The 2026 NFL season has reached its midpoint, and the playoff picture is beginning to take shape. Some divisions are becoming increasingly competitive, while others are struggling to produce a clear contender.
The NFC North has made history as the first division in NFL history to have all four teams at least three games above .500 through Week 9. At the opposite end, the NFC South became the first division to have every team at least two games below .500 at this stage of a season.
Those contrasting situations make the remaining divisional matchups especially important. Meanwhile, several struggling teams are already looking toward the 2027 NFL Draft, with the Week 16 meeting between the winless Los Angeles Chargers and the Miami Dolphins potentially affecting the race for the No. 1 overall selection.
This week's rankings reflect each team's performance through Week 9. The selections also identify one particularly important remaining game for every franchise, whether it could influence playoff seeding, a division title or draft position.
NFL Power Rankings: Week 10
1. Buffalo Bills (7-1)
Week 9 result: Defeated Minnesota 23-6 | Previous ranking: 1
Most important remaining game: Week 16 at Denver Broncos
Buffalo remains at the top after a convincing victory over Minnesota. The Bills face several difficult opponents during the second half, including New England in Week 13. However, their Christmas Day rematch against Denver could have major implications for the AFC's No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
2. San Francisco 49ers (7-1)
Week 9 result: Defeated Las Vegas 38-17 | Previous ranking: 2
Most important remaining game: Week 12 vs. Seattle Seahawks
San Francisco has an opportunity to strengthen its position in the NFC West. The 49ers are already 3-0 in divisional games, and another victory over Seattle would make it more difficult for the Seahawks to catch them. The Rams remain another divisional threat, with a rematch scheduled for Week 14.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (6-2)
Week 9 result: Defeated Baltimore 33-10 | Previous ranking: 3
Most important remaining game: Week 14 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Jacksonville has positioned itself well for a playoff appearance, but its matchup with Pittsburgh could influence AFC seeding. A victory would also give the Jaguars a chance to complete a season sweep of the AFC North for just the second time in franchise history, following their 2017 campaign.
4. Chicago Bears (7-2)
Week 9 result: Defeated Tampa Bay 27-24 | Previous ranking: 5
Most important remaining game: Week 16 vs. Green Bay Packers
Chicago moved up one position after its victory over Tampa Bay. The Bears need to make up ground in the NFC North following earlier losses to Minnesota and Green Bay. Their Christmas Day meeting with the Packers could prove crucial, particularly because it is the first of three consecutive divisional games to close the regular season.
5. Denver Broncos (7-2)
Week 9 result: Defeated Carolina 26-21 | Previous ranking: 4
Most important remaining game: Week 16 vs. Buffalo Bills
Denver remains among the AFC's leading teams despite dropping one position. The Broncos have already beaten Jacksonville and split their season series with Kansas City. Their home matchup against Buffalo could become especially important in the race for AFC home-field advantage.
6. Kansas City Chiefs (6-2)
Week 9 result: Defeated the New York Jets 35-12 | Previous ranking: 6
Most important remaining game: Week 12 at Buffalo Bills
Kansas City will need to win difficult road games if it hopes to challenge for the AFC's top seed. The Thanksgiving night matchup against Buffalo could also influence the AFC West race, particularly if the Chiefs are trying to catch Denver. Kansas City has been especially productive at Arrowhead Stadium, averaging 30 points per game there.
7. Cincinnati Bengals (6-2)
Week 9 result: Defeated Atlanta 34-17 | Previous ranking: 10
Most important remaining game: Week 14 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Cincinnati climbed three places after its victory over Atlanta. The Bengals have an opportunity to build momentum during the second half, but their matchup against Kansas City stands out as a major test. A late-season win over a familiar rival could strengthen their playoff position and confidence in their championship ambitions.
8. Minnesota Vikings (6-2)
Week 9 result: Lost to Buffalo 23-6 | Previous ranking: 7
Most important remaining game: Week 10 at Green Bay Packers
Minnesota's next divisional matchup arrives at an important moment. The Vikings opened the season with victories over Green Bay and Chicago before losing to Detroit in Week 8. Their upcoming game against the Packers could influence the division race, especially as Green Bay has improved considerably since the teams first met.
