With the 2025 NFL season now in the rearview mirror, attention across the league quickly shifts to the offseason. Free agency and the draft are right around the corner, and teams will soon begin reshaping their rosters for the 2026 campaign.
Earlier, we looked at several 2025 playoff teams most likely to miss the postseason in 2026. But the other side of the equation is just as interesting. Every year, new teams emerge from outside the playoff picture and make a run the following season.
With that in mind, here are four teams that missed the playoffs in 2025 but have a strong chance to return to the postseason in 2026.
4. Dallas Cowboys
Dallas had a disappointing 2025 campaign, finishing 7-9-1 and falling short of expectations. Still, the foundation of a playoff team remains in place. The offense should again be among the league’s most productive units, with Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens expected to return in 2026.
The bigger question is on the defensive side of the ball. Dallas struggled on that side throughout the season, but the unit has significant room for improvement and the franchise possesses valuable draft capital to address those weaknesses. If the Cowboys can bolster the defense this offseason, the combination of a high-powered offense and even an average defensive unit could push them back into the playoff picture.
3. Baltimore Ravens
Any team led by Lamar Jackson will always have a chance to compete for the playoffs. Jackson’s dynamic playmaking ability alone keeps Baltimore in contention year after year.
The Ravens also made a notable move by hiring Jesse Minter as head coach. Baltimore already has the personnel to field a strong defense, and Minter’s track record suggests he could elevate the unit to another level. If the Ravens pair an elite defense with Jackson’s offensive production, Baltimore could quickly move from playoff hopeful to legitimate Super Bowl contender.
2. Detroit Lions
The Lions narrowly missed the postseason in 2025, finishing 9-8 and just a half-game outside the playoff field. In other words, Detroit does not have much ground to make up.
The core of this roster remains intact. The offense is still among the league’s most dangerous, Dan Campbell continues to provide strong leadership on the sideline, and the front office has consistently shown the ability to build competitive rosters. With a few strategic upgrades during the offseason, the Lions are well positioned to climb back into the playoff picture in 2026.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
The easiest pick on this list is Kansas City. As long as Patrick Mahomes is under center, the Chiefs will remain a threat to return to the postseason.
Kansas City does have some roster needs, particularly at running back, edge rusher, and wide receiver. However, the Chiefs enter this offseason in an unusual position: they possess a top-10 draft pick and have the financial flexibility to be aggressive in free agency. If Kansas City addresses its key weaknesses this offseason, the Chiefs could quickly find themselves back in championship contention in 2026.
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