent on hand. If this happens, it means Schottenheimer's program is going in the right direction. -- Archer One key fantasy nugget: Williams shouldn't be overlooked in an offense that just racks up points. A downhill hammer as a runner, he scored 15.2 fantasy points per game last season. Plus, he found the end zone 11 times. -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: Kicker Brandon Aubrey will record the most field goals over expected, per NFL Next Gen Stats. Even though Aubrey is an elite kicker who earned a record-setting extension this offseason, he has never led the league in that metric. Incredibly, Aubrey has finished second in every season of his three-year career. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Cowboys 12. Cincinnati Bengals Chances to make the playoffs: 70.7% Chances to win division: 35.5% Projected wins: 10.1 Strength of schedule: Easiest 2025 record: 6-11 Biggest strength: The defensive line. Cincinnati accomplished the major goal of the offseason: Beefing up the defense by making the front a truly imposing unit. The Bengals went out and traded for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II, who was a wrecking ball during training camp. Lawrence, edge rusher Boye Mafe and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen were all brought in to be disruptive pass rushers. So far, that group has been as advertised. -- Ben Baby Biggest concern: Offensive tackle. Last year, Orlando Brown Jr. was still feeling the effects of a broken leg he suffered in 2024. He is looking for a return to pre-injury form at LT. And if he or starter Amarius Mims goes down, the depth will be tested. The preseason didn't yield a true winner for the swing tackle job. The Bengals claimed Myles Hinton on waivers to potentially fill that role. -- Baby QB stat to know: Joe Burrow played eight games last season, the fewest of his career (1-8 without him). He has been sacked 213 times since entering the league (fourth most over that span), and the Bengals' offensive line has the worst pass block win rate (52%) over that span as well. -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 13-4 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 8-9 This season is a success if ... they compete for a Super Bowl. Whether it's a deep playoff run or a return trip to the big game for the first time since losing it in 2021, that's how this year will be measured. -- Baby One key fantasy nugget: There are availability concerns with Burrow given his injury history. But when he's healthy? Look out. In 2024, Burrow averaged 21.2 fantasy points and threw 43 touchdowns passes. -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: Running back Chase Brown will record at least 15 total touchdowns. With the Bengals having the easiest strength of schedule, I'm bullish on Brown's ability to score this season. That's because he can score on the ground if the team is ahead and is a threat in the receiving game, too. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Bengals 13. Houston Texans Chances to make the playoffs: 58.9% Chances to win division: 40.5% Projected wins: 9.3 Strength of schedule: 10th hardest 2025 record: 12-5 Biggest strength: How could it be anything but Houston's defense? It's arguably the best in the NFL, and it brought back nine of 11 starters. The unit holds three All-Pros in cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., to pair with their defensive end duo of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. There are also three other Pro Bowlers on the unit with linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, safety Calen Bullock and cornerback Kamari Lassiter. -- DJ Bien-Aime Biggest concern: Well the general consensus would be quarterback C.J. Stroud, but in reality it's the people protecting Stroud. When he's protected, he has produced a QBR of 66 in his career (15th since 2023), but when he's under pressure, it drops to 27. If the offensive line can protect him, that also means the run game should be effective. There are potentially two new starters on the unit in center Evan Brown and rookie guard Keylan Rutledge. -- Bien-Aime QB stat to know: After one of the best rookie seasons in NFL history in 2023, Stroud has struggled to replicate that success in the following two seasons -- due in part to having one of the worst offensive line units last season, ranking last in run block win rate (68%) and 30th in pass block win rate (56%). In 2023 Houston ranked 25th in RBWR (70%) and 10th in PBWR (61%). -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 12-5 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 7-10 This season is a success if ... Stroud looks like what people thought he would become after his historic rookie season. The Texans have Super Bowl aspirations, and that could put them in line to raise the Lombardi Trophy. -- Bien-Aime One key fantasy nugget: To improve their run game, the Texans traded for running back David Montgomery and upgraded the offensive line. Montgomery, who has 33 rushing scores over his past three seasons, will get plenty of looks when Houston moves the ball into the red zone. -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: Wide receiver Nico Collins will record 1,500 receiving yards. With Jayden Higgins out for the year, Collins should earn an even higher share of targets (even following the Kayshon Boutte trade). Collins is already a great receiver, perhaps in the second tier behind the true elites like Ja'Marr Chase, Puka Nacua, Justin Jefferson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. But I wonder if we'll be talking about Collins in that group at the end of this season. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Texans 14. New England Patriots Chances to make the playoffs: 59.4% Chances to win division: 30.4% Projected wins: 9.3 Strength of schedule: 11th easiest 2025 record: 14-3 Biggest strength: Drake Maye. The 2025 MVP runner-up returns for a second year in offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' system, and teammates say they've noticed a difference in his overall command and leadership. Trading for WR A.J. Brown gives him a sure-fire No. 1 target that was arguably the team's biggest need. -- Mike Reiss Biggest concern: Pass rush. Will moving on from K'Lavon Chaisson (team-high 7.5 sacks last season) and signing Dre'Mont Jones to take his place at OLB be an upgrade? And with veteran OLB Harold Landry III opening the year on the PUP list, is 2025 undrafted free agent Elijah Ponder ready to fill the void? It might be asking too much to expect big things from second-round pick Gabe Jacas at OLB after he wasn't around the team all