NFL preseason power rankings: Bills, Bears get closer to No. 1 Rams; Seahawks, Patriots slide

The NFL offseason is almost finished for 2026. A long time has passed this spring and summer since the most recent edition of Sporting News league power rankings.

Since the completion of the draft in April, OTAs in May, a blockbuster move in June and early training camp returns in late July, much has happened leading into kickoff of preseason game action in August. That's led to a significant shakeup of how all 32 teams stand with only a little more than three weeks before the start of the regular season.

Topped with the new clear favorites to win Super Bowl 62 through the team most likely headed to earn the No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, here's the latest look at how high or low you should be on your team in '26:

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NFL Power Rankings

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1. Los Angeles Rams (previous 2026 ranking: 2)

The Rams got their all-in move in June by acquiring reigning Sporting News Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett for their edge pass rush and run stuffing. Now their venerable "retired" DPOY up front, Aaron Donald, looks almost ready to return. Combined with the cornerback upgrades from the Chiefs, that's a scary, dominant defense looming, on top of Sean McVay's offense led by reigning MVP Matthew Stafford.

2. Buffalo Bills (4)

Josh Allen will be back in the MVP mix, two years removed from preceding Stafford with the award. D.J. Moore looks like a prime pickup to put new coach Joe Brady's offense over the top, with James Cook also extended for an elite rushing attack. The defense looks like it will benefit well from Jim Leonhard calling the plays.

3. Chicago Bears (7)

Ben Johnson's offense looks more maniacal with young MVP candidate Caleb Williams ready for a big Year 3. The passing game can now match the rushing pop and the ample scoring is coming again, this time without needing massive fourth quarters. Also look for Chicago to make a big defensive addition midseason to chase a championship.

4. Seattle Seahawks (1)

The Seahawks haven't gone into full speed yet to defend their Super Bowl 61 title, but they did lose some key personnel across the board and will feel some coaching brain drain under Mike Macdonald without Klint Kubiak coordinating the offense. They still cannot be discounted to make another run at the ring, even in a division with the reloaded Rams.

5. Kansas City Chiefs (3)

The Chiefs feel more confident that Patrick Mahomes will be ready for Week 1. He's also got his best array of weapons in a while, reuniting with offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who will help Mahomes a lot more with the running of Super Bowl 61 MVP Kenneth Walker III behind a nasty interior line.

6. Baltimore Ravens (5)

Lamar Jackson is confident he can rise to a higher MVP level in his third offense, under run-committed Declan Doyle. Jesse Minter and Anthony Weaver also are back in Baltimore to get a lot more out of the defense after last year's disappointment.

7. Philadelphia Eagles (8)

Jalen Hurts is adjusting to yet another new offense under Sean Mannion but might end up being more comfortable spreading the ball around the field vs. forcing downfield shots now minus A.J. Brown. The defense needs the pass rush revved up to return to Super Bowl 60-winning levels.

8. San Francisco 49ers (9)

The 49ers are bound to find some answers with the remixed receiving corps for Brock Purdy playing well off a still-prime Christian McCaffrey. But keeping Nick Bosa and other key defenders healthy in another scheme adjustment will dictate early whether they can jump the Rams and Seahawks in the NFC West.

9. New England Patriots (7)

The Patriots are strong candidates to fall into the Super Bowl hangover trap with a raised degree of difficulty from the schedule to still needing to battle the formidable Bills just to repeat in the division. Brown needs to do his best to keep Drake Maye from coming down to earth.

10. Los Angeles Chargers (10)

The Justin Herbert Offseason Hype Train continues under the offense of Mike McDaniel,  in which he will get plenty of help from the running game as the QB tries to prove more doubters wrong by playing back at his rookie level.  The Chargers also will need to recover well defensively minus Minter.

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11. Denver Broncos (11)

The Broncos also have the potential to fade hard from the AFC championship game with the Chargers surging, the Raiders improving and the Chiefs rebounding in their own division. They had an improbable run of comebacks with Bo Nix, but Sean Payton will need to get his team to better execute early to return to the playoffs.

12. Jacksonville Jaguars (13)

The Jaguars have found their offensive groove with the combination of Trevor Lawrence and Liam Coen, more settling into a bevy of receiving weapons and hopeful the running game won't miss Travis Etienne Jr. too much. Early, the young defenders also look promising to build on 2025's breakout.

13. Houston Texans (14) 

The Texans have been rather quiet in the offseason in relation to other AFC playoff-caliber powers, but all eyes remain on C.J. Stroud to turn the corner as a franchise QB to take full advantage of the defensive dominance.

14. Cincinnati Bengals (16)

The Bengals are getting worthy buzz with a healthy Joe Burrow, with no questions about the offense as long as he's available. It comes down to what kind of impact Dexter Lawrence can have helping to turn around Al Golden's defense minus Trey Hendrickson.

15. Green Bay Packers (12)

The Packers are in the muddled middle along with the three teams chasing the Bears in the NFC North. Jordan Love will need a lot of richer Christian Watson with the passing game overhaul and the defense is adjusting to life after Jeff Hafley, minus a healthy Micah Parsons early. This feels like a tough crossroads season for Matt LaFleur.

