Every NFL season, someone crashes and burns. It’s just the way it goes. Whether it’s a rash of injuries or locker room dysfunction, a few teams always turn hope into disaster with remarkable speed.
So, who’s most likely to nosedive in the 2025–26 season? From teams with shaky quarterback situations to others that might’ve peaked too soon, here are 15 franchises that could be heading straight for meltdown mode.
15. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are entering the season with low expectations—and might still fall short. Between a rookie-heavy roster, a new coaching staff, and another key injury to Jonathon Brooks, it’s shaping to be another rough ride.
14. Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love must be a star, but the supporting cast may not let him. If the defense can’t hold up and the young receivers don’t step up, Green Bay could quickly fall out of the NFC playoff picture.
13. Pittsburgh Steelers
The quarterback room is crowded, but that’s not necessarily good. If no one takes the reins convincingly, the Steelers could stumble in an AFC North that’s gotten a lot tougher.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield’s magic could wear off fast without a solid backup plan. If Mike Evans starts to show his age or the defense springs a leak, Tampa could tumble out of the playoff race quickly.
11. New York Giants
The Giants made moves this offseason, but the NFL did them no favors with the league’s toughest schedule. A murky quarterback situation and a defense still under construction spell potential disaster.
10. Chicago Bears
There’s buzz around Caleb Williams, but rookie QBs often hit bumps. With a brand-new coaching staff and a brutal schedule, the Bears might be a year away from taking that next step.
9. Las Vegas Raiders
Geno Smith is the guy, but how long will that last? With a tough division and a roster still in flux, the Raiders might spend most of the season treading water—or worse.
8. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are all in on J.J. McCarthy, but that’s a risky bet. If the offensive line doesn’t come together or McCarthy needs more time, things could unravel fast in a competitive NFC North.
7. Kansas City Chiefs
Yes, they still have Mahomes. But this team isn’t as deep as it once was, and if the offense can’t regain its firepower, even a mini-slide could feel like a full-on collapse.
6. San Francisco 49ers
They’re expected to bounce back, but that assumes everyone stays healthy. If injuries pile up again or the defense regresses, another letdown could be in store.
5. Philadelphia Eagles
Last year’s champs lost a ton of experience on defense. With young players still finding their footing and a gauntlet of early-season matchups, Philly might be headed for a reality check.
4. Detroit Lions
Detroit took a big step forward in 2024, but can they sustain it without both coordinators? The hype train could derail spectacularly if the offense stalls or the defense slips.
3. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins still have big names, but the foundation feels shaky. If Tua gets banged up again or the secondary can’t hold up, they could be spiraling in the AFC East.
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2. Cleveland Browns
There’s talent here, but absolutely no stability under center. A brutal schedule and potential midseason quarterback chaos could send Cleveland back to the basement.
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1. New Orleans Saints
The Saints enter 2025 with uncertainty at every level. They’re the most likely team to completely fall apart with a rookie quarterback, an aging defense, and no clear direction.
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