spring (knee procedure) and signed a couple of days into training camp to get a late start. -- Reiss QB stat to know: Including the playoffs, Maye led the Patriots to 17 wins last season, the most by a first- or second-year QB in NFL history. -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 12-5 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 7-10 This season is a success if ... they qualify for the playoffs, giving them a chance to defend their surprising 2025 AFC Championship. -- Reiss One key fantasy nugget: Trading for Brown was New England's headline move of the offseason, but let's not forget about Romeo Doubs. The veteran receiver can work the intermediate levels of the field and get loose in the red zone. Doubs averaged 10.3 points in Green Bay last season. -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: The Patriots will trade for an edge rusher before the trade deadline. This is a team with Super Bowl aspirations and what should be an explosive passing offense that will win them games. But Landry and Jones aren't a good enough pair at this stage of their career. I think at some point New England will bring in reinforcements. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Patriots 15. Denver Broncos Chances to make the playoffs: 54.2% Chances to win division: 24.8% Projected wins: 9.2 Strength of schedule: 15th easiest 2025 record: 14-3 Biggest strength: Continuity on defense. The Broncos have most of their significant contributors back -- including three All-Pros in CB Pat Surtain II, DT Zach Allen and edge rusher Nik Bonitto -- from one of the league's best defenses over the past two seasons. Since the beginning of the 2024 season, the Broncos have allowed the fewest points per game (18.3) and lead the league in sacks, Defensive EPA and red zone defense. Everything is in place for a repeat performance. -- Jeff Legwold Biggest concern: Slow starts. The Broncos have become a playoff contender again under coach Sean Payton, but not because of their September performances -- 2-7 in the first three weeks of the season since he was hired in 2023. Continuing that trend could create a hole the Broncos can't dig out of. Their first six games include five playoff teams from last season, including the defending Super Bowl champs. The sixth? The Chiefs. -- Legwold QB stat to know: Only 28% of Bo Nix's pass attempts last season were thrown 10 or more yards downfield, the fourth-lowest percentage among qualified QBs. The Broncos' big offseason acquisition, WR Jaylen Waddle, ranked tied for 41st in the league in receptions (64) overall but finished tied for third last year in receptions on passes thrown at least 10 yards downfield (35). -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 12-5 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 7-10 This season is a success if ... the Broncos are in the Super Bowl conversation. The Broncos brought 51 of the 53 rostered players from last year's AFC Championship Game back for training camp. They felt they were good enough to win a title last season and hope to finish the job in 2026. -- Legwold One key fantasy nugget: Waddle has the sudden speed and catch-and-run ability to mesh with the throwing strengths of Nix. Waddle averaged 13.6 points over his five seasons with the Dolphins. -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: Cornerback Riley Moss will command a $17 million per year contract -- the same AAV as the deal Jaylen Watson signed with the Rams this offseason -- either re-signing with Denver or as a free agent. Moss is best known as the cornerback opposite Surtain, but if he can get the penalties under control (he led cornerbacks in penalty yards last season) I think he will be viewed as a valuable cornerback if he hits the free agent market. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Broncos 16. Jacksonville Jaguars Chances to make the playoffs: 52.4% Chances to win division: 32.9% Projected wins: 9.0 Strength of schedule: 10th easiest 2025 record: 13-4 Biggest strength: The receivers. With a healthy Brian Thomas Jr., a more comfortable Jakobi Meyers and Parker Washington set for an increased role, this is one of the most talented group of receivers the Jaguars have had. The Jaguars can attack all levels of the defense: Thomas deep, Washington and Meyers intermediate and short. Add in the explosive potential of Travis Hunter, and the group could be really special. -- Mike DiRocco Biggest concern: Are Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Bhayshul Tuten going to be able to carry the running game? Travis Etienne Jr.'s departure leaves a big hole, and the Jaguars are betting on Rodriguez and Tuten handling an increased workload and producing at a level higher than each has to this point in their careers. If one stumbles, veteran Ameer Abdullah might be forced into a bigger role. -- DiRocco QB stat to know: Trevor Lawrence is coming off of arguably his best season, setting career bests in QBR (58.3), passing TDs (29), rushing TDs (6) and go-ahead passing TDs (14). This resulted in a fifth-place MVP finish, the highest finish by a Jaguars player in franchise history. -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 12-5 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 6-11 This season is a success if ... the Jaguars make the playoffs. The franchise hasn't done that in back-to-back seasons since making it four years in a row from 1996 to 1999. -- DiRocco One key fantasy nugget: You can win fantasy leagues with Lawrence as your QB1 in coach Liam Coen's offense. Lawrence averaged 19.9 points last season, and he also brings a dual-threat element to lineups (nine rushing touchdowns in 2025). -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: Cornerback Montaric Brown will record a worse-than-average yards allowed per coverage snap (1.1 per Next Gen Stats). Brown is coming off a breakout season in which he allowed 0.8 yards per coverage snap, but that was fueled by a negative-5% completion percentage over expected. I'm betting that last year will look like the outlier when we zoom out. