NFL Power Rankings

By Sam Kishelev ‘26 and Brady Godufsky ‘26
​Many teams have exceeded their expectations halfway through the NFL season, while others have failed. Though the playoff picture appears to be what was expected, surprise comebacks and triumphs have propelled some teams to the top and pushed others to the bottom (at press time). 

1. Eagles:
   The Super Bowl finalists are clear favorites this year, starting with an 8-1 record. The connection between Jalen Hurts (5th in passing yards), A.J. Brown (second in receiving yards) and Devonta Smith, supported by their star o-line, makes them a powerful offense. The incredibly efficient “tush push” play has been crucial for converting 3rd and 4th downs and in the red zone.
   2.  Ravens:
   After their dominant 37-3 win against the Seahawks, the Ravens sit at 7-2 losses in the lead of the AFC North. The Ravens average the most rushing yards at 160 per game, which is the best in the NFL.
   3. Chiefs:
    The reigning Super Bowl champs look to potentially make another appearance. The best QB combined with the best TE is a nightmare for opposing defenses. The Chief's defense has been surprisingly excellent this year, being 4th in yards against. 
   4. Bengals:
   As injuries plague the Bengals at the start of the season, they are finally showing that they are Super Bowl contenders. With 4 straight wins against tough opponents, the Bengals are back in the playoff picture at 5-3. 
   5. Lions:
   The Lions have shocked the league with their hot start. They are 2nd in offensive yards, and the defense is 5th in yards allowed. 
   6. Jaguars:
   The Jaguars are in the lead of the AFC South with a record of 6-2. They won a tough matchup in London against the Bills and are prepared to take on the 49ers next week.   
   7. 49ers:
   The 49ers started 5-0 but have lost 3 games in a row. Most of their offensive success is because of Christian McCaffery, the leading rusher in yards and TDs. Their defense has been solid as well. 
   8. Dolphins:
   Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill's connection is on pace for historic numbers for the Dolphins, as they are 6-3. Tyreek Hill is on pace to beat Calvin Johnson receiving yards in a season and Tua is in the race for MVP.
   9. Cowboys:
   The Cowboy's success can be credited to their stellar defense and WR Ceedee Lamb. Their defense is led by Micah Parson, who has an incredible PFF grade of 91, and Daron Bland, who leads the league with 4 interceptions and 3 of those being returned for a touchdown.
   10. Bills:
   The Bills have looked a bit shaky this season, already having 4 losses going into week 10. Josh Allen has thrown for 9 picks in the season, which is tied for the worst in the league. But the question remains: will Josh Allen’s interceptions be a recurring theme throughout the rest of their season? 
   11. Browns:
   The Browns are currently tied for second place in the competitive AFC North, impressing many with their 5-3 record. This is mainly due to them being the number 1 defense in yards allowed and their ability to put points on the board (except against the Ravens).
   12. Seahawks:
   After a loss to the Ravens, the Seahawks sit second in the NFC West at 5-3. They have a tough schedule for the rest of the season, facing the 49ers twice, the Eagles and the Cowboys.
   13. Chargers: 
   The Chargers are currently 4-4 due to their lacking defense and struggles against the pass but were a lot better against the run, with rushers Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa playing very well. In contrast, they have a top offense led by star QB Justin Herbert with WR Keenan Allen, who is having a great season. Austin Ekeler, who just returned from an injury, is an excellent pass-catching RB that will likely bring the Chargers more success despite the injury of Joshua Palmer.
   14. Texans:
   The Texans have found the face of their franchise in rookie quarterback CJ Stroud. CJ Stroud just broke Andrew Luck’s rookie quarterback yards record after throwing for 470 yards and 5 touchdowns. CJ Stroud has been limiting mistakes as well, only throwing 1 pick this year. The Texans currently sit at 4-4 second in the AFC South.
   15. Saints:
   Despite the Saints having arguably the easiest schedule, they haven't lived up to expectations. The Saints don’t stand out in any area but are solid all around and should be even better with Alvin Kamara back and playing like his old self.
