NFL Power Rankings: Week 1 (2022)

 Here. We. Go. Tonight marks the start of the 103rd season of the NFL, and will kick off what should be one of the most electric and entertaining seasons in NFL history! And speaking of electric and entertaining, that's exactly what the Buffalo Bills and the Los Angeles Rams are and they start the season at #1 and #2 respectively in my rankings. Let's see where all 32 teams stack up against each other entering the 2022 NFL season.

1. Buffalo Bills

The Bills, of course, are coming off one of the most devasting playoff defeats in recent memory after blowing that lead with just 13 seconds left in the AFC Divisional Round against the Chiefs. On paper, the Bills are the most talented team in the league, with Josh Allen at quarterback, Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis at receiver, a solid offensive line, and the #1 ranked defence from 2021 that just added a future Hall of Fame edge rusher in Von Miller. This has to be the year they get over the hump, right?

2. Los Angeles Rams

The defending champs come in at number two. There is some concern with the offence as Matthew Stafford has a issue with his elbow that could linger throughout the season and they lost Pro Bowl left tackle Andrew Whitworth to retirement. They also have to find a adequate replacement for Von Miller on the edge. But of course, Jalen Ramsey and Aaron Donald can basically cover up for most of those issues on the defensive side of the ball, and assuming Stafford's elbow isn't gonna fall off, their offence will still be very good as well, centered around reigning Offensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp.

3. Los Angeles Chargers

Outside of the Bills, no team is getting hyped up this year than the Chargers. Often disregarded as just the second team in LA, the Chargers front office did a tremendous job of surrounding their young, superstar quarterback Justin Herbert with talent during the offseason, particularly on defence. They traded for Khalil Mack (one of the best edge rushers in the league when healthy), and signed former Ram Sebastian Joseph-Day to help shore up their porous run defence. They also inked former Patriots All-Pro cornerback J.C. Jackson, and re-signed All-Pro safety Derwin James and made him the highest paid safety in the league. And of course, they already have an elite offence centered around Herbert. Head coach Brandon Staley has no excuses this year.

4. Cincinnati Bengals

It's rare to see a team that fell inches short of winning a Super Bowl become underrated. But that's exactly what's going on with the Bengals. On some sites, the Bengals aren't even among the top 5 favoured teams to win the AFC. Even though they went out and shored up their greatest weakness (the offensive line) in the offseason. And even though they still employ one of the most explosive offences in the league, led by Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase. I don't know if they'll make it back to the Super Bowl. But make no mistake about it, this is still a championship-caliber football team.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers' championship window was closed shut after Tom Brady announced his retirement. And then it was opened again after Brady ultimately decided that his love for the game was too great to keep him off the field. The Bucs have everything in place now with Brady back, the receivers are great, the defence is good. Todd Bowles has been with this team for the last 3 seasons so there shouldn't be too much drop-off from Bruce Arians. But the offensive line injuries are troubling, and we ultimately still don't know the answer to this question: Is Brady still all-in?

6. Green Bay Packers

Of course when it comes to the Packers, the first person you think about is Aaron Rodgers. The four-time MVP is back in Green Bay, however, he will now have to try to lead the Pack back to the Super Bowl without Davante Adams. There are questions with this team with the wide receivers and the offensive line, which will be awaiting the return of two Pro Bowlers in David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins. But the defence is one of the best in the league and probably the best defence Rodgers has had since he won his only ring in 2010. Plus, you can't forget about their stud running back duo of Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon, along with Matt Lafleur being an elite head coach. They should be right back in the hunt for a championship in 2022.

7. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are in a similar predicament as the Packers: A team with a MVP quarterback paired with a great head coach that just traded their star wide receiver. Also like the Packers, the Chiefs have dominated their division, as they've won 6 straight AFC West titles. But that's where the similarities end, as unlike the Packers, the Chiefs have a mediocre defence and play in a extremely tough division. So why do I have the Chiefs this high in my rankings? Well, when you have Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid leading your squad, you're gonna have a chance to win every game. The Chargers are better on paper in that division. But if they screw up, Kansas City will be there to take advantage.

8. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens missed the playoffs last season for the first time since 2017. But they only missed out on the postseason due to a number of significant injuries to key players like J.K. Dobbins, Marcus Peters, Ronnie Stanley, Marlon Humphrey, and star quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jackson's contract situation with the team has yet to be resolved. However, this is a team that was 8-3 and held the first seed in the AFC last season before Jackson's season-ending injury. With Jackson and a healthy defence that added some nice pieces during the offseason, the Ravens should challenge the Bengals for the AFC North crown.

9. Denver Broncos

The Broncos are the third AFC West team in the top 10 of these power rankings. Man that division is tough. Anyhow, the Broncos haven't made the postseason since 2016. And while they've acquire some impressive talent on the team over the last few seasons, they just weren't able to find that next franchise QB after Peyton Manning retired. Enter Russell Wilson. The Pro Bowl quarterback was traded from Seattle to Denver in March and now gives the Broncos stability at the most important position in football. This is a good team that has the potential to be great in the AFC.

10. San Francisco 49ers

The Trey Lance era begins in San Francisco. The young quarterback will inherit a offence with dynamic playmakers such as Deebo Samuel and George Kittle, along with a defence that boasts one of the best front sevens in the league, led by Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. And of course, Kyle Shanahan is one of the most creative offensive minds in the league. The 49ers managed to get to a Super Bowl and notched two NFC Championship appearances with Jimmy Garropolo. If Lance pans out, they could win it all.

11. Philadelphia Eagles

On paper, the Eagles have one of the best rosters in the NFL. They have the best offensive line, two studs at wide receiver, the deepest defensive line in the league, and a solid secondary. But with all this talent on the team, all the pressure now falls on the quarterback. Can Jalen Hurts deliver and prove that he's the franchise QB of the future in Philly. If he can, the Eagles are a playoff team with potential to contend for more in a wide-open NFC.

12. New Orleans Saints

The Saints' defence is elite. Led by Demario Davis, Cam Jordan, Marshon Lattimore, and Tyrann Mathieu, it could be the best unit in the league. The offence has a ton of talent too, with Michael Thomas and Chris Olave joining Alvin Kamara. Jameis Winston played well last season before tearing his ACL. If he can continue to play at that level this year, the Saints will challenge the Buccaneers in the NFC South.

13. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts barely missed the playoffs last season after dropping back-to-back games to the Raiders and (somehow) Jaguars. So they went out and replaced the erratic Carson Wentz with the steady Matt Ryan. They already have the league's best running back in Jonathan Taylor, a solid offensive line, and a top-10 caliber defence. And they also play in the AFC South, one of the weakest divisions in football. If Ryan is as good as advertised, they will win the division.

14. Minnesota Vikings

After 9 seasons with the team, Mike Zimmer was fired by the Vikings and replaced by former Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell. The Vikings offence was already potent with guys like Dalvin Cook, Justin Jefferson, and Adam Thielen leading the way so hiring O'Connell should help get the most out of quarterback Kirk Cousins, who was quietly awesome last season. On defence, Minnesota signed former Packers pass rusher Za'Darius Smith, who should form a formidable duo with Danielle Hunter on the edge. All in all, this is definitely an improved team that could potentially beat out the Packers for the NFC North in 2022.

15. Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys are coming off a season that saw them go 12-5 and win the NFC East. However, America's Team took some hits during the offseason, as they lost edge rusher Randy Gregory to the Broncos in free agency while also cutting standout players like wide receiver Amari Cooper and right tackle La'el Collins due to cap space concerns. Along with losing Collins, their left tackle, Tyron Smith, suffered a torn hamstring, which will keep him out of the lineup to start the season. With Dak Prescott, Ceedee Lamb, Trevon Diggs, and Micah Parsons, this team still has a lot of firepower. But they could be on the outside looking in when it comes to making the playoffs in 2022.

16. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins had a great offseason, as they traded for All-Pro receiver Tyreek Hill and signed Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead in free agency. Hill and Jaylen Waddle are two of the fastest players in the league and they will be creatively utilized by new head coach Mike McDaniel who comes over from San Francisco. Their defence is very solid as well. But everything rides on third-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa taking the next step.

17. Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders made the playoffs last season for just the second time in the last 20 years. This is a team that has a very talented offence led by quarterback Derek Carr, who will be entering his 9th season in the NFL. Carr has been solid throughout his career, but this season could be his best yet as the Raiders have surrounded him with a lot of weapons, including the offseason acquisition of All-Pro receiver Davante Adams. Adams, along with Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller are all dynamic playmakers who will help this offence be one of the best in the league. But there's two problems with this Vegas team: number one, their defence (outside of edge rushers Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones) lacks elite talent, and number two, they play in the toughest division in football in the wild AFC West.

18. Tennessee Titans

The Titans are coming off a successful 2021 season where they won the AFC South and captured the #1 seed in the AFC. But many variables are working against them this season. First off, their star pass rusher, Harold Landry, tore his ACL during a practice in the offseason, which will obviously hurt a defence that finished 12th in total yards allowed last season. But the biggest question with this team is the passing game. Can Ryan Tannehill produce a bounce-back season under center? And can he do that without the services of Pro Bowl receiver A.J. Brown, who is no longer on the team? We shall see.

19. Pittsburgh Steelers

For the first time since the 2003 season, Ben Roethlisberger is not on the Steelers active roster as the future Hall of Fame quarterback retired in January. The Steelers will now turn to Mitch Trubisky, who is trying to rejuvenate his career in the Steel City after inconsistency plagued him in Chicago. Their defence will be solid with reigning Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt and All-Pro lineman Cameron Heyward leading the way. But how long of a leash does Trubisky have with first round QB Kenny Pickett waiting in the wings?

20. Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals have improved every year under head coach Kliff Kingsbury, going from 5 wins in 2019 to 8 wins in 2020 to 11 wins and a postseason appearance in 2021. But a troubling trend has emerged with this team. In 2020, the Cardinals started off the season at 6-3 before losing 5 of their last 7 games as they barely missed the playoffs. And last year, after a scorching hot 7-0 start, the Cardinals completely flamed out, as they dropped 7 of their last 11 games, including an embarrassing loss to the eventual champion Rams in the wildcard round. Can they not only start fast, but also, finish strong when it matters most in 2022?

21. Cleveland Browns

The Browns of course made major headlines in the offseason when they controversially made a trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson, who faced over 20 civil lawsuits against him after numerous women accused him of sexual assault. Watson will be suspended for the first 11 games of the season, which means Jacoby Brissett will lead the charge to start off the year. They have a great run game with Nick Chubb, one of the best offensive lines in the league, and a solid defence led by Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward. Can Brissett keep them afloat in the AFC playoff picture before Watson makes his debut?

22. New England Patriots

The Pats made the playoffs last year with rookie quarterback Mac Jones. But they got absolutely pummeled by the Bills in the wildcard round, signifying that this team isn't in the elite class of the AFC. The hope is that Jones takes some strides in his second year under center, and we know that Bill Belichick will have them ready to compete. But the talent on this team isn't really there. I don't think they can hang with the big dogs in the AFC this season.

23. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers will attempt to snap their 4 year playoff drought with a new face at quarterback in Baker Mayfield. Mayfield struggled during his final year with the Browns last season, in large part due to multiple injuries he suffered over the course of the season. With good playmakers around him, and a young, but extremely talented defence supporting him, Mayfield has a great chance to revive his career in Carolina. However, they could potentially be held back from Matt Rhule, who is running out of chances to prove that he can be the right head coach for the long haul.

