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2022 NFL Power Rankings Week 17: Jaguars and Steelers soaring

By Sayre Bedinger

Dec 24, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) celebrates with teammates after catching a touchdown pass during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) celebrates with teammates after catching a touchdown pass during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFL Power Rankings; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) celebrates the game winning touchdown with wide receiver George Pickens (14) during their 13-10 win over the Las Vegas Raiders at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on December 24, 2022.Pittsburgh Steelers Vs Las Vegas Raiders Week 16 /

14. Pittsburgh Steelers

. Previous: 24th. Pittsburgh Steelers. 14. team. 55.

The biggest jump of the week in these NFL power rankings belongs to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sneaking into the playoffs in the AFC is going to be a little bit difficult this year thanks to the strength of teams in the AFC East and AFC North, but thanks to the NFL adding that third Wild Card spot, the Steelers are extremely relevant right now.

They have endured through some shuffling at the QB position and although they won a little ugly against the Raiders, it was a gutsy drive from rookie QB Kenny Pickett capped off by a touchdown throw to George Pickens that got this team to 7-8 on the season. The Steelers might just pull off the comeback and get to the dance.

13. Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions. 13. team. 50. . . Previous: 12th

A little “back to reality” moment was inevitable at some point for the Detroit Lions, but that doesn’t mean we should all be going cold on this team, either. D’Onta Foreman ran for 165 yards this past weekend against Detroit’s improved defense, and after giving up 37 points in Carolina, Aaron Glenn’s unit needs to get back to the drawing board and fast.

The Lions don’t have any time to sulk, either. They go home to face the Chicago Bears this coming week in a game that, on paper, they “should” win. The playoffs, at this point, are on the line. If the season ended today, the Lions wouldn’t be in. They desperately need to win at home against the Bears to stay in the mix. This Lions team does belong in the playoffs this year. We’ll see if they can earn their way there.

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