These five underrated NFL teams still can make a surge this season
- - These five underrated NFL teams still can make a surge this season
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAYNovember 14, 2025 at 4:32 PM
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These five underrated NFL teams still can make a surge this season
Finding an NFL team that qualifies as underrated isn't easy given the landscape of the league after 10 weeks.
With the trade deadline in the rearview mirror, the league's middle class appears to be thinning out. Only seven teams currently stand either at .500 or one game away in either direction. The league has a solid collection of overachievers setting the pace for the playoff push, as well as established contenders still trying to find their form. On the other end are teams that, regardless of whether they have embraced their cellar status, have little hope left for 2025.
To make the exercise of identifying underrated teams even more difficult, we limited ourselves to those that were outside the top 10 of USA TODAY Sports' latest NFL power rankings. So while the likes of the Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions might be even better than some give them credit for, they're hardly flying under the radar.
Who then qualifies as underrated right now? Here are our five picks of teams that at the very least might be undervalued:
Baltimore Ravens
There's almost no point in judging Baltimore based on its early-season returns. Though the Ravens' 1-5 start still follows them around in the standings, this is almost a completely different operation from the one seen before their Week 7 bye. That's a welcome shift for John Harbaugh and Co. β and one that's tough for the rest of the AFC to stomach.
A defense that started the season as a sieve has found its stride, allowing just 17.5 points per game in the last four contests while also notching eight takeaways. That transformation surely stems in part from a much better health outlook after the unit was severely undermanned in the opening weeks, but putting Kyle Hamilton in the slot upon safety Alohi Gilman's arrival via trade has helped Baltimore create more havoc. The upshot is undeniable: Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry can fall short of world-beater status and the Ravens can still prevail, as was the case in Sunday's 27-19 triumph over the Minnesota Vikings. With four of their next five games coming against teams with three or fewer wins, sure feels as though it will only be a matter of time before this team finds its way back to at least a wild-card spot.
makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fo8okmfdHRvDHl_AjAyGtw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ece3b009de0e7aba961c9dfc2585f6aa class=caas-img data-headline="Best images of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
">Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fo8okmfdHRvDHl_AjAyGtw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ece3b009de0e7aba961c9dfc2585f6aa class=caas-img>
1 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
Houston Texans
Between the rise of the Indianapolis Colts and the Texans' 2-4 start, it was straightforward enough to toss aside the two-time AFC South champions as they continued to be dogged by the same offensive line issues that plagued them throughout 2024. But Sunday's rally to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 36-29 via a 26-0 fourth-quarter run could prove to be an inflection point for this season.
Houston enjoyed a good bit of success deploying jumbo packages in a win over the San Francisco 49ers, but C.J. Stroud was lost to a concussion early the following week in a close loss to the Denver Broncos. But if backup Davis Mills can hold things down for another week against the floundering Tennessee Titans, the Texans might be in position to make a late push. A truly superlative defense that ranks first in yards allowed (261.3 per game) and expected points added per play (-0.18) will keep the team in almost any game. Now, however, the ground game is making headway with rookie Woody Marks leading the charge, and the Nico Collins-led receiving corps is actually being afforded opportunities to do some damage. Rallying all the way back to reclaim the division seems far-fetched, but Houston still has two tilts against the Colts coming up. Don't rule out the team making a run back to the AFC playoff picture.
Minnesota Vikings
Sitting in fourth place in the NFC North is unquestionably a letdown for a franchise that went to great lengths to facilitate a changing of the guard behind center after a 14-win season. And a good deal of unease traces back to J.J. McCarthy and what he has β or hasn't β shown in the first four starts of his career. Yet with a sample size this small for a young quarterback, it's wise to resist sweeping proclamations about both the short and long term.
