NFL Power Rankings 2026: Post-Draft NFL Power Rankings

My current NFL Power Rankings for the 2026 NFL season. Post-Draft NFL Power Rankings.

I’m going to use these rankings as the order for my 2027 NFL Mock Draft during the early stages of the 2026 season. Follow @walterfootball.

NFL Power Rankings updated May 13, 2026

Group A:


Los Angeles Rams (12-5) – Previously: 2.
The Rams faced some drama this offseason with Puka Nacua biting people and then checking into a mental facility. If Nacua is fine, then the Rams have a good chance to win the Super Bowl despite wasting the 13th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Rams did much better prior to the draft when they acquired two major upgrades at cornerback, including Trent McDuffie.

If you haven’t visited the site in a while, you may have noticed the new look. Yes, after nearly two decades, we’ve finally re-designed our site to be more modern. This was not done on a whim, but rather out of necessity because of what occurred during the 2023 NFL Draft. Our site crashed during the entire first day of the draft, which was disastrous for our revenue stream because we make more money during the draft than any other time. The site crashed because a line of code conflicted with the old format of the site, so we had to transition to this new look.

Because we lost so much money during the draft, I want to point out that you can really help support the site by paying for the ad-free version of it. It’s $7.99 per month, but you’ll get a super-fast site with no ads. My developer will be adding new features to paid subscribers as well, so look for that in the near future. If you don’t want to pay, please spread the word about the site through word of mouth. That would also be a big help!


Seattle Seahawks (14-3) – Previously: 1.
The Seahawks lost a couple of pieces this offseason, but based on the talent on the field, they are largely the same team that won the Super Bowl. They can certainly do it again, but everyone will be gunning for them this year. They’ll receive every opponent’s full attention, and they’ll have to overcome it without Klint Kubiak’s excellent offensive coaching.


Buffalo Bills (12-5) – Previously: 3.
The Bills have a new head coach, which could spark them like the 2002 Buccaneers when they were finally able to get over the hump after replacing Tony Dungy with Jon Gruden. The additions of D.J. Moore, Bradley Chubb, and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson should help as well. Moore, in particular, will be vital for allowing Josh Allen to have a dynamic weapon at his disposal.


San Angeles Chargers (11-6) – Previously: 13.
The Chargers looked like the best team in the NFL through three weeks last year, clobbering the Chiefs and beating the Broncos. Things unraveled, however, when Joe Alt got hurt in Week 4. Both tackles will be back from injury, and I’m a fan of Mike McDaniel joining the team to potentially get the most out of Justin Herbert.


Baltimore Ravens (8-9) – Previously: 9.
The Ravens are coming off a disappointing year, but they had an insane number of injuries, including one to Lamar Jackson, who got hurt in Week 4 and never truly recovered. With everyone healthy, the Ravens will continue to be one of the best teams in the NFL, especially with Trey Hendrickson enhancing the pass rush and Vega Ioane bolstering the interior of the offensive line. A new head coach could breathe new life into the team as well. Also, keep in mind that the Ravens have a very easy schedule.



Group B:


San Francisco 49ers (12-5) – Previously: 7.
Can the 49ers finally avoid injuries this year? Perhaps, but George Kittle is already hurt, while Mike Evans and Ricky Pearsall are always banged up. Then, of course, there’s Christian McCaffrey, who is coming off a season in which he led the NFL in carries, so he’s bound to miss some time. If, however, all of the essential 49ers can remain on the field, the sky is the limit.


New England Patriots (14-3) – Previously: 4.
The Patriots caught so many breaks in the playoffs, but their good luck finally came to an end. Now, they have to deal with a tougher schedule and the spectre of the Mike Vrabel scandal hanging over their head. The only good news is that the Patriots added some talent like A.J. Brown (presumably), Romeo Doubs, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and Dre’Mont Jones. Still, they won’t have the luxury of playing teams like the Titans and Falcons every week like they did last year.


Philadelphia Eagles (11-6) – Previously: 8.
The Eagles appear to be a declining team, but perhaps their offensive line will perform on a higher level with a new offensive line coach. We know the defense will still be great, but the offense is a question mark with the blocking and A.J. Brown’s impending departure.


