NFL Power Rankings: Teams Adjust After Trade Deadline
The NFL trade deadline has officially passed, and several contenders made significant moves to improve their chances of making a deep postseason run. From blockbuster additions to teams relying on the talent already in place, the league’s power rankings have shifted. Here are the top 10 teams entering the second half of the 2026 NFL season.
While they didn’t make any improvements at the deadline, the Green Bay Packers have shown that they are one of the better teams in the league, especially in the passing game. They are also close to getting Micah Parsons back, which would improve their defense in a huge way. Green Bay has the talent to remain in the conversation among the NFC’s top teams.
The Kansas City Chiefs are one of the better teams in the league, especially if their wide receivers are healthy. They also added Josh Downs at the deadline, giving Patrick Mahomes another weapon in the passing game. Downs could play a big role, particularly if Rashee Rice or Xavier Worthy miss additional time this season.
Seattle didn’t add a running back at the deadline like many expected, but they do have Zach Charbonnet and Jadarian Price healthy now. They did add Quenton Nelson to beef up their offensive line, and although he will miss a game or two, they will get him back. Their defense remains one of the top units in the league.
The Minnesota Vikings seemed to be a complete team, minus a quality quarterback. Well, what did they do? They went out and got one. Not only is Kirk Cousins having a strong season, but he is a big upgrade over Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz. He is also very familiar with Minnesota and head coach Kevin O’Connell from his previous time with the organization.
Their Achilles’ heel earlier this season was their defense. That has changed in recent weeks as they have gotten healthier in the secondary. Their offense is an elite unit, despite its struggles in Week 9 against Miami. They sit in the sixth spot currently, but by next week, Minnesota or Green Bay could pass them. The NFC North is a moving target.
Chicago Bears' playoff potential rises
Speaking of the NFC North, the Chicago Bears are the current leaders of that pack. They have an elite offense, an elite coach, and a defense that is much improved after their acquisition of Jeffery Simmons. Simmons is a game changer and the type of star player they need on defense if they want to make a deep playoff run.
The emergence of rookie Jonah Coleman has helped this team become more balanced on offense. We haven’t even seen their offense at its best yet, and when it catches up to their defense, even slightly, they will be that much more dangerous.
The Buffalo Bills might be the best team in the AFC; it is yet to be determined, but they went all in at the deadline, adding key pieces to their defensive front while keeping their offense intact. They are running away with their division and should be considered one of three favorites for the top spot in the AFC when the season ends.
They are ahead of the Jacksonville Jaguars in these rankings for two main reasons. They just beat the Vikings in Minnesota (before Minnesota acquired Cousins), but more importantly, they have Josh Allen, who is arguably the best and most dynamic quarterback and the best player in the entire NFL. As long as he is on the field, this team can beat anyone.
No Points for Excuses
San Francisco has one of the best records in the NFL, despite dealing with injuries to most of its wide receivers. They went out and traded for Keenan Allen at the deadline, who is clearly past his prime but still remains a solid presence and reliable target for his quarterback.
As they get players like Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel back, the 49ers’ offense will become even harder to slow down. San Francisco remains at the top of these rankings after making an addition to an offense that already has the potential to be dangerous.
