Fresh season. Same contenders. New targets.
The calendar flips to a new season, but the hierarchy built in 2027 still shapes expectations entering 2028. The Cleveland Browns raise the banner as defending champions, yet several powerhouse franchises remain positioned to challenge immediately.
Using end-of-season ELO as the baseline, here’s how every team enters the new year.
🏆 ELITE TIER — Championship Favorites
1. Philadelphia Eagles (1737 | 18-2)
Despite falling short of the title, the Eagles still hold the league’s highest rating. Their dominance across the full season keeps them the early favorite entering 2028.
2. Cleveland Browns (1722 | 15-6) — Defending Champions
The champs sit right behind Philly. Proven playoff success gives them the edge in big-game credibility even if they’re not #1 in rating.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (1699 | 16-2)
One of the most dominant regular-season teams of 2027. The question now: can they translate dominance into postseason success?
4. Indianapolis Colts (1660 | 18-2)
A near-perfect year earns them elite status again. The Colts enter 2028 as one of the AFC’s most complete rosters.
5. Chicago Bears (1648 | 16-3)
Chicago’s rise was no fluke. Physical football and consistency make them an annual contender now.
6. Green Bay Packers (1615 | 13-6)
Quietly steady. Green Bay may not headline conversations, but they remain a dangerous January team.
7. New York Giants (1606 | 15-5)
A breakthrough season vaults the Giants into the elite tier — expectations are now championship-level.
🔥 CONTENDER TIER — Playoff Locks with Upside
8. Las Vegas Raiders (1579 | 12-7) – Consistent playoff presence, dangerous in close games
9. Los Angeles Chargers (1576 | 10-8) – Talented roster still searching for a deep run
10. San Francisco 49ers (1541 | 11-7) – Built for physical postseason football
11. New Orleans Saints (1529 | 10-8) – Competitive every week, need signature wins
⚖️ AVERAGE TIER — Middle of the Pack
12. Carolina Panthers (1509 | 11-7) – Strong record but must prove sustainability
13. Denver Broncos (1509 | 8-10) – Competitive but inconsistent
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1502 | 9-8) – Fringe playoff team
15. Seattle Seahawks (1494 | 6-11) – Better than record suggests
16. Washington Commanders (1491 | 7-10) – acknowledging a reset year ahead
🚨 STRUGGLING TIER — Looking for Direction
17. Rams – Competitive but fading momentum
18. Chiefs – Showing signs of recovery but far from contenders
19. Jets – Talent without stability
20. Cowboys – Disappointing 2027 continues to linger
21. Ravens – Searching for identity
22. Dolphins – Hovering near competitiveness
23. Bills – Rebuild still underway
24. Bengals – Need offensive consistency
25. Vikings – Close games not translating to wins
26. Cardinals – Another developmental season likely
🔄 REBUILD TIER — Future Focused
27. Jaguars – Progress but not ready yet
28. Texans – Youth movement continues
29. Falcons – Late improvements show promise
30. Lions – Full rebuild mode
31. Patriots – Transitional roster
32. Titans – Reset year ahead
📊 2028 Season Storylines
- Can the Browns repeat? History says repeating is harder than winning the first
- Eagles vs AFC powers remains the likely championship collision course
- The Giants and Bears aim to prove last year wasn’t a peak but a beginning
- Rebuild teams may shape the playoff race by playing spoiler
