While Madden NFL 26 is packed with powerhouse squads ready to dominate right out of the gate, many players agree that the real thrill of Franchise mode comes from turning a struggling team into a title contender. Every NFL season reshapes the league, and Madden reflects that — franchises once feared can quickly fall behind, while others sit on the cusp of greatness but need guidance to reach the top. These squads are ideal for a complete Madden NFL 26 makeover if you're prepared to get your hands dirty and take on the role of coach.

Cleveland Browns

With an overall rating of just 78 OVR, Cleveland sits at the bottom of the Franchise mode rankings. Historically, the Browns have faced more than their share of struggles, and this year is no different. The bright side? Their defensive front is surprisingly talented. Find a capable quarterback to lead the offense, and you could finally bring some long-awaited success to Cleveland.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Right above Cleveland at 79 OVR, the Jaguars are in better shape but still far from elite. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence is a promising centerpiece who can develop into one of the league's premier passers if you surround him with help. Focus on fortifying both offensive and defensive lines to stabilize the roster and turn Jacksonville into a consistent winner.

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Arizona Cardinals

At 80 OVR, the Cardinals are a mid-tier team that looks better on paper than on the field. Their passing game ranks among the league's best, but other areas fall short. With a quality quarterback and talented receivers already in place, the challenge is to patch up weaknesses elsewhere and build a more balanced squad.

Chicago Bears

Don't be deceived by the Bears' respectable 84 OVR; they don't have enough impact players to contend with the best teams in the NFL. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams gives you a foundation to work with, but his development depends on your coaching skills. Manage him effectively, surround him with weapons, and Chicago could be a dark horse playoff team.

Tennessee Titans

With an 80 OVR, Tennessee boasts a few standout stars such as Jeffery Simmons and Kevin Zeitler (both rated above 90). Their ground game is among the league's best, ranking 9th overall, but quarterback play is holding them back. Developing Cam Ward or drafting a new signal-caller could be the key to elevating this roster.

New Orleans Saints

Beloved by fans but struggling in Madden, the Saints are one of Franchise mode's lowest-rated teams. Speed is their greatest asset, ranking 7th in the league, along with a solid rushing attack. However, New Orleans desperately needs an infusion of young talent. A strong draft strategy can breathe life into this iconic franchise.

New York Giants

The Giants sit at 79 OVR but are bolstered by an excellent defense and recent draft picks. The biggest hole? Quarterback. Shore up the passing game, and you'll have a strong foundation to build on, especially with a defense capable of carrying games while the offense catches up.

New York Jets

Just like their crosstown rivals, the Jets are in rebuilding mode. Ranked 9th in both pass rush and coverage, they're solid defensively but lacking offensive firepower. With Aaron Rodgers gone, newly signed Justin Fields could be the future under center — but it'll take more than one player to get this team back to relevance.

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons haven't seen playoff action in years, but their roster offers plenty of building blocks. With solid marks in rushing, pass rush, coverage, and speed, you're not starting from scratch. Focus on shoring up the defense while leveraging their existing Superstar and X-Factor players to stay competitive during your rebuild.

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Carolina Panthers

Carolina's 79 OVR rating puts them near the bottom of the league, yet there's reason for optimism. New talent has arrived, and existing players are ready to make an impact. Address the roster's weak spots with smart trades and draft moves, and you'll be steering the Panthers toward contention sooner than expected.

Whether you prefer to take over a bottom-dweller like the Browns or a middling roster like the Titans, these teams all present rewarding rebuild opportunities. With sharp drafting, a few well-placed trades, and creative playbook adjustments, you can turn any one of them into a powerhouse in Madden NFL 26.