Final Power Rankings of 2021-22: How Do the Playoff Teams Stack Up? + Players of the Week
What a way to end a crazy season. I won't get too into it right here but that final game (Chargers/Raiders) might have been the craziest and best game I've ever seen. What went down in that final quarter/OT is like Chris Collinsworth mentioned where it is so crazy and even so unrealistic that it wouldn't even happen in a movie. It's time to stack the playoff teams 1-14 and then all of the rest as they head abruptly into the off-season.
1. Green Bay Packers (13-4)
Previously #1
Heading into the NFL playoffs, the Green Bay Packers are once again the NFC's no. 1 seed and probably the overall Super Bowl favorites in the entire NFL. Sure, they did lose this past week to Detroit, but they weren't really trying or playing for anything as their starters also only played the first half. They will have an extra week to rest up and gameplan for their divisional round opponent. These Packers are unbelievably well positioned to make another Lombardi run in what may be Aaron Rodgers' final year as a Packer.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (13-4)
Previously #2
What's next: vs Philadelphia Eagles (Sunday)
The defending Super Bowl champs will open their title defense run in the playoffs by hosting the run-heavy Eagles this Sunday. By being the no. 2 seed in the playoffs, they are guaranteed at least two home games before the Super Bowl before potentially heading to Green Bay (if all goes right for both teams). While the Bucs are a bit banged up, they will hope to get most of their injured stars back for this run. These Bucs are every bit as dangerous as the squad that went all the way last year. Tom Brady is still Tom Brady and this team is going to be a very tough out, even for the Packers.
3. Tennessee Titans (12-5)
Previously #3
What's next: BYE WEEK
Somehow the Titans have found themselves as the AFC's no. 1 seed heading into the post-season. After all of the struggles and injuries that this team has been through, they still found a way to get here. The bye week was CRUCIAL for this team as now star RB Derrick Henry is a virtual lock to be able to suit up for them in their first playoff affair. With the extra week of rest and game-planning , the Titans are going to be a very hard team to shake. For the first time in months, they are likely to have AJ Brown, Julio Jones, AND Derrick Henry on the field at the same time. The Titans are so little talked about I feel like, but whether you like it or not, they are the no. 1 seed in the AFC.
4. Kansas City Chiefs (12-5)
Previously #4
For the first time in Patrick Mahomes' career, he and the Chiefs will be playing on wildcard weekend. However, they got quite a lucky draw. Somehow the Steelers found their way into the playoffs and will now be the team that the Chiefs get to face. If you can remember, just a few weeks back, these two teams met at Arrowhead stadium and the Chiefs absolutely dismantled the Steelers. They will hope to do it again. Sure, the Chiefs didn't look too good on Saturday against the Broncos and really almost lost, but they weren't playing for much and it isn't a fair indicator of how they will do in the playoffs. This team still might be THE most talented team in the league, and they will look to make it a third straight Super Bowl appearance this season!
5. Cincinnati Bengals (10-7)
Previously #5
What's next: vs Las Vegas Raiders (Saturday)
The Bengals are BACK in the playoffs for the first time in a few years and have big aspirations. They haven't actually WON a playoff game since the 1990 season. It's been over 30 years! This feels like the team that will finally do it, and potentially win more than just one game. Joe Burrow and the offense around him might be the best offense in the entire league right now. They are so high powered and can run up the score on anyone. Ja'Marr Chase just had the best rookie WR season we've probably ever seen with 1,455 yards. Tee Higgins is maybe the best WR2 in the entire league and then they have Tyler Boyd out of the slot who is maybe the most underrated WR in the league. Don't forget All-Pro caliber RB Joe Mixon either. This team is ready to go on a playoff run like we've never seen in Cinncy.
6. Dallas Cowboys (12-5)
Previously #7 +
While this team has a tough draw for wildcard weekend, it is nothing they can't overcome, that's for sure. For the first time since Dak Prescott's rookie year, the Cowboys are truly back and better than ever. We all knew this offense would be as high-powered as it is, but no one saw the defensive turnaround coming. The defense might even be BETTER than the offense. This is one of the most well-rounded teams in the league, if not the, most well rounded, and it will serve them well in the playoffs. They open up the post-season with a game that could be an instant classic.