9. Seattle Seahawks (5-4)
Week 9 result: Defeated Arizona 17-3 | Previous ranking: 8
Most important remaining game: Week 12 at San Francisco 49ers
Seattle already lost its first meeting with San Francisco. Another defeat would give the 49ers the head-to-head advantage in the NFC West race. The Seahawks should also benefit from the return of several starters after their bye, potentially strengthening their chances in the rematch.
10. Detroit Lions (6-2)
Week 9 result: Defeated Miami 19-9 | Previous ranking: 9
Most important remaining game: Week 10 vs. New England Patriots
Detroit's international matchup against New England in Munich carries significance beyond the standings. It marks the Lions' first game in Germany and their first appearance as the designated home team in an international contest. The game also has a personal connection for wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, whose mother is German and who has spent considerable time in the country.
11. Green Bay Packers (6-3)
Week 9 result: Defeated New England 45-27 | Previous ranking: 14
Most important remaining game: Week 12 at Los Angeles Rams
Green Bay has won five of its past six games and moved up three positions after its impressive victory over the Patriots. The Packers have several important divisional games remaining, including matchups against Minnesota, Chicago and Detroit. However, the game against the Rams could be especially important in the NFC wild-card race, where head-to-head results may become decisive.
The Packers' passing attack is also producing impressive numbers. Christian Watson and Matthew Golden rank third and fourth in the NFL in receiving yards, respectively. They are the first receiving duo since Miami's Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in 2022 to both rank among the league's top four in receiving yards through Week 9 or later.
12. Los Angeles Rams (5-4)
Week 9 result: Defeated Washington 20-13 | Previous ranking: 12
Most important remaining game: Week 12 vs. Green Bay Packers
The Rams have won three consecutive games and moved above .500 for the first time this season. Their matchup against Green Bay could have significant wild-card implications. Los Angeles still has two games remaining against Seattle, but those late-season meetings may carry different levels of importance depending on where both teams stand in the playoff race.
13. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)
Week 9 result: Bye week | Previous ranking: 13
Most important remaining game: Week 10 at Cincinnati Bengals
Pittsburgh returns from its bye with a major AFC North matchup against Cincinnati. The Bengals enter the game in strong form, while the Steelers previously defeated them by a field goal in Week 3. With two games against Baltimore still on Pittsburgh's schedule, a victory could provide a significant advantage in the division race.
14. New England Patriots (5-4)
Week 9 result: Lost to Green Bay 45-27 | Previous ranking: 11
Most important remaining game: Week 13 vs. Buffalo Bills
New England suffered a difficult defeat against Green Bay, but the Patriots remain 3-0 in AFC East games. Their home matchup against Buffalo could become a defining moment in the division race. The Patriots have not won consecutive AFC East titles since the 2017 and 2018 seasons.
15. New York Giants (5-2-1)
Week 9 result: Defeated Philadelphia 19-11 | Previous ranking: 15
Most important remaining game: Week 17 vs. Dallas Cowboys
The Giants remain in a strong position in the NFC East after beating Philadelphia. Dallas is viewed as the primary team capable of challenging them for the division title. Their Week 17 meeting could therefore become important for both the division championship and playoff seeding.
16. Cleveland Browns (5-4)
Week 9 result: Lost to New Orleans 23-22 in overtime | Previous ranking: 16
Most important remaining game: Week 18 at Cincinnati Bengals
Cleveland's regular-season finale against Cincinnati could have major consequences for the AFC playoff picture. Both teams remain involved in the postseason race, making the final divisional matchup a potential tiebreaker for the AFC North or a wild-card position. The Browns have already recorded divisional victories over Pittsburgh and Baltimore.
17. Houston Texans (3-5)
Week 9 result: Defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 44-22 | Previous ranking: 22
Most important remaining game: Week 10 vs. Cleveland Browns
Houston made one of the week's biggest moves, climbing five positions after an impressive offensive performance against the Chargers. Kayshon Boutte and Tank Dell both surpassed 100 receiving yards, while quarterback C.J. Stroud continued his productive stretch. Stroud has thrown for more than 300 yards in three of his past five games and ranks seventh in Total QBR.
The upcoming matchup against Cleveland is especially important. Another defeat could make Houston's playoff hopes much more difficult to sustain, particularly because of its record against AFC opponents.
