NFL Power Rankings ahead of 2022 season

After a long-offseason, our football rankings are finally back!

Every NFL season brings excitement and entertainment. But with the drama of this summer, this year comes with an added storyline.

Having ranked all 32 teams earlier in the offseason, we now assess each franchise as we head into Week One. Let’s take a look at who ranks where ahead of the 2022 season:

1. Los Angeles Rams

We start with the defending Super Bowl champions, who look to be in a great position to defend their crown.

Bobby Wagner and Allen Robinson are brilliant additions and both only make the Rams look stronger. With amount of superstars on their roster, LA are more than capable to go the distance in 2022.

They’ve lost some key pieces to their jigsaw. Robert Woods and Sebastian Joseph-Day have left, Von Miller has joined the ever-improving Bills while LA are yet to bring back Odell Beckham. Andrew Whitworth will also be difficult to replace.

But the Rams remain the team to beat in 2022. It should be another great year in LA.

2. Buffalo Bills

Something special is brewing in Buffalo. The hype is real, Josh Allen keeps getting better and there just seems to be a sense that the Bills will be the elite team in the AFC in 2022.

Their defense is one of the best around, but doubts over their playoff history and credibility as the best team in football keeps them just below the number one spot on this rankings list.

Yet, there isn’t much to split the two favorites for the Super Bowl this year. And it’ll be fascinating to see the Bills and the Rams face off in the opening game of the season.

3. Kansas City Chiefs

If there is one team in the NFL that you can’t write off, it has to be the Chiefs.

Will they be able to get over the loss of Tyreek Hill? The Chiefs still have great options, but on paper look slightly weaker than a year ago. They’ve also lost starters Tyrann Mathieu, Charvarius Ward, Jarran Reed, and Anthony Hitchens.

But on his day, there is no one in the NFL that you’d want more on your team than Patrick Mahomes. He’s a game-changer who is the main reason why the Chiefs are so high on this list.

4. Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals were the surprise package in 2021. Making the Super Bowl last year was an outstanding achievement. And repeating that feat must be the target again for Cincinnati after improving this offseason.

Protecting Joe Burrow was their biggest priority, and with the acquisitions of the likes of La’el Collins, Ted Karras and Alex Cappa, they’ve done just that. If Burrow can say healthy, the Bengals won’t fall off in 2022.

Cincinnati belong to be in the mix with the elite teams in the AFC.

5. Green Bay Packers

Yes, the Packers lost their star receiver in Davante Adams this offseason. And their offensive coaching mind in Nathaniel Hackett may make them weaker.

But with Aaron Rodgers still at the helm, the Packers cannot be dismissed. The receiving core may look inexperienced, but there is plenty of talent on this Green Bay roster. Infact, they look like they’ve finally got one the best defensive units in the league for this year.

And if they can finally improve on special teams, then I’m confident Green Bay finally end their Super Bowl drought this season.

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tom Brady wouldn’t have reversed his decision to retire if he didn’t feel confident about winning another ring in 2022. And with the Buccaneers, he’s got a great chance.

Having finished first in both passing yards (5,316) and touchdowns (43) last year, there is no sign of the GOAT slowing down. But having taken a break from footballing duties this offseason and seeing his offensive line depleted through injuries, things aren’t looking as rosy as they were just a couple of months ago.

And with no Gronk in Tampa Bay this year, will this be the same Brady? Regardless, I wouldn’t bet against him.

7. Los Angeles Chargers

What an offseason it has been for Chargers fans. They now have one of the most complete rosters in the league and look destined for greatness of year three of Justin Herbert.

The Chargers have struggled with injuries in the past few years. But with their roster looking healthy, this is a real championship window opportunity for LA.

The additions of Khalil Mack and J.C. Jackson are incredible acquisitions for Chargers fans to look forward to.

8. Baltimore Ravens

Another team who enjoyed a productive offseason. Ravens fans will be pleased with their recruitment. 2021 was disappointing, mainly because of injuries across their squad. If a fit Lamar Jackson can start firing on all cylinders once again, Baltimore can climb back to the top of the AFC tree very soon.

A great draft was this offseason highlight, but there are still doubts over the Baltimore receiving room and their pass rush. Let’s hope they are solved in 2022.

But the most important…. Payin Jackson. And then watch him do his magic.

9. Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles are all in on Jalen Hurts. General manager Howie Roseman has arguably had the busiest offseason of any, in terms of incomings, helping Philadelphia to skyrocket up these rankings with their new-look side.

A.J. Brown, Haason Reddick and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson amongst others have joined the ranks, while Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean look brilliant additions from the NFL Draft.

They are the strongest looking team in the NFC East and are well primed to return to the postseason once again in 2022. Can Hurts deliver?

