Updated
Updated · The Ringer · Sep 7
The Ringer Ranks Rams No. 1 in 2026 NFL Power Rankings as Seahawks, Broncos Chase
Updated
Updated · The Ringer · Sep 7

The Ringer Ranks Rams No. 1 in 2026 NFL Power Rankings as Seahawks, Broncos Chase

3 articles · Updated · The Ringer · Sep 7

Summary

  • Los Angeles opened at No. 1 in The Ringer’s 32-team preseason NFL power rankings, with the outlet calling the Rams the team best positioned to win the Super Bowl.
  • Aaron Donald’s return from retirement and additions including Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie drove that ranking, though Matthew Stafford’s back, thin depth and possible suspensions were flagged as risks.
  • Seattle landed at No. 2 as the reigning champion, with Denver at No. 3 after adding Jaylen Waddle; Houston and Buffalo rounded out the top five.
  • The rankings framed the Rams and Seahawks as the clear early standard, while teams such as the Texans, Bills and Patriots were judged largely on whether they can answer opening-month tests.
  • The Ringer said it will update the rankings monthly once the 2026 regular season begins.

Insights

Can Aaron Donald's shock return and a stacked super-team secure the Rams a Super Bowl, or will age derail their season?
Will Sam Darnold and a revamped offense be enough to keep the defending champion Seahawks at the top of the NFL mountain?
With Mahomes back but the roster in flux, are the Chiefs truly fading, or is their 13th-place ranking a massive trap?