Even with McCarthy far from fully settled, particularly when operating outside the pocket, Minnesota has found enough of a spark from its second-year signal-caller to power a Week 9 win over the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions. Still, given the passer's bouts of inaccuracy and proclivity for putting the ball in harm's way, there has to be somewhat of a reduced ask for him. That isn't a problem when Minnesota can stay on schedule and play complementary football. But the Vikings also need their defense to provide more of an edge with takeaways, as the unit has generated just nine after collecting 33 a year ago. With better fortune overall on the turnover front, however, the Vikings can keep things simple for McCarthy and reassert their relevance in the NFC.
2. New Orleans Saints β Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xGoR6uX_xTQtqaDDntBs2w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/974dbe52310218ef0b49518f1bf46b41 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Surprise top pick in latest first-round projection" data-caption="
2. New Orleans Saints β Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
">2. New Orleans Saints β Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xGoR6uX_xTQtqaDDntBs2w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/974dbe52310218ef0b49518f1bf46b41 class=caas-img>3. New York Giants β Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/6qvRhGh1UzYRuiF67Qx8tw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2b89206f679920a0cec362ae9de58f1d class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Surprise top pick in latest first-round projection" data-caption="
3. New York Giants β Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
">3. New York Giants β Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/6qvRhGh1UzYRuiF67Qx8tw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2b89206f679920a0cec362ae9de58f1d class=caas-img>
6. Las Vegas Raiders β Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/yHu8UeMBXXe.F4no4ALc7A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c79f5819a1276c9e0b4407e7c8ec0a35 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Surprise top pick in latest first-round projection" data-caption="
6. Las Vegas Raiders β Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)
">6. Las Vegas Raiders β Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/yHu8UeMBXXe.F4no4ALc7A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c79f5819a1276c9e0b4407e7c8ec0a35 class=caas-img>7. Miami Dolphins β Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/R2OAXNlVVPQE8f4MaOPfmA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMTE2/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8a2bc7fa4cca63342afc5260ac49a2bf class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Surprise top pick in latest first-round projection" data-caption="
7. Miami Dolphins β Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
">7. Miami Dolphins β Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/R2OAXNlVVPQE8f4MaOPfmA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMTE2/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8a2bc7fa4cca63342afc5260ac49a2bf class=caas-img>8. Washington Commanders β Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1YB.rggxft7LshqvBaW4hg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/06e6639619e0df586b61a8ce51e1148c class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Surprise top pick in latest first-round projection" data-caption="
8. Washington Commanders β Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
">8. Washington Commanders β Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1YB.rggxft7LshqvBaW4hg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/06e6639619e0df586b61a8ce51e1148c class=caas-img>9. Cincinnati Bengals β Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ajyK0mSSCVOwL7U7KmAkSg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8e5de0b59cb9bc2a4e472fb2db7948bb class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Surprise top pick in latest first-round projection" data-caption="
9. Cincinnati Bengals β Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
">9. Cincinnati Bengals β Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ajyK0mSSCVOwL7U7KmAkSg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8e5de0b59cb9bc2a4e472fb2db7948bb class=caas-img>10. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) β Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/JUBUTcV9vovXEHSEf_i.iQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bc286b7d1c9fcb34f849148c5281a94d class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Surprise top pick in latest first-round projection" data-caption="
10. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) β Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
">10. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) β Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/JUBUTcV9vovXEHSEf_i.iQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bc286b7d1c9fcb34f849148c5281a94d class=caas-img>11. Arizona Cardinals β Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/T3YUygiFHT9pwRia4uyx5w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1b20b32590ee76902a21975f9a9297d0 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Surprise top pick in latest first-round projection" data-caption="