7. Los Angeles Rams (12-5)
Previously #6 -
What's next: vs Arizona Cardinals (Monday)
The Rams will face the Cardinals for the third time this season as the first Monday Night WC match-up the NFL has seen. This is one of the hardest teams to read in the NFL. Sure, they won the West yesterday, but it was not on the terms that they would have liked. They blew a 17-0 lead against the Niners and had to luck their way in as the Cardinals also happened to lose to Seattle. Matthew Stafford is a roller coaster, but lately it's been many more downs than ups with the turnover heavy football he is playing. This team is probably the deepest in the league, but their inability to find consistency is what may screw them over in the end. The Cards in round 1 is a very tough draw.
8. Buffalo Bills (11-6)
Previously #8
Just another example of an amazing WC match-up we are going to be treated to this weekend. The Bills have finally been finding some of their own consistency of late and we saw it yesterday when they pulled away from the Jets to clinch the division crown. Playing in Buffalo instead of at New England is going to be a major leg up for this squad. We have to remember, as good as this offense is with Josh Allen, their defense is even better. DC Leslie Frazier has turned them into a juggernaut on that side of the ball and they will be one of the toughest outs this January/February.
9. Arizona Cardinals (11-6)
Previously #9
What's next: @ Los Angeles Rams (Monday)
What makes these match-ups and playoffs overall so intriguing this year is that pretty much every team in right now is on a bit of a cold streak. There doesn't feel like many teams that are in that have been spotless of late, that is what is going to make predicting this post-season so impossible. The Cardinals are the ultimate wildcard. We know how good they are at their best, but at their worst, it can be ugly. The loss of DeAndre Hopkins for likely the rest of the season is a killer. The offense has not been the same without him. Their defense is starting to show signs of cracking as well as they just could not handle the Seattle offense yesterday. Still, this team is as talented as they come. Kyler Murray may be the most electric QB in the post-season tournament. We saw the Cards and Rams split the season series, so this one could truly go either way.
10. New England Patriots (10-7)
Previously #10
What's next: @ Buffalo Bills (Saturday)
Just like the Cardinals in the NFC, the Pats may be the biggest wildcard in the AFC. We all know their history and what they've done, but can this new-look team do the same? Bill Belichick is a mastermind, and just when we think we have him and his squad figured out, we don't. That is the feeling I'm kind of starting to have here. A lot of people are ready to write them off in Buffalo as they have a rookie QB and a suspect receiving core, but you have to remember, this is when this team thrives. They also have one of the very best defenses in football. I'm not sure what to make of this team yet, but it is going to be very interesting to see where this team goes this post-season. Either way, the future is very bright in Boston.
11. San Francisco 49ers (10-7)
Previously #14 +
What's next: @ Dallas Cowboys (Sunday)
Well, it took them all the way to OT, but the Niners barely hung on against the Rams and found their way into the post-season after-all. Jimmy Garopollo played one of the best games of his entire career to get them to that win and it gives a lot of hope and promise for this team as they head into a tough match-up against the Cowboys. I don't want to keep saying this, but this is a super dangerous team that has NFC title game kind of potential if they can bottle up this heat and carry it with them. Their offense is one of the best and hardest to figure out in the league and will cause problems for anyone they face in the post-season. Onto Dallas!
12. Las Vegas Raiders (10-7)
Previously #15 +
It wasn't until their wild affair with the Chargers last night that this team had me convinced. I thought this was a lucky team that was beating up on bad teams and just barely getting by. While some of that is a little bit true, I have to give them credit where credit is due. They are a damn gritty team with dawgs all over the place. Derek Carr is a warrior and is finally going to get his shot in the playoffs. This team just has an 'IT' factor that you can't define. Interim HC Rich Biasccia has done an incredible job with this this team and I think has done enough to prove he should retain the job after this season. These Raiders are incredible, and I cannot wait to watch them against the Bengals on Saturday.
