Are Rams and Eagles the two best teams in NFC heading into 2026 season?

4. Chicago Bears (11-6)

Chicago could be one of those teams that regresses in 2026 because they won so many games in the final 2:00 minutes against a soft schedule. Now they will play a first place schedule in 2026. But I do think that Ben Johnson will keep this team in a respectable place. This team could finish 11-6 again since its returning almost all of its offensive pieces and retooled the secondary.

5. Green Bay Packers (9-7-1)

The Green Bay Packers did not have a first round pick this year since they traded for Micah Parsons. If they can get Parsons back, this team will compete with Chicago for the division crown. Offensive line remains a question mark as Matt LaFleur must find a way to protect Jordan Love for a full season. The secondary fell apart at random moments in 2025 but they added Brandon Cisse and Domani Jackson in the draft, while signing Benjamin St-Juste in free agency.

6. Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1)

I know, I know. But here’s the thing, the Cowboys have a top 5 offense with Dak Prescott, Javonte Williams, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens. The defense was atrocious last year but that was expected with the trade of Micah Parsons. If the defense can just be average in 2026, then the Cowboys will win 10 games. Keep in mind they traded for players like Quinnen Williams mid year and then used resources this offseason to shore up the defense. I think Dallas can improve its win total.

7. San Francisco 49ers (12-5)

San Francisco is a confusing one to grade. Their departures this offseason were defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, Bryce Huff, Jauan Jennings, Kalia Davis, Kevin Givens, Jordan Elliott, Dee Winters, Ben Bartch, Spencer Burford, Matt Hennessy, and Kendrick Bourne. However, the team will be relieved to have the return of Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. But my biggest concern is: how will Christian McCaffrey hold up in his age 30 season with a lot of mileage from last year’s season (most touches in a season in his career).

8. Carolina Panthers (8-9)

Carolina spent this offseason retooling the defense; adding Devin Lloyd, Jaelen Phillips, and Lee Hunter (rookie). I think Carolina’s ceiling is 10-7 and their floor is 7-10.

9. Detroit Lions (8-9)

The only reason I am putting the Lions this high is because they get the luxury of playing a last place schedule having finished 4th in the NFC North in 2025. Jared Goff’s limitations prevent them from being a higher ranked team. The Lions are now experiencing the salary cap restraints of paying Jared Goff top money.

10. New York Giants (4-13)

Bringing John Harbaugh into the fold automatically elevates the Giants. They had a huge win on Day 1 of the draft netting Arvell Reese and Francis Mauigoa. The Giants defense now contains Abdul Carter, Brian Burns, Arvell Reese, and Kayvon Thibodeaux. NFC East quarterbacks will be up all night worrying about getting hit. And if you are worried about the loss of Dexter Lawrence, the Giants just signed DJ Reader to a 2 year deal.

11. Washington Commanders (5-12)

Washington fell off significantly in 2025 after their NFC Championship appearance in 2024. It did not help that Jayden Daniels fractured his non-throwing elbow. The offensive line is still a concern and the defense but Sonny Styles was arguably the best pick of the first round.

12. Atlanta Falcons (8-9)

I really want to put Atlanta higher but it’s just one thing holding them back…the quarterback. Whether its Tua or Penix, the offense will be held back by either of them. Otherwise, the offensive line is a top 5 unit in football and Bijan Robinson is the best running back in the game. Defensively, there is a solid core there but they might lose a handful of games because of incompetent quarterback play.

13. Minnesota Vikings (9-8)

Again, incompetent quarterback play will be the kryptonite here. I actually think there is a strong case that Justin Jefferson gets traded at the midseason deadline.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)

I liked Tampa Bay’s draft but I think this team has gone stale which is why veterans Mike Evans and Lavonte David ended their time in Tampa.

15. New Orleans Saints (6-11)

I’m not sure New Orleans was just another wide receiver away. Jordyn Tyson carries a lot of risk. The Saints are also using a lot of money for Travis Ettiene and Alvin Kamara. But what about giving resources to a defense that allowed 120 rushing yards per game?

16. Arizona Cardinals (3-14)

Whether its Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, or Carson Beck – the Cardinals don’t have a good starting option. Mike LaFleur will have his hands full in 2026 and can’t risk using all the tread on Jeremiyah Love’s tires.

At the end of the day, a power ranking doesn’t get you to the Super Bowl. Any team can win any given Sunday. Sean McVay has always emphasized that you can easily be humbled in this league and not to take any win for granted. But the Rams are the best team on paper. If they can play to their caliber, the NFC should run through them in 2026.