by The NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season are becoming increasingly important as teams finalize their depth charts before Week 1. Training camp and preseason have already provided clues about which veterans are secure and which players must continue proving themselves. With several competitions still close, one strong performance can change a player’s role overnight.
The NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season story is not limited to quarterbacks. Offensive tackles, guards, running backs, receivers, edge rushers and defensive backs are also fighting for starting opportunities. Some veterans are defending jobs they once considered secure, while younger players are trying to turn potential into meaningful NFL snaps.
NFL 2026 Position Battles Players Who Could Win or Lose Starting Jobs This Season: Tua Tagovailoa
The Atlanta quarterback competition is one of the biggest NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season. Tua Tagovailoa entered the offseason with an advantage over Michael Penix Jr., who has been working back from a knee injury. NFL.com currently favors Tagovailoa because he has taken more reps and his quick-release style fits Kevin Stefanski’s offensive system. (NFL)
The NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season prediction in Atlanta favors Tagovailoa opening as QB1. Penix remains the long-term intrigue, but his health and limited offseason work make it difficult to predict an immediate takeover. If Tua struggles, however, Penix could become one of the most closely watched backup quarterbacks in football.
2. Michael Penix Jr.
Michael Penix Jr. remains an important name in the NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season conversation because his opportunity may depend more on health than talent. The former first-round pick needs to demonstrate that his knee is fully recovered before he can realistically challenge Tagovailoa for the starting role.
The NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season outlook for Penix is therefore more about future impact. If he returns healthy and performs well when given opportunities, Atlanta could eventually face a difficult decision between the veteran it signed and the young quarterback it previously viewed as a potential franchise piece.
3. Shedeur Sanders
The Cleveland quarterback situation remains one of the most fascinating NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season. Deshaun Watson has been named the Week 1 starter, but second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders has continued to attract attention during his development. NFL.com previously described the competition as genuinely open before Cleveland made its decision. (NFL)
The NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season prediction is that Sanders could still see meaningful action if Watson struggles or the Browns decide to prioritize development. His ability to process defenses faster and become more consistent will determine whether he can eventually turn preseason competition into a starting opportunity.
4. Fernando Mendoza
The Las Vegas quarterback situation is another major NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season storyline. Rookie Fernando Mendoza entered camp competing with veteran Kirk Cousins, with NFL.com giving Cousins the early advantage because of his experience and familiarity with Klint Kubiak’s offense. (NFL)
The NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season prediction currently favors Cousins for Week 1, but Mendoza could accelerate the timeline with exceptional preseason performances. If the rookie looks ready sooner than expected, the Raiders could eventually face pressure to give their young quarterback meaningful playing time.
5. Braxton Jones
Chicago’s left tackle competition is another important NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season battle. Braxton Jones is competing with Jedrick Wills Jr. and Theo Benedet for the job protecting Caleb Williams’ blind side, with NFL.com currently giving Jones the edge. (NFL)
The NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season prediction favors Jones because he already knows the system and has starting experience. However, his margin for error is limited. If his pass protection remains inconsistent, Chicago could turn to Wills or explore another veteran option.
6. Jedrick Wills Jr.
Jedrick Wills Jr. could be one of the biggest winners in the NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season if he can stay healthy. The former first-round pick has considerable NFL experience but has played only 13 games over the past three seasons and missed the entire 2025 campaign. (NFL)
The NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season prediction for Wills depends almost entirely on availability. If he can consistently practice and demonstrate his previous level of athleticism, Chicago has a legitimate reason to reconsider the left tackle hierarchy.
7. Tyler Guyton
Dallas offensive tackle Tyler Guyton enters one of the most important NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season. The 2024 first-round pick is competing with Nate Thomas, and Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer has publicly challenged Guyton to improve his performance. (NFL)
The NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season prediction still favors Guyton because of his draft investment and physical upside. But another inconsistent season could force Dallas to make a change. Protecting Dak Prescott will be one of the most important factors in this decision.
8. Nate Thomas
Nate Thomas represents an intriguing underdog in the NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season. The former seventh-round pick does not have Guyton’s draft pedigree, but improved play could give Dallas a reason to trust him at left tackle.
The NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season outlook for Thomas is simple: he must take advantage of every opportunity. If Guyton struggles and Thomas looks dependable, Dallas could make one of the more surprising starting-lineup changes of the preseason.
