NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
We’re getting close to that time again, when the NFL takes over. Preseason hasn’t started yet, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take a look at Power Rankings before Week 1. Power Rankings are designed to get the fans talking. Of course, there will be disagreements as fans believe their team should be higher, and in some cases, lower. This version will take a look at the rosters, we’re not going to favor in last season, and what their schedule looks like for the upcoming season.
This Week 1 Power Rankings list is strictly talent-based, and how well some of the old talent will mesh with the newcomers and new coaches. No list is perfect, as all power rankings are based on people’s opinions. There were a lot of moves made this offseason, and that’s not even counting the NFL Draft. Some teams are destined for greatness while others are fighting for the No. 1 pick. However, no one picked the Broncos, Seahawks, or Patriots to be among the last teams standing in their initial 2025 Power Rankings.
Here are my 2026 NFL Week 1 Power Rankings
(32) Miami Dolphins
It was a straight fire sale this offseason, but they did manage to keep De’Von Achane. Rebuilding is the name of the game for the Dolphins at this point, and the team has turned the keys over to Malik Willis. It’s going to be a long one.
(31) New York Jets
At some point, the Jets will start being relevant again, right? Well, this is not the season. Bringing Geno Smith back was not a terrible option, but was it the only one? Even with Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall, the Jets will struggle to get even 5 wins.
(30) Cleveland Browns
Life has to be hard for Browns’ fans. Garrett is gone, and now there is talk that Deshaun Watson is the best QB in the room. Another long season for the Browns.
(29) New Orleans Saints
Maybe, just maybe, the saints have found their QB. If Kamara stays, they will have one of the best backfields in the league; however, there is still a ton of youth on this team.
(28) Tennessee Titans
The Titans are trying to build something around their QB. The issue is that other teams are improving as well. Cam Ward will need to take a huge leap in his second season
(27) Las Vegas Raiders
The potential is there. Will they give the keys to the rookie or go with the vet under center? If the defense can get timely stops, the Raiders could put themselves in a good position to win a few games this season.
(26) Carolina Panthers
Playoffs last seaosn in a weak division has given the Panthers hope; however, not picking up the option on the QB who got you there does not show trust in a young team that needs it. The defense is still good, but the offense is shaky at best.
(25) Washington Commanders
Too much has to happen for this team to be successful. The health of Jayden Daniels is key here. The offense didn’t improve much this offseason, and the defense is still a mystery.
(24) Arizona Cardinals
Murray is gone, and Jacoby Brissett is taking over full-time. They drafted a star in Jeremiyah Love to go along with Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr. It all comes down to the defense.
(23) New York Giants
You want to root for this team with a new head coach, most likely everyone loves, but the question marks concerning their core players, injuries, and inexperience are just too loud.
(22) Minnesota Vikings
This is an important season for the Vikings. There may come a time when Jefferson asks out. They brought in Kyler Murray, but is he the answer for the short or long term? The defense has playmakers, but they did not add enough to a stumbling team.
(21) Indianapolis Colts
Raise your hand if you’ve seen this Daniel Jones story before? It’s not to knock him, but the Colts are praying that he’s the same Jones from the first half of last season. Good chances, they are wrong.
(20) Atlanta Falcons
If Tua can regain his confidence, the NFL better watch out. The Falcons have weapons on the offensive side of the ball. Now, it’s just about handing the keys to the right QB.
(19) Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are hoping that Dexterr Lawrence has an all-NFL type of year. Otherwise, they keep throwing the same core on the field with similar results.
(18) Pittsburgh Steelers
How many people are still betting on Aaron Rodgers? He’s a Hall of Famer, but he no longer has what’s needed to lead the Steelers to the promised land.
(17) Jacksonville Jaguars
Have they turned the corner, or was that a fluke season? The success of the Jaguars will fall on the shoulders of Trevor Lawrence. But which version will they get in 2026?
(16) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs are getting younger on defense but older on offense. They are still the best team in the NFC South despite their collapse last seaosn.
(15) Green Bay Packers
The Packers are just treading water. They have a solid core that wins games, but they still haven’t added any real value. The weight on Love’s shoulders keeps getting heavier.
(14) Los Angeles Chargers
Last season was their chance to take control of the AFC West. However, the Broncos had other plans. Does Justin Herbert have another gear?
(13) Kansas City Chiefs
Will Patrick Mahomes be himself? If it’s a yes, then the Chiefs will still put up a fight. Another bright side is that they retained the services of Eric Bieniemy and found a ground game.
(12) Chicago Bears
As good as Ben Johnson is at calling plays, the Bears need players to execute. Losing DJ Morore will hurt more than they think.
(11) Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys will boast one of the best offenses in the NFL. But will their defense be able to stop anyone? They had a great draft with Caleb Downs.
(10) Detroit Lions
When? The Lions must figure something out. The problem is, no one can point a finger at what it is. The team is talented, and yet, they come up short every season.
(9) Baltimore Ravens
Was it the coach or the players? This is what the Ravens will have to find out this season. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are still leading the way, and that always gives them a fighting chance. But that defense is a huge concern.
(8) San Francisco 49ers
How much does Mike Evans have left in the tank? If the 49ers can stay healthy, especially come playoff time, they will be a force.
(7) Houston Texans
Everything falls on the shoulders of CJ Stroud. The defense is solid, and with the return of Tank Dell and the arrival of David Montgomery, the offense should be clicking.
(6) Philadelphia Eagles
Even with the departure of AJ Brown, the Eagles are still loaded on both sides of the ball. The big question is, can they master the offense of a new coordinator?
(5) Seattle Seahawks
Reigning Super Bowl champs. Just like any champ, they lost a lot during the offseason; their most important departure was Kenneth Walker. How do you let the Super Bowl MVP walk? They will have a hard time replacing his production.
(4) New England Patriots
The AJ Brown addition is a huge one for a team coming off a Super Bowl appearance. But is the outside noise too loud for this young team?
(3) Denver Broncos
One game away, one injury away. That’s the way the Broncos must attack this season. They have the weapons on both sides of the ball to make another strong run.
(2) Buffalo Bills
The Bills added a deep threat for Josh Allen with the signing of DJ Moore. Is he the player to finally get them over the hump?
(1) Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are in win-now mode just as they have been for the past few seasons. With Myles Garrett on board, they are the clear favorites to win it all this season.
