NFL power rankings updated for 2022 season post-draft
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Expect the NFL to look a lot different than it did a year ago after what looks like the most hectic and dramatic offseason in league history.
A series of blockbuster trades and signings, including at the quarterback and wide receiver positions, Tom Brady retiring and then un-retiring, and a series of other major changes all ensure a shakeup in pro football for the 2022 season.
Now with the NFL Draft in the books, teams look more like they will for the upcoming kickoff in September.
Where do things stand as we look forward to training camp?
NFL power rankings for 2022 season after the draft
32. Houston Texans
Where the Texans were: 4-13, 3rd in AFC South, no playoffs
Where the Texans are: Looking more to the defensive side of things this offseason, drafting defensive backs Derek Stingley and Jalen Pitre along with linebacker Christian Harris. Houston thinks it has enough with Davis Mills at quarterback right now to work with what appears to be a promising group of targets and enough protection to see what this offense can do this season.
31. Detroit Lions
Where the Lions were: 3-13-1, 4th in NFC North, no playoffs
Where the Lions are: The jury is still well out on Jared Goff at quarterback. He completed a career-high 67.2 percent of his passes, but his yardage and touchdowns were his second-worst personal marks as he won three games.
Detroit made some solid personnel improvements through the draft, chiefly by picking Michigan edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson at No. 2. And it helped Goff in a big way by adding presumptive lead receiver Jameson Williams.
30. Jacksonville Jaguars
Where the Jaguars were: 3-14, 4th in AFC South, no playoffs
Where the Jaguars are: Looking for something, anything, better than what it had last season after the Urban Meyer disaster. Enter Doug Pederson, who inherits what could be a generational prospect at quarterback in addition to what should be a talented rushing attack.
And the Jags just got better at getting after the quarterback after drafting Georgia edge rusher Travon Walker at No. 1 overall and Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd, two key additions to this front seven.
29. New York Giants
Where the Giants were: 4-13, 4th in NFC East, no playoffs
Where the Giants are: Keeping both eyes focused sharply on fourth-year quarterback Daniel Jones, whose fifth-year option the team declined on before the draft. New York helped him out by adding Alabama tackle Evan Neal in the first round.
That means an upgrade to the protection, which should also help keep Saquon Barkley and this rushing attack afloat. And the Giants definitely improved defensively after adding star Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux for Wink Martindale to work with.
28. Carolina Panthers
Where the Panthers were: 5-12, 4th in NFC South, no playoffs
Where the Panthers are: In principle, Carolina likes what it has with Sam Darnold at quarterback. But not enough to not take a chance on Ole Miss signal caller Matt Corral, who slipped to the third round. Defensively, the Panthers have some solid playmakers in all phases, but have yet to put it all together after placing second in the NFL last fall but just 21st in scoring defense.
Ben McAdoo should get something out of this offense, especially with improved blocking up front, but running back Christian McCaffrey has played just 10 games the last two seasons with injuries.
27. Atlanta Falcons
Where the Falcons were: 7-10, 3rd in NFC South, no playoffs
Where the Falcons are: It's tough to find something the Falcons can do really well right now. There are issues rushing the quarterback that are yet to be solved, and major structural questions at the skill positions.
Matt Ryan is gone, but Marcus Mariota and rookie Desmond Ridder could prove capable replacements. Wide receiver Calvin Ridley is out this year on a gambling rap, and while Atlanta drafted the very promising USC wideout Drake London, the rookie is coming off injury.
26. Chicago Bears
Where the Bears were: 6-11, 3rd in NFC North, no playoffs
Where the Bears are: Justin Fields enters Year 2 after a rookie campaign marred by fumbles and turnovers, under 2,000 yards passing in 12 games, and just two wins. Chicago's protection didn't help after leading the NFL in 58 sacks allowed. There's not a ton of help at the skill positions here, though the Bears did draft Tennessee wideout Velus Jones, an 807 yard receiver with seven TDs last season who doubles as a return specialist.
