NFL Power Rankings: Sorting Final 8 Playoff Teams and Offseason Must-Signs for Eliminated Teams

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NFL Power Rankings: Sorting Final 8 Playoff Teams and Offseason Must-Signs for Eliminated Teams

Matt Johnson · Sportsnaut

Tue, Jan 13, 2026 ·

15 min read

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The NFL Playoffs kicked off this weekend with Wild Card Weekend, seeing a few thrilling second-half comebacks with most of the favorites largely coming out on top. As we look ahead to the Divisional Round, it's time to re-rank the remaining teams in the playoffs and offer something for eliminated clubs.

Let's dive into our NFL Power Rankings after the Wild Card Round, highlighting one player each eliminated team must re-sign and ranking the teams remaining in the NFL Playoffs.

1. Seattle Seahawks

NFL Power Rankings after Wild Card Round — Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

With the way the NFC teams performed in the Wild Card Round, the Seattle Seahawks should be feeling even better about their chances at home in the Divisional Round. Seattle gets a rematch against the 49ers , with its rival this time without George Kittle and starting multiple backups at linebacker. There is still a very real path to San Francisco getting revenge, but the Seahawks look like the best team in the NFC right now.

2. Los Angeles Rams

NFL Power Rankings after Wld Card ROund — Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

In terms of pure ceiling, the Los Angeles Rams have the highest of any team remaining in the NFL playoffs. However, Matthew Stafford 's penchant for multi-turnover games every so often does not mix well with a Rams secondary that has been exposed in the second half of the season. Drawing a matchup in Chicago for the Divisional Round, the Rams' chances of pulling off another road victory will likely depend on whether Stafford protects the football against a defense that led the NFL in interceptions.

3. Buffalo Bills

Josh Allen found a way to victory again, this time snapping his winless streak n the road in the playoffs. What's particularly impressive is that Allen did this on a Sunday where James Cook was held under 50 rushing yards and the engine of this Bills offense averaged just 3.0 yards per carry. Beating the Jaguars was a massive test passed by Buffalo and with how the rest of the AFC looks right now, there are plenty of reasons to think Allen can get this team to the Super Bo wl.

4. New England Patriots

It was not a crisp playoff victory for the New England Patriots, but all that matters is they are headed to the Divisional Round and get to host the Texans . Drake Maye made the plays he needed to against one of the league's most well-coached defenses, and Rhamondre Stevenson put the offense on his back when the passing game was not working early. If New England's defensive success in the Wild Card Round can carry over into next week, there is a real chance of the Patriots reaching the AFC Championship Game in Maye's second season.

5. Denver Broncos

We have just as many questions about Bo Nix's inconsistency as we do about the Denver Broncos' defensive dip late in the season and the absence of a consistent run game. Denver is very comfortable playing in close games, and the fact that the team has home-field advantage is another bonus. However, an inability to run the football effectively combined with more frequent defensive laps does not mix well with a second-year quarterback who has been good but not great. Set to host Buffalo, those issues on the ground could prove costly.

6. Houston Texans

If not for the Houston Texans offensive line and the Nico Collins concussion, this team would be much higher. The issue is the offensive line surrenders so much pressure that C.J. Stroud's issues, including the penchant for turnover-worth plays, gets amplified. To make matters worse, he might be without his No. 1 wideout in the Divisional Round. With that said, Houston's defense is fully capable of taking out the Patriots and it wouldn't at all be a surprise if this unit almost single-handedly carries the team to the Super Bowl.

7. San Francisco 49ers

You just have to sit back and marvel at how the San Francisco 49ers keep doing this. The Wild Card Round victory at Philadelphia perfectly captured this team. George Kittle went down with a devastating Achilles injury, but Kyle Shanahan, Christian McCaffrey , and Brock Purdy willed this team to a victory, with the defense doing just enough to protect the lead. The 49ers will likely be underdogs at Seattle, but it is plenty evident that the core of this team and great coaching could get them back home for the Super Bowl.

8. Chicago Bears

NFL Power Rankings — Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

Anyone who thought it was over at halftime due to an 18-point deficit clearly had not seen enough of Caleb Williams and these Chicago Bears this season. Head coach Ben Johnson showed some growing pains, but both he and Williams learned from their early mistakes in the Wild Card Round to deliver that fourth-quarter comeback. What prevents Chicago from being higher in our NFL power rankings entering the Divisional Round is the simple fact that this defense is abysmal if it cannot force a turnover.

9. Philadelphia Eagles

Reed Blankenship made his case not to be brought back in the Wild Card Round, but he would not have been chosen regardless. After being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, edge defender Jaelan Phillips recorded 17 pressures, 7 quarterback hits, 6 quarterback knockdowns, and 2 sacks in eight games. He is an all-around impact player; given how well he fit into Vic Fangio's scheme, the franchise tag could be in play.

