We did it. We’re finally here. After seven long, excruciating months, NFL football is back, this time on a Wednesday! The Seahawks and Patriots get us started tomorrow night with a Super Bowl rematch, then the Rams and 49ers keep the ball rolling on Thursday night in Australia. That Sunday 1 pm slate will hit so hard.

To set the table for the season less than 48 hours from kickoff, I’m unveiling my preseason power rankings. More than most years, there’s a middle tier of as many as a dozen teams that all believe they are playoff teams. Obviously, they can’t all make it, but separating that group is difficult. They all feel somewhat interchangeable.

Without further ado, let’s dive in with the first power rankings of the season:

Tier 1: Super Bowl Favorites

1 — Los Angeles Rams

The prohibitive favorites for the Super Bowl, the Rams constructed a modern-day super team with All-Pros and superstars dotted across the roster. You can poke holes in their depth at wide receiver or along the offensive line, but health is probably the biggest obstacle for Los Angeles this season. Nothing is guaranteed, of course, but you’d be hard-pressed to find an analyst who doesn’t have the Rams No. 1 entering the season.

2 — Seattle Seahawks

The reigning Super Bowl champions lost some pieces from their title-winning team, but this Seahawks team shouldn’t be underestimated. The core players from last season’s run are all back, including CB Devon Witherspoon and WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, both signed to fresh new contract extensions. How Seattle reloads in the secondary and at running back will determine how big a step back they take — if they take one at all.

Tier 2: Super Bowl Contenders

3 — Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers have one of the most loaded defensive lines in football and two healthy stars at offensive tackle this time around. Plus, they hired Mike McDaniel as their new offensive coordinator, someone who should elevate this Justin Herbert-led offense to new heights. I’m extremely bullish on the Chargers this year and they are my dark horse pick to win it all. That Herbert-McDaniel combination has extremely high upside.

4 — Baltimore Ravens

I like just about everything the Ravens did this offseason. New HC Jesse Minter comes from the same coaching tree as Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald, and everyone in Baltimore is raving about him. All-Pro DT Nnamdi Madubuike has a chance to play in Week 1, and Lamar Jackson is looking for a bounce-back season for this offense under former Ben Johnson assistant Declan Doyle. Can this new staff get more out of this group than the previous regime did?

5 — Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys’ season will hinge on their defense. Dallas had the league’s worst defense a year ago and still managed to be competitive thanks to a ridiculously explosive offense. We know how good Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens are — will the defense let them down again? I don’t think so. The Cowboys added serious talent on that side of the ball over the last calendar year, and growth from young players such as ED Donovan Ezeiruaku and CB Shavon Revel Jr. should be expected. Additionally, everyone raves about new DC Christian Parker, and his scheme should better serve Dallas’ players.

6 — Denver Broncos

If not for a broken ankle for QB Bo Nix in the divisional round against the Bills, the Broncos likely would’ve been playing in the Super Bowl. Though they fell short, Denver has to feel good about where they stand moving forward, especially with the addition of WR Jaylen Waddle. One of the fastest receivers in the league, Waddle adds a serious injection of playmaking to an offense that was sluggish at times last year, and should raise their ceiling considerably.

Tier 3: Playoff Contenders

7 — New England Patriots

Can the Patriots do it again? That’s the big question for the reigning AFC champs. They rode an easy schedule and some clutch playoff performances to a Super Bowl appearance, but their roster deficiencies were exposed against the Seahawks. A.J. Brown gives Drake Maye a true No. 1 target in this offense, but I have questions about the trenches on both sides of the ball. Regardless, New England is in a good spot with Maye and Brown at the helm.

8 — Houston Texans

Since winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, QB C.J. Stroud has struggled. He collapsed in the playoffs last year, but in his defense, the Texans’ offensive line was a disaster. That unit should be at least somewhat improved, and if Stroud can regain some of his early-career magic, Houston could contend for a Super Bowl. One thing we do know is how good this defense is, and they aren’t going anywhere. It’s up to the offense to step up.

9 — Buffalo Bills

The Bills lost in overtime to the Broncos in the divisional round last year and moved on from longtime HC Sean McDermott, promoting OC Joe Brady in his stead. Buffalo might have the best offense in the league this year, with QB Josh Allen getting an upgrade at receiver with D.J. Moore. The defense, however, leaves much to be desired. The Bills have serious questions at linebacker, defensive tackle, and safety. Allen could run roughshod through the league all year then get let down in the playoffs by his defense once again.

