Every NFL season introduces a new wave of contenders, and surprise leaps to the top. Teams that were once on the fringe suddenly break through, fueled by young quarterbacks, improved rosters, and the natural progression that comes with development.
Heading into the 2026 season, several teams are perfectly positioned to make that jump from “interesting” to legitimate contenders. Whether it’s a second-year quarterback, a revamped roster, a key addition, or simply untapped potential, these five teams are ready to take a leap.
🟢 Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers quietly built one of the most exciting young cores in football over the past few seasons. Are they ready to make the leap?
Jordan Love showed flashes of high-level play, especially late in the season, and he’s surrounded by a group of young, ascending playmakers. Matthew Golden looks to make a sophomore jump, and using a recent first-round pick to draft him shows the Packers are willing to be patient with a player they believe has potential. Not to mention the dedication to improving the defense after adding Micah Parsons from the Cowboys.
With another year of chemistry and player development, Green Bay has all the ingredients to make a serious leap in the NFC.
🔵 Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are one of the biggest wild cards in the league, the leap is large but possible…
It all comes down to Daniel Jones. His athleticism and playmaking ability give Indianapolis a ceiling few teams can match. The playmaking ability of the QB makes the whole field open up for Jonathan Taylor and the newly resigned Alec Pierce. If the defense can put some pieces together and player progression moves in a positive way, this team will be a problem for anyone standing in their way.
If he takes a step forward as a passer and stays healthy, the Colts could transform into one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL.
🟠 Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are loaded with young talent and trending upward.
With improved weapons, a developing defense, and a clearer identity, in Chicago, the leap to greatness is closer than people think. If their quarterback situation stabilizes and the offense finds consistency, this team could make a major jump. Ben Johnson did everything he could to transform the Bears in one season, and he took them further than anyone outside of that building believed they could go. Caleb Williams showed he is as clutch as they come, after trading DJ Moore to the Bills for a 2nd round pick in 2026. This shows they are content with their younger receivers, such as Luther Burden and Rome Odunze, and their progression as players in the NFL.
The foundation is there—it’s now about putting it all together, and a little luck always helps and could be the missing piece to the Bears bringing home a Super Bowl title.
🔴 Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons have quietly assembled one of the most intriguing offensive rosters in football.
With elite young weapons and improving quarterback play, Atlanta is built to take a step forward. The biggest question is consistency—but if things click, the Falcons could surprise a lot of people in 2026. Hiring Head Coach Kevin Stefanski should help this high-powered offense improve, as he showed flashes with a sub-par browns offense over his stint as the HC in Cleveland.
The defense continues to be an issue for the Falcons, as now they are without a 1st round pick in the 2026 draft, and also James Pierce Jr. is facing legal issues that could keep him out of the entire season or some of the 2026 season. The defense needs a lot of help, but the offense is primed for greatness.
🔵 Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are one of the most obvious “leap” candidates.
With Justin Herbert, the talent has never been the issue—it’s been consistency and coaching. Hence, the arrival of Jim Harbaugh, if the system finally matches the talent, the Chargers could make a massive jump in 2026. Injuries were also a huge issue for the Chargers in 2025 as their 1st round pick, Omarion Hampton, was injured and out for a significant time. More time and a full offseason for Hampton will help his development in becoming the featured back in this offense.
The defense may need some help, but with a mix of veteran and young talent, they should be able to scheme up some turnovers to help this offense take control of games. The bigger leap for this team is definitely on the defensive side of the ball, and I expect some more additions before training camp begins.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Every season, a handful of teams make “the leap”—and it’s usually driven by one thing: quarterback growth.
The Chargers, Packers, and Bears all have young QBs with massive upside. The Colts and Falcons have built strong foundations that are ready to translate into wins.
Not all five will break through—but history tells us at least a couple will.
