Chicago Bears top ESPN’s 2026 NFL watchability ranking

ESPN analyst Ben Solak has released his annual ranking of all 32 National Football League teams based on their expected watchability for the 2026 regular season. The assessment, published ahead of the season’s start in under two weeks, prioritises big plays, competitive games, star players and entertainment value over pure statistical winning potential.

The Chicago Bears hold the number one spot, driven by their explosive offence and high-scoring nature. Solak notes that while the Bears’ defence may be porous, the combination of quarterback Caleb Williams and a dynamic attack is likely to produce wild swings and large scoreboards, making them the most compelling viewing option.

The Los Angeles Rams are ranked number two, with the narrative centred on a potential historic final season for 38-year-old quarterback Matthew Stafford. The ranking highlights the anticipated on-field chemistry between Stafford, edge rusher Myles Garrett and defensive tackle Aaron Donald, a trio that could define the team’s legacy if they remain healthy.

Rounding out the top four are the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Chargers. The Lions are credited with an explosive offence and a defence that has historically surrendered many big plays, while the Chargers are highlighted for the pairing of quarterback Justin Herbert and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, a combination expected to elevate the team’s passing attack.

Solak’s methodology also considers the absence of "nothing offensive," a criterion designed to filter out teams with dreadful attacks or horrible defences. The Kansas City Chiefs, for instance, are ranked lower due to a lack of explosive plays, despite their history of competitive games, while the Cleveland Browns return to the bottom of the list following the departure of Myles Garrett.

This is the second year Solak has conducted this specific ranking. In the previous cycle, he placed the Washington Commanders first, a team that subsequently finished with a 5-12 record, illustrating the potential divergence between watchability and on-field performance.