The NFL released full schedules for all 32 teams on Thursday. Fans and pundits alike begin filling out game-by-game predictions, trying to predict how the 2026 regular season will shake out. Every year, some teams seemingly come out of nowhere to reach the playoffs. For there to be surprise playoff teams in a season, there also have to be teams that were expected to reach the postseason but fell short. Which 2025 playoff teams are in the most trouble as far as getting back to the playoffs in 2026?
2025 Playoff Teams in the Most Trouble in 2026
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers had the most shocking postseason appearance last season. After having six consecutive seasons with 10 or more losses, the Panthers won the NFC South with an 8-9 record. While it had a strong offseason, signing Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips in free agency, Carolina faces the hardest schedule in the division. The Panthers capitalized on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ late-season collapse and went 7-3 in one-score games in 2025. While they exceeded expectations, the circumstances that led to their playoff appearance aren’t sustainable.
Bryce Young has steadily improved over his first three seasons, but can he take a major leap in 2026? Carolina lost Rico Dowdle, who rushed for over 1,000 yards in free agency. Although the Panthers should be respectable this season, they likely won’t be able to make the playoffs with a losing record again. While the NFC South is still a weak division, it should at least be somewhat tougher than last year. Among all 2025 playoff teams, Carolina is at the most risk of missing out in 2026.
Pittsburgh Steelers
It’s a new era for the Pittsburgh Steelers, with Mike McCarthy taking over for Mike Tomlin, who was at the helm for 19 seasons. The Steelers clawed their way to an AFC North title, but the division will be significantly harder this time around. The Ravens and Bengals both dealt with injuries to their respective star quarterbacks, and both should be better in 2026. Speaking of the quarterback, it’s a huge question for Pittsburgh.
Aaron Rodgers *should* be back, but he turns 43 in December. While Rodgers was solid last season, that’s probably the best-case scenario regarding the Steelers’ quarterback production. There’s a good chance he declines if he’s back, and if he isn’t, Pittsburgh needs to rely on either Will Howard or Drew Allar. The combination of uncertainty under center and a tougher division puts the Steelers in a tougher spot than most other 2025 playoff teams.
New England Patriots
In one of the quickest rebuilds in recent memory, the New England Patriots went from 4-13 to a Super Bowl appearance. Drake Maye burst onto the scene as an MVP candidate, and New England emerged from the shadow of its dynasty. The Patriots took advantage of a historically weak schedule in 2025, but they now go from a last-place schedule to a first-place one. They open the season against four consecutive 2025 playoff teams, so a slow start is very much possible.
The Patriots in 2026 may be a case of a team that’s better on paper but wins fewer games because of a tougher path. A.J Brown has been linked to New England via trade and would be a significant addition. New England had the most advantageous schedule among all 2025 playoff teams, but that won’t be the case this season. The Patriots are still a serious contender to go on a deep playoff run, but it’s still unknown if they will be a consistent force in the AFC.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears will be one of the most intriguing teams in 2026. The duo of Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams should only get better in their second season together. The Bears have a strong offensive line and plenty of young skill players with upside. Although the offense has plenty of promise, they ranked 29th in total defense a season ago. Chicago’s defense will have to improve to live up to expectations.
Like New England, the Bears are going from a last-place schedule to a first-place one. Chicago has the toughest schedule in all of football in 2026, and it’s in arguably the hardest division. The Bears won several games in the final minutes in 2025. While impressive, can they sustain it? There’s a ton to like about Chicago in 2026 and beyond, and it is a legitimate Super Bowl contender. While they were the most exciting of all the 2025 playoff teams, there are still questions. The ceiling is extremely high, but the brutal schedule gives the Bears a lower floor.