December 3, 2024
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NFL Power Rankings 2022

Walt15 mins
My current NFL Power Rankings for Week 2 of the 2022 NFL Season.

I’m going to use these rankings as the order for my 2023 NFL Mock Draft during the early stages of the 2022 season. Follow @walterfootball.

I’ve gone from WORST to FIRST, so if you don’t see reverse numbering (via Javascript), don’t worry; the Jets and Texans aren’t my top teams.

NFL Power Rankings updated Sept. 20, 2022




  1. New York Jets New York Jets (1-1) – Previously: 32.
    What an amazing comeback by Joe Flacco! It would have never happened had Nick Chubb not scored, but still. I also think the Browns gave up because they had the Steelers coming in up in three days, but it was still an amazing performance by the one-time Super Bowl champion. I have a feeling, however, that we’ll never see this from Flacco again.

  2. Seattle Seahawks Seattle Seahawks (1-1) – Previously: 26.
    Seattle’s only points against the 49ers came on a blocked field goal. Its offense was absolutely dreadful, as it couldn’t even get to 220 net yards or 15 first downs. The win over Denver was a major fluke.

  3. Houston Texans Houston Texans (0-1-1) – Previously: 30.
    The Texans are eight combined points away from being 2-0 right now! That said, their tie against the Colts looks so much less impressive after Jacksonville destroyed Indianapolis. Houston hung around versus the Broncos, but Denver lost two key players to injury and made so many mistakes. The Texans entered the red zone only one time!

  4. Chicago Bears Chicago Bears (1-1) – Previously: 31.
    Overrated NFL Team: See why the Bears are an overrated NFL team in our Overrated-Underrated page.

  5. Atlanta Falcons Atlanta Falcons (0-2) – Previously: 28.
    Don’t be fooled by the Falcons’ four-point loss to the Rams. They were down 28-3 and scored numerous garbage-time touchdowns, including a blocked punt returned for a score.

  6. Carolina Panthers Carolina Panthers (0-2) – Previously: 25.
    The Panthers gave the Giants six free points in the first quarter off fumbles, so they only have themselves to blame after they lost by three. Also, why isn’t Christian McCaffrey catching more than four passes? Two of those four catches happened on the final drive! Matt Rhule must have never played in a PPR fantasy league.

  7. Washington Redskins Washington Redskins (1-1) – Previously: 24.
    The Redskins could easily be 0-2 right now if the Jaguars didn’t shoot themselves in the foot repeatedly in Week 1. They struggled against a Detroit team that was missing three offensive linemen and a starting cornerback. This was not a good look for them. Making matters worse, center Chase Roullier could be out for the year.

  8. Dallas Cowboys Dallas Cowboys (1-1) – Previously: 29.
    Forgive me for not trusting the Cooper Rush-led Cowboys just yet. They had a great upset victory, but we didn’t get Cincinnati’s best effort. Dallas, on the other hand, played as if the game was its Super Bowl.

  9. Pittsburgh Steelers Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) – Previously: 22.
    The Steelers can’t be considered overrated anymore after losing to the Patriots. They really missed T.J. Watt against Mac Jones, though it’s worth noting that the game may have gone much differently had Gunner Olszewski not muffed a punt so close to his own goal line.

  10. Tennessee Titans Tennessee Titans (0-2) – Previously: 21.
    The Titans were listed as overrated last week, but now people know how bad they are. That said, they were very unlucky because Taylor Lewan suffered an injury on the first offensive snap versus Buffalo.

  11. New York Giants New York Giants (2-0) – Previously: 20.
    The Giants can no longer be designated as an underrated team now that they’re 2-0, especially after being outgained by the Panthers. Maybe things would be different if the Giants actually used their top receiver, Kadarius Toney, but apparently he practices poorly.

  12. Arizona Cardinals Arizona Cardinals (1-1) – Previously: 23.
    The Cardinals looked great in their comeback against the Raiders, but their offensive line had major issues throughout the opening half. I’m not much more bullish on the Cardinals right now, as there are still plenty of holes on their roster.

  13. Indianapolis Colts Indianapolis Colts (0-1-1) – Previously: 19.
    Underrated NFL Team: See why the Colts are an underrated NFL team in our Overrated-Underrated page.

  14. Jacksonville Jaguars Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1) – Previously: 27.
    The Jaguars could easily be 2-0 right now if they hadn’t repeatedly shot themselves in the foot against the Redskins. Trevor Lawrence looked like a much different quarterback in his victory over the Colts.

  15. New Orleans Saints New Orleans Saints (1-1) – Previously: 16.
    Jameis Winston looked like he couldn’t get everything on some of his throws as a result of his back injury. I thought New Orleans should have pulled Winston because it was clear that he couldn’t lead his team to victory.

  16. New England Patriots New England Patriots (1-1) – Previously: 18.
    Underrated NFL Team: See why the Patriots are an underrated NFL team in our Overrated-Underrated page.



