Patriots crack top 10 in ESPN's 2026 offseason power rankings

The New England Patriots dropped in ESPN's early power rankings , but they haven't fallen out of the top 10. In the updated list, following free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft, the Patriots ranked sixth in the NFL, which is down four spots from their original spot as the No. 2 team.

The Patriots had a busy offseason improving the offensive line depth, while also adding two promising young playmakers at edge rusher and tight end. They are also expected to agree to a trade on or after June 1 for Philadelphia Eagles three-time All-Pro receiver A. J.

Brown. They are clearly an ascending team working hard to build on the success they had last season, when they won the AFC Championship and competed for a Super Bowl. As expected, the Seattle Seahawks are the No.

1-ranked team, with the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills and Eagles trailing them. The Patriots are expected to have the sixth-hardest schedule in 2026, including games against three of the five teams currently ahead of them in the power rankings. They will have a Super Bowl rematch with the Seahawks, an AFC Championship rematch with the Broncos and two divisional games against the Bills.