NFL Power Rankings Shake Up After Major Offseason Moves

The NFL offseason has dramatically reshaped the league’s landscape, and some of the latest power rankings reflect just how much has changed since the end of last season.

Major trades, high-profile free-agent signings, and roster overhauls have created a new hierarchy entering training camp, with the Los Angeles Rams emerging as the team to beat after one of the most aggressive offseasons in recent memory.

Yahoo Sports‘ latest NFL power rankings place the Rams at No. 1 following their acquisition of star pass rusher Myles Garrett, who arrives after setting the NFL single-season sack record with 23 sacks in 2025. Garrett joins a roster that was already considered a championship contender and now gives Los Angeles arguably the most feared defensive front in football.

Behind the Rams, the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles round out the top tier of contenders. The rankings reflect both recent success and offseason improvements as teams position themselves for a Super Bowl run. Some of the recent moves have also affected NFL betting overall.

Key Trades and Free-Agent Moves Impacting the Rankings

Several major personnel moves have significantly altered the NFL landscape this offseason.

The biggest move was Garrett’s trade from Cleveland to Los Angeles. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year immediately elevated the Rams to the top of many power rankings and sportsbooks‘ futures boards. The Browns, meanwhile, fell sharply after losing one of the league’s premier defenders.

Another headline-grabbing transaction saw wide receiver A.J. Brown land with the New England Patriots. Brown gives quarterback Drake Maye a legitimate No. 1 target and has helped push the Patriots into the upper tier of AFC contenders entering 2026.

The Broncos continue to rise thanks to a strong young core and an active offseason, while the Bills and Ravens remain among the league’s most complete rosters despite relatively modest changes. Seattle, the defending Super Bowl champion, enters the season with continuity and championship experience.

Super Bowl LXI Futures Odds

Sportsbooks like DraftKings and Caesars have reacted quickly to the offseason shakeups, with the Rams becoming the consensus favorite to win Super Bowl LXI. Several traditional contenders remain close behind, creating what could be one of the most competitive championship races in recent years.

Top 10 Super Bowl Favorites

• Los Angeles Rams (+600)
• Buffalo Bills (+1000)
• Baltimore Ravens (+1000)
• Seattle Seahawks (+1100)
• Kansas City Chiefs (+1500)
• Philadelphia Eagles (+1600)
• New England Patriots (+1600)
• Los Angeles Chargers (+1700)
• Green Bay Packers (+1700)
• San Francisco 49ers (+1800)

Teams to Watch

While the Rams currently sit atop both the power rankings and futures betting markets, several challengers appear capable of making a championship run. Buffalo continues searching for its first Super Bowl title of the Josh Allen era, Baltimore remains loaded on both sides of the ball, but finished 8–9 last seaon and failed to make the playoffs.

Kansas City can never be overlooked with Patrick Mahomes under center and has made some moves to improve the squad. The Patriots may be the league’s biggest riser after acquiring Brown, while the Broncos and Chargers appear poised to challenge the AFC’s established powers.

Defending champion Seattle enters the season with a target on its back but remains firmly among the NFL’s elite. With training camps approaching, rankings and odds will continue to evolve. For now, however, the Rams are the clear team to beat after a busy offseason that could reshape the race to Super Bowl LXI.