NFL 2026 Season Previews and Power Rankings Overview

The NFL’s training camps are in full swing, bringing excitement to fans and players alike. With the Hall of Fame Game kicking off soon, here’s a detailed look at the updates for all 32 NFL teams as they gear up for the 2026 season.

1. Los Angeles Rams

Previous Season: 12-5

Previous Ranking: 5

What’s New? Myles Garrett and potentially Aaron Donald. The Rams have traded for one of the top defensive ends in the league, Myles Garrett. There are rumors of Aaron Donald coming out of retirement. The Rams also acquired two expensive cornerbacks. Their roster seems equipped for another Super Bowl attempt, provided their receivers stay consistent.

2. Denver Broncos

Previous Season: 14-3

Previous Ranking: 3

What’s New? A new play caller. Head coach Sean Payton has given 31-year-old offensive coordinator Davis Webb the responsibility of calling plays. This change aims to possibly retain Webb or enhance offensive effectiveness. The Broncos have strengthened with the addition of wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and maintain a strong defense.

3. Buffalo Bills

Previous Season: 12-5

Previous Ranking: 8

What’s New? A new stadium. The Bills move to a new Highmark Stadium, leaving their old venue after 53 years. They’ve also added wide receiver D.J. Moore, aiming to leverage an offense-centered strategy under new head coach Joe Brady.

4. New England Patriots

Previous Season: 14-3

Previous Ranking: 2

What’s New? The addition of A.J. Brown. Although widely anticipated, Brown’s trade from Philadelphia finally came through in June. The Patriots also incorporated Romeo Doubs to boost their receiving options. With a strong lineup, led by coach Mike Vrabel, they aim to contend despite roster changes.

5. Seattle Seahawks

Previous Season: 14-3

Previous Ranking: 1

What’s New? New ownership. A group led by Vinod Khosla’s family has acquired the franchise. In terms of player dynamics, the Seahawks have seen departures such as Kenneth Walker and outside linebacker Boye Mafe, presenting challenges for them in maintaining their champion status.

6. Houston Texans

Previous Season: 12-5

Previous Ranking: 9

What’s New? The offensive line rebuild. The Texans revamped their lineup with key acquisitions like Wyatt Teller and Braden Smith, and drafted Keylan Rutledge. These moves focus on enhancing protection for QB C.J. Stroud and improving their running game, helped by David Montgomery’s addition.

7. San Francisco 49ers

Previous Season: 12-5

Previous Ranking: 4

What’s New? Changes in wide receivers. Departures include Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne, with newcomers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk joining. With a focus on the run game led by Christian McCaffrey, the team looks to optimize player versatility and build on last year’s high workload count for McCaffrey.

8. Los Angeles Chargers

Previous Season: 11-6

Previous Ranking: 15

What’s New? A new offensive coordinator. Mike McDaniel, known for rejuvenating player careers, will attempt to enhance Justin Herbert’s performance. Additionally, the Chargers are investing again in their offensive line amid an essential season for Herbert’s career progression.

9. Philadelphia Eagles

Previous Season: 11-6

Previous Ranking: 7

What’s New? Revamped receiving corps. With A.J. Brown and his social media presence gone, the Eagles brought on Dontayvion Wicks and Makai Lemon among others. A shuffle in the offensive coordinator position brings Sean Mannion in as Jalen Hurts’ sixth play caller.

10. Detroit Lions

Previous Season: 9-8

Previous Ranking: 13

What’s New? Team dynamics. Arrest and release of cornerback Terrion Arnold and other roster changes underscore challenges ahead. Losing streaks and roster attrition point to a critical season for coach Dan Campbell’s efforts to invigorate the team.

11. Jacksonville Jaguars

Previous Season: 13-4

Previous Ranking: 10

What’s New? Testing their record. Rather than big acquisitions, continuity seems to be the Jaguar’s strategy. Replacing impactful players like Travis Etienne will be a focus while they rely on existing team momentum.

12. Chicago Bears

Previous Season: 11-6

Previous Ranking: 6

What’s New? Caleb Williams’ expanded role. Trading away D.J. Moore, the Bears place confidence in Williams to maintain the team’s upward trajectory from his breakout 2025 season.

13. Dallas Cowboys

Previous Season: 7-9-1

Previous Ranking: 17

What’s New? Defensive strategy overhaul. After three seasons of sub-par defensive performances, new coordinator Christian Parker aims to improve outcomes with acquisitions like Rashan Gary and Caleb Downs.

14. Cincinnati Bengals

Previous Season: 6-11

Previous Ranking: 23

What’s New? Joe Burrow’s potential return to form. Burrow’s injury-hit seasons have limited his game time. Changes on defense, including new linemen like Dexter Lawrence, offer additional support for Burrow’s objectives.

15. Green Bay Packers

Previous Season: 9-7-1

Previous Ranking: 14

What’s New? Coach Matt LaFleur’s urgency. With strategic losses during the offseason, the Packers need significant performance from Jordan Love, combined with strategic guidance from LaFleur, to bypass previous playoff dismissals.

