The NFL's 2026 season is upon us, and with it, the usual buzz of anticipation and speculation. But amidst the excitement, it's crucial to take a step back and assess the teams that might be overrated or underrated based on their current roster and coaching changes. The NFL South could rise, but the Bears, Bills, and Patriots may tumble. Let's dive into the analysis.
Underrated Teams
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are among the 10 teams that hired new head coaches this offseason, but they're far from bare. Raheem Morris led the Falcons on a four-game winning streak that helped them finish 8-9 and tie with the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers atop the NFC South. However, it came after they had already been eliminated from playoff contention based on potential tiebreakers. Arthur Blank opted for change, and Kevin Stefanski inherits a team that features plenty of talent, including Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, Drake London, A.J. Terrell, Jessie Bates III, James Pearce, and Xavier Watts. If he can figure out the quarterback situation (Michael Penix Jr. versus Tua Tagovailoa) and keep one of those two on the field, Atlanta could challenge for the division. Personally, I think the Falcons have the potential to rise, but it will depend on how Stefanski navigates the quarterback situation and the team's ability to stay healthy.
Indianapolis Colts
Had Daniel Jones not ruptured his Achilles tendon in Week 14, Shane Steichen's squad very well may have contended for the top seed in the AFC. The Colts expect Jones to open the season, and they hope he can pick up where he left off and help direct a top-10 offense that still boasts a strong line and running back Jonathan Taylor. The Colts have a tough opening schedule, but they could certainly contend in the AFC South. In my opinion, the Colts have the talent to make a run, but their schedule will be a significant challenge. They'll need Jones to stay healthy and the offense to click early on.
Cincinnati Bengals
A 31st-ranked defense that surrendered at least 30 points in seven contests and more than 45 points twice offered next to no support for an offense that endured a nine-game stretch without a healthy Joe Burrow. Now the franchise quarterback returns, and the additions of defensive tackles Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen and pass rusher Boye Mafe should help bolster Cincinnati's defensive front. Thanks to those moves, plus others along the defense, the Bengals just might have better depth than they did when they reached the Super Bowl during the 2021 season. The Baltimore Ravens draw much attention in the AFC North, and rightfully so, but the Bengals seem primed for a bounce-back season and could cause trouble for divisional foes. I believe the Bengals have the talent and coaching to turn things around, but it will be a challenging season with a tough schedule.
Overrated Teams
Dallas Cowboys
Jerry Jones will tell you the Cowboys always have a shot at contention, and his team does generate plenty of buzz. But the Cowboys will have to jell in a hurry on defense, where new defensive coordinator Christian Parker inherits a unit that struggled mightily last season but added plenty of new faces, including veterans like pass rusher Rashan Gary, cornerback Cobie Durant, linebacker Dee Winters, and rookie linebackers Malachi Lawrence and Jaishawn Barham. The offense, led by Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens, should again put up points, but the much-needed defensive backing could take some time. Personally, I think the Cowboys have the talent to be competitive, but their defense will be a work in progress. They'll need to find some cohesion quickly if they want to make a run.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills came up painfully short in their quest for a Super Bowl, and coach Sean McDermott got fired. They're regarded as contenders largely because Josh Allen is always darting in and out of phone booths. But it's well documented that he can't do it alone. The Bills could experience some growing pains as Joe Brady attempts to make the big jump from offensive coordinator to head coach, and new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard tries to install a brand-new defense. I believe the Bills have the talent to be competitive, but their coaching changes could be a challenge. They'll need to find some consistency and cohesion if they want to make a run.
Chicago Bears
Ben Johnson ignited the Bears in his first season at the helm, and he helped Caleb Williams tap into some of the potential the franchise saw in the quarterback when selecting him No. 1 in 2024. Chicago's defense led the NFL with 33 takeaways, and the Bears leapfrogged the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, and Detroit Lions in the division and reached the divisional round of the playoffs. However, expectations have skyrocketed, and taking that next step represents a great challenge. Williams delivered late-game heroics, but he and his team can't count on a repeat of that trend. He'll have to improve his consistency by a significant margin, and Chicago's defense can't get away with such a low pressure rate and such struggles against the run. I think the Bears have the talent to be competitive, but they'll need to find some consistency and cohesion if they want to make a run.
Deeper Analysis
The NFL South could rise, but the Bears, Bills, and Patriots may tumble. The Bears have the talent to be competitive, but they'll need to find some consistency and cohesion if they want to make a run. The Bills have the talent to be competitive, but their coaching changes could be a challenge. The Patriots have the talent to be competitive, but they'll need to find some chemistry and cohesion if they want to make a run. The NFL South could rise, but it will depend on how these teams navigate their challenges and find some consistency and cohesion.
Conclusion
The 2026 NFL season is upon us, and with it, the usual buzz of anticipation and speculation. But amidst the excitement, it's crucial to take a step back and assess the teams that might be overrated or underrated based on their current roster and coaching changes. The NFL South could rise, but the Bears, Bills, and Patriots may tumble. I believe the Falcons, Colts, and Bengals have the talent and coaching to turn things around, but they'll need to find some consistency and cohesion if they want to make a run. The Cowboys, Bills, and Bears have the talent to be competitive, but their coaching changes and challenges could be a significant obstacle. The Patriots have the talent to be competitive, but they'll need to find some chemistry and cohesion if they want to make a run. The NFL South could rise, but it will depend on how these teams navigate their challenges and find some consistency and cohesion.