10 — Philadelphia Eagles

What will the new-look Eagles offense look like? We know this team has a high floor with Nick Sirianni as head coach, but his teams tend to either make a Super Bowl run or epically collapse down the stretch. Which will it be this year? Philly’s offensive line showed cracks last season and without Brown, this offense could be significantly less potent. The Eagles are about as safe a playoff pick as you could get, it’s just a matter of upside once they get there.

11 — Cincinnati Bengals

This could end up being low for the Bengals, but I want to see it on the field before I go too overboard. I love what Cincinnati did this offseason, specifically on defense. The secondary took some steps forward last year, but now that defensive front looks a lot better with DT Dexter Lawrence and ED Boye Mafe in the room. If QB Joe Burrow can stay healthy, he’ll be operating behind the best offensive line he’s had since arriving in Cincy. There’s Super Bowl upside with this team if everything gels.

12 — Chicago Bears

Can Caleb Williams take another step forward? After a major breakout season with Johnson as head coach last year, Williams is on the verge of being one of the best quarterbacks in the league. He just needs to get a little more consistent on the “easy” throws. Chicago could be in trouble on defense, however. That secondary is already super beat up and the Bears didn’t add anyone significant on the defensive line.

13 — Minnesota Vikings

I’m a big believer in the Vikings. On paper, they have the best roster in the NFC North, and it’ll be up to HC Kevin O’Connell to get the most out of Kyler Murray. The former Cardinals quarterback hasn’t played his best football in recent seasons, but O’Connell won nine games with J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer last season. The year before that, he resurrected the career of Sam Darnold. If Murray can at least provide a stable baseline of play, the Vikings could go far.

14 — San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers are in a bit of a weird spot. They won 12 games and made the playoffs last year despite the slew of injuries they dealt with on both sides of the ball. But lingering injuries to WR Mike Evans, TE George Kittle and ED Nick Bosa put some of their stars in limbo, and it’s a crowded NFC playoff field. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has his work cut out for him, but he always rises to the challenge.

15 — Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars could be many things this year. Jacksonville won the AFC South in 2025, but were one-and-done in the playoffs. Starting QB Trevor Lawrence finally stabilized into a solid player, and that defense was lights-out when they needed to be. Losing LB Devin Lloyd will hurt, but that’s a deep, dangerous group up front with an offense that found its legs.

16 — Indianapolis Colts

Which version of the Colts will we get in 2026? Over the first half of last season, they were arguably the best team in football, with a juggernaut of an offense and a defense that did enough to get by. Then QB Daniel Jones got hurt, the defense lost some stars due to injury as well, and everything fell apart. Most likely, Indy will be somewhere between those extremes this year. They’re talented enough to win the AFC South, but they also have more question marks than the Texans or Jags.

17 — Detroit Lions

I don’t think it’s as simple as expecting the Lions to bounce back to the top of the NFC. Detroit still has major injury problems and depth concerns in the secondary, pass rush outside of Aidan Hutchinson is a question mark, and they’re starting a rookie at right tackle. Detroit QB Jared Goff, RB Jahmyr Gibbs, and WR Amon-Ra St. Brown give this offense a high floor, but they have some questions to answer if they’re going back to the playoffs.

18 — Kansas City Chiefs

I’m officially worried about the Chiefs. Kenneth Walker III is a huge upgrade at running back, but Kansas City’s offensive tackle situation is a mess and they’re relying on rookies all over the defense. Not to mention, WRs Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy both have availability questions to answer. I don’t want to doubt QB Patrick Mahomes and HC Andy Reid, but this roster isn’t materially better than the one that missed the playoffs last year — in fact, it might be worse.

19 — Green Bay Packers

The Packers have a cornerback problem. Micah Parsons will miss the first chunk of the season and RB Josh Jacobs might not play at all after being put on the commissioner’s exempt list. Green Bay’s defense wasn’t the same after Parsons got hurt, and the running game is in trouble with Jacobs out and the offensive line in flux. For a team that made the playoffs last year and has even higher aspirations this season, the Packers are unsettled.

Tier 4: Playoff Hopefuls

20 — New Orleans Saints

Of all the teams in the crowded (if underwhelming) NFC South, I think the Saints have the most upside. Second-year QB Tyler Shough can build on a promising rookie season, and WRs Chris Olave and Jordyn Tyson (when healthy) will create explosive offensive fireworks. The defense might be a little shaky in the secondary, but they too have some guys who can take steps this year. New Orleans is a young, developing team. It may take some time, but they’re on the rise.

