NFL Power Rankings 2026 (Live)

This was the kind of showing that makes Seattle look like a legitimate Super Bowl frontrunner. That verdict will be settled later, but the Seahawks didn’t need to lean heavily on their quarterback — even with him dealing with an oblique issue — to take firm control early. Seattle seized momentum right from the opening kickoff and never let go, building a commanding three-score advantage by halftime. The pass rush consistently overwhelmed San Francisco’s offense, disrupting the pocket all afternoon and forcing the 49ers into survival mode. The ground game was just as decisive, with Seattle’s lead back delivering his most productive outing of the season, piling up over 100 rushing yards and finding the end zone three times. While an injury to the secondary back was an unfortunate setback, there was relief elsewhere along the offensive line, as the starting left tackle appears to have avoided anything serious. Taken together, this performance cements Seattle as the team to beat right now — though an upcoming matchup with Los Angeles looms large. Their previous meetings were razor-thin, split by last-second plays and overtime drama, setting the stage for what could be the most compelling showdown of the postseason.

The Patriots were far from dominant against Houston, but the result matters more than the aesthetics. Their defense carried the day, controlling the game while the offense did just enough to advance. New England now sits one win from another Super Bowl appearance and enters the AFC title game as the favorite against a Denver team suddenly without Bo Nix.

The Rams survived a road playoff game despite an off night from both their head coach and star quarterback. When it mattered most, Matthew Stafford delivered enough high-leverage throws, and the defense came up with the decisive takeaway in overtime. Sean McVay also made a crucial adjustment late, leaning on the run game after largely abandoning it early.

Bo Nix’s season-ending ankle injury changes everything. The Broncos showed real grit in their comeback win over Buffalo, with Nix executing late drives that showcased Sean Payton’s trust in his young quarterback. That momentum, however, comes to a halt with Nix sidelined.

This was supposed to be the year Buffalo finally broke through. Instead, it ended in another painful playoff loss and the end of Sean McDermott’s tenure. The Bills moved the ball at will in Denver, piling up yards and converting on third and fourth downs, but turnovers proved fatal.

C.J. Stroud’s playoff struggles have become impossible to ignore. After a five-fumble performance the week prior, he followed it with a disastrous first half against New England, throwing four interceptions. The decline from his rookie season form raises serious questions at the worst possible time.

Chicago refused to go quietly, delivering another late-game thrill before finally running out of magic in overtime. Caleb Williams continued to flash star potential, but turnovers and defensive lapses ultimately ended the run.

This Bears team overachieved behind confidence, belief, and timely playmaking. The foundation is strong, particularly with Williams and Ben Johnson in place, but there’s still distance between exciting and elite. Defensive upgrades should be the top offseason priority, especially for a team that leaned heavily on takeaways and late-game heroics to survive.

The season ended abruptly as injuries finally overwhelmed San Francisco. Defensive attrition piled up all year, and by the Divisional Round, the offense was barely holding together. Kyle Shanahan navigated chaos admirably, keeping the team competitive far longer than expected.

Lawrence has taken a major leap under head coach Liam Coen, delivering elite production over the second half of the season. His efficiency against pressure has improved dramatically, removing one of the few remaining weaknesses in his game. With Jacksonville undefeated since Week 11, Lawrence looks every bit like the franchise cornerstone the Jaguars envisioned.

Vic Fangio’s impact continues to show. Philadelphia’s defense ranks among the league’s best in scoring and passing efficiency, consistently neutralizing top quarterbacks. Their ability to win low-scoring, physical games gives the Eagles a familiar postseason formula that has already delivered championships.

Another season of close losses and key injuries has defined the Chargers’ campaign. Critical moments once again tilted the wrong way, including rare miscues from normally dependable special teams. The pattern is difficult to ignore as heartbreak continues to follow this franchise.

Parsons immediately became the defense’s focal point, providing game-changing ability that Green Bay previously lacked. Even with his late injury, his presence validated the trade and highlighted how much the defense benefits from having a true star.

Despite investing heavily on defense, Pittsburgh struggled with consistency and execution. Production never matched expectations, particularly in pass defense and third-down situations. Even star edge rushers failed to impact games at their usual level, leaving the unit well short of its billing.

Baltimore proved capable of winning regular-season games with a backup quarterback, showcasing roster depth and strong coaching. While their ceiling remains tied to Jackson’s health, those wins reinforced the team’s resilience and adaptability.

Detroit’s dynamic backfield remains dangerous, but its effectiveness fluctuated significantly depending on game flow. When the ground attack stalled, the offense struggled to compensate. The contrast between wins and losses highlighted the importance of balance moving forward.

