NFL Power Rankings 2022: Ranking the 14 playoff teams
NFL Power Rankings: Bengals a big-time threat in the AFC
56. . 10-7. . Cincinnati Bengals. 9. team
The Bengals are division champions and playoff-bound for the first time since 2015. The team also owns the NFL’s longest current playoff victory drought – having not won a postseason game since 1990.
Second-year quarterback Joe Burrow has hit on 70.4 percent of his passes and more than twice as many TD passes (34) as picks (14). But he was sacked a distressing 51 times. End Trey Hendrickson (14) led a revived pass rush that finished with 42 sacks.
New England Patriots. 8. team. 47. . 10-7.
It was a tale of three seasons for Bill Belichick’s team. The Patriots dropped four of their first six outings, reeled off seven straight wins but went 1-3 down the stretch. Still, the franchise is making its 12th postseason appearance in the last 13 years dating back to 2009.
Rookie quarterback Mac Jones led a balanced attack. And per usual, the Pats were near the top of the NFL takeaway list (30). But the defense did struggle late in the season against the run.
team. 51. . 12-5. . Los Angeles Rams. 7
The team is in the playoffs for the fourth time under Sean McVay’s command. The decision to deal for quarterback Matthew Stafford did pay off in many regards. But the 13-year pro had his issues with ball security late in the year, throwing eight interceptions in his last four games.
Cooper Kupp had an amazing 2021, leading the NFL in catches (145), receiving yards (1,947), and TD receptions (16). And All-Pro Aaron Donald had 12.5 of the team’s 50 sacks.