24. Washington Commanders

The Commanders are in a similar position as the Panthers: a team with solid talent, a bad front office, and a quarterback trying to rediscover some old magic in Carson Wentz. Wentz was okay in Indianapolis last season, but it was abundantly clear that he was not going to be the Colts franchise QB for the foreseeable future. This is most likely his last chance to prove that he can still be a franchise quarterback, regardless if it's in Washington or somewhere else.

  25. Detroit Lions

Something special is being built right now in Detroit. This team most likely won't compete for a playoff berth this season, but there is a lot of young talent on this roster, from weapons like D'Andre Swift and Amon-Ra St. Brown on offence and rookie edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson on defence. Plus, Dan Campbell (if nothing else) clearly has the respect of all the players on the roster. Don't be surprised when they pull some upsets against some top teams in 2022.

26. New York Jets

Similarly to the Lions, the Jets probably won't make the playoffs this year. But they are definitely laying a great foundation for the future. Second-year quarterback Zach Wilson will look to improve on his rookie numbers with more talent around him, and there's a nice blend of young and veteran talent on the defence as well.

27. Jacksonville Jaguars

Thankfully for Jaguars fans, Urban Meyer is gone. In comes Doug Pederson, the former Super-Bowl winning head coach with the Eagles, who will look to help out quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence was pretty bad during his rookie year, which isn't surprising considering the lack of talent on the roster along with Meyer just being a horrible coach. They added some nice talent during the offseason on that side of the ball, so Jaguars fans should be excited to see what Lawrence can do this season and beyond in Sacksonville.

28. New York Giants

The Giants are going to be a bad team this season. Let's just get that fact out of the way. The important thing to watch for is to see if Brian Daboll can help resurrect the career of 2019 first round pick Daniel Jones. Daboll was amazing in Buffalo, as he helped turned Josh Allen into a MVP-caliber quarterback over the last two seasons. If he can do the same with Jones (who has similar physical traits to Allen) and rookies like Evan Neal and Kayvon Thibodeaux can show that they belong, the future will be very bright in New York. And if Jones proves that he's not franchise-caliber, the 2023 NFL Draft will offer a lot of options for the Giants to go get their guy.

29. Houston Texans

The Texans were pretty bad last season, and will continue to be bad in 2022. However, they were still very competitive last season, and they possess a solid amount of young talent on the roster, including cornerback Derek Stingley Jr, the 3rd overall pick in this year's draft. This season should be used to assess if whether second-year quarterback Davis Mills can be their franchise guy. If not, the Texans will have 11 draft picks (including two first-rounders) to try and trade up in a QB-heavy draft class in 2023.

30. Seattle Seahawks

For the first time 2012, Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner are not on the Seahawks roster, as Wilson was traded to the Broncos while Wagner was cut in March before signing a five-year contract with the NFC West rival Rams. When two future Hall of Fame players like that leave your franchise, your team is bound to get worse. DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett remain one of the best wide receiver duos in the league, but with questions at quarterback and a bad defence, the Seahawks seem destined to be somewhere they haven't been in a very long time: near the bottom of the NFL hierarchy.

31. Chicago Bears

You could make the argument that the Bears have the worst roster in the NFL. Talent is severely lacking on this Bears team. They have little offensive firepower outside of David Montgomery and Darnell Mooney, their offensive line is subpar, and their defence (while it has some talented players like Robert Quinn and Roquan Smith) isn't that great either. It doesn't seem like Chicago is putting their second-year QB Justin Fields in a position to succeed.

32. Atlanta Falcons

There's some fun talent on this team with guys like Drake London, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Kyle Pitts on offence. A.J. Terrell and Casey Hayward combine to make up one of the best cornerback duos in the league. But their defence overall is in pretty bad shape, and they don't have a franchise quarterback. The Falcons should be all-in on tanking for either Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud for next year's draft.