New NFL Playoff Teams in 2026: 5 Teams That Might Make It

The start of training camp gives hope to all 32 NFL teams, especially those that missed the playoffs last year. Only a few teams that missed the playoffs last year will make it this year.

Which teams will make the playoffs this year? Colin Cowherd from FOX Sports picked five teams that might make it. One of these teams could do what the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots did in 2025.

The Kansas City Chiefs missed the playoffs last year after their star quarterback Patrick Mahomes got hurt. Now that Mahomes is healthy, and with new players like Kenneth Walker III and Mansoor Delane, the Chiefs might make the playoffs again.

Colin Cowherd said, 'Andy Reid has never had two losing seasons in a row.' The Chiefs fixed their problems at corner and running back with new players. They were very unlucky last year, losing many close games.

Colin Cowherd believes that when Mahomes has protection and a good running game, he can lead the team to the playoffs. He thinks the Kansas City Chiefs will make the playoffs this year.

The New Orleans Saints ended their 2025 season on a high note with their new coach Kellen Moore and rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, who led the team to four wins in the last five games.

The Saints added new players to help Shough, including Travis Etienne and Jordyn Tyson. They also signed a good interior offensive lineman, David Edwards.

Tyler Shough was 5-4 as a starter last season.

With these new additions and a relatively easy division, Colin Cowherd thinks the Saints will make the playoffs for the first time since 2021.

Colin Cowherd said, 'The Saints have a good chance of winning their division. They added new players to help Tyler Shough, who played well at the end of last season.'

The Saints' division is not very strong, which helps their chances. Tyler Shough was a surprise quarterback last year, leading all rookies in completion percentage, passing yards, and passer rating.

The New York Giants might make the playoffs with their new coach John Harbaugh and second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart. They also get back their star wide receiver Malik Nabers, who was hurt last year.

The Giants added new players in the draft, including linebacker Arvell Reese and offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa.

Colin Cowherd thinks the Giants will make the playoffs as a wild-card team with these new additions and a bit of luck.

Colin Cowherd said, 'The Giants were very unlucky last year, losing many close games. They have a good young quarterback in Jaxson Dart and added new players to help him.'

Colin Cowherd also thinks the Baltimore Ravens will make the playoffs. They have a new coach, Jesse Minter, and are bringing back most of their key players.

The Ravens just need their quarterback Lamar Jackson to stay healthy all season. They have an easy schedule at the start of the season, which will help their new coach.

Colin Cowherd said, 'The Ravens have a soft schedule at the beginning of the season, which will help them. They've never missed the playoffs two years in a row with Lamar Jackson as their quarterback.'

The Detroit Lions have one of the easiest schedules in the NFL this year, which could help them turn things around after a 9-8 season.

The Lions are bringing back most of their key players, including quarterback Jared Goff, and have high-level playmakers like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs.

The Lions are making some changes on the offensive line and defense, but Colin Cowherd is not too worried about these changes.

Colin Cowherd said, 'The Lions have an easy schedule, which will help them. They've upgraded their team and have a good offense and defense.'

Colin Cowherd thinks the Lions will make the playoffs because they have a good team and an easy schedule. He believes they will do well in their division.

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