ESPN’s Football Power Index uses 10,000 simulations to project team strength, playoff odds, and Super Bowl contenders.
According to the latest model, the Rams enter the season as the favorite after acquiring star pass rusher Myles Garrett. Buffalo is forecast to be one of the strongest teams in the league and is anticipated to meet Los Angeles in the Super Bowl.
“It doesn’t take much creativity to put the Bills in the title game. Josh Allen is arguably the best quarterback in the league, and Buffalo easily could have made the Super Bowl in recent seasons.” NFL analyst Seth Walder says, reinforcing Buffalo’s status in the rankings.
As a major contributor to the Bills’ top-5 ranked offensive line, O’Cyrus Torrence may find himself in the best position to play on Super Sunday. The 2023 second-round draft pick posted a Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade of 64.0 in 2025 and was fourth overall in offensive snaps played. According to PFF, O’Cyrus allowed zero hits on star quarterback Josh Allen last season.
Several other former Florida Gators will play key roles on teams expected to make deep postseason runs, according to the FPI. Dante Fowler Jr. and the Seattle Seahawks landed No. 4 at plus-3.6; Ricky Pearsall and the San Francisco 49ers fell to No. 5 at plus-3.3. 2026 second-round draft pick; Jack Slaughter and the San Diego Chargers come in at No. 7 with plus-2.6 odds; Jonathan Greenard and the Philadelphia Eagles round out the top 10 at plus-2.0.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: ESPN’s latest FPI rankings suggest former Gators are in Super Bowl mix
Reporting by Michael Long, Gators Wire / Gators Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Michael Long, Gators Wire | USA TODAY Network