Detroit Lions (9-8) – Previously: 16.
I was very bearish on the Lions last year, so much so that I bet them to miss the playoffs. Things are looking up this year, however. Repairs were made to the offensive line, while the defense will be healthier. Upgrades were also made to the coaching staff. Something else to keep in mind is that the Lions have a very easy schedule this year because they finished last in the division.


Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4) – Previously: 5.
The Jaguars finished hot, so perhaps that’ll carry over into 2026. Jakobi Meyers was such an important presence for Trevor Lawrence because Lawrence has never had a professional receiver in his career. He’s played with talented receivers, but all of them were either mistake-prone or fragile. The defense, meanwhile, made great strides. It must be noted, however, that Devin Lloyd departed, leaving a huge void in the middle of the stop unit.


Houston Texans (12-5) – Previously: 6.
C.J. Stroud has regressed each season. He’s been fortunate to have a great defense carry him, but the decline is alarming. Stroud is reportedly eating just lean meat and vegetables this offseason, which sounds great until you realize that it’s not going to help him read defenses.


Cincinnati Bengals (6-11) – Previously: 17.
This is the first time the Bengals have had an offseason without any drama in years. There’s no Joe Burrow injury. There are no contract disputes with the receivers. Defensive players haven’t left en masse. The Bengals added some defensive talent like Dexter Lawrence and Bryan Cook, so if Burrow can remain healthy, the sky is the limit for this team.


Denver Broncos (14-3) – Previously: 10.
Everything is pretty much status quo for the Broncos compared to last year, save for the Jaylen Waddle trade. The Broncos were praised for this move, but Waddle has underwhelmed the past few seasons, even when Tyreek Hill was injured. I’m not a believer in this Denver team, but another playoff appearance seems likely.


Chicago Bears (11-6) – Previously: 11.
It was disappointing that the Bears failed to upgrade their pass rush this offseason. However, Caleb Williams should continue to improve now that he has another year in Ben Johnson’s offense. The Bears should be in the playoff mix in 2026, but I don’t consider them to be a top-10 team.



Group C:


Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1) – Previously: 19.
The Cowboys have become a popular pick to win the Super Bowl. They’ll be better this year, but I’m not buying their chances of going the distance. They added Rashan Gary and Caleb Downs, but I still don’t trust their defense or their coaching staff.


Washington Redskins (5-12) – Previously: 29.
The Redskins improved their defense by drafting Sonny Styles and adding a couple of other pieces, including Odafe Oweh, Leo Chenal, and Amik Robertson. The important thing is Jayden Daniels’ health. If Daniels can remain on the field for most of 2026, the Redskins will have a good chance of making a playoff run.


Kansas City Chiefs (6-11) – Previously: 30.
The Chiefs have a dreadful roster. They don’t have much of a pass rush, and they lost their entire secondary from a year ago. They don’t have any pass-catchers for Patrick Mahomes, and Mahomes may not even be ready for Week 1.


Green Bay Packers (9-7-1) – Previously: 12.
The Packers lost some key players this offseason – Rashan Gary, Romeo Doubs, Rasheed Walker – and it’s unclear if Micah Parsons will be 100 percent coming off a torn ACL. It’s fair to be bearish on Green Bay’s chances this year, especially with Detroit due to rebound.


Minnesota Vikings (9-8) – Previously: 15.
The Vikings have great blockers and offensive weapons. Their defense will be worse this year, but will still be coached up by Brian Flores. The quarterback situation, however, will once again capsize Minnesota’s chances.


Indianapolis Colts (8-9) – Previously: 22.
Last year, I compared the Colts to a seemingly hot girl at the bar, but when the lights go on, she’s revealed to be a hideous beast. They got even worse when Daniel Jones suffered an injury. Jones is back, but in what capacity? Torn Achilles are very difficult to overcome in less than a year. Indianapolis strengthened its defense with various upgrades made via trades, but the team remains difficult to handicap because of Jones’ uncertainty.



Group D:


New Orleans Saints (6-11) – Previously: 18.
The Saints have a solid defense, a quality offensive line, improved playmakers, and a quarterback with promise. I bet the Saints to win the Super Bowl at 100/1. Check out the NFL Betting Futures page for more.