10. Los Angeles Chargers

Including the playoff loss, Odafe Oweh recorded 10.5 sacks in 13 games after being traded to the Los Angeles Chargers. The 27-year-old edge rusher simply blossomed in California, performing like a first-round pick who can be a building block for a defense. He's also now coming off consecutive seasons with double-digit sacks. While re-signing Khalil Mack is also important, the No. 1 priority for Los Angeles this offseason should be finding a way to bring Oweh back.

11. Detroit Lions

Very little went right defensively for the Detroit Lions this season, but they had to love the breakout year from Al-Quadin Muhammad . He finished tied with Jack Campbell for the second-most tackles for loss (nine) on the team, and his 11 sacks surpassed his totals from his previous three seasons combined. With Detroit's dire need for more pass-rushing help alongside Aidan Hutchinson , bringing Muhammad back is critical.

12. Green Bay Packers

By going all-in on the 2025 season, the Green Bay Packers put themselves in a position where they will have very little financial flexibility this offseason. Rasheed Walker , Romeo Doubs , Malik Willis , and Kingsley Enagbare are all unlikely to be re-signed. The question is whether Green Bay can keep Quay Walker . He proved to be the perfect off-ball linebacker to pair with Edgerrin Cooper , with sideline-to-sideline range that makes him a great fit for the modern NFL. With all the other departures Green Bay will face, the team should do everything realistically possible to retain Walker.

13. Jacksonville Jaguars

Travis Etienne had a great season in Liam Coen's offense, but there's no question that linebacker Devin Lloyd should be the bigger priority this offseason for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Lloyd's playmaking ability was amplified in defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile's system, as evidenced by career-highs in QB hits (10) and interceptions (five). There'll be significant competition for Lloyd if he hits the open market, but Jacksonville should make every effort to prevent that from happening.

14. Kansas City Chiefs

There has been enough chatter regarding Trent McDuffie 's future with the Kansas City Chiefs that re-signing Jaylen Watson should be a top priority. Once a seventh-round pick, Watson has developed into a reliable starter who is coming off a two-season run where he allowed a sub-80 passer rating in coverage. If Kansas City is willing to move McDuffie rather than extending him, Watson should get paid.

15. Carolina Panthers

Of the unrestricted free agents for the Carolina Panthers in 2026, punter Sam Martin is a key priority. However, we're focusing on Jalen Coker , whom the team isn't in any danger of losing but who deserves a more substantial contract. Carolina could take the cost-effective approach by simply tendering their No. 2 wideout, as he is an exclusive rights free agent. With that said, it might be wise for the Panthers to secure him with a multi-year extension instead.

16. Dallas Cowboys

The one guarantee here is that negotiations between the Dallas Cowboys and wide receiver George Pickens will get snippy. He will presumably receive the franchise tag, and then owner Jerry Jones will likely allow the contract saga to dominate headlines throughout the summer and into training camp. Pickens will be playing for the Cowboys in 2026; it is just a question of how many headlines Jones wants to create during the process.

17. Minnesota Vikings

Fortunately for the Minnesota Vikings, it will be easy to take care of one of their offseason priorities. Defensive lineman Jalen Redmond , an undrafted free agent in 2023, is an exclusive rights free agent. Following a breakout season, Redmond will return as a key part of Minnesota's defensive line in 2026 once the team tenders him.

18. Baltimore Ravens

This isn't even a question. We understand that the franchise tag is off the table because it would mean grossly overpaying Tyler Linderbaum at his position, but the Baltimore Ravens can't let him go. He is a perennial Pro Bowl center and the lone reliable starter on the interior offensive line. Even if he must be made the highest-paid center in NFL history, Baltimore should re-sign him.

19. Atlanta Falcons

Kyle Pitts merits some consideration here, but the bigger focus should be retaining key parts of a defense that truly took a step forward this past season for the Atlanta Falcons. Kaden Elliss played an essential role in that success, recording double-digit QB hits and tackles for loss along with six pass deflections and 3.5 sacks. He has proven to be an above-average starter and should be the club's top priority to re-sign.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers

Aaron Rodgers merits some consideration here, but it truly might just be time for the Pittsburgh Steelers to turn the page on everything and start fresh with a younger quarterback. If that route is pursued, then Kenneth Gainwell should be re-signed. He fit seamlessly in this offense, putting up career-highs in rushing yards (537), yards per carry (4.7), rushing touchdowns), scrimmage yards (1,023) and played a key role in the passing game. Besides, it's not as if Kaleb Johnson showed anything to warrant an expanded role in 2026.

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Mike Evans ' Hall of Fame career can't end like that, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers shouldn't allow the franchise icon to play in another uniform. The 6-foot-5 wide receiver can still be a go-to weapon for Baker Mayfield , and it's pretty evident that Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin both benefit from Evans' presence on the field. As long as he doesn't want to retire, Tampa Bay must re-sign Evans.

