NFL Power Rankings Shakeup: Rams Surge to No. 1 After Blockbuster Myles Garrett Trade

June in the NFL is usually a quiet period of minicamps and installations, but the 2026 offseason has been violently interrupted by a pair of landscape-altering trades. In a single day, the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots executed blockbuster deals that have forced analysts to completely rewrite their summer power rankings.[2][4]

The seismic shock came from Los Angeles, where the Rams acquired two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett from the Cleveland Browns. To land the premier edge rusher, the Rams parted with rising third-year star Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round draft pick, and additional conditional picks.[1][4]

The move immediately vaulted the Rams to the unanimous number one spot in nearly every major NFL power ranking. Oddsmakers followed suit, installing Los Angeles as the outright favorites to win Super Bowl 61 at +800.[4][5]

For the Rams, the acquisition is a continuation of their aggressive, win-now philosophy under head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead. By pairing Garrett with an already potent offense featuring Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua, Los Angeles has built a roster that looks terrifying on paper.[2][3]

The ripple effects are already being felt across the NFC West. Opposing quarterbacks like Brock Purdy, Kyler Murray, and Sam Darnold now face the daunting prospect of dealing with Garrett twice a year. The Rams had already bolstered their secondary earlier in the offseason by trading for former Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie, signaling a complete defensive overhaul.[1][3]

While Los Angeles dominated the headlines, the New England Patriots quietly executed a massive upgrade of their own. After months of speculation, the Patriots acquired star wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2028 first-round pick and a future fifth-round selection.[1][4]

The addition of Brown is a monumental victory for New England's offensive rebuild. Quarterback Drake Maye, fresh off a runner-up finish for MVP last season, now has a legitimate, dominant top target. Brown has topped 1,000 receiving yards in each of his last four seasons, providing the Patriots with the elite perimeter threat they have sorely lacked.[1][6]

On the other side of these deals, the Browns and Eagles are playing the long game. Cleveland, while taking a short-term hit to their defense, secured a top-15 edge rusher in Jared Verse—who is five years younger than Garrett—along with crucial first-round capital to help navigate their future salary cap constraints.[2][3]

The Eagles, meanwhile, cleared significant cap space and added future premium draft assets, allowing them to retool their roster around their younger core. Both Philadelphia and Cleveland dropped in the immediate power rankings, but analysts note their moves were calculated steps toward sustainable long-term health.[2][4]

As mandatory minicamps wrap up and teams look toward training camp in late July, the 2026 NFL standings picture is clearer, yet more top-heavy than before. The Rams have firmly planted their flag as the kings of the offseason, daring the rest of the league to catch up.[3][5]