Carolina Panthers (8-9) – Previously: 20.
Somehow, some way, the Panthers are 8-9 and nearly beat the Rams in the playoffs. However, they had a negative point differential of 69 and were extremely lucky to win many of their games last season. They got swept by the Saints! However, they were able to make two great defensive additions by signing Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips, so things are looking up.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9) – Previously: 24.
The Buccaneers capsized at the end of last season, but that was because Baker Mayfield suffered an injury and was never healthy after that. However, Mike Evans and Jamel Dean are both gone. Tampa Bay didn’t really add any veterans this offseason.


New York Giants (4-13) – Previously: 27.
The Giants hired a competent coach and obtained some upgrades this offseason. There still may not be enough around Jaxson Dart if Malik Nabers can’t make it back from his torn ACL, but the Giants will be much more competitive this season.


Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) – Previously: 14.
Aaron Rodgers hasn’t signed with the Steelers as of this writing. I’m going to assume he will. If not, I will drop Pittsburgh substantially. Remember, Mike Tomlin is no longer around to get the most out of this team.


Cleveland Browns (5-12) – Previously: 23.
The Browns have brought in a completely new offensive line and receiver corps this offseason. They could end up being better than what the Browns had last year, but it might take some time for the team to gel. The good news is that the Browns have a great defense that can keep the team competitive in most games while the offense meshes together.


Atlanta Falcons (8-9) – Previously: 21.
It’s unclear which quarterback the Falcons will use this year, but Kevin Stefanski’s presence should help matters. However, that is far from Atlanta’s only concern. Kaleb McGary retired, while the defensive line is lacking in talent. The Falcons are 120/1 to win the Super Bowl at one sportsbook, and I don’t have any interest.


Arizona Cardinals (3-14) – Previously: 28.
The Cardinals were seven plays away from being 10-7 last year, which is crazy but true. Still, their defense was absolutely dreadful in the second half of the season. Having Walter Nolen healthy will help. Isaac Seumalo’s presence up front should help the blocking for Jeremiyah Love, but it’s still tough to be overly optimistic about this team.



Group F:


Tennessee Titans (3-14) – Previously: 25.
The Titans actually have some decent pieces around Cam Ward with Wan’Dale Robinson and Carnell Tate joining the team. However, the offensive line is still suspect, while the defense still has plenty of holes even though some upgrades were added like John Franklin-Myers and Jermaine Johnson.


New York Jets (3-14) – Previously: 32.
The Jets should be tanking, but they’ve brought in some veterans like T’Vondre Sweat, Demario Davis, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and of course, “top 10” quarterback Geno Smith. The Jets have an improved defense, a solid offensive line, and some intriguing playmakers on offense. It doesn’t seem like they’re the worst team in the NFL, so perhaps their fans shouldn’t expect Arch Manning to fall into their laps next April.


Las Vegas Raiders (3-14) – Previously: 31.
The Raiders will have an improved offensive line this year with Tyler Linderbaum joining the team and Kolton Miller returning from injury. However, the blocking is still suspect, and there are no offensive playmakers outside of Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers. The defense will be better, but still has some major issues. On top of all of this, it sounds like Kirk Cousins will be starting a bunch of games.


Miami Dolphins (7-10) – Previously: 26.
The Dolphins are in an official rebuild and a semi-obvious tanking situation. The only thing defying the tank possibility is the Malik Willis signing, but the Dolphins did whatever it took to deplete the talent around their young quarterback. Still, with plenty of rookies, Miami could be better in the second half of the season.

2026 NFL MVP Projection:

1. Josh Allen, QB, Bills
2. Justin Herbert, QB, Chargers
3. Matthew Stafford, QB, Rams
4. Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens
5. Drake Maye, QB, Patriots


Go to 2027 NFL Mock Draft

---

---

2027 NFL Mock Draft - May 12


Fantasy Football Rankings - May 9


NFL Picks - Feb. 9


NFL Power Rankings - Jan. 26

2022 NFL Power Rankings. Week: Post-Super Bowl Power Rankings | Post-Free Agency Power Rankings | Post-NFL Draft Power Rankings | Post-Preseason Power Rankings | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17

2021 NFL Power Rankings. Week: Post-Super Bowl Power Rankings | Preseason Power Rankings | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | Playoffs |

2020 NFL Power Rankings. Week: Post-Super Bowl Power Rankings 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | Playoffs |