By Ty Bronicel 
As the NFL season unfolds, each week brings its own share of surprises and upsets (although the point spreads are very low for most of these games, and some of the current underdogs could become the favorite by kickoff)that defy expectations and alter the playoff landscape. From early showdowns to season finales, underdog teams have risen to challenge the giants, creating exciting narratives that captivate fans and analysts alike. This article explores some of the most remarkable upsets of the 2025-2026 season, showcasing how unexpected victories have shaped the race to the postseason.
Week 18 Upset: Unexpected Teams Shake Up NFL Season Finale
Week 18 of the 2026 NFL season promises thrilling upsets as traditionally underdog teams challenge playoff contenders in crucial matchups. Look for potential surprises, such as the New York Jets beating Buffalo or the Detroit Lions defeating Chicago. It all depends on which teams need to win in Week18 to improve their playoff position. Week 18 games highlight how overlooked teams can dramatically alter the postseason landscape.
Week 17 Upset: San Francisco 49ers Topple Chicago Bears
In Week 17, the San Francisco 49ers will upset the Chicago Bears in a thrilling matchup at Levi’s Stadium. Despite the Bears’ new coach Ben Johnson’s offensive success, the 49ers leveraged home-field advantage and key plays from their star players to secure a crucial 49ers victory, shaking up playoff hopes.
Week 16 Upset: Miami Dolphins Beat Cincinnati Bengals
In Week 16 of the 2025 NFL season, the Miami Dolphins will shock the Cincinnati Bengals in a pivotal prime-time game. The Dolphins’ dynamic offense overwhelmed the Bengals’ defense, securing a surprising victory that impacted playoff positioning. This upset demonstrated Miami’s growing strength and Bengals’ defensive struggles late in the season.
Week 15 Upset: Dallas Cowboys Shock Minnesota Vikings
In Week 15, the Dallas Cowboys will pull off a surprising upset against the Minnesota Vikings, overcoming expectations despite Minnesota being favored. Dallas capitalized on their strong pass rush and exploited the Vikings’ weakened secondary, with key plays from Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Jahan Dotson. This win extended Dallas’s winning streak against Minnesota and shook up playoff standings. The Cowboys’ strategic defense disrupted Vikings quarterback Jordan McCarthy, sealing a memorable victory on Minnesota’s turf. This game reinforced Dallas’s resilience and potential as a dark horse in the 2025–26 NFL season.
Week 14 Upset: Kansas City Chiefs Win Over Houston Texans
In Week 14 of the 2026 NFL season, the Kansas City Chiefs will upset — may not seem like one — the Houston Texans with a convincing 29-16 victory on Sunday Night Football. The Texans entered with high hopes, having revamped their offense, but injuries and a struggling offensive line hindered CJ Stroud’s performance. Andy Reid’s Chiefs capitalized with a balanced attack and strong defense, securing a key late-season win that improved their playoff positioning.
Week 13 Upset: Baltimore Ravens Defeat Cincinnati Bengals
In Week 13 of the 2026 NFL season, the Baltimore Ravens pull off a significant upset by defeating the Cincinnati Bengals, shaking up the AFC North standings. The Ravens’ resilient defense and dynamic rushing game overwhelmed the Bengals’ offense, marking a pivotal win as Cincinnati struggles to secure a playoff spot. This victory highlights Baltimore’s resurgence and adds intrigue to the late-season playoff race.
Week 12 Upset: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Surprise Los Angeles Rams
In Week 12 of the 2026 NFL season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will pull off a shocking road upset against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Despite the Rams’ strong roster and Super Bowl aspirations, Tampa Bay’s resilient defense and efficient offense led them to a rare victory on the West Coast, disrupting expectations and altering playoff momentum. This win marked another significant moment in the competitive series history between these franchises.
Week 11 Upset: Philadelphia Eagles Topple Detroit Lions
In Week 11 of the 2026 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles will pull off a surprising victory over the Detroit Lions, defying expectations. Despite the Lions’ tough schedule and home advantage, the Eagles’ strong defense and efficient offense, led by Jalen Hurts, will secure a key win on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. This upset highlights Philadelphia’s resilience and keeps its playoff hopes alive while challenging Detroit’s postseason aspirations.
