The Los Angeles Rams are quietly positioning themselves for a run at NFC supremacy in 2026, and the landscape of the conference is making their path clearer by the day. While L.A. works to avoid their own regression, several key rivals appear poised for a step back. Let's break down four NFC teams that could stumble this season.

Chicago Bears

The Bears silenced doubters last season, capturing the NFC North crown and coming within a whisker of the NFC Championship game. But 2026 brings a much steeper climb, starting with the league's toughest strength of schedule. The real concern, however, lies in how Chicago won those games. Seven of their 12 victories came when they trailed in the final two minutes — the most by any team since the AFL/NFL merger. That's both remarkable and, frankly, unsustainable. While Ben Johnson's squad has talent and confidence after snapping a 15-year playoff win drought, teams that rely on late-game heroics rarely replicate that magic year after year. Expect a rougher ride in the Windy City.

Seattle Seahawks

The cost of being defending Super Bowl champions is real, and Seattle is feeling it. The offseason exodus has been significant, with key departures that will test the team's depth. While the Seahawks remain the class of the NFC — too talented to fall off completely — asking for a second straight 14-win season is a tall order. They're still the team to beat, but the road to a repeat will be bumpier than last year's smooth ride.

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers find themselves on this list for reasons that go beyond the field. While talent remains, questions about chemistry and consistency linger. In a conference that's getting more competitive by the week, San Francisco will need to prove they can keep pace without the same margin for error they've enjoyed in recent seasons.