25. Seattle Seahawks
Where the Seahawks were: 7-10, 4th in NFC West, no playoffs
Where the Seahawks are: Expect to see a run-centered approach this season as the Seahawks elected to not go for a flashy replacement for Russell Wilson at quarterback. Drew Lock or Geno Smith will likely inherit that gig, but Seattle added three vital offensive pieces in tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas and running back Kenneth Walker. Defensively, the Seahawks should slog through another tough season after posting the fifth-worst unit in the NFL last fall.
24. New York Jets
Where the Jets were: 4-13, 4th in AFC East, no playoffs
Where the Jets are: This could be a significantly better team when looking over this draft class. Zach Wilson returns at quarterback in Year 2 looking at the likes of Garrett Wilson at wide receiver and Breece Hall at running back in addition to improvements at tight end. Ahmad Gardner steps in at defensive back and Jermaine Johnson at the edge rusher spot. There are several very good pieces to work with here. Now second-year coach Robert Saleh has to put them together.
23. Washington Commanders
Where the Commanders were: 7-10, 3rd in NFC East, no playoffs
Where the Commanders are: Maybe another year floating around the bottom of the division after not making enough improvements on the defensive side of the ball. Carson Wentz steps in at quarterback, now on his third team, and he gets rookie wide receiver Jahan Dotson to work with. Terry McLaurin is a solid 14 ypc feature at wideout after going over 1,000 yards last fall, but the Commanders need to get him in the end more often than the five times he was in 2021.
22. Minnesota Vikings
Where the Vikings were: 8-9, 2nd in NFC North, no playoffs
Where the Vikings are: Mike Zimmer is out and 36 year old Kevin O'Connell in at head coach. He inherits an offense that was very average last fall and should be again this time around, but the Vikings made some notable additions defensively. There are five new starters on this side of the ball, including a pair of rookie defensive backs in Andrew Booth (Clemson) and Lewis Cine (Georgia).
21. New Orleans Saints
Where the Saints were: 9-8, 2nd in NFC South, no playoffs
Where the Saints are: The times are changing in New Orleans, with Sean Payton and Drew Brees out, but with the team still hoping it can get the most from Jameis Winston at quarterback. The team plugs in rookie tackle Trevor Penning to help protect him and added star Ohio State wideout Chris Olave to open some holes downfield. The Saints posted the NFL's fifth-worst total offense and was responsible for just over three TDs per game last fall.
20. Las Vegas Raiders
Where the Raiders were: 10-7, 2nd in AFC West, lost in Wild Card Round
Where the Raiders are: It's always tough to keep up offensively in this division with the Chargers and Chiefs always a threat, but the Raiders made a major move this offseason in a trade for wide receiver Davante Adams. He had career-bests with 153 catches and 1,553 yards with Aaron Rodgers. Now he lands with Derek Carr, who is coming off career-highs of his own in completions, attempts, and yards, but also in interceptions.
19. Philadelphia Eagles
Where the Eagles were: 9-8, 2nd in NFC East, lost in Wild Card Round
Where the Eagles are: There's a lot to work with here after the Eagles placed first in the NFL in rushing and 10th in total offense. The one outlier was throwing the ball, which behind Jalen Hurts at quarterback ranked just 25th in football a year ago.
That inspired Philly to go after wideout A.J. Brown in a monster trade that, when paired with DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert, can make this offense move. But the Eagles need to see more production out of Hurts to really push Dallas out of the top spot in the NFC East.
18. Arizona Cardinals
Where the Cardinals were: 11-6, 2nd in NFC West, lost in Wild Card Round
Where the Cardinals are: Trying to keep quarterback Kyler Murray has content as they can, which this offseason included a blockbuster trade for wide receiver Marquise Brown. That reunites two former Oklahoma offensive stars: Murray and Brown connected on 75 passes for over 1,300 yards and 10 scores with the Sooners in 2018. Now Brown is coming off a personal-best 1,008 yards to go with six TDs.
17. Miami Dolphins
Where the Dolphins were: 9-8, 3rd in AFC East, no playoffs
Where the Dolphins are: Miami made some key offensive additions this offseason, but none bigger than the trade for former Chiefs wideout Tyreek Hill. One of the NFL's five best skill players, Hill is one of the league's fastest players and had over 1,100 receiving yards in four of the last five seasons. The trio of Tagovailoa, Waddle, and Hill is more than enough for first-year coach Mike McDaniel to play around with.