22. New Orleans Saints

NFL Power Rankings after Wild Card Weekend — Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

We really could put any of Demario Davis , Cameron Jordan , or Alontae Taylor here. However, we'll give the slightest nod to the veteran linebacker for the New Orleans Saints. Even entering his late 30s, Davis remains one of the NFC's best off-ball linebackers, and the football IQ he brings to the middle of the field played a massive role in the success defensive coordinator Brandon Staley had with this unit in the second half of the season. Davis, Jordan, and Taylor should all be brought back.

23. Cincinnati Bengals

Coaches and teammates have made it quite evident which of the Cincinnati Bengals free agents in 2026 they most want back: it's Dalton Risner . At times, he looked like the best starter on the Bengals' offensive line, and his pass protection is integral to allowing Joe Burrow to stand in the pocket and throw deep. Given the mutual interest between the two sides, it is likely that Cincinnati finds a way to get it done.

24. Indianapolis Colts

It would be great if the Indianapolis Colts could bring back both Alec Pierce and Braden Smith; perhaps it will happen. However, wide receivers tend to be easier to replace in the NFL Draft, and Pierce is likely to command a multi-year deal north of $20 million annually. Smith offers stability at right tackle, and after letting multiple starters on the interior walk last offseason, it would be wise for Indianapolis to maintain continuity in the trenches next season and beyond.

25. New York Giants

Even if the New York Giants wind up using a first-round pick on a wide receiver to pair with Malik Nabers , Wan'Dale Robinson should be re-signed. Operating out of the slot, he finished 13th in yards after catch (386), fifth in juke rate (13.7%), and had only three drops on 140 targets in his first 1,000-yard season. New York needs the best supporting cast possible for Jaxson Dart, and that should include a talented trio of receivers.

26. Washington Commanders

Dan Quinn must make significant changes to this defense next season, but the Washington Commanders absolutely should bring back Bobby Wagner . As a 35-year-old, he recorded 9 QB hits, 8 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 4 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions while bringing the same on-field leadership that has kept him in the league for so long. With Quinn staying in Washington, it seems likely Wagner will finish his career here.

27. Miami Dolphins

There were very few bright spots in the Miami Dolphins secondary, but cornerback Rasul Douglas was one of them. Signed very late in the summer, Douglas came in and allowed a 74.0 passer rating and a 54.5 percent completion rate, with only 5.6 yards per target surrendered across 77 targets. He clearly seemed to enjoy his time in Miami, and if the new head coach retains defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, bringing Douglas back would be an even more obvious move.

28. Arizona Cardinals

If Calais Campbell wants to play another season, the Arizona Cardinals must do everything possible to re-sign him. As a 39-year-old, Campbell recorded 33 pressures, 16 quarterback hits, and 6.5 sacks—along with multiple blocked kicks—while playing over 500 snaps on defense and special teams. He showed no signs of losing the battle to Father Time; he remains a great veteran presence, and Arizona's defense needs him.

29. Tennessee Titans

There isn't necessarily anyone among the Tennessee Titans free agents in 2026 who is mandatory to bring back. The closest would be veteran guard Kevin Zeitler . Pro Football Focus rated him as the 13th-best guard in the NFL this past season, allowing just 4 sacks across 910 snaps. Stability for Cam Ward obviously matters, and bringing Zeitler back for one more season would provide that on the interior.

30. Cleveland Browns

If Joel Bitonio is willing to play another season, he is likely the only player among the Cleveland Browns free agents this offseason who should be a top priority. He started 17 games for the second consecutive season, and while he didn't earn a Pro Bowl selection in 2025, he ranked sixth among interior offensive linemen in ESPN pass-block win rate (96 percent). Given the overhaul already expected at the line of scrimmage, Bitonio should be retained.

31. Las Vegas Raiders

NFL power Rankings after Wild Card Rouind — Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders took a chance on former first-round pick Eric Stokes last offseason, and the gamble paid off. Stokes started 16 games, allowing just a 77.7 passer rating and a 56.7 percent completion rate across 60 targets in coverage. He probably isn't well-suited to be a No. 1 cornerback on a top-flight defense, but Las Vegas needs stability in its secondary, and Stokes provides it.

32. New York Jets

Very few of the New York Jets free agents in 2026 are must re-sign talents. Breece Hall merits some consideration, but the likely cost of bringing him back feels out of a reasonable range for a rebuilding team. Instead, New York should prioritize Alijah Vera-Tucker. On his fifth-year option in 2025, the former first-round pick suffered a season-ending triceps injury before Week 1. He needs to rebuild his value, and New York needs a starter on the interior. If Vera-Tucker is open to a short-term deal with incentives, the Jets should bring him back and develop a rookie behind him.

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