Play.
The Ravens have the best chance to turn things around.
Marcus Spears is optimistic about the Ravens' playoff chances next season after player absences decimated the team this season. The time has come.
6:55 AM
The power rankings are looking ahead now that 2021. is in the past. We decided to give each franchise a New Year's resolution for 2022, since there are still playoffs to be earned and titles to be won.
To do that, we asked our reporters to write a version of "Auld Lang Syne" for the teams they cover and come up with a primary goal for the next year. The New England Patriots went rogue a bit, but the rest of the responses fell into a few categories. The Green Bay Packers had short-term goals to set up a run at the Vince Lombardi trophy. The reporters were interested in rewarding deserving players or surrounding stars on other teams. The call was made for your franchises to take a positive step down the road to respectability.
Our power panel, made up of more than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities, evaluates how teams stack up throughout the season to determine our Power Rankings.
The previous rankings were 17-16, 14-13, 12-11, 10-9, 8 and 6.
Jump to:
Ari, BAL, BUF, CAR, CHI, and CIN are included.
DAL, DEN, DET, GB, HOU, and IND are abbreviations.
The following cities are included: JAX, KC, LV, LAC, LAR, MIA.
NYG, NYJ, PHI, PIT, and SF are not included.
*SEA, TBR, TEN, WSH
There is a method for this.
1. The Green Bay Packers are 13-3)
The previous ranking was 2.
Help the IR guys come back.
There are a group of injured players who have a chance to return for the playoffs. Jaire Alexander, OLB Za'Darius Smith, David Bakhtiari, C Josh Myers, and Randall Cobb are among them. After Sunday's game, Rodgers spoke optimistically about some of them coming back this year, although LaFleur downplayed it slightly. The return of any of them could help.
2. The Kansas City Chiefs are 11-5
The previous ranking was 1
New Year's resolution: Re-sign.
The Chiefs need to keep him around past the end of his contract. He has a lot of value as a player and a lot of value as a leader in the locker room. The Chiefs would have a hard time finding all the things he brings at a lower price than it would take to re-sign him. They haven't invested a lot in their secondary other than Mathieu, and he's one player they can't do without.
Play.
Antonio Brown has run out of room for forgiveness from teams despite his elite skill set.
3. The Buccaneers are 12-4).
The previous ranking was 4.
Get healthy for the playoffs.
Injuries have decimated the Bucs. For the year, Chris Godwin is done. Leonard Fournette, Lavonte David, and Giovani Bernard are on IR and could return. The two injured players are Shaq Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul. Mike Evans and Antoine Winfield Jr. both returned from injuries. Ronald Jones II left the game because of an injury. They are limping into the playoffs right now. Antonio Brown left the team and they have to replace him.
4. The Los Angeles Rams are 12-4)
The previous ranking was 5.
The new year's resolution is to eliminate turnovers.
The Rams would be unstoppable if Matthew Stafford could eliminate his turnover streaks. Stafford is second in the league with 38 passing touchdown, but he is also tied for second with 15 pick-sixes, which lead the league. The Rams have overcome back-to-back multi-turnover performances to produce victories, enabling a five-game win streak. Imagine how dominant they would be if Stafford could cut down on the multi-turnover games.
5. The Tennessee Titans are 11-5
The previous ranking was 8.
The new year's resolution is to re-sign OLB Harold Landry III.
Brian Orakpo had a double-digit sack total in 2016 but the pass-rusher finish hasn't been as good since. Kyle Vanden Bosch is the only other player in franchise history to have more sacks in a single season. The team's pass rush has 41 sacks, the sixth most in the league. The run is a problem for the Titans, and they sometimes drop Landry into coverage. One of the team's most durable players is Landry, who has missed only one game in four seasons.
6. The Buffalo Bills are doing well.
The previous ranking was 7.
New Year's resolution: find ways to win.
The Bills need a win over the Jets or a loss by the Dolphins to win the division for the second year in a row. Buffalo had the chance to take care of its path to the playoffs earlier. The Bills have gone 0-5 in one-score games, with the offense having late opportunities to win the game or tie in four of those. It's not an easy thing to fix, like providing gloves for Sean McDermott's clapping hands or finding a dominant running back of the future, but it's something that needs to be corrected for a team that should be in contention for years to come.
Play.
Rex Ryan and Dan Orlovsky break down what went wrong for the Cowboys in their game against the Cards.
7. The Dallas Cowboys are 11-5
The previous ranking was 3.
New Year's resolution: keep Dan and Kellen.