11. Arizona Cardinals β Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.)
">11. Arizona Cardinals β Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (Fla.)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/T3YUygiFHT9pwRia4uyx5w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1b20b32590ee76902a21975f9a9297d0 class=caas-img>12. Dallas Cowboys β David Bailey, OLB, Texas Tech
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zqAAQ7.6om7UEG68lI7BEw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05OTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8e024c634f688a3ada90864f944d5613 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Surprise top pick in latest first-round projection" data-caption="
12. Dallas Cowboys β David Bailey, OLB, Texas Tech
">12. Dallas Cowboys β David Bailey, OLB, Texas Tech
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zqAAQ7.6om7UEG68lI7BEw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05OTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8e024c634f688a3ada90864f944d5613 class=caas-img>13. Baltimore Ravens β T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XoiYkrO3F7fS0dkF5zXJtA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NDI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/adc9b90f7eb03abf6ab2a7206889b756 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Surprise top pick in latest first-round projection" data-caption="
13. Baltimore Ravens β T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson
">13. Baltimore Ravens β T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XoiYkrO3F7fS0dkF5zXJtA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NDI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/adc9b90f7eb03abf6ab2a7206889b756 class=caas-img>
15. Houston Texans β Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/jbAiCOBaaFkJRfeCt7v4jw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzA5/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3fb7be0da17d1ba666ed6d882e822bc6 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Surprise top pick in latest first-round projection" data-caption="
15. Houston Texans β Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
">15. Houston Texans β Olaivavega Ioane, OG, Penn State
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/jbAiCOBaaFkJRfeCt7v4jw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzA5/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3fb7be0da17d1ba666ed6d882e822bc6 class=caas-img>16. Carolina Panthers β Aveion Terrell, CB, Clemson
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/txc23NcloX5PXygBjrcYLA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0zMTc0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/79fac7df0154f21ee4dccab8dc14c608 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Surprise top pick in latest first-round projection" data-caption="
16. Carolina Panthers β Aveion Terrell, CB, Clemson
">16. Carolina Panthers β Aveion Terrell, CB, Clemson
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/txc23NcloX5PXygBjrcYLA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0zMTc0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/79fac7df0154f21ee4dccab8dc14c608 class=caas-img>17. Kansas City Chiefs β Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zLApGciSZ.knQHZgBqgk1g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f12dfa98e13e8f0f130fae4e4b0c299f class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Surprise top pick in latest first-round projection" data-caption="
17. Kansas City Chiefs β Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
">17. Kansas City Chiefs β Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zLApGciSZ.knQHZgBqgk1g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f12dfa98e13e8f0f130fae4e4b0c299f class=caas-img>18. San Francisco 49ers β Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.31bNe727fQXnHJmqsmKhA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NzA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1bf708d70ede4e851729683b08f1320a class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Surprise top pick in latest first-round projection" data-caption="
18. San Francisco 49ers β Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
">18. San Francisco 49ers β Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.31bNe727fQXnHJmqsmKhA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NzA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1bf708d70ede4e851729683b08f1320a class=caas-img>
20. Pittsburgh Steelers β Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3D7QngB.v6SgcizcndCCTQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xOTEx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c3c3c8f1260d7eed6ef5ecd0de8f0c98 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Surprise top pick in latest first-round projection" data-caption="
20. Pittsburgh Steelers β Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
">20. Pittsburgh Steelers β Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3D7QngB.v6SgcizcndCCTQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xOTEx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c3c3c8f1260d7eed6ef5ecd0de8f0c98 class=caas-img>21. Dallas Cowboys β Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/n4yMmNy1bYfFMUgjsaUe.A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f99e41a7cafe79edc706ab6604ad332b class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Surprise top pick in latest first-round projection" data-caption="
21. Dallas Cowboys β Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
">21. Dallas Cowboys β Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/n4yMmNy1bYfFMUgjsaUe.A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f99e41a7cafe79edc706ab6604ad332b class=caas-img>
23. Buffalo Bills β Makai Lemon, WR, USC
