The NFC is shaping up to be a battlefield in 2026, and after looking at some regression candidates, it's time to focus on the teams poised for a rebound. For the Los Angeles Rams and the rest of the conference, these squads could spell trouble. From the Lions roaring back to contention to the Eagles looking to smooth out their rough edges, here are four NFC teams ready to make some serious noise this season.

Detroit Lions
The Lions experienced a rollercoaster 2025 season after losing coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn. Despite finishing with a winning record, Dan Campbell's squad found itself at the bottom of the NFC North—a surprising fall for a team that had won the division two years in a row. This offseason, Detroit made a savvy move by hiring Drew Petzing as offensive coordinator, a coach who earned high praise from Johnson himself. While the team had a quiet offseason, they only lost a few key pieces like David Montgomery, DJ Reader, Alex Anzalone, and Amik Robertson. The NFL has a short memory, but Lions fans know this roster is still one of the best in the conference. Don't count them out just yet—they're built to contend.

Philadelphia Eagles
It feels strange to call the Eagles a "rebound candidate" when they've won the NFC East in back-to-back years, but 2025 wasn't their finest hour. They lost four of their last seven games, yet still managed to snag the No. 3 seed. The good news? Philadelphia has the NFL's easiest schedule for a first-place team this season. Since the league added the 17th game in 2021, teams in that position have averaged 10.6 wins per year, according to CBS Sports. Of course, drama is never far away in the City of Brotherly Love. Questions about Jalen Hurts' leadership and the ongoing A.J. Brown saga have kept headlines buzzing. But general manager Howie Roseman has already started solving problems, drafting USC wideout Makai Lemon as Brown's potential replacement. With a favorable schedule and a roster loaded with talent, the Eagles are set to soar again.