NFL Teams Tier List 2026: All 32 Teams Ranked
Three weeks into the 2026 season and the league already looks a little upside down. The Raiders are 2-0, the Chargers aren't, and the defending champion Seahawks are winning with their backup quarterback. We sorted all 32 teams into six tiers, from real Super Bowl contenders down to the teams already hearing draft-pick chatter. It's early, so we weighed what teams did this summer as much as the first couple of results. Disagree? Good. That's half the fun.
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SS Tier: Super Bowl or Bust
Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen looks like the best player in football again, averaging 9.7 yards per attempt through two games. Joe Brady's first year as head coach is off to a flying start, DJ Moore gives Allen a real No. 1 target, and the new Highmark Stadium already has a signature win after a 41-31 shootout with Detroit. The defense has leaked some points, which is the only thing keeping us from calling them clear favorites.
About Buffalo Bills
A charter member of the AFL in 1960, the Bills famously reached four straight Super Bowls in the early 1990s. In 2026 they moved into the new Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park.
- First season
- 1960
- Stadium
- Highmark Stadium
- Super Bowl titles
- 0
- Head coach
- Joe Brady
Seattle Seahawks
The defending champs lost Sam Darnold to a hip injury in the opener and didn't blink. Drew Lock has thrown four touchdowns with zero turnovers, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is picking up where his Offensive Player of the Year season left off, and Mike Macdonald's defense held Arizona to 151 total yards. That's what a title roster looks like.
About Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks entered the league in 1976. They've won two Super Bowls, most recently beating New England in Super Bowl LX in February 2026.
- First season
- 1976
- Stadium
- Lumen Field
- Super Bowl titles
- 2
- Head coach
- Mike Macdonald
San Francisco 49ers
Brock Purdy is carving people up. He leads the league in QBR through two weeks, the Niners handled the Rams in the opener and then flattened Miami 35-13. Adding Mike Evans in free agency gave Kyle Shanahan another big body outside, and plenty of folks who wrote this team off in the summer are quietly backing away.
About San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers began in the AAFC in 1946 and joined the NFL in 1950. They've won five Super Bowls.
- First season
- 1946
- Stadium
- Levi's Stadium
- Super Bowl titles
- 5
- Head coach
- Kyle Shanahan
Kansas City Chiefs
Remember when people said the dynasty was done? Patrick Mahomes is back from knee surgery, new running back Kenneth Walker III ran all over Denver in a 31-10 opening win, and KC survived Indianapolis in overtime to start 2-0. Andy Reid finally has a ground game that scares people, and we're not betting against him.
About Kansas City Chiefs
Founded as the Dallas Texans of the AFL, the team moved to Kansas City in 1963. The Chiefs have won four Super Bowls, three of them with Patrick Mahomes.
- First season
- 1960
- Stadium
- Arrowhead Stadium
- Super Bowl titles
- 4
- Head coach
- Andy Reid
AA Tier: Legit Contenders
Los Angeles Rams
Preseason, a lot of people had the Rams as the NFL's best team, and we still get it. Reigning MVP Matthew Stafford threw four touchdowns against the Giants even without Puka Nacua. The worry is on defense: blockbuster trade pickup Myles Garrett landed on injured reserve after knee surgery, and the opening loss to San Francisco wasn't pretty.
About Los Angeles Rams
The Rams were founded in Cleveland in 1936, moved to Los Angeles in 1946, spent 1995 to 2015 in St. Louis and came back to L.A. in 2016. They've won two Super Bowls, after the 1999 and 2021 seasons.
- Founded
- 1936
- Stadium
- SoFi Stadium
- Super Bowl titles
- 2
- Head coach
- Sean McVay
Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts has five touchdown passes in new coordinator Sean Mannion's offense and the Eagles are 2-0. Honestly, though, they haven't looked dominant, with analytics sites flagging a low offensive success rate. A Monday night trip to Chicago against a Bears team starting its backup QB is a good chance to look like a heavyweight again.
About Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles joined the NFL in 1933. They've won two Super Bowls, after the 2017 and 2024 seasons.
- First season
- 1933
- Stadium
- Lincoln Financial Field
- Super Bowl titles
- 2
- Head coach
- Nick Sirianni
Cincinnati Bengals
This might be the most improved defense in the league. Trading for Dexter Lawrence changed the whole front, they forced four turnovers against Tampa Bay and then held Houston to six points. Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase don't need to score 35 a week anymore, which is a scary thought for the AFC.
