NFL Power Rankings: 2026 Season Preview

The NFL Power Rankings express gratitude to the World Cup for an engaging summer but now shift focus back to football. With NFL training camps open and the Hall of Fame Game set to begin soon, let’s examine what’s new for the 32 teams as the 2026 season unfolds.

1. Los Angeles Rams

Last season: 12-5
Last ranking: 5

What’s new? They’ve traded for standout defensive end Myles Garrett. There’s also speculation they might bring star defensive tackle Aaron Donald out of retirement. Additionally, the Rams acquired two new, costly cornerbacks. Los Angeles could be poised for another Super Bowl pursuit if the wide receivers perform consistently.

2. Denver Broncos

Last season: 14-3
Last ranking: 3

What’s new? The big change is in play calling. Head coach Sean Payton has passed these duties to offensive coordinator Davis Webb. While it’s difficult to outperform Payton, there could be benefits. The team also added wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and maintains a formidable defense.

3. Buffalo Bills

Last season: 12-5
Last ranking: 8

What’s new? The Bills are upgrading from their long-time venue to the revamped Highmark Stadium. Moreover, wide receiver D.J. Moore joins an offense that hasn’t suffered major lineup losses. With Joe Brady as the new head coach, the Bills might rely on an offensive strategy to win.

4. New England Patriots

Last season: 14-3
Last ranking: 2

What’s new? A.J. Brown officially joins the Patriots after months of anticipation regarding his trade. Wide receiver Romeo Doubs also integrates into the lineup. With a healthy Drake Maye leading the offense and a stable offensive line, coach Mike Vrabel could have a contending season.

5. Seattle Seahawks

Last season: 14-3
Last ranking: 1

What’s new? The team’s ownership has shifted, with a group led by Vinod Khosla’s family acquiring the Seahawks. Key losses in the offseason include several free agents such as running back Kenneth Walker and linebacker Boye Mafe. Repeating last year’s success could be challenging.

6. Houston Texans

Last season: 12-5
Last ranking: 9

What’s new? An overhauled offensive line aims to support quarterback C.J. Stroud and enhance the run game. Notable additions include Wyatt Teller, Braden Smith, and Keylan Rutledge. The Texans also welcomed veteran running back David Montgomery to improve their offensive stats.

7. San Francisco 49ers

Last season: 12-5
Last ranking: 4

What’s new? The 49ers refreshed their wide receiver lineup, introducing Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, and draft pick De’Zhaun Stribling. Despite changes, running back Christian McCaffrey remains key to their offensive approach. McCaffrey had a high workload last season, recording significant touches.

8. Los Angeles Chargers

Last season: 11-6
Last ranking: 15

What’s new? The Chargers have a new offensive coordinator, Mike McDaniel, tasked with boosting Justin Herbert’s performance. The team is also reconstructing its offensive line, and expectations for Herbert’s advancement remain high.

9. Philadelphia Eagles

Last season: 11-6
Last ranking: 7

What’s new? The Eagles revamped their receiving options by adding Dontayvion Wicks, Makai Lemon, Hollywood Brown, and Elijah Moore. A new offensive coordinator joins, marking quarterback Jalen Hurts’ sixth play caller in his pro career.

10. Detroit Lions

Last season: 9-8
Last ranking: 13

What’s new? Cornerback Terrion Arnold’s incident affected the team, but their late-season losses had more impact. The Lions lost key players, including David Montgomery. Coach Dan Campbell faces a significant challenge to revitalize the team.

11. Jacksonville Jaguars

Last season: 13-4
Last ranking: 10

What’s new? Riding last year’s wave, the Jaguars didn’t make notable additions. Maintaining coach Liam Coen’s success and last year’s turnover margin is their goal. However, replacing key players like Travis Etienne and Devin Lloyd could be challenging.

12. Chicago Bears

Last season: 11-6
Last ranking: 6

What’s new? With D.J. Moore gone, Chicago relies on quarterback Caleb Williams. Coach Ben Johnson’s strategy is pivotal as Williams seeks to improve on last season’s stats.

13. Dallas Cowboys

Last season: 7-9-1
Last ranking: 17

What’s new? Dallas overhauled its defensive strategy by hiring coordinator Christian Parker and adding Rashan Gary and two first-round picks to bolster the defense.

