JACKSONVILLE – Senior writer John Oehser's final regular-season 2026 NFL power rankings. And we all know how important these are …
Rank. Team (2025 record) | Comment
(14-3)
1
Seattle Seahawks
Champs the champs until they’re not
(12-5)
2
Los Angeles Rams
Loading up, aiming high
(12-5)
3
Buffalo Bills
Because he’s Josh Allen
(13-4)
4
Jacksonville Jaguars
Start ‘em here, see where they go
(14-3)
5
Denver Broncos
Defense isn’t getting weaker anytime soon
(14-3)
6
New England Patriots
Too many people ranking them too low
(12-5)
7
Houston Texans
May be the NFL’s best, most-aggressive defense
(11-6)
8
Philadelphia Eagles
So strong, so consistent
(9-7-1)
9
Green Bay Packers
Super Bowl-contending vibes
(11-6)
10
Chicago Bears
Looking for next step in Year 2
(12-5)
11
San Francisco 49ers
Never count this franchise out
(6-11)
12
Kansas City Chiefs
He’s back
(11-6)
13
Los Angeles Chargers
Dangerous team in potentially tough division
(9-8)
14
Detroit Lions
Must reset, regain swagger
(8-9)
15
Baltimore Ravens
Fresh start, new regime, same high aspirations
(10-7)
16
Pittsburgh Steelers
Fresh start, new regime, same high aspirations
(7-9-1)
17
Dallas Cowboys
Back-to-back seasons out of postseason
(8-9)
18
Indianapolis Colts
Too good to overlook in tough AFC South
(6-11)
19
Cincinnati Bengals
Because he’s Joey Ballgame
(8-9)
20
Carolina Panthers
Defending NFC South Champions
(7-10)
21
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Figure to contend in very winnable NFC South
(9-8)
22
Minnesota Vikings
Is Murray the answer at quarterback?
(6-11)
23
New Orleans Saints
Feels like a franchise on the rise
(8-9)
24
Atlanta Falcons
Because he’s Bijan Robinson
(5-12)
25
Cleveland Browns
Nine losses in nine games
(5-12)
26
Washington Commanders
Bounce-back time for Daniels, Co.
(7-10)
27
Miami Dolphins
New Era, new direction in South Florida
(4-13)
28
New York Giants
The John Harbaugh Era begins
(3-14)
29
Tennessee Titans
New Era in Nashville
(3-14)
30
New York Jets
Time for a Year 2 jump
(3-14)
31
Arizona Cardinals
Shadrick Sighting
(3-14)
32
Las Vegas Raiders
The Cousins Era begins
