NFL · 8 hours ago

ESPN Reveals NFL FPI Rankings Ahead of 2026 Regular Season

John Canady

Host · Writer

32) Miami Dolphins
ESPN FPI: -5.5 | FPI Rank: 32

Miami landing at the bottom of the rankings is one of the biggest surprises on the list. The Dolphins still feature players capable of changing games, but ESPN's model clearly has concerns about the roster's overall outlook entering the season.
1) Los Angeles Rams
ESPN FPI: 5.6 | FPI Rank: 1

ESPN's FPI is clearly buying into the Rams as a legitimate Super Bowl contender heading into the season. With Matthew Stafford still leading the offense and Puka Nacua emerging as one of the league's top playmakers, Los Angeles has the star power and experience to justify the No. 1 ranking.
2) Buffalo Bills
ESPN FPI: 4.0 | FPI Rank: 2

As long as Josh Allen is under center, Buffalo will be viewed as one of the NFL's most dangerous teams. The Bills remain one of the league's most complete rosters, and ESPN's model appears confident they can stay firmly in the championship conversation
3) Baltimore Ravens
ESPN FPI: 3.7 | FPI Rank: 3

The Ravens have consistently been one of the NFL's strongest regular-season teams under Lamar Jackson. With a proven core on both sides of the ball, Baltimore enters another year expecting to compete for the AFC's top seed.
4) Seattle Seahawks
ESPN FPI: 3.6| FPI Rank: 4

Seattle landing this high may surprise some fans, but the roster is loaded with talent. If Sam Darnold can provide stability at quarterback and the defense continues its upward trajectory, the Seahawks could outperform expectations.
5) San Francisco 49ers
ESPN FPI: 3.3 | FPI Rank: 5

Despite some roster turnover, the 49ers still possess one of the league's strongest foundations. A healthy Christian McCaffrey and Brock Purdy could be enough to keep San Francisco among the NFC's elite.
6) Green Bay Packers
ESPN FPI: 2.8 | FPI Rank: 6

The Packers continue to build around Jordan Love, who has shown flashes of becoming one of the NFC's top quarterbacks. Green Bay's young roster has gained valuable experience, making this a team with significant upside.
7) Los Angeles Chargers
ESPN FPI: 2.6 | FPI Rank: 7

The Chargers appear to be heading in the right direction under Jim Harbaugh. With Justin Herbert healthy and a roster that continues to improve around him, Los Angeles looks capable of taking another step forward.
8) Detroit Lions
ESPN FPI: 2.5 | FPI Rank: 8

Detroit has transformed from a rebuilding team into a legitimate contender. Behind Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and one of the NFL's best offensive lines, the Lions should once again be a factor in the NFC race.
9) Kansas City Chiefs
ESPN FPI: 2.4 | FPI Rank: 9

It feels strange seeing Kansas City outside the top five, but no one is counting out Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs have earned the benefit of the doubt after years of postseason success and remain one of the league's most feared teams.
10) Philadelphia Eagles
ESPN FPI: 2.0 | FPI Rank: 10

The Eagles still have one of the NFL's most talented rosters on paper. With Jalen Hurts leading the offense and plenty of playmakers around him, Philadelphia has the pieces to make another deep playoff run.
11) Dallas Cowboys
ESPN FPI: 1.8 | FPI Rank: 11

Dallas enters the season with plenty to prove after another disappointing finish. The talent around Dak Prescott remains undeniable, and the Cowboys will once again be expected to contend for a playoff spot.
12) Cincinnati Bengals
ESPN FPI: 1.6 | FPI Rank: 12

The Bengals' ceiling largely depends on Joe Burrow's health. When he's available, Cincinnati has shown it can compete with any team in the NFL. Health is the main factor for Cincy, but if they can stay relatively healthy for the entire season, the Bengals should be back in the conversation come January.
13) Houston Texans
ESPN FPI: 1.4 | FPI Rank: 13

The emergence of C.J. Stroud has fueled Houston's rapid rise. After becoming one of the league's most exciting young teams, expectations are significantly higher entering this season.
14) New England Patriots
ESPN FPI: 1.4 | FPI Rank: 14

The Patriots are one of the more intriguing teams in the league after showing signs of progress. If Drake Maye continues developing, New England could exceed expectations and push for meaningful games late in the season.
15) Denver Broncos
ESPN FPI: 1.3 | FPI Rank: 15

Denver took a major step forward last year and now faces the challenge of building on that momentum. Much of the spotlight will remain on Bo Nix as he looks to continue his development.
16) Chicago Bears
ESPN FPI: 1.2 | FPI Rank: 16

