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The 2026 NFL season could bring several major turnarounds. Some teams struggled last season but made significant offseason changes. Others simply suffered from injuries, bad breaks, or poor results in close games. Now, those teams enter 2026 with reasons for optimism. Here are five teams I expect to improve this season.
- Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs might have the biggest rebound potential. Kansas City finished just 6-11 during the 2025 season. That record marked a stunning change for Andy Reid’s team. The Chiefs previously dominated the AFC with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback. However, Kansas City struggled badly in close games last season. Regression could work in the Chiefs’ favor this year. ESPN also ranks Kansas City among its top turnaround candidates. Mahomes also enters the season while recovering from serious knee injuries. His availability remains one of the biggest questions surrounding Kansas City. If Mahomes returns healthy, the Chiefs should improve significantly. I expect Kansas City to challenge for the AFC West title.
- New York Giants
The New York Giants have plenty of reasons to believe in a turnaround. John Harbaugh takes over after building a championship culture in Baltimore. His arrival immediately raises expectations around the organization. Jaxson Dart also enters his second NFL season. The Giants hope his development gives the offense greater stability. New York added Isaiah Likely and Darnell Mooney to strengthen Dart’s supporting cast. The defense also received important additions, including Tremaine Edmunds and Greg Newsome II. The Giants finished 2025 with a disappointing record. However, the roster now looks much more competitive. Harbaugh has already promised to make the playoffs. That goal sounds ambitious, but the path exists. I expect the Giants to push for a wild-card spot throughout the season.
- New York Jets
The New York Jets also have plenty of room to improve. The Jets won only three games last season. That record exposed major problems throughout the roster. The organization responded with several veteran additions. Geno Smith now provides experience at quarterback after struggling with Las Vegas last season. New York also added Demario Davis and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Those additions bring leadership and defensive experience to a young roster. The Jets still have major questions. They also remain without a clear long-term franchise quarterback. Still, improvement does not require a playoff appearance. The Jets simply need to become competitive every week. That feels realistic under Aaron Glenn. I expect New York to win more than three games.
- Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders could become one of the NFL’s most interesting rebuilds. Las Vegas added major talent throughout the offseason. The biggest addition might be offensive lineman Tyler Linderbaum. The Raiders also kept star pass rusher Maxx Crosby after his proposed trade to Baltimore collapsed. That decision gives the defense a major building block. Las Vegas also strengthened its defense with several veteran additions. Those moves should give the roster more depth. The Raiders drafted quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick. That selection gives the franchise a potential long-term answer at quarterback. The AFC West remains extremely difficult. Therefore, I would not expect an immediate playoff appearance. However, the Raiders should look much more competitive. A six- or seven-win season would represent meaningful progress.
- Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans might have the most intriguing young foundation. Cam Ward enters his second NFL season after experiencing the challenges of his rookie campaign. Now, he gets a new coaching structure around him. Robert Saleh takes over as head coach. Brian Daboll also joins the organization as offensive coordinator. The Titans added several familiar faces from their coaching staffs’ previous stops. Tennessee also spent aggressively to improve its roster. The Titans added players such as John Franklin-Myers and Jermaine Johnson. They also added Wan’Dale Robinson, Cordale Flott, and Daniel Bellinger. Those additions should provide Ward with better support. The AFC South continues improving, though. Jacksonville, Houston, and Indianapolis all present difficult challenges. Still, Tennessee has a chance to make a significant jump. I expect the Titans to compete for more wins and possibly a playoff spot.
These Teams Could Change the NFL Picture
Turnarounds rarely happen overnight in the NFL. However, each of these teams has legitimate reasons for optimism. Kansas City has Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. The Giants have John Harbaugh and an improving young quarterback. The Jets added veteran leadership after a disastrous 2025 season. Meanwhile, Las Vegas built around a new quarterback and an improved defense. Tennessee also has an intriguing young quarterback and a new coaching staff. Of the five teams, Kansas City has the highest ceiling. The Chiefs already have a championship foundation.
The Giants might have the biggest coaching advantage. Harbaugh brings a proven track record to a franchise that needs stability. The Raiders could become the biggest surprise. Their roster looks stronger, and Mendoza gives the franchise hope at quarterback. Most importantly, none of these turnarounds require perfection. They simply need better quarterback play, improved health, and stronger roster depth. The NFL changes quickly every season. A three-win team can become a playoff contender with the right moves. The 2026 season could prove that point once again.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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