Ranking the Five Most Dangerous and Underrated Teams Heading into the 2026-2027 NFL Season
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Since acquiring Baker Mayfield from the Rams, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have secured a spot in the playoffs two out of the last three seasons he has led them, only failing to last season due to multiple teams in the NFC South having the same record. However, with the gain of the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, Rueben Bain Jr. and Super Bowl champion Kenneth Gainwell, their odds this year are better than ever to make a deep playoff run.
- Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions fanbase has been waiting for something big to happen ever since they lost to the Commanders in the NFC Divisional round. This year may be their time to rise and cheer. The Lions currently have five-time Pro Bowl quarterback Jared Goff, three-time Pro Bowl running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and a lethal receiver room in Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Isaac TeSlaa. With the a heated division in the NFC North, the Lions can spark something big late-season and take that momentum into the playoffs.
- Philadelphia Eagles
Since Nick Sirianni received the head coaching job in Philadelphia in 2021, he has led the Eagles to punch their ticket to the playoffs every season and even making the Super Bowl twice. Coming off of their Wild Card loss to the 49ers last season, the Eagles have drafted Fred Biletnikoff Award Winner, Makai Lemon, traded for Pro-Bowler Johnathan Greenard and Super Bowl champion Riq Woolen. Every season, the media, fans, and teams overlook Jalen Hurts, the quarterback, but every year, he shows everyone why his name should be in the top five quarterback talk. However, everyone knows it is likely for them to just make the playoffs again. But this year could be their year to strike gold in the playoffs and come out with their third franchise ring.
- Los Angeles Rams
One of the biggest trades, if not the biggest trade came from the Rams this offseason, with the addition of Myles Garrett to their defensive line. They also signed Matthew Stafford to a one-year contract extension, which leads fans to believe that this is his last season. Stafford has already won a Super Bowl and an MVP, which one could argue already puts him in Hall-of-Fame talks. One more ring could set that into motion. With the more than capable coaching staff, offensive line, wide receiver core, and defense, the Los Angeles Rams could very well steamroll their way into Super Bowl conversations.
- Denver Broncos
Last season was the Broncos’ best season in over twenty-five years. They went 14-3 in the regular season, securing the one seed in the AFC. Denver beat the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional which gave them the opportunity to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl with one more win. However, in overtime, Bo Nix, the quarterback of the Broncos, fractured his right ankle on one of the last plays of that game, which ultimately led to him not playing in the AFC Championship game. With his recovery and the addition of Jaylen Waddle, not much has changed in this team that made a deep playoff run and almost made the Super Bowl without their starting quarterback. This could lead fans to believe that they are going to make another deep run, which could lead them to their fourth Super Bowl win in franchise history.
By: Jackson Gagne