14. Cincinnati Bengals

Last season: 6-11
Last ranking: 23

What’s new? Joe Burrow’s return from injury is significant for the Bengals. The team also strengthened their defense with key acquisitions like Dexter Lawrence.

15. Green Bay Packers

Last season: 9-7-1
Last ranking: 14

What’s new? Coach Matt LaFleur’s future could hinge on this season’s success. After ending last season without wins, Jordan Love’s performance will be crucial for the Packers.

16. Baltimore Ravens

Last season: 8-9
Last ranking: 12

What’s new? With fullback Patrick Ricard’s departure, there’s a significant shift in the Ravens’ lineup. Meanwhile, QB Lamar Jackson aims for a healthy season.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

Last season: 10-7
Last ranking: 11

What’s new? New head coach Mike McCarthy reunites with Aaron Rodgers. The team also brought in Michael Pittman Jr. to improve offensive dynamics.

18. Kansas City Chiefs

Last season: 6-11
Last ranking: 20

What’s new? Amid lower expectations, injuries to key players concern the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes might need to lead without major team enhancements.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Last season: 8-9
Last ranking: 16

What’s new? With a new offensive coordinator, Todd Bowles aims to launch a more effective season. Half of the defensive lineup will sport fresh faces.

20. Minnesota Vikings

Last season: 9-8
Last ranking: 19

What’s new? The Vikings face a quarterback battle. Kyler Murray comes in with a one-year deal, while J.J. McCarthy strives for the starting position.

21. Indianapolis Colts

Last season: 8-9
Last ranking: 21

What’s new? Coach Shane Steichen’s future is under scrutiny. The Colts finished last season with losses, and changes in defense will test their capabilities.

22. Carolina Panthers

Last season: 8-9
Last ranking: 18

What’s new? Despite a negative scoring margin, the Panthers emerged as division winners last year. Defensive improvements aim to boost their competitive edge.

23. Washington Commanders

Last season: 5-12
Last ranking: 26

What’s new? A vast turnover in defense, with 11 new signees, hopes to support QB Jayden Daniels’ return from injury. Coach Dan Quinn faces mounting pressure.

24. Atlanta Falcons

Last season: 8-9
Last ranking: 22

What’s new? Matt Ryan assumes a unique leadership role with the Falcons. He leads a new organizational regime alongside coach Kevin Stefanski.

25. New Orleans Saints

Last season: 6-11
Last ranking: 24

What’s new? Alvin Kamara accepts a revised role amid the team’s acquisition of running back Travis Etienne. Kamara aims to continue contributing in his tenth season.

26. Las Vegas Raiders

Last season: 3-14
Last ranking: 29

What’s new? Kirk Cousins joins as a mentor for top draft pick Fernando Mendoza. The Raiders also install Klint Kubiak as their new head coach.

27. Cleveland Browns

Last season: 5-12
Last ranking: 27

What’s new? Deshaun Watson returns for one last season, hoping for results under new coach Todd Monken. Myles Garrett’s trade marks a notable offseason change.

28. New York Giants

Last season: 4-13
Last ranking: 28

What’s new? The defensive line undergoes a transformation with several experienced additions. New coach John Harbaugh strengthens the lineup with top picks.

29. Tennessee Titans

Last season: 3-14
Last ranking: 32

What’s new? Expect full changes in the Titans’ branding and leadership. New head coach Robert Saleh is tasked with reversing the team’s fortunes.

30. Arizona Cardinals

Last season: 3-14
Last ranking: 30

What’s new? With Kyler Murray’s departure, the Cardinals embrace a rebuilding phase anchored by head coach Mike LaFleur.

31. New York Jets

Last season: 3-14
Last ranking: 31

What’s new? The Jets made veteran acquisitions, highlighting coordinator Aaron Glenn’s focus on immediate triumphs. Winning is mandatory for the team’s continuity.

32. Miami Dolphins

Last season: 7-10
Last ranking: 25

What’s new? A transformed passing game features Malik Willis leading as quarterback. The Dolphins are rebuilding, banking on Willis’ potential under new circumstances.