By Sean Gannon

This Power Ranking is based on how teams performed in 2021, divisional strength, offseason acquisitions/departures, and picks made in the 2022 NFL Draft. This is subject to change as the offseason continues and Preseason gets underway! Hope you enjoy!

1. Los Angeles Rams (Previously Ranked: 1)

They are coming off of their Super Bowl victory. Still, they made some incredible signings during the Free Agency period, including signing wide receiver Allen Robinson and one of the best linebackers of this generation Bobby Wagner. With a solid draft providing depth in key position groups, the Rams are looking to repeat as Super Bowl Champions, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they did.

2 Cincinnati Bengals (Previously Ranked: 2)

The Bengals had a fantastic Free Agency signing guys like Ted Karras, Alex Cappa, and La’el Collins to protect Joe Burrow. Then the draft was spent on improving their defense (except for one offensive lineman). Getting a guy like Daxton Hill from Michigan to work alongside Jessie Bates makes for a solid secondary. We all know what this team’s offense can do, and with an improved offensive line, Joe Burrow has a chance to capture MVP by the end of the season.

3. Buffalo Bills (Previously Ranked: 4)

This team has been on the cusp of the Super Bowl the last few years, and their draft added to my belief that this Bills team is so close to reaching the promise land. First, going after Kaiir Elam in the first round was brilliant, providing them with a true CB2. If you haven’t already, take a look at Elams video while being drafted, he was asking for the playbook on the plane, this guy is hungry to get to work, and the NFL should watch out for that. Next, going after James Cook in the second round was beautiful. I’ve said it before about the Bills; they are a running back away from being a total offense in all phases. Cook might not be a traditional three-down back, but his change of pace play like his brother and his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield will help Josh Allen give them an excellent 1-2 running back combo with Singletary in the backfield.

4. Kansas City Chiefs (Previously Ranked: 3)

This might be a reach, especially when we don’t know what this team will look like without Tyreek Hill; that being said, their draft was brilliant. The defense for KC was underwhelming in 2021, especially in their secondary. Getting Mcduffie in the first round will give them a solid man-to-man cover corner who plays with a chip on their shoulder, and getting George Karlaftis just a few picks later was brilliant. Outside of Chris Jones, they have struggled to get after the quarterback, and they’re hoping that Karlaftis can bring some extra juice to the team. Getting Sky Moore in the second round will give them their Hill “replacement” his blazing 4.41 speed, and his 26 broken tackles will be something Andy Reid and Eric Beiniemy will welcome to their offense. I am also giving KC the benefit of the doubt at #4; they have proven they find ways to win.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Previously Ranked: 5)

Brady is back, which is a huge reason they will succeed in 2022; he elevates the team. But there value in the draft this year was great. Trading out of the first round and getting the first pick in the second round to acquire Logan Hall, who had first-round grades, was a steal and reinforces their defensive line. Tampa is the clear team to beat in a weak division like the NFC South. I would be shocked if they don’t win the South, considering the lack of improvement from opposing teams in the division.

6. Los Angeles Chargers (Previously Ranked: 6)

I have loved LAC for three straight years. And for three consecutive years, they have fallen just short of the playoffs. But this is the year you’re reading it here first. Trading for Khalil Mack and signing  J.C Jackson and Kyle Van Noy gives them a ton of talent on a roster that already features Joey Bosa, Derwin James, and Asante Samuel Jr. Picking up Zion Johnson in the first round should lock down the interior part of there offensive line. I loved them getting Isaiah Spiller in the 4^th to take some of the workload off of Austin Eckler will only help this offense. We all know what Herbert can do, and he has his whole offense and then some. This is the year to put it all together and get this team in the playoffs as they deserve!

7. Baltimore Ravens (Previously Ranked: 13)

This is a massive leap for the Ravens, even after they traded Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, but their draft was electric. First, they get Kyle Hamilton at #14, who many considered a top 7 pick (and don’t forget they will get BOTH Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey back from injury). Then they jumped back into the first to get Tyler Linderbaum, the best center/guard prospect in the draft. Who will Help protect Lamar Jackson and open up running lanes. In the second, they pick up David Ojabo, who, after coming back from a torn achilles injury, can be the future of their pass rush. Finally, they made vital moves to double down on their run-first offense and ball-hawking defense. With Jackson back and fully healthy, you can’t sleep on the Ravens this upcoming season.

