NFL Power Rankings: Seahawks Soar, Patriots Dominate, Wild Card Race Heats Up

As the regular season comes to a close, the top teams look to solidify their playoff positions while others fight for a wild card spot.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:20am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football game, with overlapping planes of color representing the various teams and players in action.The final week of the NFL regular season promises a wild ride as teams battle for playoff positioning and the wild card race heats up.Denver Today

The NFL's final week of the regular season is upon us, and the power rankings are heating up. The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots lead the pack, but several other teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Denver Broncos, and San Francisco 49ers are also making strong pushes for the postseason. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, and Philadelphia Eagles are looking to prove they have what it takes to compete at the highest level. With the wild card race still wide open, the last week of the season promises to be full of surprises and high-stakes drama.

Why it matters

The final week of the NFL regular season is always filled with excitement and intrigue as teams jockey for playoff positioning. This year is no exception, with several marquee matchups and compelling storylines that will have a major impact on the postseason picture. The power rankings provide a snapshot of the league's landscape heading into the playoffs, highlighting the teams primed for a deep run as well as the dark horses still fighting for a wild card berth.

The details

The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots have emerged as the top two teams in the power rankings, thanks to their dominant regular season performances. The Seahawks, led by quarterback Sam Darnold, are looking to secure the top seed in the NFC for the second consecutive year. Meanwhile, the Patriots have been a force to be reckoned with, showcasing their offensive prowess and stifling defense. Other teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Denver Broncos, and San Francisco 49ers have also made strong cases for themselves, with the 49ers' surprise star Brock Purdy drawing comparisons to Josh Allen. The wild card race is particularly intriguing, with teams like the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, and Philadelphia Eagles all vying for a postseason spot.

  • The NFL's final week of the regular season is upon us.

The players

Sam Darnold

The quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks who is looking to secure the top seed in the NFC for the second consecutive year.

Brock Purdy

The surprise star quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, who has drawn comparisons to Josh Allen.

Malik Willis

The quarterback for the Green Bay Packers who is due for a big payday.

Derrick Henry

The running back for the Baltimore Ravens who was a free agent and the Ravens took a chance on him.

DK Metcalf

The wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks who the Pittsburgh Steelers failed to control in a recent game.

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What’s next

The final week of the NFL regular season will determine the playoff seedings and which teams will earn a wild card spot. All eyes will be on the key matchups and how the top teams perform as they look to secure their postseason positioning.

The takeaway

The NFL's final week of the regular season promises to be an exciting and unpredictable affair, with the power rankings highlighting the league's elite teams as well as the dark horses still fighting for a playoff berth. The wild card race is particularly intriguing, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the 2026 season.