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AyuyrwoDMZtLIVhg7.I_DQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8ad4ab863323b591903ce0f398f62839 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Surprise top pick in latest first-round projection" data-caption="
23. Buffalo Bills β Makai Lemon, WR, USC
">23. Buffalo Bills β Makai Lemon, WR, USC
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AyuyrwoDMZtLIVhg7.I_DQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8ad4ab863323b591903ce0f398f62839 class=caas-img>
25. Detroit Lions β Matayo Uiagalelei, DE, Oregon
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/cus7ca__uPjg0T5sQob4mg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9535c605f9e12c416a78c4dfccbba7db class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Surprise top pick in latest first-round projection" data-caption="
25. Detroit Lions β Matayo Uiagalelei, DE, Oregon
">25. Detroit Lions β Matayo Uiagalelei, DE, Oregon
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/cus7ca__uPjg0T5sQob4mg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9535c605f9e12c416a78c4dfccbba7db class=caas-img>
27. Los Angeles Rams β Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1s4wHrnBc.cVN0sKKT1OTg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/08b410416cded8ea8495d8f4c10eef39 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Surprise top pick in latest first-round projection" data-caption="
27. Los Angeles Rams β Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
">27. Los Angeles Rams β Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1s4wHrnBc.cVN0sKKT1OTg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/08b410416cded8ea8495d8f4c10eef39 class=caas-img>28. New England Patriots β Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rY7hYWiLWiGpwQJY2gHqMg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3e25b5491d60ac73aeb973ea88def365 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Surprise top pick in latest first-round projection" data-caption="
28. New England Patriots β Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
">28. New England Patriots β Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
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30. Denver Broncos β Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/6gMY.ajRaH02c2DkBhxNcg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f2a8166c34fe9a3e4238b8dd387a106c class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Surprise top pick in latest first-round projection" data-caption="
30. Denver Broncos β Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
">30. Denver Broncos β Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
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1 / 322026 NFL mock draft: Surprise top pick in latest first-round projection1. Tennessee Titans β Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio StateCincinnati Bengals
It's easy to dunk on Cincinnati for a defense that's on track for historic levels of ineptitude, with the unit on track to break the record β held by last year's Carolina Panthers β for most points surrendered in a single season. And with consecutive collapses to the New York Jets and Chicago Bears that underscored how singularly ineffective they are in stopping anyone, the Bengals also seemed ready to be written off. But that's probably still premature for a team with this ceiling.
Simply put, there aren't any other teams with three or fewer wins that can match Cincinnati in firepower, with the offense having averaged 32.8 points per game in Joe Flacco's four starts since being traded to the team. Things can't get much worse for the error-prone defense, so any progress in cleaning up the rampant missed tackles might make a world of difference. So, too, would having starting rookie linebackers Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter better trigger against the run. But the real reason for hope is the layout of the AFC North, which comprises a flawed foursome of teams. The Bengals have already beaten the Pittsburgh Steelers once and could score an all-important sweep on Sunday, though they'll likely have to do so without injured edge rushers Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart. If they manage that, then the two looming contests against the Ravens take on added significance, especially with Joe Burrow eyeing a return in the first tilt on Thanksgiving night. The path to making
Atlanta Falcons
Things certainly seem to be getting dire for a franchise that's tied for the second-longest active playoff drought at seven seasons. Riding a four-game losing streak, the Falcons are staring down the likelihood of again falling short of the postseason, which could prompt some difficult decisions for owner Arthur Blank, who said this summer he's "impatient to win." Still, Atlanta is probably somewhere closer to the NFC's middle class than its 3-6 record indicates.
Third downs have been the offense's undoing, with the Falcons ranking 29th in conversion rate after going 0-for-8 in a 31-25 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Berlin. Getting to more manageable outlooks in that setting could yield massive improvement and also place less stress on volatile second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr., whose inability to work the middle of the field has severely limited an Atlanta attack that has failed to even approach lofty preseason expectations. There's still enough talent for a late-season surge, though, and an upcoming three-game stretch against the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints and New York Jets could help the Falcons put things together after near misses against two of the AFC's best in the Colts and New England Patriots. Don't count on the postseason drought ending, but Atlanta has a chance to finally start delivering on its promise.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL's most underrated teams? Ravens, Texans still show promise
Source: βAOL Sportsβ
