​Inglewood, CA – October 18: Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) and head coach Sean McVay talk on the sideline before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at Sofi Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026 in Inglewood, CA. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)Los Angeles Times via Getty ImagesThe 2026 NFL season started with what appeared to be a short list of surefire Super Bowl contenders. Yet, as always, what appears guaranteed in the NFL rarely is.Through six weeks of action, two of the preseason favorites – the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks – are a combined 5-7 and neither would make the playoffs if the season started today.Another, the Philadelphia Eagles, are now 2-4 and have lost starting quarterback Jalen Hurts for the rest of the season due to blood clots.Lamar Jackson’s absence raises questions about the Baltimore Ravens. Other darkhorse AFC picks like the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Chargers each lost their first four games (and the Chargers still haven’t scored a victory).With all of that chaos:Which Preseason Contenders Can Be Counted Out Already?No Super Bowl participant has ever had a losing record through six games.At 0-6 and four games back of even a wildcard spot, the Chargers’ playoff hopes are dead.The Texans’ 0-4 start could potentially be overcome because the schedule is forgiving, and Houston has already won two straight since (with a banged-up New York Giants team up next). But clawing back into the postseason picture after 0-4 would be an effort only one other team, the 1992 Chargers, has ever accomplished. And it likely needs Houston’s defense to play at a level it hasn’t yet this season.To-date in 2026, the Texans once-vaunted defense is a mid-tier group allowing nearly 24 points per game. They’re still getting after the passer (18 sacks so far). But they’re also allowing 246 passing yards per game, which is bottom third in the league. A continuation of that won’t get them to the playoffs.For the Eagles, no Hurts and uncertain health for Saquon Barkley (has only played two full games this season) spells doom despite the continued defensive strength. Their main liferaft, if there is one, is a weak NFC East.The biggest question mark may be for the Rams, though.At 2-4, the previous Super Bowl favorites would look very much out of the hunt. And injuries to Davante Adams, Kobie Turner and Poona Ford this past week only add to the list of big-name absences that already included star offseason additions Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie.But at the same time, this is a team that’s three plays away from being 5-1. And even with those absences, it’s still a very talented squad. The NFC West is already out of reach given the San Francisco 49ers’ 6-0 start. However, the Rams can still save themselves by rededicating themselves to the run game (they’re in the bottom half of the league for attempts-per-game, which has led to a pass-happy attack) and better def