13. Philadelphia Eagles (9-8)
Previously #12 -
What's next: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Sunday)
Sad that this team had to get the Bucs in round 1 as I am one of the biggest believers in this team that you can find, but the Bucs are going to prove to be an incredibly tough opponent to face. This team is set to get all of their players back from the COVID list in time for the game and pretty much to be fully healthy which is great news. Jalen Hurts and this run heavy Eagle offense is going to be interesting to watch against a Bucs defense that is pretty up and down in terms of stopping the run. I think the future is bright in Philly as they have a lot of assets to maximize this off-season, and so making the WC is just the first step for this team to getting back to competing for Lombardis. They could win, but it will be tough.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7-1)
Previously #17 +
What's next: @ Kansas City Chiefs (Sunday)
Still cannot believe this team found its way into the playoffs, but props to them for doing so. Mike Tomlin continues to defy all odds and prove that he is among the best of the best coaches. Big Ben's career fights on! We all thought that Sunday would be it for him, but a resilient performance that lead to the massive OT win has given him the privilege of at least one more game. Sadly for the Steelers, they face a Goliath of an opponent in the Chiefs who destroyed them a few weeks back, they will have to manifest a different result and hope that TJ Watt can pressure Mahomes all day long into performing like he did in last year's Super Bowl.
________ (Non-playoff teams below) ________
15. Los Angeles Chargers (9-8)
Previously #13 -
What a game that was, but ultimately it saw the Chargers on the losing end and yet again, on the outside looking in on the post-season. I was the ultimate believer in the Chargers coming into the season, but they just disappointed time and time again. As good as this offense can be, the team will only go as far as their defense will allow them. The D made too many critical errors yesterday to enable them to win. Justin Herbert was incredible, that may have been his best career game yet, but even then it wasn't enough. This team has some true soul searching to do this off-season try and get into contention next year. I won't touch much on it, but HC Brandon Staley may have sold their playoff chances with the called timeout with 30 seconds to go...
16. Indianapolis Colts (9-8)
Previously #11 -
17. New Orleans Saints (9-8)
Previously #16 -
The fact that the Saints really just came as close as they could to making the playoffs without actually doing it is a true testament to HC Sean Payton. Payton is an unbelievably good coach who has showed that he can make almost any QB work (even Trevor Siemian or Taysom Hill). The Saints defense was incredible all season and now they head into an off-season where all they have to do is get some playmakers on O and try and find out whether their QB will be Jameis Winston or someone else. With Winston/another guy and maybe 1 more weapon on offense, this team will be back to its old ways of elite football.
18. Baltimore Ravens (8-9)
Previously #18
The fact that the 2021 season went as wrong as it pretty much could have for the Ravens and they still just barely missed out on the playoffs is a great sign. This team was ravaged by injuries yet they still found ways to win and be competitive. Next season, Lamar Jackson, JK Dobbins, Gus Edwards, Marlon Humphrey, and others will be back from injury and hungry. This team is going to be just fine.
19. Miami Dolphins (9-8)
Previously #19
20. Cleveland Browns (8-9)
Previously #20
Similarly to their division rival Ravens, the Browns have to be somewhat happy finishing with an 8-9 record despite all of the madness that has surrounded them this season. Baker Mayfield has been barely functional through all the injuries he's played through. Odell Beckham requested release. COVID ran through this team many times. Yet they still remained competitive throughout. They have some moves and decisions to make this off-season, but the Browns are poised to be right back in the thick of things next season.
21. Seattle Seahawks (7-10)
Previously #24 +
22. Denver Broncos (7-10)
Previously #23 +
The Broncos finished yet another disappointing season but there is a lot of optimism for the future. They have a great defense along with a bevy of young offensive talent (Javonte Williams, Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, etc.). This roster feels like a QB/HC away from being an elite team. There are some incredible HC options available for the Broncos this off-season and this team should be able to capitalize. This team again, is so so close.
23. Washington Football Team (7-10)
Previously #25 +
The Washington Football Team, soon to be the Washington Commanders...?? may have disappointed this season but enters the off-season with a lot of optimism for a competitive 2022 season. The team has a great defense in place and an offense that feels like it is just missing a QB. With a ton of cap space and also an early draft pick, Washington is poised to be able to land some kind of great signal caller. This team could be something next season.
