Every year, there is at least one NFL team that manages an unexpected turnaround. The Washington Commanders drafted Jayden Daniels second overall in 2024 and immediately went to the NFC Championship.
The New England Patriots won four games two years ago and followed it up with a Super Bowl appearance last season. Here are some teams that could experience a turnaround of their own.
After ending the 2025 season with a 3-14 record, the Raiders earned themselves the first overall pick in the 2026 Draft. They started the offseason by agreeing to trade Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens, but the latter backed out.
Vegas went on a spending spree before the Crosby trade fell through. Even after that, they had enough cap space to retain the superstar defensive end, along with the new signings.
The Raiders signed Kirk Cousins (QB), Tyler Linderbaum (C), Kwity Paye (DE), Nakobe Dean (LB), Quay Walker (LB), and Jalen Nailor (WR). The biggest move for Vegas int he offseason was drafting the Heisman-winning, National Champion Fernando Mendoza, first overall. The Indiana product is expected to become the face of the franchise.
After overhauling the roster and hiring new head coach Klint Kubiak, the Raiders have a ton of potential in 2026. Kubiak just won the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks and will look to turn Raider Nation around.
The biggest downside for Vegas is that they’re in the AFC West. The Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, and Kansas City Chiefs are some of the heaviest hitters in the NFL. The Raiders won’t be Super Bowl contenders overnight, but they’ll see a vast improvement this year.
It feels unfair to say the Bengals need a turnaround, but that’s where they are. They’ve missed the playoffs in each of the last three seasons, despite having a superstar quarterback in Joe Burrow.
In 2025, Cincinnati’s offense averaged 235.6 pass yards per game (seventh in the NFL) and 24.4 points per game (12th). The problem lies in the defense. They allowed 380.9 total yards per game (31st) and 28.9 points per game (30th).
The Bengals traded their 10th overall pick to the New York Giants in exchange for superstar defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. They followed that up by drafting defensive end Cashius Howell and cornerback Tacario Davis.
If the Bengals’ defense can step up, even slightly, they can be playoff contenders again. Burrow is still in the prime of his career, the offensive line looked better in 2025, and Ja’Marr Chase is still arguably the best receiver in the NFL.
The AFC North is up for grabs as well. Every other team is undergoing a head coaching change, while the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns are still unclear at the QB position. This is a golden opportunity for Cincy to return to form.
Arguably, the biggest head coach acquisition of 2026 was the New York Giants’ hiring of John Harbaugh. The longtime Ravens head coach is a former Super Bowl champion, and he’s already shifting the culture in The Meadowlands.
New York quietly patched several holes in free agency. They signed D.J. Reader and Shelby Harris (DT), Darnell Mooney and Calvin Austin (WR), Tremaine Edmunds (LB), and Isaiah Likely (TE).
The Giants followed up their free agency moves with two top 10 picks in the Draft. They selected linebacker Arvell Reese and offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa. They also drafted Colton Hood (CB) and Malachi Fields (WR).
Second-year QB Jaxson Dart is expected to have a fully loaded offense in 2026. Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo are set to return from injury, along with the offseason acquisitions. The depleted Giants’ offense showed flashes of electricity in 2025; now they’re primed for a step up.
Harbaugh has brought in a brand-new coaching staff, and that includes defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. He, along with the overhaul of players, should improve what was an eyesore in 2025. It’s hard not to be excited about this team right now.
After Drew Brees’ retirement in 2020, the Saints have struggled to find a true franchise QB. They drafted Tyler Shough 40th overall in 2025, and he seems to finally be the successor they’ve been looking for.
Shough started nine games in his rookie year, throwing for 2,384 yards, 10 touchdowns, and six interceptions, with a completion percentage of 67.6. At 26 years old, he has the maturity of an NFL QB.
New Orleans drafted Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson eighth overall, adding another weapon for Shough’s offense. His injury history is a concern, but when healthy, he can be lethal to defenses. In 2024, he recorded 75 catches for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The Saints also added free agent running back Travis Etienne to the offense. He’ll split carries with veteran Alvin Kamara, bringing a new dynamic to Kellen Moore’s offense. In a wide-open NFC South, New Orleans could surprise everyone.
At this time last year, the Commanders were coming off an appearance in the NFC Championship. Injuries and roster age brought about a decline in 2025, leading to a 5-12 record. After their 2024 turnaround, they’re looking for another one in 2026.
The biggest factor for Washington in 2026 will be third-year QB Jayden Daniels staying healthy. He’s the lifeblood of the offense, and he’s proven he can win in big moments.
The Commanders needed to inject youth into their roster, and they’ve done just that. They signed Odafe Oweh (DE), Chig Okonkwo (TE), Leo Chenal (LB), and Amik Robertson (CB). They followed that up by drafting Ohio State LB Sonny Styles seventh overall.
The NFC East is highly competitive, led by the Philadelphia Eagles. The Dallas Cowboys aren’t far behind them, and the Giants have made great improvements this offseason. This division may be more open than it seems.
If Daniels can return to his OROY form in 2026, the Commanders will almost certainly make a run. The roster looks better now than it did a year ago; the stars just need to stay healthy.
The 2026 NFL season is still over three months away, but it will be here before we know it. Week One brings so much unpredictability and excitement. If you’re a fan of a bad team, this is your time to be delusional and believe in an electric turnaround.
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