Week 10 Upset: Los Angeles Chargers Upset Pittsburgh Steelers
In Week 10 of the 2026 NFL season, the Los Angeles Chargers will pull off a surprising upset over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite the Steelers’ storied defense, the Chargers’ dynamic offense, led by a revitalized quarterback and emerging skill players, exploits key mismatches. This victory marks a pivotal moment in the Chargers’ playoff push and disrupts the Steelers’ momentum.
Week 9 Upset: Washington Commanders Defeat Seattle Seahaw
In Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season, the Washington Commanders will pull off a surprising road victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Despite Seattle’s solid 10-7 finish last year and strong away record, Washington’s improved defense and key offseason moves paid off, ending Seattle’s home dominance and shaking up the NFC West race.
Week 8 Upset: Green Bay Packers Overcome Pittsburgh Steelers
In a thrilling Sunday Night Football showdown, the Green Bay Packers will pull off a surprising upset against the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road. Despite the Steelers’ solid defense and new throwback uniforms, the Packers’ balanced attack, highlighted by a key touchdown run from Josh Jacobs, secured a 10-point victory. Aaron Rodgers faces his former team in Pittsburgh.
Week 7 Upset: Atlanta Falcons Beat San Francisco 49ers
In Week 7, the Atlanta Falcons will shock the San Francisco 49ers. Despite both teams missing the playoffs last season, the Falcons’ strong defense and opportunistic offense overcame the 49ers, who entered with better Super Bowl odds (+2000 vs. +8000 for Falcons). This result reflects the Falcons’ potential to disrupt expectations in 2025.
Week 6 Upset: Detroit Lions Defeat Kansas City Chiefs
In a stunning Week 6 upset, the Detroit Lions will defeat the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Despite the Chiefs being favorites, the Lions’ balanced offense and clutch plays will secure a narrow win. This victory marks Detroit’s continued rise as a Super Bowl favorite in 2026.
Week 5 Upset: New England Patriots Surprise Buffalo Bills
In Week 5 of the 2026 NFL season, the New England Patriots, led by quarterback Drake Maye, will shock the Buffalo Bills with a decisive road victory at Highmark Stadium. Despite the Bills’ strong home record and playoff hopes, the Patriots’ defense forces key turnovers, while their offense capitalizes with efficient passing and rushing attacks, marking a pivotal AFC East upset early in the season. This win signals a resurgence for New England in a fiercely competitive division.
Week 4 Upset: Green Bay Packers Stun Dallas Cowboys
In Week 4, the Green Bay Packers will upset the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. The Packers will build an early lead with strong defense and efficient offense, including a 24-yard touchdown by Romeo Doubs. Dallas struggles to protect Prescott, who faces multiple sacks, paving the way for Green Bay’s 3-1 record.
Week 3 Upset: New York Giants Shock Kansas City Chiefs
In a stunning Week 3 upset, the New York Giants will defeat the heavily favored Kansas City Chiefs on the road. The Giants’ defense capitalize on key turnovers, while the offense, led by a sharp Russell Wilson, orchestrated crucial drives to secure a 24-17 victory. This shock has major playoff implications as Kansas City struggles early in the season.
Week 2 Upset: Atlanta Falcons Topple Minnesota Vikings
In a surprising Week 2 showdown on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, the Atlanta Falcons stunned the Minnesota Vikings on their home turf. The Falcons, often viewed as underdogs, executed a strategic game plan that disrupted the Vikings’ typically strong offense, securing a rare road victory and shaking up NFC playoff expectations early in the season. This upset highlights Atlanta’s renewed competitiveness in 2025.
Week 1 Upset: Baltimore Ravens Defeat Buffalo Bills
It wouldn’t exactly be a big upset, as the Ravens currently are just 2-point underdogs. But in a thrilling Week 1 rematch from last season, the Baltimore Ravens will upset the slightly favored Buffalo Bills on the road. Despite Buffalo being 2-point favorites with heavy betting support, Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson will have a dominant performance and making a big statement to start the season.
Conclusion
The unpredictability of the NFL is part of what makes the game so enthralling. As we’ll see throughout the 2025-2026 season, the fierce competition and surprising outcomes from underdog teams challenge the status quo, adding to the excitement. These unexpected victories (although the point spreads are very low for most of these games, and some of the current underdogs could become the favorites by kickoff) not only impact team standings but also enhance the drama and the alluring journey to the Super Bowl. As the season reaches its climax, fans are reminded of the beautiful uncertainty of the game, where any given Sunday can change the course of an entire season.
Angel Atienza-Romero