Cowboys, Chiefs among five NFL teams poised for 2026 turnaround

Many NFL teams are already thinking about next season. 

With 10 of the 14 playoff spots clinched, most NFL teams must begin preparing for the offseason. If they play their cards right, they could be in for a quick turnaround. Just look at the New England Patriots (12-3), who have a chance at clinching the No. 1 seed in the AFC after going 4-13 in 2024. 

With that in mind, here are five  turnaround candidates for the 2026 season: 

Dallas Cowboys (6-8-1) 

The Cowboys have now missed the playoffs for two straight seasons. But if they improve their defense — ranked 31st in the league in points allowed (30.3) — they could rebound into playoff contention.

Finding a replacement for defensive end Micah Parsons, whom they traded to the Green Bay Packers before the season, would be a good place to start. Dallas should consider targeting Texas Tech linebacker David Bailey in the 2026 NFL Draft to do just that. The 6-foot-3, 250-pound pass-rusher ranks second in the FBS in sacks (13.5 in 13 games). 

Dallas must create more cap space to re-sign running back Javonte Williams (1,147 yards rushing, No. 6 in the NFL) and wide receiver George Pickens (1,342, No. 3 in the NFL), who are up for new contracts this offseason. Over the Cap estimates the Cowboys will be $47.91M over the cap in 2026, but restructuring the contracts of quarterback Dak Prescott, WR CeeDee Lamb and guard Tyler Smith would clear $67.65M in cap room, which could be enough to retain both stars.

After that, Dallas would just need Prescott to keep rolling in 2026. Through 15 starts this season, he ranks second in the league in passing yards (4,175) and third in touchdown passes (28). 

Kansas City Chiefs (6-9) 

QB Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL in his left knee in a 16-13 Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. He has already undergone surgery and might return by October or even sooner. 

Having Mahomes for most of the 2026 season would keep the Chiefs in the playoff hunt. In 14 games this season, the three-time Super Bowl champion threw 22 TD passes and posted a stellar 68.5 QBR. 

The Chiefs would need to replace TE Travis Kelce, 36, if he retires this offseason. They could find a successor in the draft, perhaps Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq (6-foot-3, 245 pounds), who has eight TD catches this season. 

Cincinnati Bengals (5-10)

QB Joe Burrow should have more fun in 2026 if the Bengals upgrade his offensive line. That would help the two-time Pro Bowler avoid another injury. In a 31-27 Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, he suffered turf toe in his left foot, forcing him to miss nine games.

With $69.57M in cap space in 2026 (via Over the Cap), the Bengals can provide Burrow the pass protection he needs. They should consider targeting Indianapolis Colts right tackle Braden Smith in free agency. Per Pro Football Focus, he has allowed just one sack in 13 games this season. 

If Burrow stays healthy in 2026, the Bengals should compete for an AFC North title. In 2024, he won Comeback Player of the Year for a second time after tossing a league-leading 43 TD passes in 17 games. 

Washington Commanders (4-11) 

The Commanders' success hinges on QB Jayden Daniels' health. This season, he missed seven games because of knee, hamstring and elbow issues. Smartly, the team has shut him down for the rest of the season. 

Daniels staying healthy in 2026 could launch Washington back into Super Bowl contention. In 2024, the QB won Offensive Rookie of the Year and led Washington to its first NFC Championship Game appearance since the 1991 season. 

Per Over the Cap, the Commanders have $81.9M in cap space, which they can use to plug their roster holes, such as their secondary. Washington should consider adding Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean, who has a career-high three interceptions in 13 games, in free agency. 

New York Giants (2-13)

If the season ended Wednesday, the Giants would own the No. 1 pick in the draft. With that selection, they could take Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese (6-foot-4, 243 pounds), who could improve their defense. This season, he ranks second on the Buckeyes in sacks (6.5).

New York is still looking for a new head coach after firing Brian Daboll and replacing him with interim Mike Kafka in Week 10. Rookie QB Jaxson Dart has flashed enough potential to help the Giants attract a top candidate, like Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady or San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. 

In 12 games, Dart has thrown for 1,835 yards, 13 TDs and five interceptions. He has played most of the season without No. 1 WR Malik Nabers, who suffered a torn ACL in his right knee in a 21-18 Week 4 win over the Chargers.