21 — Washington Commanders

It was a banner first year for QB Jayden Daniels. Not so much last year. As it stands, while the roster is better than it was a year ago, there are still major questions on the offensive line and the defense as a whole. I trust Daniels, as long as he can stay healthy, and Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs should be a great receiver duo. But can the Commanders protect Daniels or run the football? And can the defense stop anyone? The answers to those questions will define Washington’s season.

22 — Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay’s 2025 season was derailed when QB Baker Mayfield got hurt. He played through it, but it clearly affected him, and the team just wasn’t the same after that. In theory, the Bucs are a great bounce-back candidate in 2026. I’m not sure how good their defense will be, and their depth will certainly be tested in the secondary. But as long as that unit is passable, the Buccaneers can be a playoff team.

23 — Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers are going to need more than they got from QB Aaron Rodgers last year if they want to make it back to the playoffs, and that’ll be difficult with Rodgers not getting any younger. The Ravens and Bengals should both be significantly improved, so it’s unlikely the Steelers can manage to claw their way to the top of an underwhelming division again. It’s just difficult to win in the modern era with such a limited downfield passing attack.

24 — Carolina Panthers

This is the real test for QB Bryce Young. He had his moments last year and looked much improved compared to early in his career. Now he’ll be tasked with elevating his team to the next level. With serious question marks on the offensive line (and defensive line, too), Young will need to carry the Panthers offense. Can he do that? If he does, he’ll be in line for a well-deserved extension. If not, Carolina might be back on the quarterback market.

25 — New York Giants

John Harbaugh is a big upgrade at head coach, there’s no denying that. And on paper at least, this roster is starting to come together. The defense has serious talent and upside, and if WR Malik Nabers is healthy, the offense can be explosive. The ceiling for the Giants entirely depends on what second-year QB Jaxson Dart can do. He had his moments as a rookie, but he’ll need to take a big jump in 2026 if New York is to compete for anything significant.

Tier 5: Better Luck Next Year

26 — Atlanta Falcons

Somehow, the Falcons may have downgraded at quarterback by bringing Tua Tagovailoa in. The camp reports were far from rosy, and now he’s slated to start in Week 1 since Michael Penix Jr. isn’t quite ready coming off an ACL tear. The Falcons have a better roster than this ranking would indicate, but it won’t matter if they can’t get a modicum of consistency from the quarterback position.

27 — Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are going to be better than people expect. This is not a roster devoid of talent — in fact, this offense has some real juice and the defense has a lot of breakout candidates. The problem is, Arizona is basically guaranteed six losses because they play in the NFC West, and that doesn’t leave many opportunities for confidence-building wins. If it puts them in position to draft their quarterback of the future next year, though, the Cardinals are okay with that.

28 — New York Jets

The Jets got a big upgrade in the competency department this offseason, bringing in high-floor veterans across the roster to upgrade the baseline of play. New York isn’t abandoning their young players, though, and it’ll be interesting to see how they balance developing the young guys while HC Aaron Glenn tries to save his job. On the plus side, No. 2 overall pick and OLB David Bailey already looks like a wrecking ball off the edge.

29 — Las Vegas Raiders

To illustrate just how bad the Raiders’ roster was last season: Las Vegas brought in significant upgrades at multiple positions, yet this roster still has a bunch of holes. That said, they have a ton of intriguing young players vying for playing time, and there are several positions to watch. The secondary, in particular, has three or four guys with promise that should all get a lot of work this season. And everyone is waiting for the debut of No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza, which should come eventually.

30 — Tennessee Titans

New HC Robert Saleh is undertaking a pretty monumental rebuild in Tennessee. Second-year QB Cam Ward didn’t look great in the preseason, but it’s his development that will determine the success of the season. If the Titans are picking in the top five again, they could very well draft his replacement. Elsewhere on the roster, first-rounder Carnell Tate and Elic Ayomanor have the makings of an exciting, dynamic wide receiver duo.

31 — Cleveland Browns

I have no earthly idea why the Browns are insisting on playing Deshaun Watson again. Besides all the bad PR, what could he possibly show them that would change their plans at quarterback next year? At least Shedeur Sanders has some theoretical upside Cleveland could chase. At any rate, this defense should still be solid even without Myles Garrett, but the offense will be rough to watch.

32 — Miami Dolphins

This season isn’t about winning a bunch of football games for Miami. New HC Jeff Hafley is instilling his culture and the Dolphins will be playing a lot of young players, trying to find the guys they can build around. All else is secondary. Despite how bad this roster is, I suspect Miami will sneak up on some teams. They have a chance to be a gritty, tough out.