Full Breakdown
What to Expect in the 2026 NFL Season
9/8/2026, 2:48:50 AM
Season Outlook
The 2026 National Football League campaign begins this week with several storylines that could reshape the league’s hierarchy. Analysts highlight five trends to watch, ranging from the decline of long-standing powerhouses to the emergence of former underdogs as legitimate contenders.
Last Season’s Unusual Turnaround
Veteran analyst Cris Collinsworth described the 2025 campaign as the league’s “most unusual” season in decades. The Kansas City Chiefs, long viewed as a dynasty, saw their dominance wane, while the three teams that entered the previous Super Bowl as joint favorites—Baltimore, Buffalo and Philadelphia—failed to meet expectations. In contrast, the New England Patriots and Chicago Bears each climbed from the bottom of their respective divisions to become Super Bowl contenders, with the Patriots ultimately reaching the championship game.
Key Team Shifts
- Seattle Seahawks captured their first NFL championship in 12 years, a feat credited to quarterback Sam Darnold, who “completed his own redemption story” by guiding the team to victory.
- The Patriots’ rapid ascent from division cellar to the Super Bowl underscores a dramatic reversal of fortunes, while the Bears mirrored this trajectory by joining the Patriots in the postseason race.
- The Chiefs’ decline marks a notable shift in the league’s power balance, suggesting that the team may need to rebuild or adapt to maintain relevance.
Implications for 2026
These developments set the stage for a season where traditional hierarchies could be further challenged. Teams that capitalized on last year’s momentum—Seattle, New England, and Chicago—are positioned as early favorites, while franchises like Kansas City may confront pressure to reassert their dominance. Observers will be watching whether the “most unusual” previous season proves to be an outlier or the beginning of a broader realignment across the NFL.
