Three Non-Playoff Teams That Could Make a Patriots-Style Leap in 2026
The New England Patriots just pulled off one of the most dramatic turnarounds in recent memory-going from 4-13 in 2024 to punching their ticket to Super Bowl 61. That kind of leap isn’t just about magic; it’s about smart roster moves, the right coaching hire, and a little bit of belief.
And as we look ahead to 2026, there are a few non-playoff teams that are quietly assembling the pieces to do something similar. Let’s break down three squads that might just pull a Patriots and crash the Super Bowl party.
Dallas Cowboys: The Pickens Puzzle and Defensive Overhaul
Everything in Dallas right now revolves around one question: Will the Cowboys get a deal done with George Pickens?
With Pickens in the lineup, this offense has the firepower to hang 30 points on just about anyone. Without him?
They’re still dangerous, but not quite the same top-tier threat. The Cowboys haven’t started contract talks with Pickens’ camp, and while that’s not a red flag just yet, the memory of last offseason looms large.
The team dragged its feet on Micah Parsons, and that ended with a trade. That’s not a road they want to go down again.
The franchise tag is an option, but ideally, Dallas locks Pickens up long-term and builds around him. Because with Pickens stretching the field, Dak Prescott-or whoever’s under center-has a true WR1 to lean on.
But it’s not just about Pickens. Dallas holds two first-round picks, and how they use them could define their 2026 season.
Edge rusher is the most glaring need, and landing a player like Auburn’s Keldric Faulk at No. 12 would be a major step forward. At No. 20, linebacker becomes a smart target, depending on how the board shakes out.
The defense needs reinforcements, plain and simple. Adding a playmaker in the secondary-say, a veteran like Jabrill Peppers or Jalen Ramsey-would go a long way toward tightening things up on the back end.
And getting a full season from DeMarvion Overshown would be a major bonus. The Cowboys' defense had flashes last year, but consistency was a problem.
That can’t happen again if they want to take the next step.
There’s no question the talent is there. If the Cowboys hit on their draft picks and shore up the defense, they’re not just a playoff team-they’re a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
Baltimore Ravens: Built to Bounce Back
Jesse Minter steps in as the new head coach, and while it’s a lot to ask for a first-year guy to make a deep playoff run, Minter has a huge advantage: Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are already in the building.
The Ravens were up and down in 2025, but the roster is still loaded with talent. The offensive line needs attention-it didn’t hold up well last season-but that’s fixable.
With the No. 14 pick in the draft, Baltimore could target someone like Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane, though the draft class isn’t deep at that position. If a quality guard isn’t there, pivoting to a wide receiver makes sense.
That decision will also shape their free agency strategy. The WR market isn’t stacked, but if the Ravens could land someone like Deebo Samuel, it would give Lamar a dynamic duo alongside Zay Flowers. That’s the kind of move that could elevate the offense from good to dangerous.
Defensively, the Ravens have some work to do-especially up front. The pass rush was nearly nonexistent last year, finishing 30th in the league in sacks.
Mike Green didn’t deliver what was expected, and unless he takes a step forward, Baltimore needs to find help off the edge. That could come with their first-round pick if the right player is on the board.
Bottom line: the Ravens don’t need a full rebuild. They need a few smart moves. If they can patch up the offensive line, add a playmaker on the outside, and bring some heat on defense, they’ll be right back in the thick of the AFC race.
Kansas City Chiefs: Still Dangerous, Still Mahomes
Let’s get this out of the way: the Chiefs aren’t broken.
Yes, they missed the playoffs. But this wasn’t some dramatic collapse-it was a season of close calls and late-game stumbles.
A handful of plays go the other way, and we’re talking about another postseason run. Even with Patrick Mahomes at less than 100%, Kansas City was in the mix.
Now, Mahomes is coming off a December ACL injury, but he’s eyeing a Week 1 return. That’s huge. If he’s ready to go without restrictions, the Chiefs are immediately back in the Super Bowl conversation.
The offensive line is in solid shape, especially if Josh Simmons takes a leap in his second season. But the offense needs more juice. A dynamic running back and a legitimate No. 2 receiver are at the top of the shopping list.
Free agency could provide a solution in the backfield. Players like Breece Hall or Kenneth Walker III would give the Chiefs the kind of ground game that forces defenses to stay honest. That, in turn, opens up the passing game-and that’s where Mahomes does his damage.
At receiver, the draft could be the answer. If a player like Jordyn Tyson or Carnell Tate is available, Kansas City should pounce. If not, they might pivot to an edge rusher like David Bailey and look to free agency for a veteran wideout-someone like Mike Evans, who can still win one-on-one matchups.
The Chiefs don’t need a full reset. They need a few tweaks. And with Andy Reid still calling the shots and Mahomes back under center, they’ll be a problem for anyone come January.
Final Word
The Patriots reminded us this year that the NFL is built for turnarounds. With the right moves, a team can go from bottom-feeder to Super Bowl threat in 12 months.
The Cowboys, Ravens, and Chiefs all have the pieces-or the potential-to make that kind of leap in 2026. It’s just a matter of how they play their cards this offseason.