As the NFL gears up for the 2026 season, several teams that failed to reach the playoffs the previous year are looking to bounce back. Among the most notable are the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Detroit Lions, each of whom has the potential to shake up the standings and make a significant return to January football.
The Kansas City Chiefs, under head coach Andy Reid, are the most prominent candidates for a playoff resurgence. After a surprising absence from the postseason in 2025, which marked only the second time in Reid’s tenure that the team missed the playoffs, the Chiefs are eager to reclaim their status as a title contender. With superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes expected to be healthy for the start of the season, Kansas City is poised to make a strong comeback. The team has made several offseason adjustments, including bringing back Eric Bieniemy as the offensive coordinator, which could revitalize their offensive strategy. Furthermore, the Chiefs will benefit from a third-place schedule, providing them with a favorable path to secure a playoff spot.
The Baltimore Ravens are also in a unique position as they enter a new era with Jesse Minter taking over as head coach, replacing John Harbaugh, who led the team for 16 seasons. Minter's appointment, along with a fresh coaching staff that includes offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, aims to inject new life into a Ravens squad that narrowly missed the playoffs in 2025. The AFC North is expected to be competitive, with three new head coaches in the division, but the Ravens boast a talented roster that positions them as favorites to clinch the division title.
The Detroit Lions experienced a tumultuous 2025 season, marred by coaching changes and injuries, yet they still managed to secure nine victories. Despite finishing last in the NFC North, which was the strongest division in the league last year, the Lions' performance kept them in the playoff conversation until the final weeks. With a last-place schedule on the horizon, the Lions will have one of the easiest paths in the division. While concerns linger about their defense, the explosive nature of their offense could propel them back into playoff contention.
Other teams looking to bounce back include the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who struggled in the second half of the 2025 season, losing eight of their last eleven games. With Baker Mayfield leading the charge, the Buccaneers are banking on a return to form in a relatively weak NFC South, where winning the division could be their best route back to the playoffs.
The Dallas Cowboys are also in the mix, having revamped their defensive coaching staff after a disappointing 7-9-1 season. With a focus on improving their defensive performance, the Cowboys hope to compete for the NFC East title amidst a division known for its unpredictability.
Finally, the Cincinnati Bengals, who have missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons after two straight postseason appearances, are looking to return to form. Much of their success hinges on the health of quarterback Joe Burrow and the performance of a defense that has struggled in recent years. The Bengals will need to capitalize on the continuity of their coaching staff to reclaim their spot in the playoffs.
As the 2026 NFL season approaches, these teams, including the Chiefs, Ravens, and Lions, are among those most likely to make a comeback after missing the postseason last year. The potential for new playoff contenders adds an exciting layer to the upcoming season, with fans eagerly anticipating how these changes will unfold.
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