About Cincinnati Bengals
Founded by Paul Brown, the Bengals started play in the AFL in 1968. They've reached three Super Bowls without winning one, most recently after the 2021 season.
- First season
- 1968
- Stadium
- Paycor Stadium
- Super Bowl titles
- 0
- Head coach
- Zac Taylor
Baltimore Ravens
Life after John Harbaugh started with 500-plus yards against the Colts, then a frustrating loss to New Orleans after leading 17-9. First-year coach Jesse Minter has a pass-protection problem, and Lamar Jackson has been under pressure far too often. Still, Lamar plus Derrick Henry keeps them in the top tier of the AFC conversation.
About Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens began play in 1996 after Art Modell moved his Cleveland franchise to Baltimore. They've won two Super Bowls, after the 2000 and 2012 seasons.
- First season
- 1996
- Stadium
- M&T Bank Stadium
- Super Bowl titles
- 2
- Head coach
- Jesse Minter
Denver Broncos
After a 14-win season, Denver got embarrassed 31-10 by the Chiefs in the opener. They bounced back with a comeback win over Jacksonville as trade pickup Jaylen Waddle went for 138 yards. Bo Nix needs to cut down on his September interceptions, but Sean Payton's roster is too good to panic over.
About Denver Broncos
An original AFL team from 1960, the Broncos play in the AFC West. They've won three Super Bowls, after the 1997, 1998 and 2015 seasons.
- First season
- 1960
- Stadium
- Empower Field at Mile High
- Super Bowl titles
- 3
- Head coach
- Sean Payton
BB Tier: Playoff Bubble, Leaning In
Jacksonville Jaguars
Last year's 13-4 AFC South champs beat Cleveland easily, then lost to Denver for their first regular-season defeat since Week 10 of last season. Trevor Lawrence is sharp when kept clean and shaky under pressure, which is a problem. Liam Coen's group is playing in a half-renovated stadium this year, but the talent is real.
About Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars joined the league as an expansion team in 1995. Their home, EverBank Stadium, is being renovated and is running at reduced capacity during the 2026 season.
- First season
- 1995
- Stadium
- EverBank Stadium
- Super Bowl titles
- 0
- Head coach
- Liam Coen
New England Patriots
The Super Bowl rematch in Seattle went sideways when Drake Maye threw three picks in a 13-10 loss. Then A.J. Brown, the big trade addition from Philadelphia, went down with a high ankle sprain that could cost him about six weeks. Mike Vrabel's defense smothered Pittsburgh in Week 2, so they're far from finished.
About New England Patriots
New England began as the AFL's Boston Patriots in 1960 and took its current name in 1971. It has won six Super Bowls, tied with Pittsburgh for the most of any franchise.
- First season
- 1960
- Stadium
- Gillette Stadium
- Super Bowl titles
- 6
- Head coach
- Mike Vrabel
Detroit Lions
Detroit can still score with anyone, and Jared Goff has thrown a TD in 25 straight games. The problem is the back end: safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph are out, and the Bills dropped 41 on them. They also needed overtime to get past the Saints, so this feels like a team treading water until it gets healthy.
About Detroit Lions
The franchise started as the Portsmouth Spartans in 1930 and moved to Detroit in 1934. The Lions won four NFL championships before the Super Bowl era and are the only current NFC team that has never reached a Super Bowl.
- First season
- 1930
- Stadium
- Ford Field
- Super Bowl titles
- 0
- Head coach
- Dan Campbell
Houston Texans
An 0-2 start sounds dire, but look at the opponents: Buffalo and Cincinnati. C.J. Stroud has 627 passing yards, and new back David Montgomery had a strong debut. Nico Collins' hamstring and a run game that has barely moved are real concerns, yet most analysts still see a playoff team here.
About Houston Texans
The Texans are the NFL's newest franchise, starting play in 2002. They play in the AFC South and have never reached a Super Bowl.
- First season
- 2002
- Stadium
- NRG Stadium
- Super Bowl titles
- 0
- Head coach
- DeMeco Ryans
Minnesota Vikings
The Kyler Murray trade hasn't gotten going, because Murray took a concussion on the 11th offensive play of the season. Carson Wentz has done just enough, and Brian Flores' defense has carried them past Green Bay and Chicago. The 2-0 record is ahead of how they've actually played, so we're parking them in B for now.
About Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings began play in 1961 and play in the NFC North. They've reached four Super Bowls without winning one.
- First season
- 1961
- Stadium
- U.S. Bank Stadium
- Super Bowl titles
- 0
- Head coach
- Kevin O'Connell
Chicago Bears
Ben Johnson's offense dropped 59 points on Carolina in Week 1, then fell apart in the rain against Minnesota. Caleb Williams' hamstring has him week-to-week, and Case Keenum is starting against Philadelphia. If Williams is back soon, this is a playoff team again, but that's a big if.
About Chicago Bears
A charter NFL franchise that started as the Decatur Staleys in 1920, the Bears moved to Chicago in 1921. They've won nine NFL championships, including Super Bowl XX after the 1985 season.
- First season
- 1920
- Stadium
- Soldier Field
- Super Bowl titles
- 1
- Head coach
- Ben Johnson
Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott is cooking, with six touchdowns and one interception through two games, and CeeDee Lamb looks like himself. The defense is another story after getting pushed around by the Giants in the opener. We have them at the bottom of B because the offense alone can win a lot of games.
About Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys began play in 1960 and have won five Super Bowls. They play at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
- First season
- 1960
- Stadium
- AT&T Stadium
- Super Bowl titles
- 5
- Head coach
- Brian Schottenheimer
CC Tier: Could Go Either Way
Green Bay Packers
Thursday night was ugly. Atlanta beat the Packers 35-14 at Lambeau, holding them to 17 rushing yards and handing Green Bay its first home-opener loss since 2012. Micah Parsons is still working back from a torn ACL, the offensive line is a patchwork, and Jordan Love is getting hit way too much.
About Green Bay Packers
Founded in 1919, the Packers are the only community-owned team in the NFL. They have 13 league championships, four of them Super Bowls.
- Founded
- 1919
- Stadium
- Lambeau Field
- Super Bowl titles
- 4
- Head coach
- Matt LaFleur
New Orleans Saints
Tyler Shough has turned into Mr. Fourth Quarter. He took Detroit to overtime in the opener and then led a late upset of Baltimore, even though he's been rough in the first three quarters. Kellen Moore's team is feisty, and nobody wants to play them right now.
About New Orleans Saints
The Saints joined the NFL in 1967. They won their only Super Bowl after the 2009 season.
- First season
- 1967
- Stadium
- Caesars Superdome
- Super Bowl titles
- 1
- Head coach
- Kellen Moore
Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young's growth is the story here, and he's been one of the most efficient passers in the league on intermediate and deep throws. Tetairoa McMillan is coming off a 1,000-yard rookie year, too. Then you remember the defense gave up 59 points to Chicago and you pump the brakes.
About Carolina Panthers
The Panthers entered the league as an expansion team in 1995. They've played in two Super Bowls, after the 2003 and 2015 seasons.
- First season
- 1995
- Stadium
- Bank of America Stadium
- Super Bowl titles
- 0
- Head coach
- Dave Canales
Las Vegas Raiders
Nobody saw 2-0 coming. First-year coach Klint Kubiak has Kirk Cousins steering a tidy offense, second-year back Ashton Jeanty ran for two scores against Miami, and the Raiders then beat the Chargers. We need to see it against a better schedule, but this is the most fun Raiders start since 2021.
About Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders started in Oakland in 1960, spent 1982 to 1994 in Los Angeles, and moved to Las Vegas in 2020. They've won three Super Bowls.
- First season
- 1960
- Stadium
- Allegiant Stadium
- Super Bowl titles
- 3
- Head coach
- Klint Kubiak
New York Giants
John Harbaugh's debut went perfectly with a physical win over Dallas. Then Jaxson Dart hurt his knee on the opening drive of a Monday night loss to the Rams, and Jameis Winston struggled in relief. How long Dart is out decides this season, which also features Odell Beckham Jr.'s return to New York.
About New York Giants
The Giants have played since 1925 and share MetLife Stadium in New Jersey with the Jets. They've won four Super Bowls, two of them against the Patriots.
- First season
- 1925
- Stadium
- MetLife Stadium
- Super Bowl titles
- 4
- Head coach
- John Harbaugh
Indianapolis Colts
They're 0-2, and it could easily be 1-1. The Colts took Kansas City to overtime, Jonathan Taylor still looks great, and Daniel Jones is back from last year's Achilles tear. Losing receiver Alec Pierce for several weeks hurts a lot, even with Keenan Allen on board.