10. San Francisco 49ers

Are the 49ers too low on this rankings list? Perhaps. But with a new, unproven QB now their starter, anything could happen in Santa Clara.

Trey Lance is well placed to have a huge breakout year in 2022 for San Francisco. They’ve got a talented roster with so many elite players on board. It’s down to the quarterback to help them reach their peak.

The Jimmy Garoppolo fiasco has tinted the atmosphere it seems in San Fran in recent months. But with him still on board as a backup, the 49ers have plenty of options should they need to make a change.

11. Denver Broncos

With Russell Wilson and Nathaniel Hackett now at the helm in Denver, things are looking up for the Broncos.

An obvious upgrade at QB from last year, Wilson can help to finally unlock this offense. We’re hoping to see big years for Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy as a result.

Wilson is now tied in to be their QB for the next five years, can he deliver a Super Bowl? How they get on in 2022 will prove to be a good assessment of where they are as a team.

12. Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders have massively improved, but are possibly still the weakest of the AFC West teams. But a new general manager, head coach and a superstar on board, Las Vegas are heading in the right direction.

With weapons like Davante Adams, Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow, the Raiders have an elite looking offensive arsenal. But the offensive line needs to step up and help quarterback Derek Carr to deliver.

They may not be a Super Bowl contender just yet, but definitely a team to watch out for.

13. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts will be desperate to making amends for their disappointing end to 2021. Jonathan Taylor will be eyeing the rushing yards title once again, while breakouts are expected from Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce.

Matt Ryan is a definite upgrade on Carson Wentz, but for how long? He’ll help Indy hit new heights in the passing game in 2022. But I’m not convinced he’ll be there for long.

14. Dallas Cowboys

It’s been a poor summer in Dallas. Whilst teams around them have improved, the Cowboys have lost the likes of Amari Cooper, Cedrick Wilson and Randy Gregory, and Tyron Smith to injury.

The Cowboys still have a decent looking offense. Pressure will be on Ezekiel Elliot to finally deliver in 2022. But ultimately, there isn’t too many positives in Dallas at the moment.

15. Tennessee Titans

It’s a sharp contrast to see the #1 team from the AFC last season so low on this list. And if we’re honest, the Titans could find themselves tumbling down these rankings even further.

A fully fit Derrick Henry for the whole year would feel like a new signing, but losing A.J. Brown will be a huge blow.

Ryan Tannehill could be under-pressure very quickly this year, so could it be Malik Willis time very soon?

16. New Orleans Saints

The Saints could be a surprise team in 2022, but I’m not overly convinced they are primed for success this year.

New appointment Dennis Allen doesn’t have a great record as a head coach, while there are still many question marks on their roster, not least at quarterback. And the once great looking New Orleans defense looks incredibly weaker without Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and Marcus Williams.

But Michael Thomas, Alvin Kamara and a solid offensive line make New Orleans more than capable going forward. Let’s just see how Jameis gets on.

17. Miami Dolphins

It’s been a busy few months in Miami. New personnel, signings galore with Tyreek Hill to new superstar for the Dolphins. And with him at wide receiver, it looks like Tua could finally step up to be the player everyone thought he would be.

Under new head coach Mike McDaniel, the future looks very bright for the Dolphins. But is 2022 too soon? It’ll be interesting to see just how they perform this year.

18. Arizona Cardinals

A difficult offseason in Arizona. And with no DeAndre Hopkins for the opening six games, it could prove tough for the Cardinals early on.

No doubt Kyler Murray is magic. His future has finally been resolved and he’ll be desperate to silence all the talk from the past few months. But with the offensive line looking shaky and the secondary depleted, it’ll be extremely difficult.

Let’s see what Murray can do in 2022.

19. Minnesota Vikings

New head coach Kevin O’Connell must be so excited to work with some of the most skilled players in the NFL in Minnesota. But the Vikings’ chances all rest on how Kirk Cousins can perform.

Cousins will be looking to silence the doubters, while Justin Jefferson is a prime candidate for the Offensive Player of the Year Award. So this extremely low ranking for such a talented group of players could look silly in a couple of weeks.

Then again, there is every chance that this is positioning is just right.

20. New England Patriots

Another team on the back of a seemingly poor offseason. Things haven’t looked this dark in New England for quite some time.

Mac Jones had a stellar rookie year. But there are worries about his potential and whether he is the man to fix the mess New England have on offense.

The Patriots aren’t a bad team and have the greatest coaching mind in football. But it’s difficult to see how they can compete with the AFC elites in 2022.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers

It’s the first season post-Big Ben and it’ll be interesting to see how the Steelers get on with a new quarterback. Whether it’s Mitch Trubisky or Kenny Pickett, the transition will take time.

Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season in Pittsburgh, so the Steelers could make a charge to the postseason. But this year should be all about progressing under their new QB.

22. Cleveland Browns

It’s been a wild offseason in Cleveland. After the Deshaun Watson saga ended in a 11 game suspension for the QB, the Browns will be moving forward with Jacoby Brissett in 2022.

Their roster looks good on paper, but there are definite doubts regarding the quarterback and receiving rooms in the short term.

The Browns will probably be out of the playoff race by the time Watson returns, which, after everything this summer, is probably for the best.

23. Carolina Panthers

It was hard to place the Panthers on this rankings board.

With Baker Mayfield nailed down as the starting quarterback and Christian McCaffrey finally fully fit, Carolina looks a strong side. But with both of their recent injury issues, question marks remain. Losing Haason Reddick in free agency was a big blow, and the rest of their defense desperately needs to step up a gear in 2022.

If they can get it right early, the Panthers could be a dark horse playoff contender. If not, I’m afraid it will be another difficult year in Charlotte.

24. Washington Commanders

A new name and a new QB for Washington. But it’s looking like the same old story in the capital.

The Commanders may have confidence in Carson Wentz. But the former #2 overall pick struggled to find his groove with the Colts and could take time to adapt to his new team.

The Commanders have the pieces to be great. But it all comes down to how Wentz performs.

25. Detroit Lions

The Lions have massively improved this offseason, and should be looking to improve on their two win record from last year. The additions of Aidan Hutchinson and Jameson Williams look exciting, while their schedule is fairly weak comparatively.

With Hard Knocks putting the Lions centre stage, can Detroit deal with the all the attention? We think they can exceed even their own expectations this year.

26. New York Jets

The Jets have had a great offseason. A brilliant draft with some decent additions in free agency make Gang Green looks a whole lot more exciting going into the new season.

The early schedule looks difficult, so it’ll probably be out of the question that the Jets are in the running for the playoffs.

Zach Wilson’s injury may not be as bad as first feared, but this must just be a season of progress for him in New York.

27. Seattle Seahawks

After losing Russell Wilson, the Seahawks look to rebuild and make progress in 2022.

They had a decent draft, Charles Cross, Boye Mafe and Kenneth Walker will prove valuable additions. But they are nowhere near the contending levels they were at just a few years ago.

Geno Smith and Drew Lock will contend for the starting quarterback spot this year, but they can’t be the long-term plan. All eyes will be getting a new franchise QB from college in 2023.

28. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars have enjoyed a positive, yet not entirely convincing offseason.

Paying over the odds for Christian Kirk raised eyebrows, while picking Travon Walker first overall in the 2022 NFL Draft despite his lack of prolific college production.

New coach Doug Pederson could a great appointment and he can work wonders for Trevor Lawrence. All in all, I’m sure the Jaguars will improve on their dismal 2021 campaign.

29. Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons lost their long-time franchise QB Matt Ryan this summer, while their star man Calvin Ridley will miss another season, this time through suspension.

Marcus Mariota will be given the reigns this year, but Desmond Ridder could easily be with a chance to play. Either way, Kyle Pitts and Drake London are the only real chances of success for Atlanta.

It was a decent draft return for Atlanta. But they are 100% in rebuild mode and will find it difficult in 2022 without a nailed down QB1.

30. New York Giants

New head coach Brian Daboll will be looking to bring the best out of Daniel Jones as his main priority in New York. But there is little positive about the Giants’ offensive outlook going into the new year.

Adding Evan Neal and Kayvon Thibodeaux are great additions for the future, but it’ll be a difficult year again for the Giants in 2022. Divisional rivals the Cowboys and Commanders have improved, while the Cowboys still have a strong roster.

It’s unlikely New York will be competing in the postseason anytime soon.

31. Houston Texans

Davis Mills proved to be a decent pickup last year late in the draft this year, but what is his potential ceiling? It’ll be interesting to see how far he can take them in 2022.

Brandin Cooks and Nico Collins should prove to be decent receiver options. But the talent is fairly limited in Houston.

The bottom line is that the Texans aren’t ready to compete. They drafted well with what they had, but need plenty poor young additions over the coming years to progress.

32. Chicago Bears

It’s been an offseason to forget in Chicago, who are well into rebuild mode. How will Justin Fields do in year two? It’ll be extremely difficult with the support that he has available.

The wide receiver room is worryingly bare and the offensive line looks weak. How do the Bears expect Fields to progress? With injuries to Byron Pringle and N’Keal Harry, as well as concerns over Roquan Smith, there are little to be positive about currently in Chicago.