9. Blake Miller
Detroit rookie Blake Miller is part of a significant NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season competition at right tackle. Miller was drafted with the expectation that he could eventually become a starter, but veteran Larry Borom has enough experience to challenge him. (NFL)
The NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season prediction favors Miller, although the rookie will need to avoid major mistakes. Detroit could prefer Borom early if it believes the veteran provides better immediate protection.
10. Christian Mahogany
Christian Mahogany faces another difficult NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season competition in Detroit. He is battling Ben Bartch, Juice Scruggs and Miles Frazier for the left guard position after an inconsistent previous season. (NFL)
The NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season prediction is less certain for Mahogany than it was earlier in the offseason. If he cannot show improvement, Bartch could emerge as the surprise winner. The outcome matters because Detroit’s offensive line will be central to its hopes of rebounding in 2026.
11. Ben Bartch
Ben Bartch is an under-the-radar candidate in the NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season. He was not necessarily viewed as the favorite entering camp, but his experience gives him a realistic opportunity to take advantage of any struggles from Mahogany.
The NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season prediction makes Bartch one of the more interesting potential surprise winners. Offensive-line jobs are often decided by consistency rather than reputation, and a strong preseason could push him into the starting lineup.
12. Jalyx Hunt
Philadelphia’s edge-rusher competition features Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith Jr., making it one of the most intriguing NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season. Hunt led the Eagles with 6.5 sacks last season and has the opportunity to take another step in his third year. (NFL)
The NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season prediction favors Hunt because his development fits what Philadelphia needs opposite Jonathan Greenard. If he produces another jump in pass-rush efficiency, the Eagles could view him as a long-term defensive cornerstone.
13. Jaylen Warren
Pittsburgh’s running-back situation is a different type of NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season because Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle are both expected to receive opportunities. NFL.com expects this to be more of a workload competition than a traditional winner-take-all battle. (NFL)
The NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season prediction is that Warren will retain a major role because of his receiving ability and explosiveness. However, Dowdle’s recent production could lead Pittsburgh to give him more early-down carries.
14. Rico Dowdle
Rico Dowdle could be one of the biggest winners in the NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season. He enters Pittsburgh after back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with different teams, giving him a strong statistical case for a larger role. (NFL)
The NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season prediction gives Dowdle a legitimate chance to become Pittsburgh’s primary early-down back. Even if Warren remains heavily involved, Dowdle could ultimately lead the team in carries.
15. Andre Cisco
The New York Jets safety competition adds another defensive angle to the NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season. Andre Cisco is competing with Dane Belton for a starting role alongside Minkah Fitzpatrick, creating a battle that could continue into the final preseason evaluation.
The NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season prediction slightly favors Cisco because of his previous NFL starting experience and playmaking ability. However, Belton’s versatility and special-teams value could make the decision extremely close.
Which Players Could Lose Their Starting Jobs?
The NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season picture suggests that Tyler Guyton, Braxton Jones, Christian Mahogany, Anthony Bradford and Nolan Smith Jr. are among the veterans or established players facing meaningful pressure. Losing a starting role would not necessarily mean losing a roster spot, but it could significantly change each player’s trajectory.
The NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season also highlights how quickly young players can change a depth chart. A rookie such as Blake Miller or a developing player such as Jalyx Hunt can force coaches to choose performance and upside over experience.
Which Battles Could Have the Biggest Impact?
The NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season competitions at quarterback are likely to receive the most attention because those decisions affect entire offensive systems. Atlanta, Cleveland and Las Vegas all have fascinating quarterback storylines, while Dallas and Chicago have offensive-line battles that could directly affect their quarterbacks.
The NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season battles on defense could be equally important for playoff contenders. Philadelphia’s edge competition and the Jets’ safety competition could determine how effectively those defenses generate pressure and turnovers.
Final Predictions and Future Impact
The NFL 2026 position battles players who could win or lose starting jobs this season predictions point toward Tua Tagovailoa, Kirk Cousins, Braxton Jones, Tyler Guyton, Blake Miller, Jalyx Hunt and Rico Dowdle as players with strong paths to significant roles. At the same time, Penix, Wills, Thomas, Mahogany, Smith and Warren could see their opportunities change depending on performance and health.
