Colin Cowherd released his first Herd Hierarchy of the 2026 NFL season on Tuesday’s edition of “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” and the list came with some notable absences. The Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens were both left off the top 10, with Cowherd saying they came close but didn’t make the cut. Reigning champion New England also didn’t crack the list.
Cowherd’s rankings run through several of the league’s most-watched markets, from Cincinnati to Seattle, with the Los Angeles Rams landing at No. 2 and the Seattle Seahawks taking the top spot.
Cincinnati Bengals
Cowherd praised Cincinnati’s offseason additions, calling the team “one of the most improved teams” in the league. He pointed to the additions of Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen, Kyle Dugger, Cashius Howell and Boye Mafe as reasons he expects the Bengals to field a top-20 defense. “They’ve won the division the two times they’ve given Joe Burrow a top-20 defense,” Cowherd said, adding that Burrow becomes a stronger playoff quarterback when he isn’t forced to win shootouts.
Houston Texans
Cowherd called Houston’s defense “the best defense in the league by a margin,” noting the team has won 10 of its last 11 games and returns 10 of the 11 starters who shut down the Los Angeles Rams last season. He singled out Danielle Hunter, Will Anderson Jr. and Derek Stingley Jr. as among the best at their positions, and credited head coach DeMeco Ryans and the team’s front office. His one concern: keeping the wide receiver room healthy.
Chicago Bears
Chicago landed at No. 8. Cowherd cited the Bears’ 10-1 record last year when they won the turnover battle, and praised quarterback Caleb Williams for avoiding interceptions at every level he’s played. He said the young receiving trio of Colston Loveland, Luther Burden and Rome Odunze could become elite as they mature, but flagged a lack of consistent pass rush as the reason the Bears sit lower on the list.
Denver Broncos
Cowherd defended Denver’s quarterback, Bo Nix, saying people are struggling to acknowledge how good he is. He noted the Broncos gave up the fewest sacks in the league and have led the NFL in sacks on defense for two straight years, while adding Jaylen Waddle to boost the passing game. “He may not be great, but he’s pretty good,” Cowherd said of Nix.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers went 11-6 last season despite what Cowherd called the lowest-rated offensive line in football. He pointed to new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, a healthy Omario Hampton at running back, and a first-round rookie edge rusher as reasons for optimism, along with the team’s top-five ranking in both third-down offense and defense.
Philadelphia Eagles
Cowherd noted the Eagles are big favorites in Week 1 against Washington and have the No. 2-ranked offensive line in the league. He said the additions of Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown and Makai Lemon give Philadelphia enough depth at receiver even without A.J. Brown, and called the team’s schedule easy by NFC standards.
Detroit Lions
Detroit drew praise as a Super Bowl contender with what Cowherd called the easiest schedule in the league and a new offensive coordinator viewed internally as an upgrade. He highlighted Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam Laporta and Jameson Williams as electric playmakers capable of producing explosive plays over a long season.
Buffalo Bills
Cowherd said he likes Buffalo more than most and called the Bills the largest favorites to win their division, noting Josh Allen is 28-8 against divisional opponents. He praised the trade for receiver D.J. Moore as underrated, while acknowledging Buffalo’s rush defense was poor last season. He said the team’s heavy investment in defensive draft capital over the past two years should start paying off.
Los Angeles Rams (No. 2)
Cowherd called the Rams “the most talented team in football” but placed them at No. 2 out of concern for being “hunted” throughout the season and potential motivation issues as heavy favorites. He also raised questions about the health of DaVante Adams and Puka Nacua, and noted the age of the team’s quarterback.
Seattle Seahawks (No. 1)
Topping the list, Cowherd said Seattle’s best players — Sam Darnold, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Devon Witherspoon — are entering or already in their athletic primes, without the ego-driven personalities of past Seahawks rosters built around Pete Carroll. He said head coach Mike Macdonald and Darnold remain undervalued in the broader market compared to their production.
