Several NFL teams that missed the 2025 playoffs are being eyed as strong candidates to make a postseason run in 2026, according to sports analyst Colin Cowherd. On his show "The Herd," Cowherd outlined five teams with the potential to rebound and secure a playoff spot next season, highlighting offseason additions and returning talent.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are predicted to return to playoff contention following a 2025 season derailed by injuries, particularly to star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. With Mahomes healthy and key offseason acquisitions like running back Kenneth Walker III and top-10 draft pick cornerback Mansoor Delane, Cowherd believes the Chiefs are well-positioned. He noted the team's strong coaching under Andy Reid, who has never had back-to-back losing seasons, and their efforts to address significant needs in the secondary and backfield. The team's struggles in one-score games last season, going 1-9, are seen as an area for improvement with a capable quarterback like Mahomes.
New Orleans Saints
Cowherd forecasts a playoff appearance for the New Orleans Saints, who finished the 2025 season strong under first-year coach Kellen Moore. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough led the team to four wins in their final five games. The Saints have bolstered their offense by signing running back Travis Etienne and drafting wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, alongside the acquisition of offensive lineman David Edwards. With a competitive NFC South division and Shough's late-season performance, where he led all rookies in several passing categories, Cowherd anticipates the Saints making their first playoff appearance since 2021. The team's defense was ranked in the top 10 in 2025.
New York Giants
The New York Giants are also on Cowherd's list, with new head coach John Harbaugh and second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart potentially leading the charge. The return of star wide receiver Malik Nabers, whose 2025 season was cut short by injury, is a significant boost. The Giants further strengthened their roster through the draft, selecting linebacker Arvell Reese and offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa. Cowherd pointed to the Giants' 2-15 record in one-score games over the past two seasons, including a 1-7 mark in 2025, as an indicator of potential for improvement. He suggests they could sneak into the postseason as a wild-card team.
Baltimore Ravens
Cowherd includes the Baltimore Ravens, the former team of new Giants coach John Harbaugh. The Ravens, who finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2021, have brought in Jesse Minter as head coach. The team retains much of its core nucleus from earlier in the decade. Cowherd highlighted the Ravens' relatively favorable early-season schedule in 2026, providing a soft opening for a new coaching staff and playcaller. He also noted the team's consistent performance since Lamar Jackson became quarterback, with no back-to-back missed postseasons, and expects Minter to be a successful first-year head coach.
Detroit Lions
Finally, the Detroit Lions are predicted to make the playoffs, partly due to having one of the easiest schedules in the NFL based on opponents' 2025 winning percentages. Detroit returns much of the core that secured division titles in 2023 and 2024, including quarterback Jared Goff and playmakers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs. Despite some changes along the offensive line and defense, Cowherd is optimistic, drawing a parallel to the New England Patriots' Super Bowl appearance after having an easy schedule in 2025. He believes the Lions have upgraded key positions and, with a strong offense in a potentially less competitive division, are poised for a playoff return.