Five NFL teams that could stumble early in 2026 season

The unchecked optimism inherent to a new NFL season might not linger throughout the league much longer.

Hope seldom wavers before Week 1, with teams still clinging to the most optimistic vision of themselves heading into a fresh campaign. But with the opening weeks come several harsh realities that can dismantle any observer's idealized view.

And for some contenders, the early portion of the season could prove severely challenging.

Frontloaded schedules await several of this year's most formidable threats. And while fading in the standings in September hardly defines any franchise's season, it can prompt an all-important self-reflection far earlier than any team might have hoped for.

Whether due to troublesome opening slates or lingering issues – or some combination of the two – here are five NFL teams that could stumble early in the 2026 season:

No team has a more forgiving first two weeks than the Chargers, who host the Cardinals and Raiders to kick things off. Jim Harbaugh's crew needs to uphold its track record of seldom faltering against inferior opponents, however, because a brutal stretch awaits on the other end.

In its next seven games, Los Angeles will take on five playoff teams from 2025, all…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/sports/