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16. Detroit Lions (14)

Dan Campbell isn't under the same kind of heat to deliver bigger things from his talented team, but the Lions need to show they haven't let the Super Bowl window close on them with some bigger salaries. Losing his coordinators was tough last season, and adjustments were made. The offense has more of a burden with Jahmyr Gibbs joining Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown breaking the bank.

17. Dallas Cowboys (18)

The Cowboys are either a sneaky pick to make a deep run with a big-time new-look defense under Christian Parker to help an offense that should hum along for Brian Schottenheimer and Dak Prescott. George Pickens, CeeDee Lamb, Jake Ferguson and Javonte Williams all staying healthy along with their QB is one key. The other is getting a lot of youth to serve its share of defensive big plays.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers (19)

The Steelers are hoping Aaron Rodgers can be rejuvenated in the reunion with Mike McCarthy and there's more optimism about DK Metcalf and new wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and Germie Bernard. Going away from Mike Tomlin will mean the spotlight shines more on the offense coming to life than the defense, instead of vice versa.

19. New York Giants (17)

The Giants should be enthusiastic about what Jaxson Dart can do in the new offense, but he has to prove he can stay on the field, first. John Harbaugh is trying to put his huge imprint on the team in a hurry, but it might be take a season work out all the kinks and put all the talented young pieces together.

20. Washington Commanders (21)

The Commanders are trying to find a reliable running game and receivers beyond Terry McLaurin to get a back-healthy Jayden Daniels back on track. But so far, Daniels has gotten in his own way, with the whole LSU and No. 5 controversy creating a unnecessary cloud in the transition to David Blough's new offense. Now Daniels has put a lot of pressure on himself to lift a supporting cast that needs it.

MORE: Where every tight NFL QB battle stands after preseason Week 1

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21. Minnesota Vikings (22)

The Vikings made the right call to roll with Kyler Murray as the starting quarterback early without dragging out things with J.J. McCarthy. Kevin O'Connell has proved he can win with a variety of veteran QBs and how Murray goes and how much the defense can facilitate the offense will determine whether they can be a bigger threat to the Bears than either the Packers or Lions.

22. New Orleans Saints (25)

The NFC South has been weakened all-around and with Kellen Moore and Brandon Staley leading the team for a second season, the division is there for the taking should Tyler Shough build on his late rookie work. The shift to a younger core can pay off sooner than expected.

23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (24)

The Buccaneers are adjusting to a third offense in as many seasons with Baker Mayfield and will need to do it without familiar options such as Mike Evans and Rachaad White. Their defense also is getting a big front seven reboot for Todd Bowles that may not work in time to extend his job into 2027.

24. Indianapolis Colts (20) 

The Colts are still waiting on a healthy Daniel Jones and their hard fade with him shelved by a torn Achilles' late last season doesn't inspire them to contend. They might have enough offense, but their defense pales vs. Jacksonville and Houston.

25. Las Vegas Raiders (27)

Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza both thriving in Kubiak's offense early brings plenty of excitement for a big turnaround there, supported well by the running game and tight ends. Shaky defense, however, can hold the team back big-time, which may prompt "another" Maxx Crosby trade.

MORE: How every NFL rookie fared in preseason debuts

26. Tennessee Titans (23)

The Titans are trying to fix a lot at once with wholesale personnel and scheme changes under Robert Saleh and Brian Daboll. Not surprisingly, there will be some lumps taken by Cam Ward and the defense. Tennessee's playoff sleeper status is bound to be more unlocked next season.

27. Carolina Panthers (26)

The Panthers' offense is counting on a lot from unproven youngsters such as Xavier Legette and Jonathon Brooks while also breaking in a revamped line. Ejiro Evero's defense will be the more reliable side with a strong offseason that landed Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd.

28. Arizona Cardinals (30)

The Cardinals have looked much cleaner and more put-together with McVay protege Mike LaFleur taking over as a young rookie coach. Their defense also has come out flying with Walter Nolen and others. Arizona would be a true deep wild-card sleeper if not for playing in the brutal NFC West.

29. New York Jets (28)

The Jets have bad overall vibes in Aaron Glenn's second season. Geno Smith and the new rookie offensive weapons seem a bit cursed, setting up David Bailey and defense to be the flashy bright spot in a rough season.

30. Atlanta Falcons (29)

The Falcons need Michael Penix Jr. back healthy soon, with Tua Tagovailoa not inspiring for Kevin Stefanski's offense. They paid Bijan Robinson a ton because they could, but he can do only so much to keep the ball moving as a runner and receiver.

31. Miami Dolphins (32)

The Dolphins are feeling OK on offense with Malik Willis at quarterback, a well-paid De'Von Achane carrying the load and a refreshed receiving corps. The defense is a greater work in progress for Hafley as he tries to get a ton out of many youngsters.

32. Cleveland Browns (31)

The Browns' quarterback competition is hiding the fact they are so dependent on so many young playmakers to get Todd Monken's offense rolling, led by Quinshon Judkins and KC Concepcion. The huge issue, however, is seeing the defense crumble without Garrett setting the tone.