NFL Power Rankings

Now that preseason is done and the 2026 NFL season is almost here, it's time for my power rankings for the season!

#32 — Miami Dolphins

I have the Dolphins finishing #32 because, while they have some players I really like in De'Von Achane, Jordyn Brooks, Kadyn Proctor, and Malik Willis, I just don't feel comfortable with much of the roster beyond them. They're dealing with cap nightmare hell, a brand-new coaching staff, a severely young roster, and major questions at wide receiver and tight end. On top of that, they didn't exactly inspire confidence in the preseason. There are some intriguing pieces here, but right now, there are simply too many holes and not enough proven talent for me to put them anywhere but #32.

#31 — New York Jets

I have the Jets at #31 because there are definitely some pieces I like — David Bailey, Demario Davis, Olu Fashanu, Armand Membou, Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, and Minkah Fitzpatrick give them some real talent on both sides of the ball. But then you look at the biggest question mark: Geno Smith is your quarterback, and this is a team coming off a 3-14 season. The AFC East isn't doing them any favors either, with the Bills and Patriots making this a brutal division to try to climb out of. I think the Jets have enough talent to avoid being completely awful, but there are still way too many questions for me to trust them. And I'll leave you with this: France has more wins at Gillette Stadium in the 2026 World Cup than the Jets have had since 2011. France has two; the Jets are 1-14.

#30 — Cleveland Browns

I have the Browns at #30 because there are definitely some players I really like on this roster, including Harold Fannin Jr., Denzel Ward, Tyson Campbell, Carson Schwesinger, Mason Graham, and Grant Delpit, along with some exciting young rookies. But the loss of Myles Garrett is going to hurt big time, especially after he put together one of the best seasons of his career before being traded to the Rams. The quarterback situation is also incredibly complicated, with four quarterbacks in the mix between Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Taylen Green. Add in a new head coach in Todd Monken and a team that went just 5-12 last season, and I have a hard time seeing a major turnaround happening immediately. The AFC North is also absolutely brutal, with the Bengals, Ravens, and Steelers all looking like more complete teams right now. There are some exciting pieces in Cleveland, but with so many questions surrounding the quarterback position, coaching staff, and defense after losing Garrett, #30 feels like the right spot for me.

#29 — Arizona Cardinals

I have the Cardinals at #29 because there are some pieces here that I really like, but I still have way too many questions about the overall roster. Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey McBride, James Conner, Budda Baker, and Darius Robinsongive Arizona some legitimate talent, and I think there are a few young players who could take a major step forward. The problem is that this team still feels like it's missing too many pieces to compete consistently, especially in a loaded NFC West. There are also concerns about depth and staying healthy, and I don't think the offense is good enough to consistently bail out the defense. Arizona has potential, but at #29, I'm betting more on what this team could become than what I expect them to be right now.

#28 — Washington Commanders

I have Washington at #28, and this is a team that could easily prove me wrong if Jayden Daniels takes a massive step forward. There are some exciting pieces here with Terry McLaurin, Stefon Diggs, Chig Okonkwo, and Daniels, but I have too many concerns elsewhere on the roster. The offensive line has dealt with injuries, including concerns surrounding Laremy Tunsil and Nick Allegretti, and they're facing one of the league's toughest schedules. The defense also doesn't give me enough confidence to believe Washington can consistently win shootouts. I like the direction of this team, but at #28, I'm still waiting to see Daniels prove he can carry this roster against a difficult schedule.

#27 — Tennessee Titans

I have the Titans at #27, mostly because I really like the young talent they're building around, but I don't think they're ready to put it all together yet. Cam Ward, Calvin Ridley, Tony Pollard, L'Jarius Sneed, Jeffery Simmons, and Olu Fashanu give Tennessee some intriguing pieces, and Ward in particular gives this team a quarterback they can build around. The problem is that this is still a very young roster with plenty of unanswered questions, and I don't know if they have enough proven talent around Ward to consistently win games. There are also concerns about depth and injuries, which could become a major issue on a developing roster. I like the future here, but #27 feels right for a team that is still figuring out what it wants to be.

#26 — Atlanta Falcons

I have the Falcons at #26, and this is another team where I see plenty of talent but not enough consistency to rank them much higher. Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Michael Penix Jr., Jessie Bates, A.J. Terrell, and Kyle Pitts give Atlanta some legitimate stars, and the addition of Za'Darius Smith and others should help the defense. Atlanta has also made significant changes to its coaching staff and roster this offseason. My biggest concern is whether all of these pieces can actually come together, especially with the quarterback and coaching questions. This team has enough talent to surprise people, but until I see them play more consistently, I can't justify putting them much higher than #26.

