I’m sure many of you have been taking a look at the NFL power rankings for 2022 already. As expected, the top teams from the previous season are still very much in contention. There is no surprise to see the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs still atop the rankings. They spent the offseason bolstering their already impressive offense, with the additions of Larry Fitzgerald and Sammy Watkins, making them the most dangerous team in the league.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, on the other hand, have made some huge moves this offseason, adding proven veterans like Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Leonard Fournette and Antonio Brown. The Bucs definitely look like a team that could be on the rise this season, and it would be a surprise if they weren’t in contention for the division title.
My other sleeper team in the 2022 NFL power rankings is the Buffalo Bills. Led by the dynamic duo of Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs, the Bills have had a great offseason, adding core pieces in the draft while getting several of their own free agents back. The Bills are looking primed for a deep playoff run and could make a real surprise this season.
Next, let’s not forget about the Baltimore Ravens. Despite a down season in 2021, the Ravens still possess one of the most potent offenses in the league, led by their explosive playmakers Lamar Jackson and Mark Ingram. With a new offensive coordinator and a star-studded defense, the Ravens are hoping to get back to the top of the power rankings this season.
Finally, if I had to pick my dark horse in the 2022 NFL power rankings, it would have to be the Cleveland Browns. They’re loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, and with offensive-minded Kevin Stefanski calling the shots, they could be a real surprise this season. Do you think the Browns could make a run at the division title this season?
Over the past few seasons, the NFL has seen some big changes in the power rankings. Teams like Kansas City, Tampa Bay, Buffalo, and Baltimore have become perennial contenders, while the Cleveland Browns have emerged as an emerging dark horse. But what teams could surprise this season?
Let’s start with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2021, they struggled to post an 8-8 record, but they still possess a talented roster that could easily compete for the division title in 2022. Led by the veteran presence of Big Ben Roethlisberger and dynamic receiving duo of Juju Smith-Schuster and Chase Claypool, the Steelers could make some noise this coming season.
Another interesting team is the Houston Texans. Since trading away Deandre Hopkins, the Texans have added standouts like Brandin Cooks, Randall Cobb, and T.J. Watt in the offseason. The Texans have had a very quiet offseason, but are they really capable of getting back to the playoffs?
The Indianapolis Colts also could be a team to watch as we enter the season. With a healthy Andrew Luck and the addition of Carson Wentz, Philip Rivers, and DeForest Buckner, the Colts could be an exciting team to watch in 2022. How do you think this team will fare in the power rankings this upcoming season?
In addition to the teams I’ve already mentioned, I think it’d be a crime to overlook the New Orleans Saints. They still have an impressive roster, led by Drew Brees, Alvin Kamara, and Michael Thomas, and if they can find their groove, they could make a legitimate run at the division title in 2022.
One thing is for sure, the NFC South is going to be one of the most competitive divisions in the league. I’m sure there will be some unexpected teams that could make some noise this upcoming season, but as of now it looks like it should be an exciting race. With all these teams in the running, who do you think will emerge as the powerhouses of 2022?