Jerry Jones has been persuasive with other coaches in the past, but he only has so much he can do if another team offers him a head-coaching position. The defense has been turned around. Moore has been in the quarterback's ear since the beginning. It would not be the best way to start the new year if you started over with a third defensive coach.
8. The ArizonaCardinals (11-5)
The previous ranking was 11.
Don't have second-half meltdowns is a new year's resolution.
Even though Arizona won Sunday in Dallas, the Cards have lost five of their past nine, giving Kliff Kingsbury a second-half slide in every season he has been a head coach. If this season's slide hadn't happened, the Cards would have won the West and been in the running for the top seed in the conference. They could've been looking at 14 or 15 wins. It's something that needs to be fixed because it lowers his ceiling, and with a quarterback like Kyler Murray, having a limit to what a team can do on the field isn't the way to win Super Bowls.
9. The New England team is 10-6).
The previous ranking was 9.
New Year's resolution: stop asking Bill Belichick.
After the team's Week 16 home loss to the Bills, the coach was asked if he had any resolutions. That didn't go well. He was asked a follow-up on videoconference six days later and he said that they wouldn't mean much to you anyway.
Everything you need this week.
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Transactions and injuries.
Football Power Index rankings.
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10. The Cincinnati Bengals are doing well.
The previous ranking was 10.
New Year's resolution: improve Joe's protection.
If you've heard this before, you know that the quarterback is at risk in the pocket more than anyone is comfortable with. Let's take a look at the numbers before we make a decision. The pass block win rate for the Bengals is 31st. They were tied for 29th in 2020. According to research by the company, Burrow has been contacted 89 times inside the pocket, which is third highest in the league. The pass blocking is not good enough and the current players need to improve.
11. The San Francisco 49ers have a winning record.
The previous ranking was 12.
The new year's resolution is to make a significant investment at the corner.
The Niners have put a lot of resources into key positions like quarterback, left tackle, and pass-rusher since John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan arrived. They haven't done the same at corner, where the biggest investment was in Richard Sherman when he was coming off a torn Achilles. The Niners haven't taken a corner earlier than 66. San Francisco's raw passing yards allowed numbers are fine, but it leads the NFL with 19 defensive pass interference penalties. The 49ers' defense could return to elite status in 2022.
12. The Indianapolis Colts have a winning record.
The previous ranking was 6.
New year's resolution: make Carson Wentz more consistent.
The Colts should be thankful that they have Jonathan Taylor because he is the reason why they are a win away from making the playoffs. The Colts gave up a first-round pick to get him from Philadelphia, but he lacks the consistency to win with them. In the fourth quarter against Arizona on Christmas night, he looked great, but he has issues with overthrows and is too often taking risks that cause uneasiness.
Play.
Dan Orlovsky and Ryan Clark agree that the Eagles are dangerous in the playoffs.
13. The Philadelphia Eagles have a winning record.
The previous ranking was 13
New year's resolution: give Jalen Hurts some space.
The Eagles want to be a "quarterback factory," as general manager Howie Roseman once famously said, and that's not a bad mindset to have -- over investing in the most important position in pro sports is generally smart. The QB1 needs to feel supported. Things fell apart quickly after the Eagles selected Hurts in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The Eagles have three first-round picks this April, but Hurts has guided his team to the playoffs in his first year as a full-time starter, and at age 23, so it might be tempting for them to use some of their handsome draft capital to get a big-name quarterback
14. The Raiders are from Las Vegas.
The previous ranking was 17
The new year has a resolution.
From the resignation of Jon Gruden, to the death of Henry Rugg III, to the walk-off wins, to the uncertainty of the GM, to the fact that the team is in a playoff chase, to the fact that the team is in a race to the finish, to the Is it an interim coach? The Raiders could be more mellow in 2022. They are one win away from going to the playoffs for the second time since 2002 and have thrived under adversity of late.
15. The Los Angeles Bolts are 9-7.
The previous ranking was 15.
New Year's resolution: Re-do the contract.
Herbert's base salary this year is $1,818,125, even though he is in the second year of his contract. He will get paid a lot in his second contract, but he won't starve. It seems low for a quarterback with a chance of leading his team to its first playoff berth since 2009, who made the Pro Bowl, just set a franchise record for touchdown passes, and is being paid far below players who have done less. Herbert has proven himself.
Russell Wilson, Harold Landry, and Justin Herbert are on the air.
16. The Baltimore Ravens are 8-8.
The previous ranking was 14.
Find a way to stay healthy in the new year.
