2022 NFL Power Rankings Week 1: Bills ready to make a run
By Randy Gurzi
team. 58. . . Previous: 25th. Washington Commanders. 24
24. Washington Commanders
Two years ago, the Washington Commanders won the NFC East despite a 7-9 record. They then tried to bring in Ryan Fitzpatrick in an effort to improve their offense but he was injured in Week 1.
Now, they’re turning to Carson Wentz who is on his third team in as many seasons. He has some impressive weapons and their defense is strong in some spots but they have to overcome the fact that Wentz has struggled when it counts most.
87. . . Previous: 24th. Carolina Panthers. 23. team
23. Carolina Panthers
Week 1 should be fun as the Carolina Panthers will host the Cleveland Browns, which means Baker Mayfield will get a chance to go up against his old team. Mayfield is ready to take the fight to his old team and even decided to do a little poking of the bear before the game.
While Mayfield is going to get the majority of the attention, the Panthers success, or lack thereof, will fall on the shoulders of their defense. They’re a very underrated unit, so if the offense can at least be serviceable, they could climb much higher in future NFL Power Rankings.
Previous: 22nd. Pittsburgh Steelers. 22. team. 55. .
22. Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike Tomlin has yet to name his starting quarterback but the Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to go with Mitchell Trubisky to start the season. Kenny Pickett might end up taking over down the road but the Steelers are built to win as long as their quarterback isn’t a liability.
Their defense is strong, led by T.J. Watt and Najee Harris had a successful rookie season at running back. While they can’t be counted out, they do play in a tough division and will have a hard time making it back to the postseason.
Previous: 21st. Minnesota Vikings. 21. team. 60. .
21. Minnesota Vikings
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has done a fine job in his first offseason as the GM of the Minnesota Vikings. He added two players to a secondary that needed help in Lewis Cine and Andrew Booth. It might have been questionable to release Kellen Mond, but they did get Jalen Reagor who could be a weapon in the return game and is better suited for the WR3 role he will play in Minnesota than as the main guy in Philly.