3 Super Bowl LXI dark horse candidates to keep an eye on in 2026

We all have a fairly solid idea about who the top list of Super Bowl LXI contenders are as we enter the summer, but each season, there are always a few surprises. Let's take a look at a few teams that you surely don't expect to make the Super Bowl next year, but could make some noise if things go as planned.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Last season was the first in Todd Bowles' four-year tenure in Tampa Bay in which the Buccaneers failed to make the playoffs, and the first time the franchise missed the postseason altogether since 2019.

The Buccaneers were off to a hot 6-2 start last year, but were plagued by injuries. If Baker Mayfield stays healthy and Emeka Egbuka continues to emerge, expect a competitive Tampa Bay team.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts started 8-2 before the bye week last year and looked like one of the hottest teams in the AFC. Then they finished 0-7 and missed the playoffs.

Before Daniel Jones was injured in Week 14, the Colts had lost the last two games but were still 8-4 overall, with the four losses by just 21 combined points, and three of those four teams eventually made the playoffs. If Jones returns to form following his injury, don't write the Colts off in the AFC South.

Washington Commanders

As a rookie, Jayden Daniels led the Commanders to a 12-5 record (their best since 1991), with the team going on to break a 19-year playoff win drought and advancing to the NFC Championship Game. He was named Offensive Rookie of the Year for his efforts.