NFL power rankings 2026: A new No. 1 has emerged

After taking into account coaching changes, the final 2025 standings, trades, free agency, and the 2026 NFL Draft, I've updated where each team sits in my NFL hierarchy.

Here are my latest power rankings ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

Power rankings tier 1: Playoff-bound, at least

1. Los Angeles Rams

The Rams are all-in, with 2025 AP Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett joining fellow newcomers Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to improve what was already an extremely talented roster.

Matthew Stafford is still elite, Puka Nacua remains one of the best in the business, and Davante Adams showed he still has plenty left in the tank.

Any suspension handed down to tackle Alaric Jackson could cause problems in the short-term, but Sean McVay and Co. have what it takes to weather the storm.

2. Seattle Seahawks

As the reigning champs, the Seahawks were always going to feature in this tier.

Yes, Kenneth Walker III is gone. And yes, losing Boye Mafe and Klint Kubiak might hurt, but even after those departures, Seattle will still be a force.

The roster remains loaded, with Sam Darnold, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Byron Murphy, Nick Emmanwori, Devon Witherspoon, Grey Zabel, Ernest Jones, and now rookie Jadarian Price.

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3. Buffalo Bills

D.J. Moore is a major upgrade at receiver, giving Josh Allen and Joe Brady a real chance to get their partnership off to a fast start.

Bradley Chubb helps mitigate the departure of A.J. Epenesa, if he can stay healthy, but can the defense do a better job at stopping the run?

Even if they cannot, with Josh Allen doing Josh Allen things and James Cook returning to lead the backfield, the Bills will be right there in the mix come the postseason.

4. Baltimore Ravens

The arrival of Jesse Minter, the talented Kyle Hamilton, a healthy Nmandi Madubuike, and the addition of Trey Hendrickson give this defense every chance to ;bounce back.

Tyler Linderbaum's departure is a worry, as is the situation at wide receiver, but Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson will keep Baltimore in contention, even if Jackson's only reliable outlets are Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews.

With that said, I like what I'm seeing from rookie Ja'Kobi Lane so far.

5. Denver Broncos

Bo Nix still has questions to answer, but the addition of Jaylen Waddle should help to elevate his game, and that offensive line remains one of the best in football.

Defensively, they're still in great shape even after letting John Franklin-Myers and Dre Greenlaw leave.

Nik Bonitto, Patrick Surtain, Zach Allen, and Talanoa Hufanga will help this unit win games even if Nix and the offense tread water.

6. New England Patriots

Drake Maye won't miss Stefon Diggs, not with new signings A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs in the mix.

Milton Williams and Christian Barmore should provide plenty of pass rush from the interior, but there are question marks on the edge, with Harold Landry the only established talent.

The signings of Alijah Vera-Tucker and Kevin Byard could prove to be inspired.

Power rankings tier 2: Firmly in the mix

7. San Francisco 49ers

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Mike Evans may not have many years left at the top, but he's a perfect fit for what the 49ers - and Brock Purdy - need right now.

And with De'Zhaun Stribling looking like he could be the real thing, they may yet survive any short-term absence of George Kittle and their glut of injuries at the position.

Adding a healthy Fred Warner to a defensive unit that outperformed expectations in his absence should keep Kyle Shanahan's group firmly in contention in the most competitive division in football.

8. Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles lost a fair amount of talent with the departures of Jaelan Phillips, Nakobe Dean, and Reed Blankenship.

Keeping Dallas Goedert, adding Riq Woolen, and promoting Jihaad Campbell into a starting role certainly helps, but getting Saquon Barkley going again is the key to success.

Whether they can re-establish their offensive identity under Sean Mannion will dictate their 2026 season. No pressure, Jalen Hurts.

9. Chicago Bears

I'm not a huge fan of their free agent additions, but I'm not concerned about D.J. Moore's exit with the emergence of Luther Burden and talented tight end Colston Loveland.