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-6)
Week 9 result: Lost to Chicago 27-24 | Previous ranking: 18
Most important remaining game: Week 11 at Detroit Lions
Tampa Bay needs to avoid falling further behind in the NFC South. A defeat against Detroit could leave the Buccaneers at 3-7 heading into a relatively favorable stretch of their schedule. Their remaining opponents include only one team currently above .500 during the final seven weeks, making the Detroit matchup an important opportunity to remain in playoff contention.
19. Carolina Panthers (3-5)
Week 9 result: Lost to Denver 26-21 | Previous ranking: 17
Most important remaining game: Week 10 at New Orleans Saints
Carolina has lost three consecutive games but remains in contention in the NFC South. The Panthers need to respond quickly, particularly with concerns surrounding their secondary and offensive line. Their visit to New Orleans offers an opportunity to regain momentum and avoid losing further ground in the division.
20. Dallas Cowboys (4-5)
Week 9 result: Defeated Indianapolis 27-23 | Previous ranking: 23
Most important remaining game: Week 17 vs. New York Giants
Dallas improved its ranking after beating Indianapolis. Quarterback Dak Prescott has described every remaining game as a must-win, reflecting the pressure on the Cowboys to improve their record. If they can put together a winning stretch, the Week 17 meeting with the Giants could become a decisive NFC East matchup.
21. Las Vegas Raiders (4-5)
Week 9 result: Lost to San Francisco 38-17 | Previous ranking: 20
Most important remaining game: Week 12 at Cleveland Browns
The Raiders' matchup against Cleveland could influence both their playoff hopes and quarterback plans. If Las Vegas can improve its record before the bye and Kirk Cousins continues to perform well, the team could remain committed to the veteran quarterback. A loss, however, could create an opportunity for Fernando Mendoza to start during the final five games as the organization evaluates its future.
22. Baltimore Ravens (4-5)
Week 9 result: Lost to Jacksonville 33-10 | Previous ranking: 19
Most important remaining game: Week 10 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Baltimore's season has taken a difficult turn after three consecutive losses by at least 20 points. The Ravens acquired quarterback Jacoby Brissett from Arizona as insurance while Lamar Jackson works toward a possible return from a right thumb injury.
Their upcoming Monday Night Football matchup against the winless Chargers is an important opportunity to stop the slide. Another defeat would put even more pressure on Baltimore's already uncertain playoff hopes.
23. Atlanta Falcons (3-6)
Week 9 result: Lost to Cincinnati 34-17 | Previous ranking: 21
Most important remaining game: Week 10 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Atlanta needs a victory before its Week 11 bye. The NFC South remains tightly packed, with all four teams having three wins. However, the Falcons have lost four of their past five games and are just 1-3 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Beating Kansas City would provide a much-needed boost before the break.
24. Washington Commanders (2-5-1)
Week 9 result: Lost to the Los Angeles Rams 20-13 | Previous ranking: 25
Most important remaining game: Week 10 at New York Giants
Washington is running out of time to remain in the NFC East race. The Commanders previously tied the Giants, meaning a victory in their next meeting could give Washington a valuable head-to-head tiebreaker. Another loss would make the team's playoff path even more difficult and increase pressure on head coach Dan Quinn.
25. Arizona Cardinals (3-6)
Week 9 result: Lost to Seattle 17-3 | Previous ranking: 24
Most important remaining game: Week 10 vs. Los Angeles Rams
With Gardner Minshew expected to miss the rest of the season because of a right UCL injury, rookie quarterback Carson Beck is expected to make his NFL debut against the Rams.
The divisional matchup will give Arizona an opportunity to evaluate its young quarterback in a challenging situation. A difficult road game against Kansas City follows, making the upcoming stretch important for the franchise's long-term planning.
26. New Orleans Saints (3-5)
Week 9 result: Defeated Cleveland 23-22 in overtime | Previous ranking: 26
Most important remaining game: Week 17 at Atlanta Falcons
The NFC South remains wide open, and New Orleans could find its playoff hopes depending on its late-season divisional games. The Week 17 matchup against Atlanta stands out because of the rivalry and the importance of divisional results. The Saints will also face Tampa Bay in Week 18.