16. Baltimore Ravens

Previous Season: 8-9

Previous Ranking: 12

What’s New? Transition of key players. Seeing long-time fullback Patrick Ricard exit for New York symbolizes shifts in team infrastructure. Lamar Jackson’s anticipated return to health is expected to elevate team performance.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

Previous Season: 10-7

Previous Ranking: 11

What’s New? Revival of a partnership. Mike McCarthy reunites with Aaron Rodgers in a head coach-quarterback tandem. Additionally, adding Michael Pittman Jr. aims to energize Pittsburgh’s offense with potential to reinvigorate performance metrics.

18. Kansas City Chiefs

Previous Season: 6-11

Previous Ranking: 20

What’s New? Adjusted expectations. Patrick Mahomes faces challenges with injured teammates and an evolving roster. With a revamped line-up around him, Mahomes, alongside Kenneth Walker, will try to rejuvenate the Chiefs’ path.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Previous Season: 8-9

Previous Ranking: 16

What’s New? Another offensive coordinator. Todd Bowles enters this season with Zac Robinson as the new play-caller. Defensive changes are notable, reflecting Bowles’ attempts to optimize team functionality from the bench to the field.

20. Minnesota Vikings

Previous Season: 9-8

Previous Ranking: 19

What’s New? Questions at quarterback. Despite discourse around a competition, the Vikings’ quarterback role may favor Kyler Murray over J.J. McCarthy as they look to enhance limited on-field results.

21. Indianapolis Colts

Previous Season: 8-9

Previous Ranking: 21

What’s New? Shane Steichen’s critical outlook. With defensive modifications underway, Steichen needs to coax improved performance from either a returning Daniel Jones or backup Anthony Richardson to secure greater team success.

22. Carolina Panthers

Previous Season: 8-9

Previous Ranking: 18

What’s New? Enhancing defense. While their performance yielded a divisional playoff spot last season, emphasis is on bolstering defensive capability, highlighted by acquiring Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd.

23. Washington Commanders

Previous Season: 5-12

Previous Ranking: 26

What’s New? Defensive overhaul. With significant signings on the defensive end, Washington aims to back QB Jayden Daniels with a stronger supportive cast to warrant improvement and ease pressure on coach Dan Quinn.

24. Atlanta Falcons

Previous Season: 8-9

Previous Ranking: 22

What’s New? Leadership and direction. Matt Ryan’s new role as president of football aligns with leadership choices like hiring coach Kevin Stefanski. They seek to end their prolonged playoff drought with fresh strategies in place.

25. New Orleans Saints

Previous Season: 6-11

Previous Ranking: 24

What’s New? Backfield adjustments. Alvin Kamara remains a feature, despite Travis Etienne’s primary role. Kamara’s restructured deal underscores his return for another season with an evolved role underlined by significant career milestones.

26. Las Vegas Raiders

Previous Season: 3-14

Previous Ranking: 29

What’s New? Quarterback mentorship. Kirk Cousins takes a pivotal role with top pick Fernando Mendoza. The Raiders also have introduced a new head coach, Klint Kubiak, to guide strategic growth around Mendoza’s development.

27. Cleveland Browns

Previous Season: 5-12

Previous Ranking: 27

What’s New? Quarterback rivalry. A healthy Deshaun Watson returns to compete with Shedeur Sanders. The absence of Myles Garrett, traded to the Rams, raises questions about the Browns’ long-term defensive objectives.

28. New York Giants

Previous Season: 4-13

Previous Ranking: 28

What’s New? Defensive layer enhancements. Major revamps on the defensive line aim to offset Dexter Lawrence’s departure. New coach John Harbaugh’s strategic addition of Arvell Reese represents the Giants’ continuing focus on defense.

29. Tennessee Titans

Previous Season: 3-14

Previous Ranking: 32

What’s New? Comprehensive revamps. With a new head coach in Robert Saleh and branding overhauls, the Titans seek to pivot from their recent struggles, centering advancement around young QB Cam Ward.

30. Arizona Cardinals

Previous Season: 3-14

Previous Ranking: 30

What’s New? Rebooting relationships. Post-Kyler Murray era, Jacoby Brissett helms the team under head coach Mike LaFleur’s rebuild strategy, fully embracing a fresh start with commitments to long-term growth.

31. New York Jets

Previous Season: 3-14

Previous Ranking: 31

What’s New? Veteran lean. A free-agent-focused strategy saw acquisitions of older experienced talents like Demario Davis and Geno Smith, signifying Coach Aaron Glenn’s intent for immediate wins amid pressures of job security.

32. Miami Dolphins

Previous Season: 7-10

Previous Ranking: 25

What’s New? Passing dynamics reshaped. With top stars and former coach Mike McDaniel departed, Malik Willis is now at the helm. Transition is ongoing, with a roster of new wide receivers, aiming to refine strategies around Willis’ potential.