Indianapolis invested heavily in its secondary, adding veterans in free agency and swinging a major trade at the deadline. But injuries quickly exposed the lack of depth, forcing the front seven to shoulder far too much responsibility. That group couldn’t consistently pressure quarterbacks or get off the field, especially during a six-game skid that defined the season’s collapse. The Colts struggled to generate sacks, failed on key third downs, and allowed efficient passing attacks to operate comfortably. Defensive upgrades across multiple levels feel inevitable this offseason.

McCarthy’s rookie season was a learning experience more than a breakthrough. Accuracy issues persisted, prompting mechanical adjustments midseason, and his decision-making lagged behind Minnesota’s timing-based system. The result was an offense that never fully found rhythm. While flashes appeared, consistency never followed, contributing to the Vikings falling short of playoff expectations. Given his age and limited experience entering the league, patience remains the likely path forward.

Young showed noticeable progress at points this season, occasionally lifting Carolina into playoff contention. However, the highs were offset by extreme lows, making it difficult for the organization to fully commit long-term. His statistical profile reflects that inconsistency, with uneven efficiency and fluctuating production. With one more year remaining before a major contract decision, the Panthers enter the offseason still evaluating whether Young is truly their long-term answer.

Tampa Bay survived early by winning tight games, but that margin for error disappeared down the stretch. As losses piled up, even the return of key offensive contributors couldn’t reverse the trend. The Buccaneers repeatedly found themselves on the wrong side of late-game outcomes, a stark contrast to their early-season luck. That reversal may cost them a postseason spot for the first time in years.

Dallas produced elite individual numbers on offense but still bowed out early from playoff contention. Defensive shortcomings plagued the team all season, with pressure generation and takeaways falling well below expectations. Even with strong skill-position talent, the imbalance proved costly. Another offseason of defensive restructuring appears likely as the Cowboys search for stability on that side of the ball.

Aggressive roster moves signaled urgency, but results never matched ambition. Big swings in recent seasons failed to produce playoff appearances, extending a long stretch without a winning record. The Falcons believed they were on the brink; reality suggested otherwise. The gap between potential and performance remains wider than expected.

Miami’s offense never fully took off despite a major financial commitment at quarterback. Late-season lineup changes hinted at organizational uncertainty, especially once playoff hopes faded. While the alternative option didn’t lock down the future, he showed enough to create legitimate competition. With leadership changes looming, the quarterback position could soon be reevaluated.

Cincinnati finally saw tangible development from recent defensive draft picks. Improved pass rush and stronger coverage play offered optimism for a unit that struggled in recent seasons. Continued growth on defense will be critical if the Bengals hope to reopen their championship window.

After cycling through multiple options earlier in the year, New Orleans settled into a rhythm once its rookie signal-caller took over. His late-season performance brought stability and confidence to an offense that lacked both early on. The Saints now enter the offseason with a clearer foundation at the most important position.

Kansas City anticipated an offensive resurgence, but execution never followed. The run game struggled historically, young receivers failed to take a leap, and the defense lacked consistent pressure beyond its stars. Even special teams regressed. The result was a disappointing season that exposed flaws across all three phases.

Early optimism vanished quickly as Washington’s defense collapsed statistically. Issues appeared everywhere — turnovers, run defense, red-zone stops — forcing coaching adjustments midseason. The roster needs upgrades at every level if the Commanders want to compete moving forward.

Cleveland hoped minor changes would spark improvement, but familiar problems resurfaced. Quarterback instability, protection issues, and a lack of explosive playmakers doomed the offense once again. A significant overhaul feels inevitable heading into next season.

With injuries thinning the receiver room, Wilson stepped into a featured role and delivered. He consistently produced big-yardage games and proved capable of carrying the passing attack. After years of limited opportunity, he finally showcased his full potential.

Despite the record, Tennessee saw meaningful contributions from first-year players on both sides of the ball. The quarterback showed promise, receivers flashed complementary skill sets, and young defenders carved out roles. Development will be the focus as the rebuild continues.

Thrown into a difficult situation, Dart exceeded expectations. His efficiency, mobility, and poise quickly earned trust inside the organization. By season’s end, confidence in him as the franchise quarterback had grown significantly.

Expectations were high entering the season, but breakdowns across the roster crushed those hopes. Defensive regression, offensive inconsistency, and failed personnel gambles led to a complete unraveling. The Jets face another reset despite believing they were close.

Efforts to fast-track competitiveness fell flat, exposing deep structural issues. Losses piled up, quarterback play faltered, and the roster lacked foundational stability. With premium draft capital likely incoming, Las Vegas now faces a clear choice: commit fully to rebuilding and development.