NFL analysts identify five teams facing challenging starts to 2026 season
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 12:18 PM
Last updated Sep 8, 2026
Several NFL contenders face significant obstacles as the 2026 season opens, potentially forcing early adjustments to team strategies. The Los Angeles Chargers face a demanding schedule after their first two games, with five playoff teams from the previous year appearing in their subsequent seven matchups. Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady must navigate a difficult initial five-week stretch against four 2025 playoff participants while implementing defensive changes under coordinator Jim Leonhard. Meanwhile, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton attempts to correct a trend of slow September starts. The Broncos transition to first-time play-caller Davis Webb despite maintaining an elite offensive line. These early-season hurdles could force teams to prioritize mid-season improvement to remain in playoff contention throughout the remainder of the year.
- •Los Angeles Chargers face five 2025 playoff teams within a seven-game mid-season stretch.
- •Buffalo Bills play four 2025 playoff teams and the Lions during the first five weeks.
- •Sean Payton holds a 4-7 record in September during his tenure with the Denver Broncos.
- •Davis Webb assumes play-calling duties for the Denver Broncos for the first time.
- •Jim Leonhard implements a new defensive scheme for the Buffalo Bills this season.
- 12:18 PMYahoo Sports — Five NFL teams that could race to strong starts in 2026 season
- 11:27 AMYahoo Sports — Five NFL teams that could stumble early in 2026 season
"A September surge isn't always indicative of a team's full-season performance, but these five NFL teams could be poised to start strong this season.
"Which NFL teams could be in for an early-season stumble? These five teams could trip up due to their opening schedules and other issues.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 8, 2026, 12:18 PMFive NFL teams that could race to strong starts in 2026 season
A September surge isn't always indicative of a team's full-season performance, but these five NFL teams could be poised to start strong this season.
- Yahoo SportsSep 7, 2026, 11:27 AMFive NFL teams that could stumble early in 2026 season
Which NFL teams could be in for an early-season stumble? These five teams could trip up due to their opening schedules and other issues.
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