If Caleb Williams continues to develop, Rome Odunze stays healthy, and the committee backfield rediscovers its 2025 form, the Bears can go from strength to strength.

We may not see the record-breaking offensive output Ben Johnson wants, but they will be dangerous.

10. Detroit Lions

Aidan Hutchinson is extraordinary, but he can't carry the pass rush by himself. At some point, one player running hot isn't enough. Can Derrick Moore start fast?

Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta will ensure this offense remains one of the more dangerous groups in the league.

11. Green Bay Packers

Rashan Gary, Elgton Jenkins, and Romeo Doubs were solid contributors rather than roster cornerstones, but even solid players can be missed.

Adding Javon Hargrave and Zaire Franklin gives them defensive experience, but neither player is in their prime.

Jordan Love and Micah Parsons will ensure the Packers remain competitive, and if Matthew Golden becomes the player Green Bay envisaged and Edgerrin Cooper continues doing what he does best, the Packers should make the playoffs.

But to do that, they have to find a way to win games without Parsons for the first month or two.

12. Los Angeles Chargers

Getting Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt healthy again will make a huge difference. It's a shame Tyler Biadasz is out for a while, but it makes drafting Jake Slaughter look better in hindsight.

While those three should ensure Justin Herbert spends less time hitting the turf, the guard spot remains questionable, where Cole Strange was a ... strange signing.

Bringing back Khalil Mack was important for the defense. He'll form a star trio with Tuli Tuipulotu and Derwin James to give the defense a fighting chance.

13. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are a real wild card after last season's disappointment. At least they look to be able to count on Patrick Mahomes being out there from Week 1.

Kenneth Walker III is a huge upgrade over Isiah Pacheco; Travis Kelce's return should help; and the surrounding pieces are ... OK, save for the right tackle spot.

Rookie Cyrus Allen is giving us hope that the wideout group can be better, but they also need a focused Rashee Rice to do his thing and Xavier Worthy to push on.

Losing Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to the Rams leaves a real hole in the secondary, but Steve Spagnuolo is talented enough to find a way.

14. Houston Texans

Alex Slitz / Staff

Houston's defense remains elite, with arguably the best pair of edge rushers in football and a secondary that can suffocate even the best offenses.

Trading for David Montgomery gives them a reliable option in the backfield, and the offensive line additions were sorely needed.

Jayden Higgins injury is a major blow, but Nico Collins leads a group with bags of potential, with Jaylin Noel, Xavier Hutchinson, and Tank Dell in tow.

The biggest question mark remains C.J. Stroud. He enters a prove-it year with no excuses left.

15. Jacksonville Jaguars

Getting Travis Hunter back with a year of experience under his belt - albeit some of which he spent on the sideline - is an exciting prospect for Trevor Lawrence and potentially the defense.

But Devin Lloyd and Travis Etienne are hard to replace, and Ventrell Miller and Chris Rodriguez Jr. haven't yet shown they can consistently perform at the same level.

While the talent level has improved and the tide seems to be turning, the question remains as to whether they can carry over last year's late-season form into 2026.

16. Indianapolis Colts

Paying Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce that kind of money is somewhat of a gamble, and losing Braden Smith on top of it makes that bet a little uncomfortable.

But this offense was rolling until Jones went down and everything fell apart last year, so I see the logic behind the investments, especially with Michael Pittman gone.

It's wheels up for a defense featuring talents such as DeForest Buckner, Sauce Gardner, Laiatu Latu, and Cam Bynum, and that's before we even consider the talented rookies set to play big roles from the outset.

With all of that said, are they the team that started so well in 2025, or are they the failing unit that struggled down the stretch? This ranking reveals how I think they could be somewhere between the two.

Power rankings tier 3: Fringe contenders

17. Dallas Cowboys

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The Dak Prescott-led offense was firing on all cylinders last year, with CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Jake Ferguson and Javonte Williams performing at a high level.

The problem, of course, was the defense, which was woefully short of playoff standards.

