One line to
measure against
A meridian is the fixed reference line everything else is measured from. That's the idea behind every grade here: one scale, applied the same way every time.
The scale
The standard everyone else is measured against.
Built to win now. A real threat for the top.
Good, with a clear ceiling or a clear question mark.
The middle of the pack. Could break either way.
Something is broken, and it shows.
Bottom of the board. Rebuild, reset, or both.
Tier lists name their tiers ("Title Favorites", "Dark Horses"), but every tier still carries its letter. A crowded list can split a tier with a plus, like A+ above A.
The rules
One standard
Every team, player and sport is graded on the same 0–100 scale. An S in the NFL means the same thing as an S in college hoops.
Verdict first
Every post leads with the call. The number behind it comes right after, so you can argue with the evidence as well as the opinion.
Dated
Every ranking carries its date and context, like "26–27 Preseason". A take is only fair to judge against the moment it was made.
On the record
Bold calls go to Receipts and get graded hit or miss once they resolve. Misses stay up.