The Bears are betting on the future with Caleb Williams at the center of their rebuild. While consistency may still be a work in progress, the talent level across the roster is improving.
17) Jacksonville Jaguars
ESPN FPI: 1.0 | FPI Rank: 17

Jacksonville remains one of the harder teams to project entering the year. If Trevor Lawrence returns to top form, the Jaguars have enough talent to climb higher than this ranking suggests.
18) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ESPN FPI: 0.1 | FPI Rank: 18

The Buccaneers continue to find ways to stay competitive despite low expectations from outsiders. With Baker Mayfield coming off another productive season, Tampa Bay shouldn't be overlooked in the NFC South race.
19) Minnesota Vikings
ESPN FPI: -0.4 | FPI Rank: 19

Minnesota's outlook will depend heavily on the development of J.J. McCarthy. The supporting cast is strong enough to help him succeed, but there will naturally be growing pains along the way.
20) Indianapolis Colts
ESPN FPI: -0.6 | FPI Rank: 20

The Colts have quietly assembled a roster capable of competing for a playoff spot. The biggest question remains whether Anthony Richardson can stay healthy and reach his considerable potential.
21) Washington Commanders
ESPN FPI: -0.8 | FPI Rank: 21

Coming off an impressive breakthrough season, expectations have changed dramatically in Washington. Jayden Daniels gave the franchise hope for the future, but maintaining that momentum will be the next challenge.
22) Pittsburgh Steelers
ESPN FPI: -0.9 | FPI Rank: 22

The Steelers are once again expected to lean on their defense while searching for more consistency offensively. If Aaron Rodgers has enough left in the tank, Pittsburgh could outperform this ranking.
23) New York Giants
ESPN FPI: -1.2 | FPI Rank: 23

The Giants are still trying to establish a clear direction after several uneven seasons. The arrival of rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart adds intrigue, but patience may be required.
24) Atlanta Falcons
ESPN FPI: -1.5 | FPI Rank: 24

Atlanta believes it finally has its quarterback of the future in Michael Penix Jr. The Falcons have talented pieces around him, making this a team that could surprise if everything comes together.
25) New Orleans Saints
ESPN FPI: -2.7 | FPI Rank: 25

The Saints appear to be entering a new era with a younger core taking shape. There may be some growing pains, but New Orleans hopes the long-term outlook improves.
26) Carolina Panthers
ESPN FPI: -3.0 | FPI Rank: 26

Carolina showed encouraging signs late last season, particularly from Bryce Young. The Panthers still have work to do, but there is more optimism surrounding the franchise than there was a year ago.
27) Tennessee Titans
ESPN FPI: -3.9 | FPI Rank: 27

The Titans are embracing a rebuild and focusing on the future. Much of the attention will be on rookie quarterback Cam Ward as he begins the process of becoming the face of the franchise.
28) Las Vegas Raiders
ESPN FPI: -4.6 | FPI Rank: 28

Las Vegas enters the season with several questions still needing answers. The addition of Geno Smith provides stability at quarterback, but the Raiders must prove they can compete consistently.
29) Arizona Cardinals
ESPN FPI: -5.2 | FPI Rank: 29

The Cardinals remain a difficult team to evaluate. A healthy Kyler Murray gives Arizona a chance to be competitive, though the roster still appears to be a step behind many NFC rivals.
30) Cleveland Browns
ESPN FPI: -5.5 | FPI Rank: 30

Cleveland's ranking reflects the uncertainty surrounding the roster, particularly at quarterback. The Browns have enough defensive talent to stay competitive, but offensive consistency remains a major concern.
31) New York Jets
ESPN FPI: -5.5 | FPI Rank: 31

The Jets are entering another season surrounded by questions after years of disappointment. There is talent on the roster, but finding stability will be critical if they hope to exceed expectations.
32) Miami Dolphins
ESPN FPI: -5.5 | FPI Rank: 32

Miami landing at the bottom of the rankings is one of the biggest surprises on the list. The Dolphins still feature players capable of changing games, but ESPN's model clearly has concerns about the roster's overall outlook entering the season.
1) Los Angeles Rams
ESPN FPI: 5.6 | FPI Rank: 1

ESPN's FPI is clearly buying into the Rams as a legitimate Super Bowl contender heading into the season. With Matthew Stafford still leading the offense and Puka Nacua emerging as one of the league's top playmakers, Los Angeles has the star power and experience to justify the No. 1 ranking.

ESPN Reveals NFL FPI Rankings Ahead of 2026 Regular Season

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