After eight weeks of the NFL season, 17 teams are at .500 or below.
Guess that brings the word parity back into the equation for the league. On any given Thursday, Sunday or Monday, any team can win a game ... except the Los Angeles Chargers in 2026.
For the teams that are struggling, it never is too early to look ahead to the 2027 draft. One team that is definitely intrigued has to be the New York Jets, who currently have the fourth, sixth and 10th overall selections.
A look at the top -- or bottom -- 17 teams in the 2026 season. Thanks to Tankathon.com for the numbers.
17. Seattle Seahawks, 4-4, strength of schedule .519
A week after looking like the defending Super Bowl champions, the Seahawks were manhandled by the Chicago Bears. Sam Darnold is having an off-season, and the team needs him to get
it together
16. Los Angeles Rams, 4-4, strength of schedule .519
The favorites coming into the season to win the Super Bowl have had their share of struggles. Good news comes this week as Myles Garrett is expected to return to fortify the defense.
15. Baltimore Ravens, 4-4, strength of schedule .484
A team that seems to be in big trouble. Quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley are out heading into Thursday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Undrated free agent Joe Fagnano also has an injury. Even if he goes, facing the Jaguars could be a recipe to get crushed.
14. Las Vegas Raiders, 4-4, strength of schedule, .477
Well, they found a team they could beat to snap a four-game losing streak in the woeful New York Jets. Have to figure Raiders fans think being .500 after eight weeks is more than they expected.
13. Atlanta Falcons, 3-5, strength of schedule .567
The Falcons came apart in the deluge in Tampa. Michael Penix Jr. made the mistake of continuing to pass and threw four picks. Just when you think this team has turned a corner you realize it has found another dead end.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 3-5, strength of schedule, .508
The Buccaneers were smart enough not to try and throw in the rain against the Falcons. In doing so, they became the first team since 1974 to triumph without completing a pass. A win is a win, right?
11. Arizona Cardinals, 3-5, strength of schedule .500
A win outside of SoFi Stadium for the Cardinals. Gardner Minshew II comes off the bench and leads a stupendous rally before Chad Ryland earns redemption with a field goal in OT against Dallas.
10. New York Jets via Dallas Cowboys, 3-5, strength of schedule .442
The Jets have to be hoping Dallas continues to struggle so they do wind up with three picks in the top 10 of the 2027 NFL draft. Something to give Jets fans hope.
9. Washington Commanders, 2-4-1, strength of schedule . 465
The Commanders took down the Eagles in a big way. Not sure what it proves but at least Jayden Daniels & Co. can feel good for a week.
8. New Orleans Saints, 2-5, strength of schedule .550
On their bye week, coach Kellen Moore went to Boise State where they unveiled a statue of the former Broncos quarterback. Don't expect there to be a monument to him outside the Superdome at this rate.
7. Houston Texans, 2-5, strength of schedule .457
At this spot in the Tanking Rankings, the Texans have to be one of the most disappointing teams in the league. What has happened when the future looked so positive after 2025?
6. New York Jets, 2-6, strength of schedule .547
A sixth pick for a team that has trouble getting any sort of picks from opposing quarterbacks. Have to wonder if Aaron Glenn has any chance of coaching these future Jets. Doesn't look too good.
5. Philadelphia Eagles, 2-6, strength of schedule .484
It has all collapsed around Nick Sirianni and the two-time NFC East champion Eagles. Will more players be moved before the trade deadline?
4. New York Jets via Indianapolis Colts, 2-6, strength of schedule .476
That Sauce Gardner trade is looking genius for the Jets.
3. Miami Dolphins, 1-6, strength of schedule .594
Is it the tough schedule or the fact the Fish are foul? Go with the latter. This pick would have to be a quarterback if they stay this high in the draft.
2. Tennessee Titans, 1-7, strength of schedule .477
Is the offense coming around or is the Bengals' defense simply that bad?
1. Los Angeles Chargers, 0-7, strength of schedule .577
The Bolts won 11 games in 2025. If they somehow ran the table for the rest of the 2026 season, they would wind up with 10 wins. Shameful season.
This article originally appeared on The List Wire: NFL Tanking Rankings looking ahead to 2027 draft