8. San Francisco 49ers (Previously Ranked: 9)

I trust Kyle Shanahan, and this is more about what they can do after watching the 2021 season where they made it to the NFC Championship Game. Deebo doesn’t appear like he’s going to be traded (he also refollowed the team on Instagram), so all signs point to him being in the Bay in 2022. If that changes, that will change the outlook of this team. They had a solid draft, and their roster is loaded with playmakers. In a tough NFC West division, the 49ers shocked the NFL world last year, and I will trust them enough to leave them in the Top 10.

9. Denver Broncos (Previously Ranked: 14)

Maybe I am getting caught up in the highs of Russell Wilson, but he does make the team better, and all of his teammates love him. He looks locked in and ready for the next season. Plus, a solid draft to back them up getting great value picks, given they didn’t have a first-rounder, is precisely what can help make a good team great. They are in a tough division are arguably have the most to prove to anyone after being at the bottom for some years, but at least they finally have a quarterback.

10. Arizona Cardinals (Previously Ranked: 12)

Arizona has had a weird offseason. They acquired Hollywood Brown (Kyler’s former Sooner teammate) in a trade on draft day, Chandler Jones walked in Free Agency, Kyler has complained about the team, and All-Pro wideout DeAndre Hopkins is suspended for the first six weeks of the season due to PEDs. After starting 2021 7-0, the Cardinals finished 11-6 with Murray struggling mightly against during their 4-6 second half of the season and a brutal playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Nevertheless, the Cardinals find themselves in an unusual place that should be good but could take a step back in 2022. I’ll leave them at 10 because they start the season strong.

11. Tennessee Titans (Previously Ranked: 8)

They traded AJ Brown and lost offensive linemen Roger Saffold in Free Agency, so your probably wondering why are they at 11? Well, for starters, a pretty weak AFC South gives them a chance to still slip into the playoffs, plus Mike Vabrel is coming off of a coach of the year season in which many thought they wouldn’t make the playoffs after the Derek Henry injury, so you have to put some faith in him. Plus, the addition of Robert Woods gives them a veteran in the receiving position, and Treylon Burks is like AJ Brown, given his size and speed combination. I also loved Roger McCreary to help their secondary; he could be their guy for years, but he was a steal in the second round. Lets also not forget that Henry will be fully healthy for Week 1 again. Finally, I will say those Tannehill comments on not mentoring Malik Willis was a crappy thing to say, and seeing how much money he is owed over the coming years makes me hope that Willis pulls the rug out from under him takes over the team. That wasn’t cool of Tannehill and painted him in a selfish light in what many consider a team sport.

12. Philadelphia Eagles (Previously Ranked: 16)

Look, I don’t want to put them here. I am a New Yorker; this brings me no joy. But their moves on the draft day were brilliant. Getting AJ Brown, drafting Jordan Davis in the first round, and then going after his friend Nakobe Dean in the third WAS A STEAL AND INSANE. They only had five draft picks at the end of the draft, and they maximized their draft, don’t forget they have two more first-rounders in next year’s draft. Smith and Brown have the potential to be an incredible duo in the NFL, and they are young, only 23 and 25, respectively. Expect more passing from a team that ran the ball 31.5 times per game last year.

13. Indianapolis Colts (Previously Ranked: 15)

Hot Take here for sure. Yes, they have a weak expansive receiver room (Michael Pittman Jr, Parris Campbell, and rookie Alec Pierce), but they have a top tie offensive line with a superb 3^rd round steal in Bernhard Rainmann. They made some significant acquisitions in free agency with players like Yannick Ngakoue and Stephon Gilmore (don’t forget they have DeForest Buckner and Darius Leonard). Plus, they still have one of the best running backs in the NFL in Jonathan Taylor. You factor in a weak AFC South division, and it’s theirs to lose like last year.

14. Dallas Cowboys (Previously Ranked: 10)

Their playoff performance has still left quite the sour taste in my mouth as it was ugly. They traded Amari Cooper to help with the finances, which was brilliant, and they resigned Michael Gallup to keep familiarity for Prescott. But with Gallops Week 17 torn ACL; there’s no clear timetable for his return, meaning this offense will be without its WR2 for a good chunk of the season. Zeke has been solid, but last year he didn’t have that same burst we are all so used to seeing; Tony Pollard seemed to have it. So I have many questions for the Cowboys team entering the 2022 season.

15. Las Vegas Raiders (Previously Ranked: 17)

The Raiders made a huge splash in Free Agency by going after Devante Adams and signing him to the largest contract by a wideout in NFL history, and rightfully so. Carr has a ton of familiarity with his former college teammate. Acquiring Chandler Jones in free agency was a great pickup for them, giving them a solid pass-rushing duo in Crosby and Jones, and I loved the trade for Rock Ya-Sin to sure up their secondary. The Raiders have a solid receiving room and just made it to the playoffs in 2021. It’s going to be all eyes on the offensive-minded head coach Josh McDaniels to repeat in 2022, and in a much tougher AFC West division, it’s going to be that much harder for Las Vegas.