16. New England Patriots
Where the Patriots were: 10-7, 2nd in AFC East, lost in Wild Card Round
Where the Patriots are: Bill Belichick made some important additions at corner and on the offensive line, including first-round pick Cole Strange at guard. Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton is an important piece and free agent pickup DeVante Parker, but the Patriots' offense might take a step back this year after losing coordinator Josh McDaniels in Year 2 of Mac Jones' development at quarterback.
15. Indianapolis Colts
Where the Colts were: 9-8, 2nd in AFC South, no playoffs
Where the Colts are: Indy made no secret about not wanting Carson Wentz around, swapping him out this offseason for veteran quarterback Matt Ryan. He'll have some okay inputs at receiver and Jonathan Taylor, an 1,800-yard back with 18 touchdowns last fall, coming back. The Colts were good at keeping opponents out of the end zone in 2021, placing No. 9 in the NFL in scoring defense.
14. Denver Broncos
Where the Broncos were: 7-10, 4th in AFC West, no playoffs
Where the Broncos are: In a much better position moving the ball after acquiring quarterback Russell Wilson. He passed for the fewest yards and second-fewest TDs of his career last fall, but should play more inspired football in his new surroundings with a talented receiver room and a solid rushing attack to balance things out. It's always tough in the AFC West, though, with the Chiefs and Chargers making up a quarter of this schedule.
13. Cleveland Browns
Where the Browns were: 8-9, 3rd in AFC North, no playoffs
Where the Browns are: This defense is built to play with a lead, and that became a more likely possibility this season after Cleveland signed quarterback Deshaun Watson. On paper, that's a major upgrade from Baker Mayfield, especially when looking over the Browns' skill players, which now include Amari Cooper and rookie wideout David Bell.
Cleveland has made some very important improvements the last two seasons, which include a playoff win at Pittsburgh in 2020, and has to be careful not to lose those gains and slip back into its old ways.
12. Pittsburgh Steelers
Where the Steelers were: 9-7-1, 2nd in AFC North, lost in Wild Card Round
Where the Steelers are: Looking to give their offense a major face lift after placing in the bottom third of the NFL last fall and averaging under three TDs per game. Ben Roethlisberger is out of the picture, but the Steelers didn't have to look far for his replacement, picking up Pitt signal caller Kenny Pickett.
And he'll get wideouts George Pickens and Calvin Austin to throw to, in addition to back Najee Harris, a 1,200-yard rusher and near 4 ypc threat as a rookie with seven scores.
11. Tennessee Titans
Where the Titans were: 12-5, 1st in AFC South, lost in Divisional Round
Where the Titans are: Expect to see more of the same power-run, defensive-oriented football that propelled Tennessee to the playoffs a year ago, but now without two major release valves in A.J. Brown or Julio Jones at receiver.
Former Arkansas wideout Treylon Burks steps in as a rookie for a Titans team that needs to get more from its air game to take some pressure off Derrick Henry, whose been getting hit for six years now and played just eight games last fall with a foot injury.
10. San Francisco 49ers
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Where the 49ers were: 10-7, 3rd in AFC West, lost in NFC Championship
Where the 49ers are: This is still a top 10 offense that returns two options at quarterback and receiver Deebo Samuel, despite any rumors to the contrary, after he had career-highs in every category. There are other solid skill inputs here, too, all playing behind a solid offensive line. Drake Jackson, the talented USC edge rusher, was the Niners' first pick in the NFL Draft this year.
9. Los Angeles Chargers
Where the Chargers were: 9-8, 3rd in AFC West, no playoffs
Where the Chargers are: Defensively, this team struggled last season despite a strong showing from edge rusher Joey Bosa and defensive back Derwin James, but placed second to last in the NFL in scoring defense and third-worst against the run.
The addition of Khalil Mack at linebacker and J.C. Jackson in the corner will help on that score, and in turn give quarterback Justin Herbert and his targets more room to breathe. The Chargers posted top 5 offensive rankings in yards and points in 2021.