27. New York Jets (2-7)
Week 9 result: Lost to Kansas City 35-12 | Previous ranking: 28
Most important remaining game: Week 11 at Los Angeles Chargers
For the Jets, the second half of the season could be as much about draft positioning as winning games. The Chargers remain winless, and their matchup with New York could influence the race for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 draft.
The Jets could potentially hold two selections inside the top five, including the pick acquired from Indianapolis. A victory over Los Angeles could affect those draft possibilities.
28. Philadelphia Eagles (2-7)
Week 9 result: Lost to the New York Giants 19-11 | Previous ranking: 27
Most important remaining game: Week 14 vs. Indianapolis Colts
Philadelphia's seven-game losing streak has shifted attention toward the future and the 2027 NFL Draft. The Eagles are currently projected to select fifth overall, while Indianapolis is projected to pick fourth, although that selection belongs to the Jets.
Their December meeting could influence the order of the draft, particularly in a year expected to feature a strong group of prospects. Philadelphia also has an important Week 13 matchup against Arizona.
29. Indianapolis Colts (2-7)
Week 9 result: Lost to Dallas 27-23 | Previous ranking: 29
Most important remaining game: Week 10 vs. Miami Dolphins
Indianapolis has lost five consecutive games and is struggling to find consistency. The matchup against Miami offers an opportunity to stop the slide, with the Colts entering as favorites despite their recent results.
A victory would also move Indianapolis away from the conversation surrounding the league's worst record and could affect its position in the 2027 draft order.
30. Miami Dolphins (1-7)
Week 9 result: Lost to Detroit 19-9 | Previous ranking: 31
Most important remaining game: Week 16 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Miami's focus has increasingly shifted toward the 2027 NFL Draft. The Dolphins have struggled throughout the season, and their matchup against the winless Chargers could have significant consequences for the top of the draft order.
The game also carries an unusual connection: former Miami head coach Mike McDaniel is now the Chargers' offensive coordinator. Whether he remains in that role by Week 16 is uncertain.
31. Tennessee Titans (1-7)
Week 9 result: Bye week | Previous ranking: 30
Most important remaining game: Week 14 vs. Indianapolis Colts
Tennessee has struggled throughout the season, with its only victory coming against Indianapolis in Week 6. The Titans will have an opportunity to complete the season sweep when they host the Colts in Week 14.
A victory could help the team's young players develop a winning mentality, although it could also affect Tennessee's position in the 2027 draft.
32. Los Angeles Chargers (0-8)
Week 9 result: Lost to Houston 44-22 | Previous ranking: 32
Most important remaining game: Week 16 at Miami Dolphins
The Chargers remain the only winless team in the NFL and are increasingly involved in the race for the No. 1 overall pick in 2027.
Their Week 16 matchup against Miami could become one of the most important games of the season for draft positioning. Current projections cited in the rankings give Los Angeles a 53% chance of securing the top selection if it loses that game, compared with 21% if it wins.
Packers and Texans Make Notable Moves
Two teams made particularly significant progress in this week's rankings.
Green Bay climbed from 14th to 11th after defeating New England 45-27. The Packers have won five of their past six games, and their passing attack has become one of the league's most productive units. Watson and Golden are both among the NFL's top four receivers in receiving yards.
Houston made an even larger jump, rising five places from 22nd to 17th. The Texans defeated the Chargers 44-22, with Boutte and Dell both recording 100-yard receiving performances. Stroud's recent production has also strengthened Houston's position, although the team still has considerable work to do in the playoff race.
Key Storylines Heading Into Week 10
The NFC North remains the league's most competitive division, with all four teams holding winning records and sitting among the top 11 in these rankings. Their remaining head-to-head games could determine both the division champion and the NFC wild-card picture.
In the AFC, Buffalo, Jacksonville, Denver and Kansas City remain prominent contenders, while Cincinnati's recent rise adds another team to the conversation.
At the other end of the standings, the Chargers, Dolphins, Titans, Colts and Eagles face growing questions about their long-term direction and draft position.
With the second half of the season underway, the next few weeks should provide a much clearer picture of which teams are genuine Super Bowl contenders and which franchises are already preparing for 2027.
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