With only a few weeks left of NFL games until August, it’s time to take a look ahead to the teams that underachieved this season but are set up to take big steps forward next season. These five teams are all more talented than their records this past season indicated, and here is why they will all bounce back and improve next season.
New York Giants
Aug 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) warms up before the game against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images
The Giants have some big names on their defensive front and also have one of the league’s most exciting young quarterbacks in Jaxson Dart. When you add a brand new Super Bowl-winning head coach to the mix in John Harbaugh, things immediately improve.
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The Giants future success goes way beyond that, though. The return of Malik Nabers will have a massive impact on this offense, as will the return of running back Cam Skateboo. The Giants should also be able to improve in the draft and via free agency, setting them up for what should be a much better 2026/2027 season.
Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) looks to make a pass during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium. Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
If not for Joe Burrow missing most of the season, the Bengals could have easily won the weak AFC North division. Burrow is arguably a top-three quarterback in the NFL, and when he did suit up this season, the Bengals offense was one of the best in the league.
Expect them to make improvements to their defense through the draft and be a much more competitive team next season. One thing they will need to address as well is their offensive line, so that they can protect Joe Burrow better and keep him healthy.
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Atlanta Falcons
Nov 16, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws the ball in the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The Falcons were exciting early on this season, and they played great football to end the season as well. They have a very exciting offense that is loaded with star players, and the return of Michael Penix Jr. should only improve their chances.
They hired Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach, who should be a great fit for them, and also give Stefanski a chance to prove what he can do with a talented offense, something he was never given in Cleveland. The Falcons defense was much improved last season and should only continue to improve heading into next season.
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) reacts during a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium, Dec 21, 2025, East Rutherford, NJ, USA
The Vikings got off to a horrible start this season and dug themselves such a deep hole that they couldn’t climb out of. Based on how well they finished the season, though, there is hope that they can get back to being a playoff team in the NFC next season.
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They have a very talented defense, one of the best offensive minds at head coach, and one of the best wide receivers in the league as well. Keeping JJ McCarthy healthy will be very important, but the Vikings could also look to bring in a veteran quarterback to not only push McCarthy but also as insurance in the event that McCarthy gets hurt again or just doesn’t perform well enough.
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) rushes the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium.
The Ravens entered this season as one of the Super Bowl favorites and ended up being the most disappointing team in the league. Lamar Jackson couldn’t stay healthy, the defense struggled for most of the season, and the wide receiving corps underwhelmed.
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They moved on from John Harbaugh this offseason and hired Jesse Minter, who was one of the hottest names on the market. Bringing in a great offensive coordinator to work with the multiple-time MVP award winner, Lamar Jackson, is the team’s next mission. Keeping Jackson healthy, adding another big WR weapon, and getting some fresh blood on the sidelines coaching should lead to a much more successful 2026/2027 season.
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