2026 Season: Which Eliminated Team Will Take the Next Step?

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Assessing Next Season's Super Bowl Potential Among Recently Eliminated NFL Teams

The four NFL teams eliminated last week—the Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, and Chicago Bears—each face unique challenges as they aim for a potential Super Bowl appearance next season. The Bears, having experienced a somewhat magical season, are expected to remain in rebuilding mode due to the high but possibly unrepeatable success they encountered. The 49ers struggled significantly with injuries, and disappointing developments with key players such as Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle make their immediate future uncertain.

Amid these scenarios, the spotlight turns to the Houston Texans as a team with a credible shot at making a strong playoff run, potentially leading to the Super Bowl. The Texans' formidable defense and promising young talents such as Jaden Higgins give the team a solid foundation. However, improvements are crucial, particularly concerning the offensive line's protection for quarterback CJ Strout. Enhancing the offensive line could significantly elevate the team's performance, leveraging their soft division and strong defense to possibly make a deep playoff run.

In contrast, the Buffalo Bills are undergoing significant changes with a new coach and potential shifts in their offensive strategy, introducing uncertainties in their trajectory. Meanwhile, questions of potential regression loom large for the Bears in the upcoming season due to rising expectations and the natural ebb and flow of tight game outcomes. The Bears might face challenges in replicating their previous success, especially with ongoing adjustments within the team dynamics.

As the new NFL season approaches, these teams will undoubtedly continue to adjust and strategize, aiming to overcome the hurdles of the past season and capitalize on their strengths. For fans and analysts alike, monitoring these developments will be key to understanding each team's realistic chances of advancing to the Super Bowl.