Overcoming injuries has been an ongoing challenge from training camp to the regular season. The Ravens have 75 players this season, tying 2020 for the most in team history. 45 different players have started for Baltimore. Even Lamar Jackson, who had never missed a game due to injury in his first three seasons, couldn't avoid getting hurt. He has missed the past three games because of an ankle injury. The Ravens believe they're a Super Bowl contender when they're healthy. Baltimore has been a shell of itself this season.
17. The Miami Dolphins are 8-8.
The previous ranking was 16.
New Year's resolution: support Tua!
The Dolphins have spent four top-90 picks on offensive linemen since the beginning of the year, and they still have the worst offensive line in 2021. It's time to stop throwing draft picks at the problem and start spending money on it because of the projected cap space. While he's at it, draft an impact running back on the second day of the draft, but he prefers to wait until Day 3. Tua Tagovailoa will be the quarterback of the Miami Hurricanes after next season. If the team decides to move on, it needs to either put a supporting cast around him that can help him succeed or put the pieces in place for Tagovailoa's successor.
Play.
Ben Roethlisberger's legendary career with the Steelers was looked back at by Ryan Clark, Alan Faneca, Bruce Arians and others.
18. The Pittsburgh Steelers are 8-7-1.
The previous ranking was 19
Figure out Ben Roethlisberger's replacement for the new year.
Is it Mason? A first-round pick? Is it possible that Rodgers or Wilson is the one? The offensive line has a lot of issues to fix next season, but the Steelers have to figure something out. The assignment is due because the Steelers have put off the quarterback succession plan. The run game needs help for the third year in a row, but all of that starts with determining the next signal-caller.
19. The New Orleans Saints are 8-8.
The previous ranking was 18.
The new year's resolution is to surround the next quarterback with more talent.
The Saints have used five different quarterbacks in the last year and they want to choose the right one in the future. The Saints will consider all options, even if Jameis Winston is the front-runner, because he is an unsigned free agent. Regardless of who they choose, the Saints must surround their next quarterback with better pass catchers and a more complete offensive line. Injuries were a major factor. The linemen Terron Armstead, Ryan Ramczyk, and Andrus Peat missed a lot of time. The Saints will have to make some tough decisions about how many guys they can bring back in 2022, in addition to adding more reinforcements.
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The interactive NFL Playoff Machine was created by ESPN.
The Football Power Index is a measure of standings.
20. The Cleveland Browns have a losing record.
The previous ranking was 20.
The new year's resolution is to improve the passing game.
It's too lazy to solely blame Baker Mayfield for Cleveland's struggles through the air on his non-throwing left shoulder, since he has been playing through a torn labrum to his non-throwing left shoulder since Week 2. To be sure, Mayfield has struggled. He's not the only reason why the Browns now own one of the league's least dangerous passing attacks. The downfield playmaking is a weakness at the wide receiver position. Look for the Browns to take a receiver with their first pick.
21. The Denver Broncos have a losing record.
The previous ranking was 21.
Fix the offense is a new year's resolution.
Since 2016 the Broncos have started 10 different quarterbacks, as well as running back Phillip Lindsay. The team's troubles with the ball go much deeper than that of the quarterback. Over the past four seasons, they have refused to match their offensive scheme to the personnel they have drafted or signed. If their defense was asked if their offense was difficult to defend, the answer would be no. If they can't match a team that is in the huddle, even the best option at quarterback will struggle.
22. The Minnesota Vikings have a losing record.
The previous ranking was 22.
A clean start is the new year's resolution.
In more than 700 days, the Vikings have not been above.500. They tried to do a soft rebuild approach. They tried to retool their defense to bring back the glory days, but couldn't. The team has been to the playoffs three times in eight seasons, the general manager brought in draft picks like Brian O'Neill and Justin Jefferson, and the quarterback had one of the best years of his career in 2021. It's time to change the direction of the franchise with fresh ideas and new leadership.
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23. The Atlanta Falcons have a losing record.
The previous ranking was 23.
Line help on both sides is a new year's resolution.
This could double as a gift for quarterback Matt Ryan and defensive back A.J. Terrell, two of Atlanta's best players. One of the things Arthur Smith wants his team to be is physical on the lines, and despite the other holes on his roster, that is where to start. The Falcons can't create a pass rush because they don't have a player with more than 4.5 sacks or 12 quarterback hits. Ryan has been sacked at least once in every game. He has been sacked three times in half of Atlanta's games. If the Falcons want to take a step forward in 2022, they need to fix the fronts.