About Indianapolis Colts
The Colts began in Baltimore in 1953 and moved to Indianapolis in 1984. They've won two Super Bowls, one in each city.
- First season
- 1953
- Stadium
- Lucas Oil Stadium
- Super Bowl titles
- 2
- Head coach
- Shane Steichen
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield has turned the ball over way too much, including three fumbles in the opening loss to Cincinnati. Life without Mike Evans, who left for San Francisco, has been rough, and a 23-19 loss in Cleveland was the low point. Todd Bowles has pulled this group out of holes before.
About Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs joined the NFL in 1976. They've won two Super Bowls, after the 2002 and 2020 seasons.
- First season
- 1976
- Stadium
- Raymond James Stadium
- Super Bowl titles
- 2
- Head coach
- Todd Bowles
DD Tier: Needs a Miracle (or a QB)
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh's team looks nothing like the preseason buzz promised. Arizona upset them at SoFi Stadium, the Raiders beat them next, and Justin Herbert has three fumbles and two interceptions in new coordinator Mike McDaniel's offense. Receivers dropping catchable balls hasn't helped, and the schedule gets tougher from here.
About Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers debuted in Los Angeles in 1960, spent 1961 to 2016 in San Diego and returned to L.A. in 2017. They won the 1963 AFL title but are still chasing a first Super Bowl.
- First season
- 1960
- Stadium
- SoFi Stadium
- Super Bowl titles
- 0
- Head coach
- Jim Harbaugh
Pittsburgh Steelers
Aaron Rodgers' last ride under new coach Mike McCarthy is 1-1 with a win over Atlanta, keyed by a T.J. Watt pick-six. Then New England's defense shut them down. The front seven is legit, but Rodgers has struggled badly against pressure and DK Metcalf hasn't been reliable.
About Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers joined the NFL in 1933 and have been owned by the Rooney family ever since. They've won six Super Bowls, tied with New England for the most.
- First season
- 1933
- Stadium
- Acrisure Stadium
- Super Bowl titles
- 6
- Head coach
- Mike McCarthy
New York Jets
Geno Smith, acquired from Las Vegas, has protected the ball with zero picks on 74 dropbacks, and the Jets handled Tennessee 23-10. They then lost in overtime at Green Bay after some shaky late-game decisions from Aaron Glenn's staff. The rebuilt defense, now with Minkah Fitzpatrick, is the reason to believe.
About New York Jets
The Jets began in the AFL in 1960 as the New York Titans. Joe Namath's guaranteed win in Super Bowl III is still their only title.
- First season
- 1960
- Stadium
- MetLife Stadium
- Super Bowl titles
- 1
- Head coach
- Aaron Glenn
Arizona Cardinals
Mike LaFleur's first game was a stunner: an upset of the Chargers in Los Angeles. Week 2 brought reality, with Seattle holding them to 151 yards. Jacoby Brissett and Trey McBride will keep them competitive, but the NFC West is brutal.
About Arizona Cardinals
The oldest continuously run pro football franchise in the country, the Cardinals date back to 1898 in Chicago. They moved to St. Louis in 1960 and to Arizona in 1988, and their lone Super Bowl trip came in the 2008 season.
- Founded
- 1898
- Stadium
- State Farm Stadium
- Super Bowl titles
- 0
- Head coach
- Mike LaFleur
Atlanta Falcons
Thursday's 35-14 rout of Green Bay changed the mood fast. Michael Penix Jr. returned from ACL surgery and Bijan Robinson piled up 213 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns. Kevin Stefanski's team started 0-2 with Cooper Rush under center, so one big night doesn't erase everything, but they're climbing.
About Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons joined the NFL as an expansion team in 1966 and play in the NFC South. They've reached two Super Bowls, after the 1998 and 2016 seasons, but haven't won one.
- First season
- 1966
- Stadium
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Super Bowl titles
- 0
- Head coach
- Kevin Stefanski
Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels dislocated his left elbow, and he's now been hurt in four of his last five games. That's brutal for a team that added Stefon Diggs to help him. Dan Quinn's group plays hard, but 0-2 without its quarterback is a tough hole.
About Washington Commanders
Founded as the Boston Braves in 1932, the franchise moved to Washington in 1937. It has won three Super Bowls and took the Commanders name in 2022.
