2022 NFL Power Rankings Week 12: Cowboys rising quickly, Jets tumbling
16. Los Angeles Chargers
16. team. 13. . . Previous: 15th. Los Angeles Chargers
There is really no shame in losing to the Kansas City Chiefs, even at home. The Los Angeles Chargers dropped to 5-5 on the season after a hard-fought battle between Justin Herbert and Patrick Mahomes, a duel that is constantly some of the best TV twice a year for the NFL. Unfortunately for Herbert and the Chargers, they’re kind of like the Chiefs’ little brother at this point. They just can’t get over that proverbial hump.
The Chargers do have some good things going for them, though. With Mike Williams and Keenan Allen missing so much time this season, Joshua Palmer has really been able to step up and have a bit of a breakthrough role. The Chargers can’t take many moral victories as the AFC playoff picture gets muddier and muddier. This loss to the Chiefs on Sunday night was yet another example of this Chargers team just not being where people want them to be, or where they think they should be. The Chargers are just not at contender status at this point.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
team. 48. . . Previous: 14th. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 15
A big win overseas last week for the Buccaneers against a quality opponent has them staying pretty steady for now as it relates to NFL Power Rankings. We’ve been fooled by some teams here this season after big wins, so we’re holding off judgment on the Bucs for another week.
Coming out of their bye week, the Bucs will have a matchup against the Deshaun Watson-less Browns and they need a win in the worst way because the Atlanta Falcons are once again right on their tails after a win in Week 11. The Bucs have now won two straight games. They are in good position right now in the rather weak NFC South, and a win against the Browns in Week 12 will have this team in a really good spot as the second half of the season progresses.