16. Green Bay Packers (Previously Ranked: 7)

Some will say this is too low; some might even say too high. But losing Devante Adams and replacing him with Sammy Watkins and rookie Christian Watson isn’t the same. In addition, they reached on Quay Walker, who will have more of a role in the coverage aspect of his game than as an edge rusher or run-stuffer the way Zadarius Smith was. This team looks very different from just a year ago, and without Adams, it’s hard to see them find the same offensive success as they have in the past. Then again, Rodgers has hurt me before, but as of today, I can’t see them making the deep playoff runs that they have in recent memory.

17. Minnesota Vikings (Previously Ranked: 18)

I hated the Vikings draft; I’ll be the first to admit it. I hated that we traded back twice with division rivals for next to nothing. However, I did like picks Lewis Cine, Andrew Booth jr, Ed Engram and Brian Asamoah. They provide depth or new starters in key positions across the defense and offensive line, two of our weaknesses the last few years. Za’Darius Smith and Danielle Hunter have the potential to be the best pass-rushing duo in the league (probably being biased, but I don’t care. It’s true to a degree). New head coach Kevin O’Connell will bring a new system to the Vikings and bring out even more from Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen (look at what he did with Kupp as the Rams OC last year). Plus, I think Dalvin Cook will see a slight reduction in carries, but he will run with more efficiency and hopefully not miss a game here and there. They are the perfect middle team because the pendulum can swing to the side of being good and taking the North with a weaker Packers team or very ok and miss the playoffs.

18. Miami Dolphins (Previously Ranked: 19)

They gave away everything to get Tyreek Hill, and that’s a massive boost for this team. They have some great pass catchers in Hill, Waddle, and Goedert, meaning there are no more excuses for Tua. Signing guys like Chase Edmonds and Raheem Mostert should also provide a run game to a Dolphins team that averaged the third-worst rushing yards per game in 2021 to help Tua. I love head coach Mike McDaniels; he can bring out the best in this team offensively.

19. Pittsburgh Steelers (Previously Ranked: 21)

I wasn’t in love with Pickett like many others, but no team knows more about him than the Steelers, seeing as they share the same practice facility with the Pittsburgh Panthers. The Steelers still have a mean defense and have yet to have a losing season under Mike Tomlin, which won’t change this season. I loved the addition of George Pickens in the second round. He plays aggressively on every play and isn’t afraid to throw a block to the corner or linebacker if asked for the run game. Steelers have a young offense and a new quarterback for the first time in a while but never count them entirely out.

20. New England Patriots (Previously Ranked: 11)

Maybe a slight bias after their draft made absolutely no sense to me, reaching for Cole Strange in the first round. Strange had a 3^rd round draft grade on him entering Draft Day; this was shocking by all accounts. They also lost/traded corner J.C. Jackson, center Ted Karras, guard Shaq Mason, and their longtime offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. This is another new age for New England, and after a brutal free agency and an unusual draft, it’s hard to see the Patriots as a significant competitor in the AFC right now. Then again, it is Bill Belichick whos leading the team.

21. Cleveland Browns (Previously Ranked: 20)

They have a solid defense and a great offensive line, but Baker doesn’t want to be around, and who knows what will happen with Deshaun Watson. More likely than not, he will be suspended by the NFL regardless of what happens with his 22 Civil Lawsuits. So although I was unsure of this trade, they gave up a first-rounder in 2022, 2023, 2024, a 2022 4^th rounder, a 2023 3^rd rounder, and a 2024 4^th rounder to get him. Just a lot of capital for so much uncertainty. But Nick Chubb and the defense can win them some games in a tough AFC North.

22. Washington Commanders (Previously Ranked: 22)

Washington went after Carson Wentz in a trade to solidify their quarterback situation. They’re all in on Wentz for 2022 after drafting wide receiver Jahan Dotson in the first round. I was surprised to see them trade back when they could have had Olave or Williamson, but they got their guy. Chase Young is returning from injury, and this defense hopes to capture some of that 2020 magic that made them so unstoppable.

23. New York Giants (Previously Ranked: 23)

I was in love with the Giant’s first two draft picks; it doesn’t get much better than Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal. Their second-round wide receiver was surprising to me only because his skill set is similar to Kadarius Toney’s, so it will be interesting to see how the Giants’ offense utilizes both. The actual make or break for this team will be Daniel Jones and health. Sterling Sheppard, Toney, Jones, Daniel Jones and Kenny Golladay were all injured and missed games. Daniel Jones needs to take authority of this team and take the next step if this Giants team is hoping to be competitive once again.