8. Baltimore Ravens
Where the Ravens were: 8-9, 4th in AFC North, no playoffs
Where the Ravens are: This is a much better team than its record suggests, after starting 8-3 last fall collapsing in a six-game losing skid, including five losses by a combined eight points. Losing receiver Marquise Brown to Arizona isn't ideal for Lamar Jackson, but Baltimore has pieces to work with on an offense that ranked No. 6 in the NFL and will be healthier at running back and returns a good offensive line.
7. Dallas Cowboys
Where the Cowboys were: 12-5, 1st in NFC East, lost in Wild Card Round
Where the Cowboys are: Amari Cooper is out, but Dak Prescott still has plenty to throw to, including Michael Gallup, CeeDee Lamb, and Dalton Schultz. Dallas posted the No. 1 total offense and scoring offense (31.2 ppg) in the NFL last fall. This defense looks tighter, too, after placing top 10 in scoring and looks more confident under coordinator Dan Quinn.
6. Cincinnati Bengals
Where the Bengals were: 10-7, 1st in AFC North, AFC champion, lost Super Bowl LVI
Where the Bengals are: It's always tough to repeat as conference champions, but the Bengals have the tools on defense and at the skill positions plus offensive line to make another run.
Joe Burrow can emerge as no less than the best quarterback in football in the years to come, and is coming off a 4,600-yard passing effort completing over 70 percent of his throws. One major problem: Burrow absorbed 51 sacks last fall, the most of any NFL quarterback. He's no good to Cincy on IR.
5. Los Angeles Rams
Where the Rams were: 12-5, 1st in NFC West, NFC champion, won Super Bowl LVI
Where the Rams are: The NFL champions lost a lot of what made them NFL champions, including Andrew Whitworth at tackle, Von Miller on defense, and wideout Robert Woods, among others.
But the Rams retain a lot, too, including quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is finally realizing his potential after languishing in Detroit for a decade. Now they need to beef up the interior of this offensive line to adequately protect him and keep this offense at the top of its game.
4. Green Bay Packers
Where the Packers were: 13-4, 1st in NFC North, lost in Divisional Round
Where the Packers are: The Pack ended the great offseason drama by finally giving Aaron Rodgers the contract he wanted, only to trade his best receiver away. Davante Adams is gone, and with him goes 34 percent of Green Bay's air yards and 28 percent of their receiving touchdowns.
Allen Lazard steps in as presumptive WR1 after career-highs in yards and TDs last season and the team drafted receiver Christian Watson. Rodgers' protection got better this offseason and the Packers have some youth and promise on the defensive front seven.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Where the Buccaneers were: 13-4, 1st in NFC South, lost in Divisional Round
Where the Buccaneers are: Bringing back the NFL's greatest-ever player is always a plus, but the Bucs are turning the page at the top, bringing on Todd Bowles as head coach after Bruce Arians' retirement.
Tampa lost some key veterans, including Rob Gronkowski on offense and Jason Pierre-Paul and Ndamukong Suh on defense, but scored some solid rookie pick-ups in DT Logan Hall and OL Luke Goedeke. Brady led the NFL's second-best total offense and scoring unit last fall — Tampa was one of two teams to average over 30 ppg — and gets a pair of thousand-yard receivers back in Chris Godwin and Mike Evans.
2. Buffalo Bills
Where the Bills were: 11-6, 1st in AFC East, lost in Divisional Round
Where the Bills are: Buffalo was top 5 in total offense and third-best in the NFL in scoring last season and returns the bulk of that productive unit behind quarterback Josh Allen, one of the top younger talents in the league.
As good as Allen and company were moving the ball, the Bills were even better stopping it, ranking No. 1 in football in total defense — the only team allowing under 300 ypg — and scoring defense (17 ppg).
1. Kansas City Chiefs
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Where the Chiefs were: 12-5, 1st in AFC West, lost in AFC Championship
Where the Chiefs are: The NFL's most exciting offense got a little less flashy after trading Tyreek Hill in a bombshell move this offseason. But KC also put in some work replacing him, adding JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling to the receiver room.
The Chiefs drafted wideout Skyy Moore, too, but put most of their effort into defense: five of their first six draft picks were on that side of the ball, including vital upgrades at cornerback (Trent McDuffie) and defensive end (George Karlaftis).
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