Gordon McGuinness

Cam Ward showed late-season growth: The rookie quarterback improved throughout 2025 and enters Year 2 as the centerpiece of Tennessee ‘s rebuild.

Quarterback competition takes center stage: Michael Penix Jr. is returning from a season-ending knee injury, giving Tua Tagovailoa the early edge after Atlanta added him this offseason.

Bryce Young faces a pivotal season: Young has earned a PFF grade above 70.0 in consecutive years, but Carolina will likely need to see more before committing to him beyond his fifth-year option in 2027.

Jaylen Waddle adds another dimension: Waddle has earned PFF receiving grades above 80.0 in three of the past four seasons and gives Denver a speed complement to Courtland Sutton.

All 32 teams are covered: PFF's 2026 NFL season preview hub links to a full breakdown of every team, including roster strengths, concerns, key additions and breakout candidates.

Denver opens at No. 1: The Broncos return all five starters from PFF's top-ranked 2025 offensive line, led by Garett Bolles and Quinn Meinerz.

Kedon Slovis earns Quarterback of the Week: The Cardinals quarterback completed seven of nine passes for 75 yards with two big-time throws and no turnover-worthy plays.

Rams claim the top spot: Los Angeles added Myles Garrett to a defensive line that ranked second in PFF grade last season, pairing him with Byron Young and Kobie Turner.

Star quarterbacks offer plenty of optimism: Josh Allen Lamar Jackson Patrick Mahomes , Trevor Lawrence and other quarterbacks headline the reasons their teams can feel confident entering 2026.

Young players headline the breakout list: Walter Nolen Deone Walker and Dylan Fairchild are among the second-year players positioned to take another step in 2026.