Signing Rashan Gary and Cobie Durant was a start, and I'm a huge fan of rookies Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence, but the jury is out until the on-paper improvements translate to the field.

Has an aging Von Miller got enough left in the tank to make a difference, even in a part-time role? I can't wait to find out.

If the Cowboys can field just an average defense in 2026, the playoffs are well within reach.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers

Michael Pittman Jr. was a solid addition, and the acquisition of Jamel Dean was inspired, but the bigger news is Aaron Rodgers returning for a final year.

The defense is in good shape, boasting a trio of dangerous edges in T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig, but I have serious reservations about the linebacker spot.

If it all comes together, and the offensive line somehow holds up, Pittsburgh could outplay this ranking, but 10-7 may not be enough to top the division again.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I'm concerned about Baker Mayfield's mindset following his contract issues, especially for a Bucs' side that looked so good for stretches last year and so poor at other times.

Losing Mike Evans and Jamel Dean will hurt, but the Buccaneers have other talented receivers who can absorb some of Evans' targets, and Benjamin Morrison was a nice pickup in the draft.

I'm not sure linebacker Lavonte David can be replaced as easily, but at least Rueben Bain should bring some juice to the edge group.

20. Minnesota Vikings

On the one hand, Kyler Murray on a one-year deal looks like a clever low-risk move, but on the other, I'm not convinced he's the long-term answer.

Whatever happens, there's no world in which he's any worse than J.J. McCarthy, and for a Vikings team that finished 9-8, that bodes well for their postseason hopes in 2026.

If Murray can't look good with a trio of weapons like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings, serious questions will be asked.

On defense, I'm low-key excited for the defensive front, with Jalen Redmond, Dallas Turner, and Caleb Banks in tow.

21. Carolina Panthers

Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd were big additions to the defense. Both were paid well, and I think they're more deserving than others seem to believe.

The real question is how much time Bryce Young will have to build on his promising 2025 without Taylor Moton and Iken Ekonwu protecting him upfront.

Adding Monroe Freeling was huge, and the continued ascension of Tetairoa McMillan will be crucial to the offense, but the biggest X-factor might be a healthy Jonathan Brooks.

22. Cincinnati Bengals

Carmen Mandato / Staff

The impact of Trey Hendrickson's departure cannot be overstated, even with Dexter Lawrence, Boye Mafe, Bryan Cook, and Jonathan Allen arriving to help the defense.

Even if the unit improves slightly, I fear that Joe Burrow, Chase Brown, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins may need to produce heroics to give Cincinnati a chance of reaching the postseason.

Fortunately for them, those four of those players are capable of putting up big numbers and outscoring opponents.

Power rankings tier 4: Still figuring things out

23. New York Giants

I'm looking forward to seeing the quartet of Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, Malik Nabers, and Isaiah Likely on the field together.

And that's before we even get into how the offensive line, with Andrew Thomas and rookie Francis Mauigoa, is poised to reach a new level in 2026.

Things are looking up on defense too, where Abdul Carter and Brian Burns are joined by Arvell Reese and Colton Hood, giving Harbaugh's group a chance to surprise.

24. Atlanta Falcons

I'm reserving judgment on the addition of Tua Tagovailoa, but with Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts helping out on offense, he has no excuses.

It's a different story on defense, where the secondary is a real plus, and the Falcons have seemed to find answers at edge rusher after years without.

This year, however, that pass rush will have to make do without James Pearce for almost half of the season, and that sets them back in these rankings somewhat.

25. Washington Commanders

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The return of Jayden Daniels should help Washington outperform this ranking, especially if Stefon Diggs gels quickly and Terry McLaurin does what he does best.

Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson are improvements on paper, and Sonny Styles looks like a star in the making, but this roster still feels like it has holes where there should be more depth.

Laremy Tunsil's injury is a major problem, while the backfield - albeit deep - lacks the star power many of their divisional foes boast.