- First season
- 1932
- Stadium
- Northwest Stadium
- Super Bowl titles
- 3
- Head coach
- Dan Quinn
FF Tier: Eyes on the Draft
Cleveland Browns
Trading Myles Garrett to the Rams for Jared Verse and picks told you where this is headed. Todd Monken's first year started with an 11-penalty mess against Jacksonville, though Deshaun Watson did lead a 23-19 win over Tampa Bay. It's a long-term rebuild, and we're ranking it that way.
About Cleveland Browns
The Browns started in the AAFC in 1946 and won four NFL championships before the Super Bowl era. They're one of the few franchises that has never played in a Super Bowl.
- First season
- 1946
- Stadium
- Huntington Bank Field
- Super Bowl titles
- 0
- Head coach
- Todd Monken
Tennessee Titans
Robert Saleh's defense has some fight, and Cam Ward ran for two touchdowns against the Eagles. But the Titans are 0-2 after getting controlled by the Jets in the opener. One more win gives the franchise its 500th, which is about the biggest milestone on the calendar right now.
About Tennessee Titans
The franchise began as the AFL's Houston Oilers in 1960, winning the league's first two titles. It moved to Tennessee in 1997 and became the Titans in 1999.
- First season
- 1960
- Stadium
- Nissan Stadium
- Super Bowl titles
- 0
- Head coach
- Robert Saleh
Miami Dolphins
Jeff Hafley inherited a teardown: Jaylen Waddle and Minkah Fitzpatrick were traded and Malik Willis is the quarterback. Miami is the only team that hasn't led at any point this season, and ESPN's FPI already gives them a 43% shot at the No. 1 pick. De'Von Achane deserves better.
About Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins started play in the AFL in 1966. Their 1972 team is still the only one to finish a full season undefeated, and they've won two Super Bowls.
- First season
- 1966
- Stadium
- Hard Rock Stadium
- Super Bowl titles
- 2
- Head coach
- Jeff Hafley
How we ranked them
This list reflects the consensus from weekly power rankings at major outlets, analytics sites, and what fans are arguing about on forums and Reddit, blended with results through the first two-plus weeks. Where the experts split, like on the 2-0 Vikings and Raiders or the 0-2 Texans, we picked a side and said why. It's our take, not gospel, and we'll update the tiers as the 2026 season plays out.
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Rank these yourselfFAQ
Who is the best NFL team in 2026?
Right now we'd say the Buffalo Bills, with Josh Allen playing at an MVP level. Seattle, San Francisco and Kansas City are right there with them in our S tier.
Who won the Super Bowl last season?
The Seattle Seahawks beat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX in February 2026.
Which NFL teams are the worst in 2026?
The Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns make up our F tier. Miami is the early favorite for the No. 1 pick.
Which teams have new head coaches in 2026?
Ten teams do: Arizona (Mike LaFleur), Atlanta (Kevin Stefanski), Baltimore (Jesse Minter), Buffalo (Joe Brady), Cleveland (Todd Monken), Las Vegas (Klint Kubiak), Miami (Jeff Hafley), the Giants (John Harbaugh), Pittsburgh (Mike McCarthy) and Tennessee (Robert Saleh).
Which team is the biggest surprise so far?
The Las Vegas Raiders. Most previews had them near the bottom, and they opened 2-0 under first-year coach Klint Kubiak.
How often is this tier list updated?
We revisit it as the season goes, usually after big results, injuries or trades shake things up.
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Image credits
- Buffalo BillsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Seattle SeahawksLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- San Francisco 49ersLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Kansas City ChiefsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Los Angeles RamsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Philadelphia EaglesLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Cincinnati BengalsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Baltimore RavensLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Denver BroncosLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Jacksonville JaguarsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- New England PatriotsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Detroit LionsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Houston TexansLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Minnesota VikingsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Chicago BearsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Dallas CowboysLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Green Bay PackersLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- New Orleans SaintsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Carolina PanthersLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Las Vegas RaidersLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- New York GiantsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Indianapolis ColtsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Tampa Bay BuccaneersLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Los Angeles ChargersLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Pittsburgh SteelersLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- New York JetsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Arizona CardinalsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Atlanta FalconsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Washington CommandersLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Cleveland BrownsLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Tennessee TitansLogo: Wikipedia · Source
- Miami DolphinsLogo: Wikipedia · Source