Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 19
Rams Climb to No. 1 in NFL Power Rankings as NFC West Lands 3 Top Spots
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 19

Rams Climb to No. 1 in NFL Power Rankings as NFC West Lands 3 Top Spots

3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 19

Summary

  • Los Angeles moved up from No. 2 to No. 1 in the latest NFL power rankings after an offseason reshaped by June trades, injury updates and legal issues across the league.
  • Myles Garrett's arrival, added cornerback help in Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, and MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford's return for at least one more year drove the Rams' rise.
  • Seattle slipped from No. 1 to No. 2 despite entering as defending champion, with roster losses and a new offensive play-caller narrowing the gap with the upgraded Rams.
  • San Francisco ranked No. 3, giving the NFC West all 3 top spots after becoming the first division in league history to produce three 12-win teams in 2025.
  • The reshuffle comes as minicamps end and teams head toward training camp with several contenders still facing key health, roster and off-field questions.

Insights

Are blockbuster trades creating an NFL of 'super teams' and ending competitive balance for good?
Is the Rams' aggressive 'win-now' strategy a new championship blueprint or a future franchise killer?
As player gambling scandals grow, will the NFL confront a crisis that college sports ignored?