As the 2026 NFL season approaches, several franchises are positioning themselves as strong candidates to snap long postseason absences. The New York Jets and New Orleans Saints are among the teams analysts at NFL.com and CBS Sports have highlighted as most likely to end their respective playoff droughts. The Jets have made significant offseason moves, while the Saints have revamped their coaching staff after years of inconsistency following the Drew Brees era.
Historically, drought-ending playoff runs often coincide with either a franchise quarterback finding his footing or a defense reaching its collective peak. For teams like the Jets, the pressure to deliver results is compounded by a passionate fan base and a large media market. CBS Sports analyst Bryan DeArdo noted that the Knicks’ recent NBA championship victory could provide motivational fuel for other New York-area franchises. The 2026 regular season kicks off in September, and the race for playoff spots in both conferences promises to be fiercely competitive.
Source: NFL.com, CBS Sports – June 2026
