NFL Divisional Round Preview: Ranking the Strongest Teams with Colin Cowherd's Final Herd Hierarchy (2026)

The NFL's final power rankings before the Divisional Round are here, and they might surprise you! Colin Cowherd's 'Herd Hierarchy' takes a unique approach to ranking teams, and this week's edition is no exception.

Are the underdogs finally getting their due?

  1. Chicago Bears: The Bears are a force to be reckoned with, especially at home. They've dominated teams outside their division and shown resilience in the fourth quarter. Caleb Williams' performance is a testament to their potential.

  2. San Francisco 49ers: Despite injuries, the 49ers are a playoff powerhouse. Brock Purdy's game-winning drives speak volumes, and Kyle Shanahan's coaching prowess is undeniable.

But here's where it gets controversial...

  1. Denver Broncos: A strong home record and success in close games, but recent offensive struggles raise concerns. Are they truly a top-tier team?

  2. Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen's recent performance is impressive, and the Bills are on a roll. They seem to have found their rhythm, but can they maintain it?

  3. Houston Texans: A 10-game winning streak and a dominant defense make the Texans a serious contender. However, injuries could be their Achilles' heel.

  4. Los Angeles Rams: A beatable team? Special teams issues and penalties suggest vulnerabilities. But their record speaks for itself when they play a clean game.

  5. New England Patriots: A well-rounded team with no apparent weaknesses. Cowherd draws an intriguing comparison to the Brady-Belichick era, but is it a fair assessment?

  6. Seattle Seahawks: The top spot goes to the Seahawks, who have a formidable defense against the run. But is their success sustainable?

Cowherd's rankings always spark debate. Do you agree with his choices? Are the Seahawks truly the team to beat, or is there an underdog ready to rise? Share your thoughts and predictions for the Divisional Round!

NFL Divisional Round Preview: Ranking the Strongest Teams with Colin Cowherd's Final Herd Hierarchy (2026)
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