As the NFL preseason kicks off, speculation surrounding team performance and potential contenders for the 2026 season is intensifying. Nick Wright, co-host of "First Things First," has shared his preseason team tiers, sparking discussion about which teams are poised for success and which face an uphill battle.
Wright highlighted six teams – the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, and Tennessee Titans – that he believes have little chance this season, despite historical data suggesting at least one team with such long odds often makes the playoffs. "History says one of them is making the playoffs. Do you have the courage to pick it? I don’t," Wright commented.
"Could Be OK" Tier
In a tier of teams that could be average, Wright placed the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Indianapolis Colts. He described this group as "hit or miss," with the potential to finish with eight or nine wins, but expressed uncertainty about their ultimate success.
The NFC South
The Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and New Orleans Saints were grouped together as the league's most unpredictable division. Wright expressed a particular liking for the Buccaneers, citing quarterback Baker Mayfield's potential when playing with a chip on his shoulder.
Concerning Camps
The Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers were flagged for concerning training camp trends. Wright noted injuries, including a significant one to Laremy Tunsil for the Commanders, as a cause for worry, especially for these veteran teams.
"Can It All Come Together?"
The Cincinnati Bengals, Los Angeles Chargers, and Houston Texans fall into a "boom or bust" category. Wright emphasized the importance of C.J. Stroud's performance for the Texans, suggesting that strong offensive production could elevate them into Super Bowl contention, supported by their solid defense and coaching under DeMeco Ryans.
"Feels Like Something Is Missing"
The Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers were placed in a tier where Wright believes a key element is absent. He expressed particular concern about Green Bay's defense and the uncertain return timeline for a player like Micah Parsons, which he sees as a significant hurdle.
"High Ceiling, Low Floor"
The Philadelphia Eagles were described as the ultimate wild card, with the potential to win the Super Bowl or miss the playoffs entirely. Wright questioned whether head coach Nick Sirianni can maintain team cohesion throughout the season, highlighting the Eagles' extreme variability.
"Prove It To Us"
Wright dedicated a tier to the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars, teams that exceeded expectations last season. With quarterbacks Bo Nix and Trevor Lawrence, both teams face the challenge of proving their previous success was not an anomaly.
"Measuring Sticks"
Rookies Drake Maye and Caleb Williams were placed in a "Measuring Stick" tier. Wright anticipates their careers will be closely compared, noting they both have strong head coaches and are in stable organizations.
"Doubt Them At Your Own Peril"
The Kansas City Chiefs were placed in a tier of their own. Wright asserted that as long as Patrick Mahomes is healthy and the offensive line is stable, the Chiefs' floor is 11 wins, with a potential for 12 or 13 wins.
"Is The Grass Greener?"
Wright expressed skepticism regarding the coaching changes for the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills. He noted that new head coaches Jesse Minter and Joe Brady face the challenge of replicating the success of their predecessors, particularly within the timeline established by successful Super Bowl-winning coach-quarterback duos.
"The Committee Can’t Decide"
The Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams were placed in a tier with no definitive top team. Wright acknowledged the difficulty in ranking them, citing the Rams' potential Super Bowl favorite status with speculation around Aaron Donald's return and the Seahawks' recent success, leaving him undecided between the two NFC West powerhouses.