NFL Power Rankings Week 13: Broncos nosedive, Commanders streaking
By Randy Gurzi
. . Previous: 28th. Los Angeles Rams. 30. team. 51
30. Los Angeles Rams
Before their game in Week 12, the Los Angeles Rams got the news that Matthew Stafford might not return at all this season. A strained neck and multiple concussions had him sidelined as he missed his second game of the season. That’s with them already being without Cooper Kupp who is on IR.
That ended up being another loss as Bryce Perkins and the depleted offense managed just 10 points against the Chiefs. They’re now 3-8 and it’s clear that they won’t be defending their title once the postseason starts.
The real question will be what they look like in 2023. Aaron Donald already considered retirement and whispers have surfaced that Stafford could consider this as well. With no draft picks for the next 20 years or so due to trades, a rebuild would be impossible if that did happen.
Carolina Panthers. 29. team. 87. . . Previous: 31st
29. Carolina Panthers
Another week, another starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers.
They’ve now gone from Sam Darnold last season to Baker Mayfield to kick off 2022. Then when Mayfield struggled, it was P.J. Walker. Then it was Mayfield again. Now, they’re back to Darnold and he gets credit for the Week 12 win despite completing just 11 passes.
Carolina improved to 4-8 and somehow, that puts them just two games out of first place in the NFC South. Don’t expect them to make a run at that title, however, but they deserve a lot of credit for racking up 185 yards and holding Denver to just 10 points. It was a good win and something to build on.