24. New York Jets (Previously Ranked: 24)

The Jets killed it in the first round. I loved everything that they did. I might be harsh on them for keeping this low, but I am willing to take on any hate. Zach Wilson had a subpar rookie season, and you hope he can build on that coming into year two with a new playmaker in Garrett Wilson. Jets haven’t had it in some years, and I need to see it to believe It points with them. I think Saleh can change this team around, but they stay at the bottom of the rankings for now.

25. New Orleans Saints (Previously Ranked: 27)

Chris Olave was a solid pickup in the first round, and his vertical threat will compliment Michael Thomas. There are question marks about Alvin Kamara’s availability at the start of the season with an off-the-field Court case pending. But they made some solid signings like safety Marcus Maye and Tyrann Mathieu, which will help out their secondary. Overall, this is a solid defense that Dennis Allen will love. But without Sean Payton, I don’t know what this team will look like, and I don’t know if I fully trust Allen the way the Saints front office does.

26. Carolina Panthers (Previously Ranked: 25)

The Panthers got Ikem Ekwonu, who will be a great guard and someone both CMC and Sam Darnold thank they have protecting them. This defense is still solid, and they look to continue their impressive 2021 campaign defensively. I supported Sam Darnold last year, and he hurt me, so my faith in him is at a personal all-time minimum, and I don’t love the offensive coordinator, Ben Macado. Matt Rhule has not brought the success he found in college to the NFL, and I think if he still doesn’t have it all together by the end of this season, they are in for a head coaching change.

27. Chicago Bears (Previously Ranked: 26)

There wasn’t much that the Bears could do in this draft, seeing as they gave up capital last year to get Justin Fields. I thought Kyler Gordon in the second round was a smart pick to help out their secondary that struggled last year. But I was overall disappointed in what they did to help out Fields which was minimal, and after losing James Daniels on the offensive line is a massive loss for the team. It’s clear Chicago is in rebuild mode entering 2022, with major changes happening across their defense.

28. Detroit Lions (Previously Ranked: 29)

Dan Campbell is the man, and they got the University of Michigan’s Aiden Hutchinson in the draft and were able to trade up to acquire Jameson Williams and get some extra playmakers in the receiver room. The Lions are still a year from being an NFC contender, but man, are they building in the right direction. Even though I am a Vikings fan, I can honestly say I am excited to see how the Lions do this season.

29. Seattle Seahawks (Previously Ranked: 30)

Seattle is not the Seattle of old; there is no Bobby Wagner or Russell Wilson to lead the way. Drafting Charles Cross in the first was a great move to protect Drew Lock, and I enjoyed Boye Mafe in the second round; he can be a future star at the edge position at the next level. But without Wilson and Lock now leading the way, there is a massive decline in quarterback play. Add in the fact that there in the NFC West, Seattle is outside looking in this year without question.

30. Atlanta Falcons (Previously Ranked: 31)

The Falcons got Drake London in the first round, whose height at 6’4″ will be a problem for opposing corners. But it’s him and Kyle Pitts who are the primary two pass-catching weapons for Marcus Mariota. There is not a lot to get excited about in their passing game. Desmond Ridder, their 3^rd round pick, will be someone to monitor as the season progresses. If Mariota struggles throughout the season, they might bring in the rookie from Cincinnati; he was a steal in the 3^rd this year.

31. Houston Texans (Previously Ranked: 32)

I love Lovie Smith just need to say that. Derek Stingley Jr going in the first round was a great pick. Up he can lock down any wideout when he’s at his best and can be the anchor for the secondary for years to come. Then getting Kenyon Green a few picks later was a solid option to protect the interior offensive line and help Davis Mill’s development. The Texans don’t have much to be excited about this year, but they have a ton of future first-rounders from the Watson trade and a solid head coach; they just need to rebuild for a few seasons.

32. Jacksonville Jaguars (Previously Ranked: 28)

They overpaid for Christian Kirk, which still bothers me, especially considering he’s never had a 1,000-yard season in his career. Travon Walker is a solid pick, and they are hoping elite traits will translate to the NFL. Doubling back in the first round to get Devin Lloyd was a great pickup, and I think he can be a leader for this team. While I like the signing of Doug Pederson as their head coach, I still feel like Trevor Lawrence wasn’t given enough at the receiving position or offensive line for him to make the jump everyone is hoping to enter his second year. This might be another tough one for Jaguar fans out there.