11 NFL teams are 2-2: These 4 won’t make playoffs

In the NFL, 11 teams are 2-2. Given the season’s unpredictability, injuries, and shifting narratives, any team could potentially make the playoffs.

A single significant injury can drastically alter a team’s trajectory. Here are 4 teams likely to miss the playoffs this year despite their 2-2 record.

Oct 4, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) looks to pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The Denver Broncos are currently in an interesting spot. They are shifting playcalling to future Hall of Fame coach Sean Payton. Davis Webb hasn’t been able to get this offense on the right step, and the team needs to start winning games; in their division, the Raiders are 3-1, and the Chiefs are a perfect 4-0.

They need to get Courtland Sutton and Jaylen Waddle going and getting them the ball more frequently. With Payton calling plays, this should help the Broncos potentially turn into a better football team. But right now they need change, and this might be the move that helps them contend in the AFC West.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) against the Chicagp Bears during their wild-card playoff football game Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Packers 31-27. Wm. Glasheen /USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.

The Packers are dealing with numerous injuries and an offensive line that is below average for Jordan Love. The weapons are good, but it feels like an upgrade is needed for this team. Jayden Reed being out isn’t good. Tucker Kraft and Christian Watson are a solid WR and TE duo for them. More weapons need to come for Matt Lafleur’s team.

Is this a Matt Lafleur issue? No. The team is poorly constructed, and not having Micah Parsons still is a big loss for this team. When he comes back, the Packers should look better defensively.

Sep 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Aaron Rodgers is facing lots of difficulties with this offense currently. Are he and Mike McCarthy on the same page right now? There are injuries on this team, and it is going to be tough to compete with teams in their division for a playoff spot. They will need vintage Aaron Rodgers to complete a miracle of a season, and at age 42, we are not sure that is possible in 2026.

This team isn’t the youngest team, and that can be another problem. Adding all of these weapons that are older isn’t helping their dynamic. It is making them a slower team, which in this league puts you at a disadvantage.

Oct 4, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) plays against the Los Angeles Rams at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Nick Sirianni’s Eagles aren’t looking like themselves. 2-2 isn’t a bad spot considering the NFC East is weak. The Cowboys’ defense is bad, the Commanders have many injuries, and the Giants don’t have Jaxson Dart for the rest of the year. The voice may be getting stale in the locker room, which is causing this team to play poorly.

They needed a game-winning drive against the Tennessee Titans, squeaked a win over the Commanders, blew a 10-point lead against the Rams, and then Case Keenum embarrassed their defense on Thursday Night Football.

These four teams must make quick improvements to avoid falling behind this season. The Steelers are depending on a 42-year-old quarterback to secure a playoff spot, the Broncos require enhancements in their playcalling, the Packers are struggling with injuries and lack of talent, and the message from Nick Sirianni in Philadelphia seems to have lost its impact.