Predicting last-place finisher for each NFL division in 2026: Browns, Raiders, Commanders among possible duds - CBS Sports

With the 2026 NFL season starting in days, CBS Sports projects which teams could finish last in each division, using the goal of identifying the bottom-place contenders across all eight divisions. The preview opens by noting the league will begin Sept. 9 with Super Bowl LX champion Seattle Seahawks hosting AFC champion New England Patriots in a rematch. For the AFC East, it names the Miami Dolphins, citing an NFL-record dead salary cap hit of $181.6 million in 2026 tied to releases and trades involving Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Bradley Chubb, Jaylen Waddle and Minkah Fitzpatrick. It also lists AFC North’s projected last-place as the Cleveland Browns, pointing to Deshaun Watson as Week 1 starter.