26. New Orleans Saints

Travis Etienne and David Edwards were solid signings, but Tyler Shough will still have to rely too heavily on Chris Olave until Jordyn Tyson gets up to speed, and his hamstring injury may slow his roll.

Losing Bryan Bresee hurts the defense more than it may appear, and I'm not convinced the defensive front holds it together without him.

The Saints are definitely heading in the right direction, but they're still a little way off.

Power rankings tier 5: Much work to do

27. Tennessee Titans

They've spent money, and the wideout group looks much better after adding Carnell Tate and Wan'Dale Robinson, but this still feels like a team being built for future years rather than one that can challenge in 2026.

In Jeffrey Simmons, Peter Skoronski, and Cam Ward, the Titans have blue-chip players who can turn things around.

But Ward needs more help from the guys upfront, and I doubt that neither Dan Moore nor Cordell Volson can do what must be done.

28. Cleveland Browns

Nick Cammett / Stringer

The Tytus Howard and Elgton Jenkins signings were a strong start, but Zion Johnson has a lot to prove. And that's just step one.

Jared Verse is a very good edge rusher, but he'd have to play out of his skin to avoid a drop-off from the levels Myles Garrett produced.

If either Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders exceeds expectations, the Browns will easily do better than this ranking, but I'm not sold on either until we see evidence to the contrary.

Carson Schwesinger should go from strength to strength, and I believe the hype surrounding Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion is justified, but the Browns remain a solid quarterback away from seriously competing.

29. Las Vegas Raiders

Tyler Linderbaum is an exciting acquisition. The rest of it depends heavily on Kirk Cousins, for now, and Fernando Mendoza, somewhere down the line.

The main issue is at receiver, where Jalen Nailor has never produced at the level needed to lead the group, and the rest need career years to give Las Vegas a fighting chance.

Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers provide a nice situation for Mendoza to walk into. Whether Linderbaum can teach the rest of the Raiders' offensive line how to run block will be key.

Defensively, I like the new linebacker pairing of Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker, but where's the pass rush beyond Maxx Crosby?

30. New York Jets

Colour me unimpressed with the Geno Smith signing, even as a bridge option until Cade Klubnik or someone else takes over.

T'Vondre Sweat, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Demario Davis, however, were shrewd additions.

The youth movement is full steam ahead with Kenyon Sadiq, Omar Cooper, and David Bailey headlining the latest additions, but it's likely to be a year before that group fully hits their stride.

Jets' fans are right to be excited, especially with Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou giving them a pair of tackles to build an offense behind, but for now, this roster smacks of transition rather than win-now.

Power rankings tier 6: Still way off

31. Arizona Cardinals

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Kyler Murray is gone, and Jacoby Brissett steps in, which only adds to the holes Arizona needs to paper over or find answers for.

Carson Beck, if he hits, will hasten the rebuild of an offense boasting talents such as Trey McBride, Jeremiyah Love, Marvin Harrison, and Michael Wilson.

But they'll have to do it without Chase Bisontis, whose injury leaves the offensive line vulnerable.

On defense, outside of four or five players, there's a distinct lack of talent from front to back, a situation made worse with the injury to Johnny Newton.

32. Miami Dolphins

We all know De'Von Achane is a star, and Aaron Brewer has really come into his own, but they're the only two proven stars on offense.

If Malik Willis works out, Caleb Douglas continues to star, and Chris Bell comes back strong, that receiver room could have the makings of a talented group.

And if Patrick Paul and Austin Jackson build on their promising 2025 campaigns, the rebuild will be well and truly on track.

But that's an awful lot of ifs, and if we know anything about football, it's that not every murky situation works out for the best.

Defensively, they're not without promise, where Jordyn Brooks is as productive as they get, Chop Robinson could take the leap, and rookies Jacob Rodriguez and Chris Johnson have the talent to become quality starters.

But as you look up and down the roster, that promise is interspersed with non-factors - too many players who are simply on borrowed time until they're shown the door.

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