I usually wouldn’t put out new power rankings in June. This time of year feels pretty quiet in the NFL, with everyone gearing up for training camp and sort of shifting focus elsewhere. But then, those two big trades on Monday really changed the game.
First off, Myles Garrett is now heading to the Rams. This is huge for Los Angeles. The NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year, who’s been a nightmare for opposing teams, is joining a well-established franchise. So, yeah, the Rams are definitely on the rise now that Garrett will be causing chaos on the field.
Later, the long-discussed trade sending AJ Brown to the Patriots finally wrapped up. This move should provide Drake Maye with the deep threat he’s been missing and definitely help the team progress. So, because of that, the Patriots also climb up the ranks.
Here’s the updated power rankings, which reflect not just the trades from June 1st, but also recent deals made over the past month.
Tank for No. 1 or Bust?
Cleveland is now among the teams eyeing the last place in hopes of a top draft pick. It’s clear they’re a more complete team compared to the Cardinals, Jets, and Dolphins, but without Myles Garrett, they struggle a lot. Their defense has suffered, and quarterback remains a mess. So, landing a top pick for a franchise QB is definitely on their wish list.
Possibility of Making the Playoffs
We all know the saying, right? “Every Sunday is a new chance…”
This ranking includes teams like the Washington Commanders, who made the playoffs a couple seasons back but had a tough year last time due to injuries, and then there are the New York Giants, who could surprise anyone.
Could we see more changes? The Pittsburgh Steelers moved up a little bit. Sure, Aaron Rodgers brings some experience, though maybe not enough to elevate them to the next tier just yet. Still, having a reliable veteran QB and the absence of Myles Garrett in their division works in their favor.
21. Commander Washington
Was the AJ Brown trade a game changer for them?
They’ve moved the Patriots up a few spots, but they’re not quite in contention for the Super Bowl just yet.
Previously ranked 11th, the Patriots seem to have gained positive momentum with Brown’s arrival. Drake Maye now has a reliable target both in short passes and for deeper throws.
The Rams weren’t too far behind in these rankings either, considering how they were positioned just weeks ago. They were already high in the post-draft standings.
But the trade for Myles Garrett pushed them right to the top.
Winning NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice is impressive, and now the Rams, who had been second in the post-Draft rankings, find themselves in first place in the NFC West, pushing their rivals down.
Of course, the real games will start in the fall, and those will influence how we view these rankings now.