#25 — Las Vegas Raiders

I have the Raiders at #25 because there is a lot to like, but I'm still not convinced they have enough depth to compete with the best teams in the AFC. Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty, Maxx Crosby, Jack Jones, and Tyler Smith give them some exciting pieces, and Jeanty could immediately become one of the most dangerous young running backs in football. The biggest question is obviously the quarterback position and whether this offense can consistently produce against better defenses. The Raiders also have to deal with a brutal AFC schedule where there simply aren't many easy games. I think this team is heading in the right direction, but there are still too many question marks for me to put them in the top 20.

#24 — New Orleans Saints

I have the Saints at #24, and honestly, I think this is a team that could be a little better than people expect. Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Taliese Fuaga, and Demario Davis give them some legitimate talent, while there are also some exciting young players who could take a step forward. My biggest concern is the quarterback situation and whether the offense can consistently move the ball when defenses take away their best weapons. The Saints are also dealing with some injuries heading into the season, including several players already on injured reserve. I don't think they're a bad football team, but I just don't see enough consistency to put them much higher than #24.

#23 — Carolina Panthers

I have the Panthers at #23, and I think this is one of those teams that could be much better than its ranking if everything goes right. Bryce Young, Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette, Derrick Brown, Jaycee Horn, and Chuba Hubbardgive Carolina some really intriguing pieces. I especially like what they are building around Young, but I still need to see this team prove it on the field before I fully buy in. Injuries have also been an issue for this roster, and the NFC South feels like a division where every team has a chance to beat you. Carolina is improving, but they're still lacking the depth and proven talent of the teams near the top of these rankings. #23 feels like a fair middle ground for a team on the rise.

#22 — Indianapolis Colts

I have the Colts at #22, and this is another team where the talent is better than the record might suggest. Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr., Laiatu Latu, DeForest Buckner, and Jaylon Jones give Indianapolis some very good players, while the young talent on the roster gives me plenty of optimism. The biggest question is obviously the quarterback position and whether the Colts can get enough consistent production there to take advantage of the talent around them. They also have to deal with a difficult AFC schedule where there aren't many games you can simply pencil in as wins. I think Indianapolis can compete for a playoff spot, but there are enough questions that #22 feels like the right spot.

#21 — Minnesota Vikings

I have the Vikings at #21, and I think this is a team that could easily end up higher if their roster stays healthy. Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Aaron Jones, Christian Darrisaw, Brian Flores, and Jonathan Greenard give Minnesota talent on both sides of the ball. The issue for me is quarterback consistency and whether the offense can reach the level it needs to against the better teams in the NFC. Injuries have also been a concern, particularly along the offensive line, and that's something that could completely change the outlook of this team. I like Minnesota, but I don't quite trust them enough to put them in the top 20 yet. They're close, but #21 feels right.

#20 — Pittsburgh Steelers

I have the Steelers at #20, which feels appropriate because I genuinely believe they're right around the middle of the NFL. T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, George Pickens, and Patrick Queen give them enough talent to compete with anybody, and Mike Tomlin always seems to find a way to keep Pittsburgh competitive. But there are still questions about the offense and whether the quarterback play can be good enough to consistently win against top teams. The AFC North is also absolutely brutal, with the Ravens, Bengals, and Browns all capable of making life difficult. Pittsburgh is too talented to put near the bottom, but I don't see enough offensive consistency to put them in the top half either. #20 is exactly where I see them.

#19 — New York Giants

I have the Giants at #19, and this is a team I think could surprise people this season. Malik Nabers, Abdul Carter, Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence, and Kayvon Thibodeaux give New York some serious talent, especially on defense. The biggest question is still the quarterback position and whether the offense can consistently keep up with the better teams in the NFC. Nabers gives them a true game-changing receiver, while Abdul Carter could immediately become one of the most exciting young defenders in football. The Giants also have some injury concerns and don't have the depth of the teams near the top of these rankings. Still, I think there's enough here to compete, which is why I'm comfortable putting them just inside the top 20.

#18 — Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I have the Buccaneers at #18, and I think they're a team that could make a serious push for the playoffs. Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Bucky Irving, Antoine Winfield Jr., and Lavonte David give Tampa Bay a very solid core, and I really like what this team can do when it's healthy. My concern is depth, particularly if injuries hit some of their older veteran players. The NFC South also isn't exactly an easy division, with Atlanta, Carolina, and New Orleans all capable of making things difficult. Tampa has enough proven talent to be competitive, but I don't think they're quite as complete as the teams above them. That's why I have the Bucs sitting at #18.

#17 — Cincinnati Bengals

I have the Bengals at #17, and honestly, this is probably one of the most talented teams this low in my rankings. Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Trey Hendrickson, and D.J. Reader give Cincinnati stars all over the roster. The problem is that injuries have become such a massive part of the Bengals' story, and I need to see them actually stay healthy before I put them back among the elite. Cincinnati did finish the preseason 3-0, which is encouraging, but the regular season is obviously a completely different animal. If Burrow and Chase are healthy, this team could fly up these rankings, but until then, #17 feels like a cautious ranking for a team with massive upside.

