As another thrilling NFL season comes to an end, the ultimate goal for every team remains the same – to make it to the Super Bowl. This dream may seem unrealistic for some, but it is the driving force for every team, regardless of their previous performance. While 14 lucky teams out of 32 made it to the playoffs and had a shot at the coveted championship, the other 18 teams saw their seasons come to an early end. However, this disappointment has only fueled their determination to come back stronger and make a run for the Super Bowl in 2026. These are the worst-to-first candidates who are already eyeing a successful comeback in the next season.
The 2021 NFL season was full of surprises, with underdog teams rising to the occasion and established powerhouses faltering. The unpredictability of the league has given hope to every team, regardless of their current standings. With the right strategies and a bit of luck, any team has the potential to turn their fortunes around and reach the Super Bowl.
One such team that has been the talk of the town is the Cleveland Browns. After years of underperforming, the Browns finally broke their playoff drought and made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2002. Led by star quarterback Baker Mayfield, the Browns have shown tremendous improvement and have a talented roster that can take them all the way. Despite their loss in the divisional round, the Browns have gained valuable experience and have the potential to make a run for the Super Bowl in the upcoming seasons.
The Miami Dolphins are another team that has caught everyone’s attention. After finishing with a disappointing 5-11 record in the previous season, the Dolphins bounced back and narrowly missed out on a playoff spot with a 10-6 record. With a young and promising quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins have laid the foundation for a successful future. They have a solid defense and are only a few pieces away from becoming a playoff-caliber team. The Dolphins have certainly emerged as strong contenders for the Super Bowl in the near future.
The Arizona Cardinals have also shown great potential this season. Despite a strong start, the Cardinals faltered in the second half of the season and missed out on the playoffs. However, with an explosive offense led by dynamic quarterback Kyler Murray and exciting playmakers like DeAndre Hopkins and Christian Kirk, the Cardinals have the firepower to make a strong comeback in 2026. Their young and talented core will only get better with experience, and they have the potential to surprise everyone and make a run for the Super Bowl.
The New York Giants are another team that has their eyes set on a Super Bowl run. Although they finished with a disappointing 6-10 record this season, the Giants showed flashes of brilliance and have a solid foundation in place. With rising star quarterback Daniel Jones at the helm, the Giants have a bright future ahead. They also have a strong defense and a promising head coach in Joe Judge, who has instilled a winning mentality in the team. With some key additions in the offseason, the Giants could become a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming seasons.
The Los Angeles Chargers are another team that has been trending upwards. Despite a 7-9 record, the Chargers have shown significant improvement and have a young and talented roster. Quarterback Justin Herbert has been a standout performer in his rookie season and has the potential to become a franchise quarterback. The Chargers also have a dynamic offense and a solid defense, making them a dangerous team to face. With the right moves in the offseason, the Chargers could become a surprise package and make a run for the Super Bowl in the near future.
The Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, and Denver Broncos are other potential worst-to-first candidates for the 2026 season. These teams have all shown flashes of brilliance and have talented players who are capable of leading their teams to the Super Bowl. With the right strategies and a bit of luck, any of these teams could turn their fortunes around and become serious contenders.
In a league as competitive as the NFL, anything is possible. The 2021 season has shown that any team can rise from the bottom and make a successful comeback. These worst-to-first candidates have the talent, determination, and drive to achieve their ultimate goal – to win the Super Bowl. While it may seem like an unrealistic dream for some, for these teams, it is only a matter of time before they make