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Jaguars 17. Chicago Bears Chances to make the playoffs: 45.5% Chances to win division: 18.5% Projected wins: 9.1 Strength of schedule: 12th hardest 2025 record: 11-6 Biggest strength: Ben Johnson's offense. Caleb Williams is developing into the franchise quarterback the Bears dreamed of because of Johnson's system and coaching, but success on offense extends beyond the QB. Johnson's scheme sparked fundamental changes that allowed the Bears to generate the second-most explosive plays last season. From a reliance on the running game to offensive line continuity and a plethora of pass-catching options, this offense once again has the makings of being a top-10 unit. -- Courtney Cronin Biggest concern: Injuries in the secondary were the story of training camp. Safety Coby Bryant is out four to six months, and nickel corner Kyler Gordon will miss at least the first four games on reserve/PUP. The back end of the Bears' defense was supposed to be its strength. With so many questions there, Chicago needs its pass rush to hold its own and generate more pressure. Johnson feels strongly about the interior of the defensive line, but do the Bears have enough power on the edge? -- Cronin QB stat to know: Including the playoffs, Williams had seven game-winning drives in the fourth quarter/OT last season -- second most in the NFL (Bo Nix, 8) and the most by a Bears QB in a season since the 1970 merger. -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 12-5 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 7-10 This season is a success if ... Chicago doesn't become the NFL's top regression team. That means putting away teams far sooner than the final two minutes of the fourth quarter. With the bar set at a division title and playoff win, making the postseason is the bare minimum. -- Cronin One key fantasy nugget: Williams has the natural playmaking ability to create fantasy production, and I expect to see even more development in his second season under Johnson. Williams scored 18.7 fantasy points per game last season, and he can post winning weeks (eight games with 20 or more points). -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: The Bears will lead the league in team open score. It's a metric the team was middle-of-the-road in a year ago. But this is blind faith in Johnson's ability to scheme up open receiver, along with continued growth for Luther Burden III, Rome Odunze and Colston Loveland. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Bears 18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Chances to make the playoffs: 45.4% Chances to win division: 39.5% Projected wins: 8.3 Strength of schedule: 13th easiest 2025 record: 8-9 Biggest strength: TBD. And that's OK. Even coach Todd Bowles agreed it's too soon to tell. Here's why: The offensive line, which was long regarded as the team's strength, is coming off multiple season-ending injuries. It could be that the exciting new additions of Rueben Bain Jr., Al-Quadin Muhammad, A'Shawn Robinson, Josiah Trotter and Alex Anzalone really help power the front seven. The pass rush looks feistier, and the team could be more stout against the run. -- Jenna Laine Biggest concern: Health. From quarterback Baker Mayfield, the offensive line, wide receivers and running back to cornerback Benjamin Morrison, the Bucs are back in familiar territory. Injuries were a key reason for the Bucs' rapid descent after a 6-2 start last season, and even as the healthy pieces returned, they could not jell. Now, they enter the season with Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan -- two of their top three receivers -- working their way back from injury. -- Laine QB stat to know: Since joining the Bucs in 2023, Mayfield's 545 yards on third-down scrambles are 146 more than the next-closest player (Patrick Mahomes, 399), while his 63.6% career conversion rate on third-down rushes is the second highest among qualified QBs since entering the league in 2018. -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 11-6 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 6-11 This season is a success if ... the Bucs win the NFC South and advance beyond the wild-card round. A much-improved defense and Mayfield vying for a contract extension could possibly help offset the loss of Mike Evans. -- Laine One key fantasy nugget: With Evans now in San Francisco, look for Egbuka to emerge as Mayfield's top target. Egbuka had four games of 20-plus fantasy points as a rookie. Don't be surprised if Egbuka finishes as a top-10 wide receiver this season. -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: Wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. will record at least 1,000 receiving yards. He hasn't reached 1,000 yards in the past two seasons combined because of injuries, but I could see it happening. Evans is gone, and I'm a little less bullish on Egbuka (who had just a 36 open score last year) than everyone else, especially with the second-year player currently banged up with a toe injury. That could leave plenty of volume for Godwin. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Buccaneers 19. Indianapolis Colts Chances to make the playoffs: 39.2% Chances to win division: 22.0% Projected wins: 8.4 Strength of schedule: Seventh easiest 2025 record: 8-9 Biggest strength: Skill players. The Colts have put together an impressive collection of talent at their offensive skill positions, with quarterback Daniel Jones bringing it all together as a distributor. A lineup of receivers Alec Pierce, Josh Downs and Keenan Allen, tight end Tyler Warren and running back Jonathan Taylor presents numerous headaches for defensive coordinators. Coach Shane Steichen's ability to get multiple players involved should shine again as it did when Jones was healthy in 2025. -- Stephen Holder Biggest concern: Pass rush. The Colts parted ways with three of their top edge rushers after last season and are now trying to create pressure with a questionable rotation of defensive ends. Laiatu Latu, a first-round pick in 2024, is on track continue his ascension, but questions persist for the remaining group. Veteran Arden Key is going to be asked to play an outsized role while the Colts wait for slow-developing second-year player Jaylahn Tuimoloau to emerge. -- Holder QB stat to know: Despite suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in week 14 last season, Jones is set to return. At the time of Jones' injury, he ranked seventh in passing yards (3,101) and fifth in yards per attempt (8.1). He will attempt to snap an eight-season streak in which a different QB led Indianapolis in passing yards, the longest streak for any team since 1960. -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 11-6 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 6-11 This season is a success if ... the Colts win the AFC South. Indianapolis hasn't won the division since 2014, and the lack of recent success is reaching embarrassing levels. Every other team in the division has won the title at least twice since the Colts last did it. -- Holder One key fantasy nugget: Pierce is one of the top deep-ball targets in the game, and his route tree should develop more this season as the new WR1 in Indy's offense. He scored 17-plus fantasy points in five games last season, and his 21.2 yards per catch led the league. -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: One of Sauce Gardner or Charvarius Ward will be a first-team All-Pro cornerback. I thought Gardner falling down to No. 9 on this list was too far for a pretty exceptional player, and I could see him having a great 2026 with a full season in Indianapolis. He is by far the most likely of the two to get first-team recognition, but I wanted to include Ward because he has always put up strong coverage numbers, too. