Three Non-Playoff Teams That Could Make a Patriots-Style Leap to Super Bowl 61
The Patriots flipped the script in 2025-going from a 4-13 season in 2024 to a Super Bowl appearance just a year later. That kind of turnaround doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s a combination of smart roster moves, the right coaching hire, and a little bit of timing.
As we look ahead to 2026, there are three non-playoff teams that could follow a similar blueprint and make a legitimate run at Super Bowl 61. But before we dive into those, let’s talk about the team that could shape the entire landscape of the upcoming season: the Dallas Cowboys.
Dallas Cowboys: Contenders or Chaos? It Starts With George Pickens
The Cowboys have a roster that’s built to win now-but the George Pickens contract situation is the first domino that needs to fall. With Pickens in the lineup, Dallas has the kind of offensive firepower that can drop 30 on anyone.
Without him? They’re still dangerous, but not quite elite.
Right now, there’s been no movement on a long-term deal for Pickens. That’s not necessarily cause for panic-yet. But given how things unfolded last offseason with Micah Parsons, which ended in a trade, it’s fair to wonder if the Cowboys are heading down a familiar, frustrating path.
The franchise tag is an option, and it might be the safest short-term play. But if Dallas wants to avoid another star walking out the door, they’ll need to act decisively.
Beyond Pickens, the Cowboys are holding two first-round picks-and they’ll need to hit on both if they want to make a serious Super Bowl push. The defense, in particular, needs reinforcements.
Edge rusher is a glaring need, and a player like Auburn’s Keldric Faulk at No. 12 would be a strong start. After that, linebacker or safety help at No. 20 could round out a much-improved unit.
Don’t forget about the free-agent market either. Adding a veteran safety like Jabrill Peppers or a proven corner like Jalen Ramsey could elevate this defense from solid to scary. And if DeMarvion Overshown can stay healthy and give them a full season, that’s another major boost.
The offense is already good. But if the Cowboys can tighten up the defense and resolve the Pickens situation, they’ll be right in the Super Bowl conversation.
Baltimore Ravens: Jesse Minter’s In, and the Window’s Still Wide Open
The Ravens have a new head coach in Jesse Minter, and while it’s a tall order to take a team to the Super Bowl in year one, he’s not starting from scratch. He’s got Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry in the backfield-arguably the most dynamic QB-RB combo in football. That’s a heck of a foundation.
Baltimore’s 2025 season was a rollercoaster. They flashed potential but lacked consistency, especially in the trenches.
The offensive line didn’t hold up well, and Pro Football Focus wasn’t exactly kind in their evaluations. That’s a fixable issue, and the Ravens have the No. 14 overall pick to address it.
If they go O-line, someone like Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane could be the answer. But the draft isn’t deep at guard, so if the board doesn’t fall their way, they might pivot to wide receiver. Pairing a talent like Deebo Samuel with Zay Flowers would give Lamar a legitimate 1-2 punch on the outside.
Defensively, the Ravens need more juice off the edge. Mike Green didn’t deliver in 2025, and the team finished near the bottom of the league in sacks-No. 30, to be exact.
That’s not going to cut it in a division with Joe Burrow and Deshaun Watson. Drafting a pass rusher at No. 14 is definitely on the table.
The Ravens are close. A couple of smart offseason moves-fortifying the line, adding a playmaker, and getting more pressure on opposing quarterbacks-and they’re back in the mix as a legitimate Super Bowl threat.
Kansas City Chiefs: Don’t Call It a Rebuild
Let’s get this out of the way: the Chiefs aren’t broken. They didn’t make the playoffs, but they were in just about every game. A few late-game breaks go their way, and we’re probably not having this conversation.
Still, this wasn’t the Chiefs’ year-even with Patrick Mahomes at the helm. His late-season ACL injury throws a wrench into things, but Mahomes is eyeing a Week 1 return. If he’s even close to full strength, Kansas City will be dangerous.
The offensive line is in good shape, especially if second-year tackle Josh Simmons takes that next step. But the Chiefs need more pop in the backfield and a true No. 2 wideout to complement their passing game.
Free agency could be the answer. A back like Breece Hall or Kenneth Walker III would bring balance to the offense.
Then, in the draft, they could target a receiver like Jordyn Tyson or Carnell Tate to give Mahomes another weapon. If the board doesn’t cooperate, they could flip the plan-take an edge rusher like David Bailey in the first round and sign a veteran like Mike Evans to bolster the receiving corps.
The blueprint is there. Mahomes, Andy Reid, and a few key additions-that’s all it takes to put Kansas City right back in the Super Bowl picture.
The Bottom Line
The Patriots showed us that a quick turnaround is possible if you make the right moves. For the Cowboys, Ravens, and Chiefs, the pieces are already in place. Now it’s about execution-nailing the draft, making smart free-agent signings, and keeping their stars healthy and happy.
If they do that, don’t be surprised if one of these teams is holding the Lombardi Trophy a year from now.