Seahawks Remain Atop the 2026 NFL Power Rankings

ESPN projects the reigning Super Bowl champions to be the team to beat next season.

Feb. 10, 2026 at 7:23pm

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The Seattle Seahawks, fresh off a Super Bowl victory, are ranked No. 1 in ESPN's early power rankings for the 2026 NFL season. After a 14-3 record and the No. 1 seed in the NFC in 2025, the Seahawks are poised to defend their championship with key players returning and ample salary cap space to retain free agents.

Why it matters

The Seahawks' top ranking signals that they are expected to remain an elite team and Super Bowl contender in the upcoming season, building on their recent championship success. This will make them a marquee draw and a team to watch closely as they aim to repeat as champions.

The details

Under first-year head coach Mike Macdonald in 2024, the Seahawks showed signs of improvement with a 10-7 record. In 2025, they took a big leap forward, securing the No. 1 seed in the NFC with a 14-3 record. Key offseason moves, including signing quarterback Sam Darnold and adding valuable pieces on both offense and defense, helped transform the Seahawks into a powerhouse. Despite the departure of offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, the Seahawks are well-positioned to retain their core players and continue their success.

  • The Seahawks won the Super Bowl in the 2025 season.
  • ESPN released its early power rankings for the 2026 NFL season in February 2026.

The players

Mike Macdonald

The Seahawks' first-year head coach in 2024, who helped guide the team to a 10-7 record and set the stage for their championship run.

Sam Darnold

The quarterback the Seahawks signed in the offseason, who helped bolster their offense and contribute to their success.

Kenneth Walker

A key player the Seahawks will look to retain in free agency, as they have ample salary cap space to keep their core roster intact.

Rashid Shaheed

Another Seahawks player set to hit free agency, who the team will aim to re-sign to maintain their championship-caliber roster.

Coby Bryant

A Seahawks player who is also a free agent, and a priority for the team to retain as they look to defend their title.

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What’s next

The Seahawks will need to focus on re-signing their key free agents, such as Kenneth Walker, Rashid Shaheed, and Coby Bryant, to maintain their championship-caliber roster for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Seahawks' No. 1 ranking in the early 2026 NFL power rankings underscores their status as the team to beat next season, as they look to defend their Super Bowl title. Their combination of coaching stability, roster continuity, and financial flexibility puts them in a strong position to remain an elite contender in the upcoming campaign.