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Colts 20. Minnesota Vikings Chances to make the playoffs: 29.7% Chances to win division: 9.9% Projected wins: 8.3 Strength of schedule: 15th hardest 2025 record: 9-8 Biggest strength: Linebackers. The veteran group of Andrew Van Ginkel, Dallas Turner, Eric Wilson and Blake Cashman will be counted on to power a defense that will shoulder perhaps more than its share of responsibility for getting the Vikings to the playoffs. Turner, a first-round draft pick in 2024, will replace Jonathan Greenard as the team's primary edge rusher. But all four are versatile, solid tacklers and well-versed in the blitz games that defensive coordinator Brian Flores uses. -- Kevin Seifert Biggest concern: Quarterback Kyler Murray. There's a difference between being the best quarterback in training camp, as Murray clearly was, and being ready to have a great season. Murray showed he could make all the throws in the scheme, and his off-schedule skills remain intact. But it remains to be seen if he'll see the downfield routes behind the Vikings' huge offensive line. Fortunately he'll have a receiver group that rivals its linebackers in talent. -- Seifert QB stat to know: Murray is one of five players in NFL history with 20,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards in his first seven seasons, along with Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Russell Wilson and Cam Newton. However, Murray has played in 41 of a possible 68 games in the past four seasons (60%) after he played in 46 of 49 games in his first three seasons (94%). -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 11-6 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 6-11 This season is a success if ... they win a playoff game. Since hiring coach Kevin O'Connell in 2022, the Vikings have tied for the NFL's fifth-most regular-season victories (68) and earned two postseason berths. They are 0-2 in those appearances. It's time to take the next step. -- Seifert One key fantasy nugget: In O'Connell's QB-friendly offense, Murray will deliver more rhythm throws with Justin Jefferson as his top target. And Murray's rushing numbers should put him in the top 10 of fantasy quarterbacks. -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: Murray will finish in the top 12 in QBR. It doesn't feel like that should be that bold of a prediction considering he did that just two years ago. But considering he was cut by the Cardinals (who need a quarterback) this offseason, that would be a very nice turnaround for the former No. 1 pick. I'm buying him with O'Connell and Jefferson. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Vikings 21. Pittsburgh Steelers Chances to make the playoffs: 39.2% Chances to win division: 13.2% Projected wins: 8.5 Strength of schedule: Eighth easiest 2025 record: 10-7 Biggest strength: Defensive front. Anchored by the ageless Cameron Heyward and premier edge rusher T.J. Watt, the Steelers' defensive front has an enviable mix of veteran leadership and up-and-coming talent. Young players including Nick Herbig, Keeanu Benton and Derrick Harmon are the future of the defense, and in combination with Heyward, Watt and Alex Highsmith, the unit figures to be reinvigorated under the direction of new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, a defensive line specialist known for his creativity and scheme fluidity. -- Brooke Pryor Biggest concern: Offensive line. Center Zach Frazier is the strength of the line, but the unit is a work in progress. Troy Fautanu, the Steelers' 2024 first-round pick, flipped from right to left tackle, and guard Mason McCormick flipped sides with him. This year's first-round pick, tackle Max Iheanachor, showed promise in his lone preseason game, but former UDFA Dylan Cook is slated to start at right tackle alongside Spencer Anderson at right guard. Still, Iheanachor could see the field sooner rather than later. -- Pryor QB stat to know: Aaron Rodgers averaged just 5.8 air yards per pass attempt last season, the fewest in the NFL, but at age 42, Rodgers is 13 passing TDs from overtaking Peyton Manning for third most in NFL history. -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 11-6 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 6-11 This season is a success if ... the Steelers win a playoff game in coach Mike McCarthy's first season. Yes, the organization sets its eyes on adding another Vince Lombardi Trophy to the case every season, but the first step is winning the team's first playoff game in a decade. -- Pryor One key fantasy nugget: Running back Rico Dowdle will split touches with Jaylen Warren in the Steelers' backfield. However, Dowdle's value could elevate early if he secures the role of early downs and goal-line carries. He scored 12.7 points per game with Carolina last season. -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: Tight end Darnell Washington will score five or more touchdowns. That would be a huge jump considering he has two career touchdowns in three seasons. But the fact that the Steelers extended Washington this offseason has me wondering if he'll play a larger role under McCarthy. Certainly, has the frame to be a red zone target. