ESPN has published its way-too-early NFL power rankings for the 2026 season, providing an early outlook on all 32 teams following the conclusion of Super Bowl LX. The rankings highlight the Seattle Seahawks at the top, with the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams close behind, as teams prepare for key offseason moves.
Following the Seattle Seahawks’ victory in Super Bowl LX, ESPN’s NFL Nation has released preliminary power rankings for the upcoming 2026 season, offering insights into each team’s offseason priorities and potential. The rankings, compiled by a panel of over 80 experts, place the defending champion Seahawks in the number one spot, citing their need to manage lucrative contract extensions for stars like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Devon Witherspoon. Owner Jody Allen’s potential sale of the team adds another layer of intrigue, with estimates valuing the franchise at $7-8 billion.
The New England Patriots, who made a surprising run to the Super Bowl, are ranked second, focusing on maintaining momentum through astute late-round drafting. Head coach Mike Vrabel’s leadership has revitalized the roster, but the team faces challenges in replicating last year’s successful draft class. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams sit at third, with special teams improvements highlighted as a critical offseason goal after costly mistakes in the playoffs.
Other top contenders include the Denver Broncos at fourth, who must add offensive explosiveness, and the Buffalo Bills at fifth, under new coach Joe Brady with pressure to support quarterback Josh Allen. The San Francisco 49ers, ranked sixth, exceeded expectations in 2025 but now seek to build a new nucleus around Brock Purdy, emphasizing needs in pass rush and receiver groups.
Mid-tier teams like the Detroit Lions (seventh) aim to retool their offensive line, while the Philadelphia Eagles (eighth) look to unlock their expensive offense under new coordinator Sean Mannion. The Jacksonville Jaguars (ninth) prioritize pass rush help, and the Green Bay Packers (tenth) are running it back with retained leadership aiming for a Super Bowl breakthrough.
Lower in the rankings, teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs (12th) face a reload around Patrick Mahomes, and the Houston Texans (13th) work within cap constraints to advance past the divisional round. The Baltimore Ravens (14th) focus on Lamar Jackson’s contract and scheme fit, while the Los Angeles Chargers (15th) must secure their edge rushers in free agency.
The rankings also cover teams like the Cincinnati Bengals (16th) improving defense, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (17th) recapturing mojo, and Dallas Cowboys (18th) fixing their defense with new hires. Offseason themes include quarterback decisions for the Pittsburgh Steelers (21st) and rebuilding efforts for the Washington Commanders (20th) and Carolina Panthers (22nd).
This early analysis sets the stage for a dynamic offseason, with free agency and the draft poised to reshape team fortunes. As franchises navigate cap space, coaching changes, and player development, these rankings provide a snapshot of the NFL landscape heading into 2026, highlighting both perennial contenders and teams on the rise.
