Midseason NFL Power Rankings Highlight Bills, Jaguars and Bears as Top Contenders
The Ringer's midseason rankings place the Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears among the league's leading teams as the 2026 season reaches its midpoint.
Buffalo, now 7-1 under first-year head coach Joe Brady, continues the efficiency shown under Sean McDermott. After a loss to New England in early October, the Bills have won four straight, scoring 30 or more points in three of those games. Quarterback Josh Allen leads the league in yards per passing attempt (8.6) and ranks fourth in scramble yards, prompting the outlet to label him the current MVP favorite.
The Jaguars have posted a plus-55 scoring margin over the past month and sit atop the AFC South with a three-game lead. Their offense and defense rank in the top six by expected points added, and recent acquisitions of defensive tackles Jordan Davis and Davon Godchaux, along with safety Jessie Bates III, are described as completing a "complete team" that could challenge for the AFC’s top seed.
Chicago, after trading for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons in late October, has become the NFC’s hottest team. Quarterback Caleb Williams, despite missing time with a hamstring injury, has helped the Bears reach a 7-2 record, and the defense’s improvement is credited to Simmons’ impact.
San Francisco, at 7-1, is noted for its adaptability after trading for receiver Keenan Allen and coping with injuries on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Brock Purdy ranks third in passing yards per attempt and boasts the league’s lowest sack total (eight).
Green Bay, after a 2-2 start, has turned the season around with a 5-1 run, leading the NFL in explosive pass rate. Quarterback Jordan Love’s recent performance is highlighted as MVP-level, and the return of edge rusher Micah Parsons is expected to further strengthen the defense.
Denver’s inconsistency is noted, with the defense performing well at times while quarterback Bo Nix’s play varies. The team’s upcoming schedule is described as favorable, offering a chance to solidify its position among the AFC’s top four.
Kansas City remains a contender despite a 5-0 start that exposed issues in pass protection and reliance on running back Kenneth Walker III. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes is praised for returning to elite form, though the team faces a tough stretch from Thanksgiving through New Year’s.
Seattle’s defense continues to excel, but the offense relies heavily on receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who is on pace for a high-yardage season.
Other teams receiving mention include the New England Patriots, who are described as above-average after a strong start, and the Houston Texans, who have improved to 3-5 after a 0-4 start.
Overall, the rankings suggest that while several teams have strong cases for playoff contention, the Bills, Jaguars and Bears stand out as the most compelling contenders at the season’s midpoint.