   16. Steelers:
   The Steelers sit at 5-3 and second in the AFC North. The Steelers’ defense has been carrying their team with 16 turnovers this year, led by TJ Watt. 
   17. Vikings:
   Even after losing star WR Justin Jefferson for multiple weeks, the Vikings have held their own, winning their last 4 games. Rookie WR Jordan Addison has done a great job of filling in for Jefferson’s role, and new QB Josh Dobbs had an impressive week 9 performance. 
   18. Jets:
   After their loss on Monday Night Football, the Jets are 4-4 and third in the AFC East. With the hope of Aaron Rodgers returning this season, the Jets need to continue to stay intact until Aaron Rodgers returns for the playoffs. 
   19. Commanders: 
   The Commanders have been very on and off. Last week, they barely beat a bad patriots team, and they got crushed by the Bills and Bears. Additionally, they traded their best two defensive players, Chase Young and Montez Sweat. This team has not proved themselves enough and will likely only get worse as a result of their inconsistency. 
   20. Colts:
   After losing star rookie QB Anthony Richardson to a season-ending shoulder injury, Gardner Minshew stepped in and led the Colts to a record of 4-5.
   21. Falcons:
   The Falcons are right where many expected them to be. Rookie RB Bijan Robinson has looked electric and looks to be a RB for the future, but he isn’t being used as he should be. Kyle Pitts, arguably the best TE prospect ever, has not been living up to his hype, but it isn't his fault, rather the Falcons' for not using him enough.
   22. Raiders:
   After firing their coach Josh McDaniels and benching Jimmy Garoppolo for Aidan O’Connell, the Raiders destroyed the Giants 30-6, giving them a record of 4-5.
   23. Buccaneers:
   The Buccaneers are exactly where they should be at 3-5, considering Baker Mayfield is the QB. They have one of the top WR duos: Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Rookie RB Raschad White has been proving himself as a key part of the offense recently. 
   24. Packers:
   The Packers have a record of 3-6 and sit third in the NFC North after beating the Rams 20-3.
   25. Titans:
   The Titans are currently last in the AFC South and have not looked good. They are going through a QB struggle, but it looks like Will Levis, who threw for 4 TDs in week 8, might be the answer. With Derrick Henry and DeAndre Hopkins playing well recently, there is a chance for improvement.
   26. Broncos:
   The Broncos have looked awful this year, sitting at 3-5. The Broncos allowed 70 points against them by the Dolphins. However, there have been good moments, like beating the Chiefs 24-9.
   27. Rams: 
   The Rams are currently 3-6 despite having two top players at their position in Aaron Donald and Cooper Kupp. Their 5th round draft pick, Puka Nacua, has been a gem, already breaking the Rams rookie reception record, and he is currently 4th in receiving yards. RB Kyren Williams has also been impressive but has recently been injured. The Rams have potential but haven’t done as well as they hoped.
   28. Bears:
   Currently, the Bears are last in the NFC North at a record of 2-7. With quarterback Justin Fields being out for the last couple of weeks, rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent has had to step up to the plate, and he has not performed. 
   29. Patriots:
   The Patriots dynasty is crumbling. QB Mac Jones is struggling, and their receiving core is very bad, creating an offense that is borderline sad to watch. With Kendrick Bourne done for the season, the exciting 6th-round pick Demario Douglas has to fill the role as the lead receiver, of which he seems capable.
   30. Cardinals:
   The Cardinals are 1-8 with a win that was against the Dallas Cowboys, a solid team. With Kyler Murry coming back this week, the Cardinals have much upside for the rest of the season. They are looking to turn it around and raise the rankings. 
   31. Panthers:
   The Panthers have been horrible mainly because of their defense. Their number 1 pick hasn’t been very good, and their defense has let up the most TDs. 
   32. Giants:
   Coming in last in our power rankings are the NY Giants. After Daniel Jones tore his ACL this week and Tyrod Taylor is on IR, the Giants are left with third-string quarterback Tommy Devito to lead the 2-7 Giants, who have been largely unsuccessful against most teams, strong or weak.
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