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Steelers 22. Washington Commanders Chances to make the playoffs: 18.9% Chances to win division: 9.5% Projected wins: 7.3 Strength of schedule: Fifth hardest 2025 record: 5-12 Biggest strength: Jayden Daniels. The third-year QB gives the Commanders a chance in every game and, as one AFC executive said, erases a lot of faults. Daniels has grown as a leader and in his comfort level running a new offense. He also has the strongest receiving corps he has played with in Washington this season. He also should have a stronger defense to help, giving him either more chances or better field position. Daniels just needs a line that can be solid. -- John Keim Biggest concern: Offensive line. The Commanders suffered a massive loss when left tackle Laremy Tunsil suffered a torn triceps last month that could cost him the season. That forced Brandon Coleman to move from a competition at left guard to left tackle. Although he can play the position, he's not Tunsil, and his move cost Washington guard depth. Center Nick Allegretti (strained calf) practiced two days in the first month of camp. The offensive line needs to build cohesion -- fast -- and find stronger interior depth. -- Keim QB stat to know: Daniels lost as many starts in 2025 as he did in his historic 2024 rookie season despite playing in just seven games. Since entering the NFL in 2024, Daniels has been sacked an average of 2.71 times per game (sixth most) and pressured 12 times per game (seventh most). However, Daniels has thrived under pressure, with a 55.4 QBR and an 11-4 TD-to-interception ratio (both fifth best). -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 10-7 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 5-12 This season is a success if ... Daniels stays healthy and the defense produces with its addition of speed and athleticism. If all that happens, the Commanders have a chance for a strong rebound season. -- Keim One key fantasy nugget: With a healthy Daniels, wide receiver Terry McLaurin is a solid bounce-back candidate this season. He averaged 11.4 points per game in 2025 but will be the WR1 in a Washington offense featuring more West Coast system routes. -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: New safety Nick Cross will lead all safeties in tackles. Cross recorded an 89th percentile tackle rate (tackles per play) against the run among safeties last year, and 74th percentile against the pass. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Commanders 23. New York Giants Chances to make the playoffs: 19.7% Chances to win division: 10.3% Projected wins: 7.5 Strength of schedule: Eighth hardest 2025 record: 4-13 Biggest strength: The running game, which includes quarterback Jaxson Dart's ability to run. He had nine rushing touchdowns last season and the Giants now average 325 pounds on their offensive line. Throw in fullback Patrick Ricard at 300 pounds and this is the kind of big, physical running game that new coach John Harbaugh wanted to build. They even have physical runners with Cam Skattebo and Najee Harris to fit the mold. -- Jordan Raanan Biggest concern: The secondary. The Giants' starting cornerbacks Week 1 might be Greg Newsome II and Deonte Banks. Both come with serious question marks, and who knows where Paulson Adebo fits into the mix after a rough summer. As if that's not enough, both starting safeties -- Jevon Holland and Tyler Nubin -- are coming off rough seasons. Can this group hold up? -- Raanan QB stat to know: Dart was arguably the best rookie QB in 2025, leading all rookies with 24 combined passing and rushing TDs and leading all QBs in rush yards since his debut in Week 4. However, Dart was also hit more than any other QB on rush attempts (69) since his debut. -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 10-7 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 5-12 This season is a success if ... Dart blossoms into a top-10 quarterback. This will be contingent on him commanding the pocket better and adding more anticipatory throws to his arsenal. -- Raanan One key fantasy nugget: Tight end Isaiah Likely is a sneaky sleeper candidate. Now removed from the shadow of Mark Andrews in Baltimore, Likely can be deployed as a versatile target in the pass game. He has the ball-carrier vision to turn underneath throws into explosive gains. -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: Likely will lead the Giants in receptions. This would probably be bad news for the Giants if it happened because it would be a bad sign for Malik Nabers. But after Nabers there isn't a whole lot on the receiving depth chart, although perhaps rookie Malachi Fields could make an impact right away. The Giants could end up leaning heavily on their new tight end. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Giants 24. Atlanta Falcons Chances to make the playoffs: 31.7% Chances to win division: 25.9% Projected wins: 7.7 Strength of schedule: Ninth easiest 2025 record: 8-9 Biggest strength: The ground game. Bijan Robinson is arguably the best running back in the NFL, and the team's new offense will be centered around him. He can hit for an explosive play at any time. The offensive line, led by right guard Chris Lindstrom, is built to open holes for Robinson, and doing so is a priority for offensive line coach Bill Callahan. Atlanta signed the bruising Brian Robinson Jr. to bring a change of pace. -- Marc Raimondi Biggest concern: Will a quarterback step up? As of publication, the Falcons remained the lone team yet to name a starter for Week 1. Tua Tagovailoa had a chance to win the job outright with Michael Penix Jr. (ACL) working his way back, but he was unable to do so. Penix got cleared for full practices the final week of training camp and saw no action in preseason games, but Atlanta might have found a gem in undrafted rookie Jack Strand. -- Raimondi QB stat to know: If Penix starts in Week 1, he would be the first Falcons QB to start in consecutive season openers since Matt Ryan, who did so from 2008 to 2021. However, if Tagovailoa were to start, it would be the sixth consecutive season that the Falcons started a different QB to begin the season -- the longest streak in franchise history. -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 10-7 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 5-12 This season is a success if ... the Falcons can get above-average quarterback play and break an eight-year drought with a playoff appearance -- Raimondi One key fantasy nugget: Need a pass catcher with breakout-week ability? It's tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. He had nine games of double-digit fantasy production last season, including the 45.6 points he dropped on Tampa Bay in Week 15. -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: Safety Xavier Watts will be a first- or second-team All-Pro. A 2025 third-round pick, Watts had an impressive rookie season in which he recorded five interceptions. If he builds on that, he'll start to be considered among the league's top safeties. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Falcons 25. New Orleans Saints Chances to make the playoffs: 25.7% Chances to win division: 20.7% Projected wins: 7.4 Strength of schedule: Third easiest 2025 record: 5-11 Biggest strength: Continuity. The Saints returned almost their entire coaching staff from last season, and quarterback Tyler Shough had an entire offseason to prepare to be the starter. That gave him the opportunity to build chemistry this summer by taking a number of offensive players to work out together in California. The Saints have an opportunity to build off the momentum established in 2025 when Shough took over as quarterback and led the team to five wins. -- Katherine Terrell Biggest concern: Depth is a problem in areas. Defensive back looks top-heavy, and the Saints need another edge rusher to step up next to Chase Young with 16-year veteran Cameron Jordan likely playing in his final season. Wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, the Saints' first-round draft pick in April, will miss at least the first month, which means the second or third pass catchers behind Chris Olave could end up being a tight end or running back in Tyson's absence. -- Terrell QB stat to know: Shough ended last season with 250 or more passing yards and a passing TD in four consecutive games, the third-longest such streak by a rookie since 1970. With a fifth straight performance, he would tie the third-longest streak by a player in his first two seasons over the past 25 years (7: Justin Herbert in 2020; 6: Drake Maye in 2025, Justin Herbert spanning 2020-21; 5: C.J. Stroud in 2023, Joe Burrow in 2021, Blake Bortles in 2015). -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 10-7 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 5-12 This season is a success if ... Shough turns out to be the guy. The 26-year-old QB showed potential in his rookie year, but this season will prove whether the Saints have found themselves a franchise quarterback. -- Terrell One key fantasy nugget: In Weeks 13-18 last season, Shough had 117.5 fantasy points (QB4) and scored at least 17 in each game. He's a timing-and-location thrower in coach Kellen Moore's system, plus he can create as a runner (186 yards rushing, three TDs). -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: Tyson will be a top-15 fantasy WR per game. It might be a while before we see him, but the hype on Tyson was building before a hamstring injury put him on the sidelines. Once he's back, Tyson could be electric (and a late-season boost for fantasy teams, too). -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Saints 26. Carolina Panthers Chances to make the playoffs: 17.3% Chances to win division: 13.9% Projected wins: 6.7 Strength of schedule: 13th hardest 2025 record: 8-9 Biggest strength: CBs. The Panthers have one of the league's better cornerback duos with Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. Both have excellent length and size. While Horn can be moved throughout the secondary -- including time in the slot -- Jackson, who led the league with 19 pass breakups last season, is better playing in off-coverage in coordinator Ejiro Evero's zone-heavy defense. The pair combined for nine interceptions and 27 pass breakups last season. -- Mike Kaye Biggest concern: Depth in the trenches. With left tackle Ikem Ekwonu (knee), right tackle Taylor Moton (blood clot) and defensive end Tershawn Wharton (neck) all likely to be sidelined for a while, Carolina will need to depend on new and unproven players in their stead. Monroe Freeling, the Panthers' 2026 first-round draft pick, will replace Moton on the right side, while Ekwonu is replaced by Rasheed Walker. But the depth behind those players is suboptimal. -- Kaye QB stat to know: In 2025, Bryce Young recorded career marks in completion percentage (64%), passing TDs (23), off-target percentage (16%) and yards per dropback (5.7) en route to Carolina's first playoff appearance since 2017 -- snapping the longest playoff drought in franchise history. -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 9-8 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 4-13 This season is a success if ... Young gets off to a hot start. The Panthers made the playoffs last season at 8-9, but a plus-.500 record is necessary to further establish the program under coach Dave Canales. -- Kaye One key fantasy nugget: Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is a rising star with the matchup ability and physical tools to win one-on-ones. As a rookie, he scored 12.4 points per game. A breakout season looms here in Year 2. -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: The Panthers will finish last in the NFC South. I remain mostly a nonbeliever in Young (and the Panthers, clearly, are unconvinced considering they haven't extended him), and the offensive line has some serious questions between injuries and newcomers. Even though the Panthers brought in some defensive reinforcements in free agency, I could see this year going quite poorly for Carolina. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Panthers 27. Tennessee Titans Chances to make the playoffs: 9.6% Chances to win division: 4.6% Projected wins: 6.3 Strength of schedule: 12th easiest 2025 record: 3-14 Biggest strength: The front seven. Jeffery Simmons, the most impactful player on the team, leads the front and now has a legit running mate in John Franklin-Myers. Defensive end Jermaine Johnson II reunites with new head coach Robert Saleh, a few years removed from a career-high 7.5 sacks when they were last together with the Jets. Cedric Gray is a budding star at linebacker. First-round pick Keldric Faulk and second-round pick Anthony Hill Jr. will be contributors as well. -- Turron Davenport Biggest concern: The secondary. High-ticket free agent additions -- Alontae Taylor and Cor'Dale Flott -- have begun to rebound from rocky performances early in camp, and though Marcus Harris is a solid nickel, depth behind him is limited. A pectoral injury also landed veteran free agent Joshua Williams on injured reserve. Tennessee will have to figure it out, as quarterbacks who started preseason games against the Titans completed 89% of their passes. -- Davenport QB stat to know: Cam Ward struggled in his rookie season but showed signs of promise toward the end of the season. In his final five games, Ward led the Titans to two wins, while recording eight passing TDs, one rushing TD and just one interception. -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 9-8 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 4-13 This season is a success if ... they can at least double their win total from last season. This would be a steppingstone to turn around a franchise that's trying to be a contender by the time it opens its new stadium in 2027. -- Davenport One key fantasy nugget: Don't sleep on slot receiver Wan'Dale Robinson. He has the foot speed to make himself available to the quarterback, and he can press the seams. Robinson averaged a career-best 13.6 fantasy points per game last season, producing two games of 28 or more points. -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: Taylor will allow at least 1.4 yards per coverage snap -- solidly worse than average for a starting corner. That would be a tough number considering the contract (a three-year, $60 million deal) the Titans gave him in free agency. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Titans 28. Las Vegas Raiders Chances to make the playoffs: 5.0% Chances to win division: 1.3% Projected wins: 5.7 Strength of schedule: Ninth hardest 2025 record: 3-14 Biggest strength: Tight end. Brock Bowers continues to show why he is one of the best players at his position. He has constantly made plays throughout training camp. And no matter who is at quarterback, he will be a security blanket in the passing game. But Michael Mayer has a chance to make the room even stronger. Mayer has had a strong camp, and the Raiders will rely on him quite a bit. On top of that, his blocking skills stand out on tape. -- Ryan McFadden Biggest concern: Wide receiver. The Raiders are one of five teams (Bears, Packers, Chiefs and Dolphins) without a wide receiver who has recorded at least 1,000 yards in a season. Yes, Las Vegas views Bowers as its top pass catcher. But the team will need more receivers to step up. Maybe Tre Tucker or Jalen Nailor will emerge and have a career season. Besides those players, the room raises a lot of concerns. -- McFadden QB stat to know: Since the Raiders released Derek Carr prior to the 2023 season, the team has used seven different starting QBs, tied for third most in that span. It will be Kirk Cousins' turn to start the season after Las Vegas used the No. 1 pick on Fernando Mendoza, but when will we see the rookie? Mendoza won't join Carr as the only rookie QBs in Raiders history to start a season opener, but he could join Carr (16 games in 2014) and Aidan O'Connell (10 in 2023) as the only rookie QBs in team history to start at least 10 games. -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 8-9 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 3-14 This season is a success if ... Mendoza shows the signs of a franchise quarterback. The Raiders are a young team that requires patience, so it's not worth placing postseason expectations on them. But whenever Las Vegas decides to start Mendoza, it will be important for him to show flashes that he can guide this offense for the foreseeable future. Given the team's recent history at quarterback, having stability at the position is essential for turning the organization around. -- McFadden One key fantasy nugget: Nailor is more than willing to work the middle of the field, but watch for him to emerge as the top perimeter receiver in Las Vegas. Nailor scored 10 touchdowns over the past two seasons with the Vikings. -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: Bowers will win Offensive Player of the Year. Last year, Klint Kubiak had one clear-cut playmaker who was better than all the rest. What happened? A 35% target rate for Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Now, it's Bowers who is the clear-cut best receiver. I think the Raiders will run their offense through him, and he'll put up monster numbers. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Raiders 29. New York Jets Chances to make the playoffs: 6.5% Chances to win division: 2.0% Projected wins: 6.0 Strength of schedule: Sixth easiest 2025 record: 3-14 Biggest strength: There are no glaring strengths, but one thing the Jets should do reasonably well is run the ball. They return four starting linemen and their top three backs from a unit that ranked 10th in rushing yards last season. If Breece Hall delivers another 1,000-yard season, it will reduce the pressure on QB Geno Smith, who leads the league in interceptions (52) and sacks (182) over the past four seasons. Things will get ugly without a competent run game. -- Rich Cimini Biggest concern: The team that made history last season with no defensive interceptions has major questions in the secondary -- ironic, considering coach Aaron Glenn was a terrific cornerback in his day. The Jets are counting on former All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to galvanize a unit devoid of proven playmakers. Maybe the pass rush, led by prized rookie David Bailey, will be good enough to camouflage the weaknesses on the back end. -- Cimini QB stat to know: He struggled in his one season with the Raiders, but, since the start of 2022, no QB has more go-ahead passing TDs in the fourth quarter or overtime than Smith, who has 14 in that span -- four more than Dak Prescott in second. For comparison, the Jets have six go-ahead passing TDs in the fourth quarter or OT since the start of 2022 between five different passers. -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 8-9 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 4-13 This season is a success if ... Glenn improves as a game manager ... Smith plays like he's in Seattle, circa 2022 ... Bailey hits double-digit sacks ... and the defense ends the embarrassing interception drought (quickly). -- Cimini One key fantasy nugget: Smith brings stability when at his best, which should open the door for wide receiver Garrett Wilson to produce high-level numbers. Wilson scored 14.2 points per game last season, but he has the route-running traits and ball skills to finish as a top-eight receiver this season. -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: The Jets will sign defensive tackle Jowon Briggs to a contract extension before the end of the season. The Jets have depth at defensive tackle after acquiring T'Vondre Sweat and David Onyemata in the offseason (and still have Harrison Phillips on the roster), but Briggs, acquired in a trade with the Browns last August, has flashed real promise. Last season he ranked in the top 12 in both pass rush win rate and run stop win rate at defensive tackle. He can be a long-term solution for the Jets along the interior. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Jets 30. Cleveland Browns Chances to make the playoffs: 5.4% Chances to win division: 1.0% Projected wins: 5.8 Strength of schedule: Fourth easiest 2025 record: 5-12 Biggest strength: Defense. The Browns traded two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams but got two-time Pro Bowler Jared Verse back in return. And Cleveland still has other elite talent, including cornerback Denzel Ward and linebacker Carson Schwesinger. The Browns, though, will have to show they can remain a top defense not only without Garrett but also with a new coordinator, Mike Rutenberg, who succeeds Jim Schwartz. -- Daniel Oyefusi Biggest concern: Quarterback. The Browns are going back to Deshaun Watson after a 22-month layoff from game action due to a torn right Achilles tendon. But after struggling in the preseason and receiving boos from his home crowd, Watson's tenure might not be for long, and Shedeur Sanders could find himself under center. Cleveland has a promising young core, but the inability to find an answer at quarterback could prevent it from all coming together. -- Oyefusi QB stat to know: The last time Watson played in 2024, he had a QBR of 21, the lowest in the league (minimum five starts). However, the quarterbacks with the two lowest QBRs from last season (minimum five starts) were also on the Browns in Sanders (18.9) and Dillon Gabriel (31.4). -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 8-9 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 3-14 This season is a success if ... Cleveland's rookies pop again. Wins might be scarce, but another productive draft class could lay the foundation for a much-hyped QB draft class in 2027, when the Browns have two first-round picks. -- Oyefusi One key fantasy nugget: If I'm targeting a Browns player, it has to be running back Quinshon Judkins. He suffered an ankle injury late in 2025, but he averaged 12.1 fantasy points per game and posted 20-plus points in two games. Judkins can handle volume between the tackles in an offense that should be more run heavy this season. -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: Quarterback Taylen Green will start at least four games. Perhaps there's no fourth-string player with an easier path to playing time than Green, a sixth-round pick out of Arkansas. I'm bearish on Watson, Sanders and Gabriel, so by the time the end of the season rolls around, I suspect the Browns will want to see if they have anything in Green. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Browns 31. Arizona Cardinals Chances to make the playoffs: 1.4% Chances to win division: 0.1% Projected wins: 4.9 Strength of schedule: Hardest 2025 record: 3-14 Biggest strength: Skill players. WR Marvin Harrison Jr., WR Michael Wilson, TE Trey McBride and RB Jeremiyah Love are as good as any group in the league, and that could translate to some much-needed good news for a team coming off three wins and going through another overhaul. How new coach Mike LaFleur deploys the passing game will define his first season in Arizona, and it'll directly impact how the Cardinals handle their gauntlet of a schedule. -- Josh Weinfuss Biggest concern: The defense. The unit allowed 35.2 points per game in the final nine games last season, all losses, and the Cardinals are running it back with largely the same unit and coordinator. Arizona is getting back players from injuries such as DT Walter Nolen III, ILB Mack Wilson Sr. and CB Garrett Williams, and it has added some new players such as S Andrew Wingard, DT Andrew Billings and ILB Jack Gibbens. Other than that, it's largely the same group. -- Weinfuss QB stat to know: Jacoby Brissett had a career-high 23 passing touchdowns last season and threw at least one score in each of his last 12 games -- the longest streak of his career. The 23 touchdowns were more than he produced in the previous five seasons combined (22). -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 7-10 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 3-14 This season is a success if ... Arizona's defense improves and can give the offense a chance to play with leads. -- Weinfuss One key fantasy nugget: Every year McBride puts up wide receiver-level numbers. His 126 receptions last season was the second most in the league, and he led all tight ends with 18.6 fantasy points per game. -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: The Cardinals will go 1-16. Where will that win come? Maybe against the Jets? The Saints? The Commanders? The Raiders? But I don't see much hope for this team, and the schedule is absolutely brutal. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Cardinals 32. Miami Dolphins Chances to make the playoffs: 1.6% Chances to win division: 0.5% Projected wins: 4.5 Strength of schedule: Second hardest 2025 record: 7-10 Biggest strength: The front seven. The defensive line is deep with Zach Sieler and the young trio of Jordan Phillips, Kenneth Grant and Zeek Biggers. And the linebacker tandem of Jordyn Brooks and Jacob Rodriguez has intriguing potential. Miami's depth at defensive end is thin and reliant on Chop Robinson to take a major step in Year 3 after a pedestrian second season, but if you're looking for strengths on this team, the combined front seven is almost inarguably it. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques Biggest concern: Everything else. The Dolphins lack depth and proven talent at most positions. Rookies Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell and Kevin Coleman Jr. will likely lead the wide receiver group. Miami's safeties are a cumulative question mark behind Dante Trader Jr. And an injury on its offensive line could prove catastrophic. The Dolphins also lack a proven backup quarterback behind Malik Willis. Kyle McCord turned in a strong preseason but has yet to appear in a regular-season game. -- Louis-Jacques QB stat to know: In a small sample size, Willis' QBR of 86 over the past two seasons is the highest among the 62 quarterbacks with at least 100 dropbacks. Last season, Willis completed 84% of his passes in Weeks 16 and 17 while filling in for an injured Jordan Love, the highest completion percentage in the NFL in that span. -- ESPN Research Best-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 7-10 Worst-case scenario for 2026, per FPI: 2-15 This season is a success if ... if the Dolphins get consistent growth and production out of their rookie class, running back De'Von Achane finishes the season in one piece and Willis proves his small sample size from Green Bay wasn't a fluke. -- Louis-Jacques One key fantasy nugget: If you want a running back with explosive play ability and receiving skills, then Achane is the right fit. He led the league with 40 carries of 10-plus yards last season, and he finished fifth among RBs in receptions (67). -- Bowen Bold prediction for 2026: Willis will finish in the top 12 in QBR. I've been bullish on the Willis acquisition all offseason -- why quit now? In a tiny sample, he was unbelievable in Green Bay. It will be harder in Miami without Matt LaFleur or the Packers' wide receivers. But Willis can generate value on his own with his legs, and that's why I believe he can still be an efficient quarterback, even in Miami in 2026. A top-12 finish would be a tremendous result for the free agent acquisition. -- Walder Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart Read more on the Dolphins