The wait is over, and the NFL is entering a much more demanding stage. With the start of the 2026 preseason, the first real evaluations will begin to show which teams are prepared to compete for the Super Bowl and which still have too many questions to answer

Among the biggest contenders are the Kansas City Chiefs, who remain a safe bet as long as Patrick Mahomes stays healthy. The quarterback's presence keeps Kansas City among the league's most dangerous teams, especially if the offensive line can provide stability.

The Philadelphia Eagles remain one of the league's biggest wild cards. Their ceiling is extremely high and they have enough talent to compete for everything, but questions remain about their consistency and whether Nick Sirianni can keep the team on course throughout the season.

The Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks also stand out as two of the NFC's biggest powers. The two teams are difficult to separate, with the Rams gaining attention amid reports of a potential Aaron Donald return, while Seattle enters the season with the momentum of having won the most recent Super Bowl.

The Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens cannot be overlooked either, although both are entering new coaching eras with Joe Brady and Jesse Minter. The major question will be whether those changes can help their star quarterbacks, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, finally take the next step.

Meanwhile, the Houston Texans, Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Chargers must prove they have the pieces to become legitimate contenders. Denver and Jacksonville are also under the spotlight after exceeding expectations last season.

Random Fact 

Patrick Mahomes has helped turn the Chiefs into one of the NFL's most consistent teams of the modern era. His presence alone makes Kansas City a perennial contender, even after a difficult season.

WATCH beIN SPORTS XTRA LIVE FOR FREE ON YOUTUBE