The 2025 NFL Season was filled with major storylines, and nothing seemed to be bigger than the sheer amount of parity and competition present. It was insane to see just how many teams were at least competent.
And some of the division winners definitely took us for a spin. The Carolina Panthers, for example, managed to win the NFC South with a measly eight wins. The New England Patriots shocked the world and won 14 games, but did take advantage of a historically easy schedule.
Typically, season-over-season, there is a good bit of change in the division standings, so the eight division winners from 2025 aren't likely to all repeat in 2026. Now that the main chunk of NFL Free Agency is about over, let's power rank those eight winners for the upcoming season.
Ranking every division winner as the 2026 NFL Offseason rolls on
8. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers were a bad team in 2025 - bad teams finish with losing records, but if nothing else, Bryce Young did seem to take another step forward as a passer, and while he was largely average overall, it was the best football of his career.
Carolina also added Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd in free agency to perhaps finally put the finishing touches on the defense. There is a path for this team to squeak out another win or two, but most of that will hinge on Young.
Simply put, he'll need to take a sizeable step forward in a crucial year four if he hopes to cement his status as the long-term option.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers do not have a clear quarterback solution right now, which isn't ideal, but it seems like this team finds a way to at least finish with a winning record. Pittsburgh wasn't anything threatening in 2025, as the Baltimore Ravens collapse really was a deciding factor in the AFC North. They were aggressive in free agency, but until this team figures out a viable quarterback solution, they'll continue to circle the drain of 'average.'
6. Philadelphia Eagles
It's hard to figure out the Philadelphia Eagles. This team made the Super Bowl in 2022 and 2024, winning it two years ago. However, the Eagles also went one-and-done in the playoffs in 2021, 2023, and 2025. Much of the issue is on Jalen Hurts, as he's a limited passer and does need a very specific type of offense to succeed.
But's it's clear that Philly is largely a capable team and should again be in a position to win double-digit games in 2026. There's a new offensive coordinator in town in Sean Mannion, and the defense is likely going to be stout with Vic Fangio at the helm.
This is a 'good' team right now, not a great one. Their up-and-down nature year over year is something that is a concern, as they've yet to truly find stable success.
5. Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears were far from perfect, but 11 wins is 11 wins. What Chicago did well last year was win in close games and show that clutch gene that many teams do not have. However, there were some defensive concerns, as this team did not rush the passer that well and did not stop the run well.
That should continue to be the focus this offseason - the defensive line. Offensively, Caleb Williams' completion percentage is something that has to get better, but other than that, the Bears are in a great spot and do have a ton of attainable aspects to improve on. Not many would be shocked if this team finished with 12 wins and ended up being a lot more of an efficient, polished product.
At best, the Bears vault into contention in 2026.
4. New England Patriots
New England won 14 games in 2025 and had one of the easier schedules we've seen in the NFL in quite some time. The Patriots do have a strong roster, a stud quarterback, and a proven head coach, so while they might not win 14 games in 2026, let's not overthink this team.
They have all the pieces to be a great football team and should again be near the top of the NFL hierarchy.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
One of the breakout teams from 2025, the Jacksonville Jaguars emerged as one of the better teams in the NFL as the season went on, and this progression in year one of the Liam Coen era really does prove that Coen is the right man for the job.
Notably, Trevor Lawrence was playing lights-out down the stretch and actually ended up being an MVP candidate in 2025. Not only that, but the Jags defense was a great unit and stopped the run at a high level, which is a huge tell that they are for real.
Overall, you'd be hard-pressed to find a major issue with this team right now, but they weren't able to be super active in free agency, as they lost both Travis Etienne and Devin Lloyd. The Jags are a great team, though, and come in at no. 3 in our power rankings.
2. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos went 14-3 in the regular season and won 11 games in a row at one point. Denver became one of the more dramatic teams in the NFL, as they racked up a ton of last second victories. Quarterback Bo Nix also took a step foward in terms of his second half heroics, and the defense was again among the best in the NFL.
Roster-wise, you could argue that Denver's is the best in the league, especially after the Jaylen Waddle deal. This team does not have an urgent weakness and can really focus in on drafting for long-term stability in 2026.
The coaching is elite, the front office is sound in their processes, and Nix appears to be a future star. The Broncos should again be a top-3 team in the NFL when the regular season rolls around.
1. Seattle Seahawks
The Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks are top this list. Perhaps the most complete team in football, a high-flying offense and suffocating defense led them to winning it all, and with many of the same faces returning, it really would not be a shock if they went on another deep playoff run in 2026.
While it is quite hard to repeat as champions, the Seahawks are the type of team that could do it. Mike Macdonald quickly turned into one of the more 'evil genius' coaches in the league, and the front office is just a well-oiled machine firing on all cylinders.
Seattle is atop our division winner power rankings list.