2025-26 NFL Season Recap: In-Depth Analysis and Future Outlook for All Teams

The 2025-26 NFL season has concluded, with the Seattle Seahawks crowned as champions after 157 days of fierce competition. The Lombardi Trophy now resides in Seattle, while the Las Vegas Raiders are poised with the No. 1 overall pick for the upcoming draft, possibly selecting quarterback Fernando Mendoza. A notable aspect of this season was the significant turnover in coaching, as 10 teams welcomed new head coaches.

2025-26 NFL Season Analysis for All Teams

This analysis will provide an in-depth look at each team’s performance during the season, ranked according to their draft order for 2026.

Las Vegas Raiders

• The Raiders had a challenging year, finishing with only three wins under head coach Pete Carroll.
• After starting with a victory over the AFC champion New England Patriots, the team struggled significantly.
• Interceptions led the league, and defensive issues persisted, ultimately landing them the No. 1 pick.

New York Jets

• The Jets began the season with a seven-game losing streak, showcasing multiple close losses.
• They concluded the season with a five-game losing streak, producing zero interceptions defensively.
• Head coach Aaron Glenn dismissed eight assistants following a disappointing first season.

Arizona Cardinals

• Kyler Murray struggled, leading to his benching early in the season.
• Jacoby Brissett’s performance was far from adequate, completing only one game out of twelve.
• Defensive collapses marred their season, leading to another lackluster year.

Tennessee Titans

• The Titans’ season hit a low point with the firing of head coach Brian Callahan and a disappointing record.
• New coach Robert Saleh hopes to revitalize the team’s fortunes and skill set.

New York Giants

• Quarterback Jaxson Dart emerged as a bright spot despite setbacks throughout the year.
• Coach Brian Daboll was let go due to concerns over safeguarding future talent amidst injuries.

Cleveland Browns

• A tumultuous season saw significant changes, including the departure of head coach Kevin Stefanski.
• The Browns struggled largely due to prior contract issues and overall lack of team coherence.

Washington Commanders

• The team fell short after a promising start, largely due to injuries to key personnel.
• With few draft resources, they look to recover from a disappointing campaign.

New Orleans Saints

• They struggled under the untested combination of head coach Kellen Moore and rookie quarterback Tyler Shough.
• A late-season upswing offered hope, but long-term prospects remain uncertain.

Kansas City Chiefs

• An off-year for the Chiefs led to a disappointing campaign without a playoff appearance.
• Injuries and inconsistency plagued their roster throughout the year.

Cincinnati Bengals

• The season was marked by injuries to quarterback Joe Burrow and an underperforming defense.
• Opposing teams managed to exploit weaknesses in the Bengals’ overall strategy.

Miami Dolphins

• The team underwent significant shifts, including a mid-season coaching change and quarterback switch.
• Despite a strong finish, the Dolphins ultimately finished below expectations.

Dallas Cowboys

• The Cowboys showcased a powerful offense but struggled defensively, resulting in another mediocre season.
• Injuries and roster inconsistencies led to their lack of playoff success.

Atlanta Falcons

• Coach Raheem Morris’s era ended with inconsistent performances and a lack of decision-making clarity.
• The Falcons are searching for stability as they prepare for the future.

Baltimore Ravens

• The season concluded with a playoff miss, igniting discussions about a coaching overhaul for the Ravens.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Injuries and poor performances derailed the Buccaneers after a promising start.
• Offensive adjustments are anticipated to enhance the team’s competitive edge moving forward.

Indianapolis Colts

• The Colts started strong but failed to capitalize, resulting in a dismal finish with no wins post-bye week.

Detroit Lions

• The Lions failed to secure crucial wins despite a talented roster, focusing on improving their defense this offseason.

Minnesota Vikings

• A rollercoaster season characterized by erratic performances ended with a slightly above .500 record.

Carolina Panthers

• The Panthers narrowly made the playoffs with an 8-9 record, showcasing a lack of growth.

Green Bay Packers

• Another year of mediocrity for the Packers, ending in another playoff disappointment without significant advancement.

Pittsburgh Steelers

• This season might mark the end of an era following Mike Tomlin’s resignation after minimal playoff achievements.

Los Angeles Chargers

• Despite a promising start, an offensive line collapse hindered the Chargers’ postseason aspirations.

Philadelphia Eagles

• The Eagles’ inconsistency was evident as they stumbled early and canceled their chances with late-season decisions.

Jacksonville Jaguars

• Head coach Liam Coen successfully turned the Jaguars into formidable competitors, marking them as rising contenders.

Chicago Bears

• In their first season under Ben Johnson, the Bears enjoyed playoff success and improved overall team performance.

Buffalo Bills

• A difficult season ended in disappointment, leading to organizational changes as they seek postseason success.

San Francisco 49ers

• Misfortunes can’t overshadow a resilient year for the 49ers as they remain competitive in the NFC West.

Houston Texans

• The Texans reached the playoffs but faced a disappointing end due to quarterback struggles in critical moments.

Los Angeles Rams

• An unexpected resurgence propelled the Rams to an MVP season under Matthew Stafford, yet defensive issues hindered their journey.

Denver Broncos

• Although they had a strong season, injuries in critical games proved costly during playoff contention.

New England Patriots

• The Patriots thrived in a favorable schedule, showcasing immense potential through quarterback Drake Maye’s performance.

Seattle Seahawks

• The Seahawks thrived as a cohesive unit, identified as the strongest team of the season.

As the NFL enters an offseason filled with uncertainty and opportunity, teams will focus on rebuilding through drafts, trades, and coaching decisions to improve their standing in the upcoming 2026 season.