The NFL Power Rankings have been updated as the playoffs approach, with the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots maintaining their positions at the top following strong performances in the final week of the regular season. The rankings reflect the changing dynamics of the league as teams prepare for postseason games while others begin to contemplate their off-season strategies.
Seahawks Dominate as Top Seed
The Seattle Seahawks finished the regular season with a remarkable 14-3 record, securing the NFC’s top seed after defeating the San Francisco 49ers 13-3 on January 1, 2026. This victory not only showcased their strong defense, which ranked first in the league by expected points added (EPA) but also marked the fourth time since 2005 that they have achieved the No. 1 seed. Historically, the Seahawks have made it to the Super Bowl in each of the previous three occasions, raising expectations for a similar outcome this year.
The Seahawks will enjoy a bye week, allowing them to rest and prepare for their upcoming game in the postseason. Their dominant defensive play has established them as formidable contenders, and they could make a deep run in the playoffs.
Patriots Aim for Proof in Playoffs
The New England Patriots also finished strong, concluding the season with a 14-3 record after defeating the Miami Dolphins 38-10. Despite their success, questions remain about their performance against top-tier teams, as they have only defeated one opponent with a winning record this season.
Quarterback Drake Maye showcased his talent with a passer rating of 129.4 in the final game, but the pressure will be on him and the team to validate their season in the playoffs. A first-round win against the Los Angeles Chargers could help erase doubts about their capabilities as they face a tougher schedule next season.
Among other noteworthy teams, the Jacksonville Jaguars secured the AFC South title with a 41-7 victory over the Tennessee Titans. The Jaguars have excelled in forcing turnovers, finishing the season with 31 takeaways and leading the league in points scored off turnovers. Their momentum heading into the playoffs makes them a team to watch.
The Denver Broncos clinched the top seed in the AFC by defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 19-3, marking their first conference title since 2015. With a record of 14-3, they have found success at home, having lost only once at their stadium this season.
The Houston Texans are also making headlines, winning nine consecutive games and finishing the regular season with a 12-5 record. They will face the Pittsburgh Steelers in the wild-card round, a matchup that could prove challenging for the Texans, especially against a veteran quarterback like Aaron Rodgers.
As the playoffs loom, the rankings not only highlight the top-performing teams but also reveal the struggles of those at the bottom of the list, including the New York Jets, who finished with a dismal 3-14 record and are left searching for a new quarterback.
With the postseason set to begin, the stakes are high for all teams involved. The upcoming games will determine which squads advance and which will begin planning for the future.