  17. Cleveland Browns Cleveland Browns (1-1) – Previously: 17.
    How terrible is Cleveland’s defense that Joe Flacco, who was throwing pick-sixes against backup defenses in the preseason, fired four touchdowns in an incredible comeback versus the Browns? I think Cleveland was looking ahead to its game against the Steelers on Thursday night, so I won’t penalize them too much for it, but allowing Flacco to play like he did is inexcusable.

  18. Detroit Lions NFL Power Rankings Detroit Lions (1-1) – Previously: 15.
    Underrated NFL Team: See why the Lions are an underrated NFL team in our Overrated-Underrated page.

  19. Las Vegas Raiders Las Vegas Raiders (0-2) – Previously: 14.
    The Raiders have to feel sick about blowing a 23-7 fourth-quarter lead to the Cardinals. They looked like one of the best teams in the NFL in the opening half, but the poor offensive line hurt the team by preventing the Raiders from scoring as Arizona was making its comeback.

  20. Minnesota Vikings Minnesota Vikings (1-1) – Previously: 12.
    So much for that impressive win over the Packers. Minnesota was outplayed by a wide margin both on offense and defense on Monday night. Kirk Cousins needs to come up with a plan for the blitz if he sees the Eagles again in January.

  21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0) – Previously: 11.
    Overrated NFL Team: See why the Buccaneers are an overrated NFL team in our Overrated-Underrated page.

  22. Miami Dolphins Miami Dolphins (2-0) – Previously: 13.
    Overrated NFL Team: See why the Dolphins are an overrated NFL team in our Overrated-Underrated page.

  23. Baltimore Ravens Baltimore Ravens (1-1) – Previously: 10.
    I’m willing to say that the real Ravens were the ones up 35-14 and not the ones who blew a lead to lose 42-38. They likely just took the win for granted when they took their foot off the gas.

  24. Los Angeles Rams Los Angeles Rams (1-1) – Previously: 8.
    The Rams looked terrible in their 2022 debut, but were much better in Week 2. They won by only four, but were up 28-3 when it counted. It’s a shame that we couldn’t capitalize off the overreaction from the blowout loss to the Bills in the season opener.

  25. Green Bay Packers Green Bay Packers (1-1) – Previously: 7.
    It’s not a surprise that the Packers played much better with two offensive linemen and Allen Lazard back in the lineup. That said, their victory came against the Bears, one of the worst teams in the NFL, and their inability to stop the run makes me wonder how they’ll beat some of the best teams in the NFC.

  26. Denver Broncos Denver Broncos (1-1) – Previously: 5.
    The Broncos must consider firing Nathaniel Hackett. He’s been an abomination as a head coach thus far. His horrible play-calling and slow decision-making have really hurt the team. Also, some may consider this minor, but why didn’t the Broncos wear white jerseys on an 88-degree sunny day?

  27. San Francisco 49ers San Francisco 49ers (1-1) – Previously: 9.
    Underrated NFL Team: See why the 49ers are an underrated NFL team in our Overrated-Underrated page.



  28. Cincinnati Bengals Cincinnati Bengals (0-2) – Previously: 4.
    Underrated NFL Team: See why the Bengals are an underrated NFL team in our Overrated-Underrated page.

  29. Philadelphia Eagles Philadelphia Eagles (2-0) – Previously: 6.
    I’m obviously more confident in my Bills-Eagles Super Bowl prediction. Jalen Hurts has taken a huge step and should be considered the early front-runner for MVP.

  30. Kansas City Chiefs NFL Power Rankings Kansas City Chiefs (2-0) – Previously: 3.
    The Chiefs beat the Chargers, but they were legitimately outgained and would have lost if it wasn’t for that fluky interception at the goal line. They’re going to be dreading the next matchup against the Chargers, given how relentless San Angeles’ pass rush is with Khalil Mack joining Joey Bosa.

  31. Los Angeles Chargers San Angeles Chargers (1-1) – Previously: 2.
    The Chargers found a way to blow yet another big game. When will they finally come through in the clutch? More importantly, how injured is Justin Herbert? I’m still putting the Chargers ahead of the Chiefs because they outgained Kansas City and would have won if it wasn’t for that fluky pick-six at the goal line.

  32. Buffalo Bills Buffalo Bills (2-0) – Previously: 1.
    The Bills look like they could go 17-0. That said, I wonder how they’ll handle bad weather, given that all of the offense goes through Josh Allen.










NFL Picks - Dec. 3


NFL Power Rankings - Dec. 3


2025 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 30


2026 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 29


Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4









2022 NFL Power Rankings. Week: Post-Super Bowl Power Rankings | Post-Free Agency Power Rankings | Post-NFL Draft Power Rankings | Post-Preseason Power Rankings | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17

2021 NFL Power Rankings. Week: Post-Super Bowl Power Rankings | Preseason Power Rankings | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | Playoffs |

2020 NFL Power Rankings. Week: Post-Super Bowl Power Rankings 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | Playoffs |

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