NFL teams projected to improve significantly in 2026
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 27, 2026, 12:17 PM
Last updated Aug 27, 2026

As the NFL preseason wraps up, analysts predict that several teams will show drastic improvements in the upcoming 2026 season. The Detroit Lions, coming off a 9-8 record in 2025, have the second-easiest strength of schedule, indicating potential for better outcomes. The Kansas City Chiefs, who finished 6-11 in 2025, faced a difficult season plagued by injuries and a record of 1-9 in close games. Despite this, the Chiefs have added Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III, which could bolster their chances for a rebound.
- •Lions finished 2025 with a 9-8 record.
- •Chiefs struggled in 2025 with a 6-11 record.
- •Kansas City signed running back Kenneth Walker III for added support.
- •Lions had the second-easiest strength of schedule for 2026.
- •Injuries significantly impacted the Chiefs' performance last season.
- 12:17 PMYahoo Sports — Prediction: Which NFL teams will be drastically improved in 2026
"The projected strength of schedule for the Lions gives them the second-easiest path in the NFL
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Oct 18, 2026, 12:20 PMBold predictions for Sunday Night Football NFL Week 6: Cowboys vs Packers
NFL•Oct 18, 2026, 11:47 AMIs Chris Olave playing today? Injury update, fantasy advice for Saints WR in Week 6
NFL•Oct 18, 2026, 11:45 AMWhy Micah Parsons didn't prioritize facing Cowboys in return from injury
NFL•Oct 18, 2026, 11:45 AMWill Campbell, TreVeyon Henderson ‘likely’ to play against Jets, per report
NFL•Oct 18, 2026, 11:30 AMWeek 6 fantasy rankings: Patrick Mahomes ranked as eighth-best QB- NFL•Oct 18, 2026, 11:19 AMPatriots Make Major A.J. Brown Decision Before Jets Showdown
