2026 NFL Power Rankings: Massive Shifts After Preseason Week 1
NFL Team Rankings Explained: Why the Titans and Browns Are Near the Bottom (But Have Hope)
An easy-to-understand guide to the 2025 NFL preseason rankings for two teams rebuilding their rosters
What This Article Covers
We’re looking at two NFL teams ranked near the bottom of the league heading into the 2025 season:
- #28 – Tennessee Titans
- #27 – Cleveland Browns
Both teams are in the middle of rebuilds (think: tearing down an old house to build a better one). But there are reasons to be optimistic if you’re a fan of either team.
#28 Tennessee Titans: A New Coach, A New Plan
The Big Picture
The Titans aren’t ready to compete for a championship yet. They’re in Year 1 of a major rebuild. But they have a clear direction now.
Key Changes This Offseason
| Area | What Happened | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Head Coach | Hired Robert Saleh | Former Jets head coach & 49ers defensive coordinator. Known for building tough defenses. |
| General Manager | Mike Borgonzi leading the front office | Added real talent this offseason (see below). |
| New Players Added | Carnell Tate (WR), John Franklin-Myers (DE), Jermaine Johnson (EDGE) | These guys can play right now. They fill real needs. |
The Problem Areas (Still Being Fixed)
- Offensive Line → Big holes. The quarterback will get hit a lot if this isn’t fixed.
- Defense → Still a "work in progress." Not scary good yet.
- Quarterback → Cam Ward (rookie) had a rough first preseason game. But he has tools (arm talent, athleticism) to make a big jump in Year 2.
Important Point: The Titans have an identity now—tough, physical, defense-first. They just need one more great offseason of adding talent to really arrive.
#27 Cleveland Browns: Good Roster, Quarterback Crisis
The "Hot Take"
The Browns’ roster is actually better than most people think.
— But the quarterback situation might be the worst in the NFL this century.
What’s Going Well
- Offensive Line → GM Andrew Berry did a great job here. Solid foundation.
- Defense → Has infrastructure (scheme, coaching, some talent).
- Overall Talent → Deeper than their record suggests.
The Dealbreakers
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Quarterback Room | Potentially the worst in 21st century NFL history. No clear starter, no upside prospect. |
| Myles Garrett is Gone | The superstar pass rusher is no longer on the team. Huge loss for the defense. |
| Remaining Questions | Even with a good OL, there are holes. Defense has question marks without Garrett. |
The Path Forward
If the Browns find a franchise quarterback next offseason, the entire conversation changes instantly.
They have the pieces around the QB. They just need the guy.
Summary: Where Both Teams Stand
| Team | Rank | Rebuild Stage | Biggest Strength | Biggest Weakness | 2025 Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Titans | #28 | Early (Year 1) | New coach identity, added talent | OL holes, QB uncertainty | Growth year. Watch for Cam Ward’s development. |
| Browns | #27 | Stalled (needs QB) | OL, defensive structure | QB room, lost Myles Garrett | Could surprise if QB play is average. Otherwise, bottom-5. |
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. What does "rebuild" mean in the NFL?
It means a team purposely gets worse short-term to get better long-term—trading veterans for draft picks, signing young players, hiring new coaches. Think of it like renovating a house: messy at first, better later.
2. Who is Robert Saleh and why does he matter?
He was the head coach of the New York Jets (2021–2024) and before that, the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers (helped build a top defense). He’s known for defense, energy, and culture. The Titans hired him to set a new standard.
3. Why is Cam Ward important for the Titans?
He’s their rookie quarterback. First preseason game = rough. But he has physical tools (strong arm, mobility) that suggest he could be much better in Year 2. If he develops, the Titans’ ceiling rises fast.
4. How bad is the Browns’ QB situation really?
Historically bad. No proven starter. No high-upside backup. No draft pick ready to play. In today’s NFL, you can’t win without a QB. This one issue drags a decent roster down to near-last.
5. Can either team make the playoffs in 2025?
- Titans: Very unlikely. Too many holes.
- Browns: Only if they get average QB play (via trade, free agency, or a rookie stepping up). Their defense and OL are good enough to steal 8–9 wins with competent QB play.
Final Thought
Both teams are building something.
The Titans have a new coach and a plan.
The Browns have a good roster missing one piece.
In the NFL, one offseason changes everything. Keep an eye on both in 2026.