#16 — New England Patriots

I have the Patriots at #16, which means I see them as almost exactly what the middle of the NFL should look like. Drake Maye, Stefon Diggs, Christian Gonzalez, Harold Landry, and Will Campbell give New England legitimate talent, and I think Maye has a chance to take a major leap. But there are still enough questions on both sides of the ball that I can't justify putting them in the top 10 or even the top 12. The AFC is incredibly competitive, and the Patriots are going to have to prove they can consistently beat teams with more established rosters. They're good enough to make the playoffs, but not proven enough for me to trust them as a contender. #16 is dead middle, and that's exactly how I feel about New England.

#15 — Dallas Cowboys

I have the Cowboys at #15, and this is a team that always feels like it's either going to be much better than expected or completely fall apart. Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Micah Parsons, Tyler Smith, and DaRon Bland give Dallas elite talent, but the depth and consistency around those stars are what worry me. Injuries have also been a major concern for this roster, particularly when it comes to keeping the offensive line and defense healthy. The Cowboys have enough star power to beat anybody, but the NFC is loaded with teams I trust more from top to bottom. I still think Dallas is a playoff-caliber team, but #15 feels like the perfect spot for a roster with this much talent and this many questions.

#14 — Los Angeles Chargers

I have the Chargers at #14, and I think this is a team that could easily finish much higher. Justin Herbert, Ladd McConkey, Joe Alt, Derwin James Jr., and Tuli Tuipulotu give Los Angeles legitimate stars on both sides of the football. The biggest thing holding them back for me is health and depth, particularly on an offensive line that needs to keep Herbert upright. Jim Harbaugh also brings a physical identity that I think will help this team, but they still have to prove they can consistently win against the AFC's elite. I really like the Chargers, but there are just enough question marks that I can't put them in the top 10 yet.

#13 — Green Bay Packers

I have the Packers at #13, and this is a team I think has the talent to make a deep playoff run. Jordan Love, Josh Jacobs, Jayden Reed, Xavier McKinney, and Edgerrin Cooper give Green Bay a very talented core, while their young roster still has plenty of room to improve. My biggest concern is consistency, especially on offense, and whether they can avoid the injuries that have hurt them in recent seasons. Green Bay also has to deal with the Lions and Vikings in a very competitive NFC North. I think the Packers are one of the more complete teams in football, but they still have to prove they can consistently beat the elite teams before I put them in the top 10.

#12 — San Francisco 49ers

I have the 49ers at #12, which might seem low considering how talented this roster is, but I have concerns about their health and depth. Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Nick Bosa, and Fred Warner are all legitimate stars, but San Francisco has had far too many injury problems over the last few seasons for me to simply ignore it. The NFC West is also brutal, and they don't have the luxury of coasting through the division. If everyone is healthy, this team can absolutely beat anybody in the league. But that's the key: if everyone is healthy. Until I know that, #12 feels like a fair spot for a team with Super Bowl talent but legitimate durability concerns.

#11 — Kansas City Chiefs

I have the Chiefs at #11, which might be my boldest ranking of the entire list. Obviously, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Chris Jones, and Andy Reid are enough to make Kansas City dangerous every single year, but I don't think we can automatically put them in the top five forever. There are questions about the supporting cast, injuries, and whether this roster is as deep as the Chiefs teams we've become accustomed to seeing. Kansas City is still one of the smartest and best-coached teams in football, but the AFC has caught up. I still expect them to be a playoff team, but I'm not giving them a top-10 spot until they prove they're still that dominant.

#10 — Jacksonville Jaguars

I have the Jaguars at #10, and I think this is where we start getting into teams I could realistically see making a Super Bowl run. Trevor Lawrence, Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter, Josh Hines-Allen, and Travon Walker give Jacksonville star power on both sides of the ball. The addition of Hunter gives them another incredibly versatile piece, while Lawrence has the talent to take over games when everything is clicking. My biggest concern is consistency and whether this roster can stay healthy over a long season. The Jaguars have enough talent to compete with anyone, but they're still a step below the truly elite teams for me. That's why I have Jacksonville sitting at #10.

#9 — Detroit Lions

I have the Lions at #9, and I still think this is one of the best teams in the NFL when they're healthy. Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, Penei Sewell, Aidan Hutchinson, and Brian Branch give Detroit stars all over the roster. The biggest thing keeping them from the top five is health and the fact that their defense has to prove it can stay together after dealing with so many injuries. Hutchinson returning healthy is massive, and if Detroit can avoid another injury disaster, I think they're absolutely capable of making another deep playoff run. The Lions are too talented to rank much lower, but I need to see them stay healthy before putting them above the teams ahead of them.

