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EspañolWe are set to see a complete overhaul of next year's NFL playoffs due to the parity that existed in this year's postseason. With three teams going from worst to first, and division winners having five or fewer wins the previous season, we could see yet another changing of the guard. I'll take the Chiefs to be back atop the AFC West again for one hundred please...Just as an example. Let's look at the prime candidates for regression in 2026.
Even with 14 wins on the season, the Broncos had 12 wins in which they had to play from behind, an NFL record. That kind of momentum is very hard to withstand, and this is why they could be in for a regression season. Bo Nix set himself up for unrealistic expectations because of the outstanding year he had. Nix would be the biggest concern on the regression train for 2026. The defense should remain largely dominant.
The Bears' 7 wins when trailing in the final two minutes of the fourth quarter, including the playoffs, is an NFL record. Obviously, that kind of magic is hard to sustain, but the team will need to recapture what it is like to grab a lead and hold onto it. Making moves to fill holes will not be easy, as they have the fewest cap space in the NFL (9th). Last season may have been the Bears' best shot at a playoff run, especially with relocation looming.
Pittsburgh Steelers
First off, Aaron Rodgers will turn 43 this offseason, and whether the enigma will return or not remains to be seen. The loss of Mike Tomlin stings as well, whether he overstayed his welcome or not. The Steelers did, however, win the AFC North for the first time since 2020. Unless they get another weapon to play opposite DK Metcalf, that passing game is going to be non-existent, especially if Rodgers isn't under center.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: These NFL teams could be regression candidates in 2026