NFC West - Division Preview

We begin our 2026 division previews a group of teams that all are still looking to make their mark on the NFL. There were no playoff appearances between the Coins, Nightmare, and Gryphons last season. Only under the new rules would the 6-win Nightmare have qualified for the playoffs as a division winner. But there is a lot of opportunity to find among these teams. Let us take a look at the 2026 NFC West-

Grand Blanc Coins

The Grand Blanc Coins are arguably the most successful franchise yet to win a Fantasy Bowl, though they did make it to the final in 2024. This year, they look to finally cross the finish line off the backs of Justin Jefferson and Saquon Barkley. Kyren Williams and Luther Burden round out a keeper class that sits middle of the pack in the league. But the Coins also hold the 2nd and 3rd overall picks in this years draft, thanks to a trade with the Pandas, which opens up a lot of potential draft strategies and team builds.

The Coins open against the defending champion Oakland Panthers in the ceremonial first game of the year, a tough Victinis squad in week 2, followed by the Kraken in week 3.

Projected Division Finish - 1st

Projected NFL Kickoff Position - 1W - 2L (3rd)

Up North Nightmare

The Josh Allen era is all but over in Copper Ridge, and the Nightmare are in full reset mode. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Derrick Henry, and Garret Wilson will most likely lead the way as keepers in 2026 with some other options for the last spot. This class comes in ranked #9 and by round value is the worst in this division, but a more balanced keeper core will keep the Nightmare in playoff discussions. Even then, the Nightmare will still be looking ahead to 2027, where they hold 3 first round picks in the draft.

The Nightmare open the season with the Sharks, Flood and Stompers in the Detroit region of the NFL Kickoff.

Projected Division Finish - 2nd

Projected NFK Kickoff Position - 2W - 1L (2nd)

Grand Rapids Gryphons

The Gryphons are still in the hunt for their first playoff appearance since joining the league in 2021. A playoff hunt that went until the last week of the season in 2025 and the 49ers covering up Christian McCaffery's injury in 2024 are the recent memories for Gryphons fans.

With the 1.01 this year they look to add some firepower to pair alongside Bijan Robinson, their top (and the leagues top) keeper by ADP this off-season. Hopefully it will be enough to push them past that first barrier on their way to a Fantasy Bowl.

The Gryphons open the season against the Huskies, Pandas, and Grizzlies.

Projected Division Finish - 3rd

Projected NFK Kickoff Position - 1W - 2L (3rd)

FINAL THOUGHTS -

We are going with the Coins, Nightmare, Gryphons here for 2026 but the division is wide open. Both the Coins and Nightmare have the draft capital to make a big move at any time, or add some big names to their rosters in the coming years. The Gryphons historically have not had the keepers to keep up with the other two teams in this division, and their 1.01 might still be a play for the future. So it may be one more year for Gryphons fans.

The only division that does not house a former league champion - which one is gonna get there first?