24. Minnesota Vikings (8-9)
Previously #22 -
We finally may witness the rebuild that the team has so desperately been trying to avoid for years. HC Mike Zimmer is finally out and that could be the first of many changes to come. QB Kirk Cousins had a pretty abysmal year and he could also be on the way out. There are a lot of questions to be answered about this team going forward, but the bottom line is that we don't expect this team to be very talented or competitive next year.
25. Chicago Bears (6-11)
Previously #26 +
26. Carolina Panthers (5-12)
Previously #29 +
While this season was very turbulent and depressing, the Panthers have some potential going into next season. Matt Rhule will likely get one more shot at this thing and he will be determined to do it right. The Panthers should have some cap space and also a couple of decently high draft picks. We saw flashes of greatness from their defense but are going to need to see the same from the offense. Luckily, they will probably be able to acquire a new signal caller in some form during the off-season and will also get star RB Christian McCaffrey back to open the season. Things might not be as glum for the future in Carolina as it may seem.
27. Houston Texans (4-13)
Previously #27
David Culley had his team playing great and for each other to end the season. What an ending stretch for rookie QB Davis Mills who has done more than enough to prove he will be their QB again next year. The Texans have some young bucks who may be something for them in their near future, including Mills. With Deshaun Watson soon to be moved, this team is going to have a stockpile of assets to work with and continue the rebuild of the team. I like what they have going for them right now and hope they do not fire Culley who has proven he should be the man there.
28. Atlanta Falcons (7-10)
Previously #21 -
The Falcons are in for a rough off-season. They have plenty of moves they need to make but are not going to have the cap space to do so. Matt Ryan continues to age and he is making a wild amount of money. While they do have a few nice draft picks, that's about it. The future of this team is looking a bit grim unless they can find a way to add some great pieces quickly and try and win now in the waning years of Ryan's career.
29. Detroit Lions (3-13-1)
Previously #31 +
30. New York Jets (4-13)
Previously #28 -
After playing with a little momentum to end the year, the Jets did not play too well in their final game of the year. Still, I have confidence that this team will be improved next season. Zach Wilson played well down the stretch and should be even better in year 2. The team has multiple top 10 picks and cap space this off-season. It will be time to address the defense. Can't wait to see how this team looks heading into 2022.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-14)
Previously #32 +
The Jags finished a terrible season on a very high note. They absolutely handled the Colts in their final game of the year and finished out with a win. Not only did they win, but the Lions won too, so they kept the no. 1 overall pick in the draft DESPITE the win. Oh and on top of that, Trevor Lawrence played his best game as a pro and has us all excited for the future. Now the Jags have the #1 pick in the draft, cap space, Trevor Lawrence, and an attractive HC opening. If the Jags can land a good coach, this team could be really looking up next season.
32. New York Giants (4-13)
Previously #30 -
The New York "football" Giants end the season as the worst team in the league. Oh how things went so wrong for them. The final half of the season was straight up brutal. With Daniel Jones out, things somehow got even worse with Mike Glennon and Jake Fromm at QB. Heading into the off-season, the Giants are KEEPING Joe Judge. What are they doing? He may be the worst HC in the league and has this team heading straight into the ground. WR Kenny Golladay was paid over $70 million dollars last off-season to be a big-time WR1 for the team, he scored 0 TDs this season...
Aside from two decently high first round picks, the Giants have nothing else to work with this off-season. They absolutely need to hit on those picks or the future will be even darker.
____________
PLAYERS OF THE WEEK, WEEK 18
OFFENSIVE Player of the Week: Rashaad Penny, RB, Seahawks
(190 yards rushing, 1 TD)
DEFENSIVE Player of the Week: Maxx Crosby, DE, Raiders
(2 sacks, 6 tackles, QB pressures)
SPECIAL TEAMS Player of the Week: Daniel Carlson, K, Raiders
(5/5 FGs, 2/2 extra points, 52 yard long, game-winning FG)
ROOKIE of the Week: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jaguars
(223 yards, 2 TDs passing, 0 INTs, 71.9% comp. percentage)
TEAM of the Week: San Fransisco 49ers & Las Vegas Raiders (both 10-7)
(Both teams won in OT to secure playoff berths)
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