#8 — Buffalo Bills

I have the Bills at #8, and obviously Josh Allen alone makes them one of the most dangerous teams in football. Add in James Cook, Dalton Kincaid, Greg Rousseau, Terrel Bernard, and Matt Milano, and Buffalo has plenty of talent around him. The biggest concern is that the AFC is loaded, and the Bills have had some frustrating playoff exits despite consistently being one of the league's best regular-season teams. Injuries are always something to watch with an aging defensive core, and I want to see whether this defense can stay healthy enough to support Allen. I still think Buffalo is a Super Bowl contender, but they're going to have to finally get over the hump before I put them in the top five.

#7 — Chicago Bears

I have the Bears at #7, and this is probably my biggest “I believe in this team” ranking. Caleb Williams, DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, D'Andre Swift, Montez Sweat, and Jaylon Johnson give Chicago a ton of talent, and I really like the direction of this roster. The biggest question is whether Williams can take that next step and become the quarterback everyone expects him to be. If he does, this team could be incredibly dangerous because the defense is good enough to keep them in games. There are still concerns about injuries and depth, but I think Chicago has one of the highest ceilings in football. At #7, I'm betting heavily on the Bears taking a major leap.

#6 — Denver Broncos

I have the Broncos at #6, and I think this is one of the most complete rosters in the league. Bo Nix, Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., Patrick Surtain II, Nik Bonitto, and Zach Allen give Denver talent at some of the most important positions on the field. Sean Payton has also done a really good job building an identity around Nix and this defense. My only concern is whether the offense has enough explosive talent to keep up with the very best teams in the AFC, especially if injuries hit the skill-position groups. But overall, Denver is young, talented, well-coached, and extremely difficult to play against. I think #6 is where the Broncos officially enter the Super Bowl conversation.

#5 — Philadelphia Eagles

I have the Eagles at #5, and at this point we're talking about a team with very few weaknesses. Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jalen Carter, and Quinyon Mitchell give Philadelphia elite talent everywhere you look. They're also one of the deepest teams in football, which becomes incredibly important once injuries start piling up late in the season. My biggest concern is simply whether they can maintain that level of dominance throughout a long season, especially in a competitive NFC. But there's no question this team has a championship roster. I have Philly at #5 because I trust them to compete with anybody, even if I don't quite have them as the best team in the league.

#4 — Houston Texans

I have the Texans at #4, and I think this is the year they finally make the jump from exciting young team to legitimate Super Bowl favorite. C.J. Stroud, Nico Collins, Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, Derek Stingley Jr., and Kamari Lassiter give Houston stars all over the roster. They've also done a great job surrounding Stroud with talent, and the defense has the ability to completely take over games. The biggest concern is simply staying healthy and handling the expectations that come with being viewed as a contender. The AFC is brutal, but I think Houston is more complete than almost every team in the conference. At #4, I'm saying the Texans are no longer just a team on the rise — they're officially a contender.

#3 — Baltimore Ravens

I have the Ravens at #3, and there's honestly not much I don't like about this team. Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, Kyle Hamilton, Roquan Smith, and Justin Madubuike give Baltimore elite talent at virtually every level. Their biggest advantage might be how difficult they are to game-plan against because Lamar and Henry give them two completely different ways to attack you. The biggest concern is the same one Baltimore has had for years: can they stay healthy and finally put everything together in January? The AFC is loaded, but I trust this roster to beat almost anybody. I have Baltimore at #3 because they're one of the most complete teams in football, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if they ended up winning it all.

#2 — Seattle Seahawks

I have the Seahawks at #2, and I think they have one of the most complete rosters in the entire NFL. Sam Darnold, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Kenneth Walker III, Devon Witherspoon, Leonard Williams, and Ernest Jones give Seattle stars on both sides of the ball, while their depth is a major reason I'm so high on them. They're physical, athletic, and extremely difficult to match up against. The biggest question is whether Darnold can maintain the level of quarterback play needed to win deep in the playoffs, especially against the elite quarterbacks in the NFC. But if he does, I think Seattle has everything needed to win the Super Bowl. They're my #2 team and probably the biggest threat to the Rams.

#1 — Los Angeles Rams

And at #1, I have the Los Angeles Rams, and honestly, it's getting ridiculous how much talent this roster has. Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, Kyren Williams, Trent McDuffie, Cooper Kupp, Myles Garrett, and now Aaron Donald give Los Angeles elite players everywhere you look. Donald's return is the cherry on top — the future Hall of Famer is coming out of retirement for 2026, and he gets to team up with Garrett after the Rams acquired the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. If Donald can even come close to his old form, trying to block Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett on the same defensive line is going to be an absolute nightmare. The Rams already had the talent to win the Super Bowl, and now they've added arguably the greatest defensive tackle ever. Until somebody knocks them off, Los Angeles is my #1 team in the NFL.

Photo Credits: LA Times