As the NFL playoffs draw near, the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots secure the top two positions in the latest power rankings. Both teams demonstrated their dominance last weekend, setting the stage for a competitive postseason. The Seahawks, with a record of 14-3, earned the NFC’s top seed, while the Patriots, also at 14-3, aim to prove their mettle in the playoffs.
Seattle Seahawks Cement Their Status
The Seahawks solidified their position as the NFC’s top seed by defeating the San Francisco 49ers 13-3 on January 6, 2026. This marks the fourth time since 2005 that Seattle has achieved this ranking, a history that includes three Super Bowl appearances in previous seasons. Their defense finished the regular season as the league’s best, boasting an EPA of 12.5 per 100 snaps, a statistic that underscores their potential for a deep postseason run.
New England Patriots Prepare for Challenge
Following a decisive win over the Miami Dolphins with a score of 38-10, the Patriots will face the Los Angeles Chargers in the first round of the playoffs. Despite their impressive record, questions linger about their ability to compete against top teams, given that their only victory against a playoff-bound opponent this season was against the Dolphins. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye continues to impress, achieving a passer rating of 129.4 in the recent game.
The Jacksonville Jaguars and Denver Broncos are also positioned strongly heading into the playoffs. The Jaguars, with a record of 13-4, crushed the Tennessee Titans 41-7, showcasing their remarkable ability to capitalize on turnovers. Jacksonville finished second in the league with 31 takeaways this season, a testament to their defensive prowess.
The Broncos clinched the top seed in the AFC after a 19-3 victory against the Los Angeles Chargers. This achievement marks the first time Denver has secured the AFC’s top spot since the 2015 season, a year that ended with a Super Bowl victory. The Broncos head into the playoffs with a solid record of 14-3 and only one loss since September.
Emerging Teams to Watch
The Houston Texans have emerged as a formidable contender, winning nine consecutive games to finish the regular season at 12-5. They will face the Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs, a matchup that could favor Houston’s well-performing defense. The Texans ranked third in the league with an EPA of 11.9 per 100 snaps, highlighting their effectiveness against opposing offenses.
In contrast, the 49ers experienced a setback with their recent loss to the Seahawks, dropping them from the No. 1 seed to the No. 6 seed in the NFC. This means they will face a challenging matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round, a situation compounded by injuries that have plagued their season.
As the playoffs approach, all eyes will be on how these teams perform under pressure. The upcoming matches are set to feature exciting quarterback matchups, notably Josh Allen of the Bills against Trevor Lawrence of the Jaguars, promising a thrilling start to the postseason.
With the NFL playoffs on the horizon, the stakes are high, and the competition is fierce. Each team will be looking to make a statement as they vie for a place in the Super Bowl, underscoring the unpredictable and thrilling nature of professional football.