24. The Washington Football Team has a 6-10) record.
The previous ranking was 24.
New Year's resolution: find a quarterback.
Getting the new name right is one of the resolutions. It will take more than a new name to win fans back. Fans need hope and a quarterback is the one who gives it. Washington needs to be aggressive in its search for a veteran or a good draft pick. Washington fans have lacked hope for a long time, so give them a reason to believe that next year will be better. Since 1991, the franchise has started 32 quarterbacks and won only two playoff games, which is no better than the situation when owner Dan Snyder took control. Find that guy.
25. The Bears are 6-10).
The previous ranking was 25.
Score more on the new year's resolution.
New Year's resolutions can be simple. Lose weight. Be nice. Read more books. Score more points in Chicago. The Bears have averaged only 18 points per game this season, which is anemic. Will a new coach help? They've tried that route before. Is the answer to be rookies like Justin Fields? It's hard to tell without proper schemes and coaching. That's why the Bears need help. Maybe a simple New Year's resolution is how to go. It is possible that the points will come if it is declared to be so. Bears fans have also tried that route. Let's just get that new head coach, because prayer hasn't worked much.
McShay's rankings are: Kiper's is:
McShay's opening mock draft in 2022.
The QBs in the class of 2022.
The draft order is Who's No. 1?
More coverage and full rankings.
26. The Seattle Seahawks have a 6-10) record.
The previous ranking was 26.
New Year's resolution is to be better on third down.
It has been the offense's weakness and one of the more baffling aspects of the season. The Seahawks are 28th in offensive EPA and 28th in yards per play on third down, yet they're fifth in both categories over first and second down. Their third-down struggles aren't just another symptom of a bad offense. Before Russell Wilson went down in the second half of Week 5, the Seattle Seahawks were 27th in third-down conversion rate. They were dead last entering Sunday and improved to 27th by going a season-best 7-of-12 in their win over Detroit.
27. The Carolina Panther's are 5-11.
The previous ranking was 27.
The new year's resolution is to invest in an offensive line.
I'm not saying that Sam Darnold is the answer at quarterback. I don't think he is. There's no way to know how often he's under duress. No quarterback should have to endure the lack of protection that has been provided to them by the other team. He has been sacked 2.67 times per game since the beginning of the year. He has been seeing ghosts.
28. The Houston Texans have a losing record.
The previous ranking was 28.
The new year's resolution is to trade Deshaun.
Both parties have made it clear that the future is not in Houston. While the Texans and Dolphins were trying to get a deal done at the trade deadline, the lawsuits against them were preventing that from happening. At some point, the Texans will have to move on from the quarterback, but there are still a lot of unknowns for how the legal situation will play out.
29. The New York Jets have a losing record.
The previous ranking was 30.
New Year's resolution: get Robert Saleh some players on defense.
The Jets have surrendered a franchise-record 477 points. It's not a coaching issue, it's a talent issue. The previous high was 457, set last season with a completely different staff and scheme. He needs help on all three levels, especially the safety. The Jets have four picks. There should be an investigation if at least two aren't on defense.
Play.
Dan Orlovsky thinks that Joe Judge's attempt to use coachspeak like Bill Belichick will make the Giants' players not like him.
30. The New York Giants have a losing record.
The previous ranking was 29
New Year's resolution: be competent.
Is this too much to ask? The Giants have lost double-digit games in each of the last five seasons. Joe Judge said after the Bears loss that this isn't a clown show organization. There should be some evidence to prove that. When an organization misses the playoffs five years in a row and nine out of 10 seasons, the bar is low with the Giants.
31. The Detroit Lions have a losing record.
The previous ranking was 31
A winning record is a new year's resolution.
Lions fans have suffered a lot over the years. Since 1957, the city has only won one football playoff game. They've had good players and good coaching, but can't seem to put it all together. Let's not think about the playoffs, let's focus on the regular season for this New Year's resolution. We can start with a winning record. That hasn't happened since the second of back-to-back 9-7 seasons under Jim Caldwell. If Dan Campbell can hit.500, that will be good.
32. The Jacksonville Jaguars have a 2-13 record.
The previous ranking was 32.
The new year's resolution is to get the coaching hire right.
In his 10 years as owner, Shad Khan has rarely done that. After a good season, the decision to bring back Tom Coughlin as football czar and hire Doug Marrone backfired spectacularly. The franchise is at risk of ruining Lawrence's career if Khan doesn't hire him again, because this was a lost year for him. There's little confidence that Khan will make the right choice, based on his past record.
