ESPN’s lowest-rated teams entering 2026
As the 2026 NFL season approaches, ESPN’s Football Power Index has placed five teams at the bottom of its preseason projections. The list includes franchises navigating new coaches, quarterback changes and major roster decisions.
But the rankings are not the final word on the season. Here’s a closer look at the teams drawing the lowest FPI ratings and the developments shaping their outlooks.
Miami ranks 32nd
Miami ranks 32nd in the ESPN FPI snapshot, with an FPI rating of -5.8. The Dolphins finished 7-10 in 2025 and third in the AFC East.
Jeff Hafley is entering his first season as Miami’s head coach. The 2026 roster includes running back De’Von Achane and quarterback Quinn Ewers, while Miami opened preseason play at Washington.
Miami enters a major transition
Miami’s 2026 transition includes major changes at quarterback and coaching, which have been central preseason storylines. NFL.com reported that Hafley rejected describing the season as a rebuild and said Miami intends to compete.
The Dolphins play the Giants on August 22 and Falcons on August 28. Their remaining preseason games give the coaching staff additional opportunities to evaluate players before the regular season begins.
The Jets rank 31st
The New York Jets rank 31st in the ESPN FPI snapshot, with an FPI rating of -5.5. They finished 3-14 in 2025 and last in the AFC East.
Aaron Glenn remains New York’s head coach. NFL.com reported that Geno Smith was confirmed as the starting quarterback, while the roster also includes Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall.
New York reshapes its roster
The Jets entered training camp with a reshaped roster and several young players competing for larger roles. NFL.com’s draft analysis identified quarterback, edge, wide receiver, cornerback and offensive line among New York’s needs.
New York opened preseason play against Tampa Bay on August 14. The Jets play Pittsburgh on August 21 and the Giants on August 28 before their regular-season opener.
Cleveland ranks 30th
Cleveland ranks 30th in the ESPN FPI snapshot, with an FPI rating of -5.5. The Browns finished 5-12 in 2025 and fourth in the AFC North, with their quarterback situation unsettled.
Todd Monken is in his first season as Cleveland’s head coach. NFL.com reported that Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders were competing for the starting job, with a decision expected before September 13.
Cleveland’s quarterback competition
Cleveland’s quarterback competition remains a major preseason development. Both Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders received first-team opportunities during organized team activities, according to NFL.com, and Todd Monken said the competition would continue.
The Browns open their 2026 regular season at Jacksonville on September 13. Cleveland’s preseason schedule includes games against Chicago, Buffalo and New England, giving coaches more chances to evaluate the quarterbacks.
Arizona ranks 29th
Arizona ranks 29th in the ESPN FPI snapshot, with a rating of minus 5.2. The Cardinals finished 3-14 in 2025 and fourth in the NFC West, while their offseason included a major quarterback change.
Kyler Murray left Arizona for Minnesota, according to NFL.com. Arizona’s roster includes Carson Beck and Jacoby Brissett, while Mike LaFleur is entering his first season as head coach.
Interesting fact: ESPN launched on September 7, 1979, with SportsCenter as its first program.
Arizona adjusts its offense
Arizona’s 2026 quarterback group includes Carson Beck and Jacoby Brissett following Kyler Murray’s departure. The Cardinals also drafted running back Jeremiyah Love, while Trey McBride remains on the roster for 2026.
Arizona began its preseason against Carolina in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on August 6, then played Las Vegas on August 13. The Cardinals play Dallas on August 22 and Green Bay on August 28 before the regular season.
Interesting fact: When ESPN launched on September 7, 1979, its first live sporting event was a Professional Slo-Pitch Softball World Series game between the Milwaukee Schlitzes and Kentucky Bourbons.
Las Vegas ranks 28th
Las Vegas ranks 28th in the ESPN FPI snapshot, with an FPI rating of -4.6. The Raiders finished 3-14 in 2025 and fourth in the AFC West.
Klint Kubiak is entering his first season as head coach. Las Vegas added quarterback Kirk Cousins, who was named the opening camp QB1, and rookie Fernando Mendoza is also on the roster.
Las Vegas tests its new offense
Las Vegas began preseason play against Arizona on August 13 and visits Houston on August 20. The Raiders then host San Francisco on August 27 before the regular season begins.
NFL.com reported that Kubiak named Cousins the initial QB1 for camp and planned to give him substantial repetitions. The quarterback situation remains a key preseason storyline as Las Vegas installs its offense.
The bottom five remain close
The five lowest teams in this ESPN FPI snapshot have ratings ranging from -5.8 to -4.6. Miami has the lowest FPI rating at -5.8, while New York and Cleveland are tied at -5.5. Arizona is at -5.2, followed by Las Vegas at -4.6.
FPI represents projected team strength rather than actual game results, and ESPN can update its ratings and projections as new information becomes available.
The internet is also talking about Mike Tomlin naming the one person who gets his Pro Football Hall of Fame ‘golden ticket’.
What could change before Week 1
ESPN’s FPI is designed to estimate how teams are expected to perform rather than simply ranking them by last season’s record. ESPN updates its FPI ratings and projections as new information becomes available.
For these five teams, the 2026 preseason includes quarterback competitions, coaching changes, and roster additions. Their preseason games continue through August before the regular season begins in September.
In other news, Aaron Rodgers opens up on whether 2026 will really be his NFL farewell.
What do you think? Which of these five NFL teams has the best chance to climb the rankings this season? Like this slideshow and comment with your pick and tell us why!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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