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2022 NFL Power Rankings Week 18: Tom Brady clinches, Aaron Rodgers on the verge

By Randy Gurzi

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers spikes the ball after rushing for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers spikes the ball after rushing for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) /
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers clinched a playoff spot as the Green Bay Packers close in on one. See how it shakes up our 2022 NFL Power Rankings.

It seemed earlier in the season that Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers were going to be watching the playoffs from home. But now, it looks as though they just wanted to make things more challenging.

Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers clinched their spot as they won the NFC South on Sunday with a victory over the Carolina Panthers. Rodgers and the Packers put themselves in great shape with a huge win over Minnesota and can find their way in next week.

Other playoff positionings have been shifted as well, so let’s jump right into the Week 18 edition of the 2022 NFL Power Rankings.

2022 NFL Power Rankings Week 18

2022 NFL Power Rankings
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 01: Jalen Pitre #5 of the Houston Texans celebrates after an interception during the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium on January 01, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

team. 10. . . Previous: 32nd. Houston Texans. 32

32. Houston Texans

Well, there was some good news for the Houston Texans — they got Brandin Cooks back on the field. But they still looked terrible.

Houston was blown out at home as the Jacksonville Jaguars went to halftime with a 21-0 lead and then spent the second half milking the clock. The end result was a 31-3 defeat for the Texans who are still right in line to draft first in 2023.

So while some teams are focused on what has to happen for them to make the playoffs — or what they will do in the postseason — the Texans are already scouting quarterbacks. And probably every other position because this roster isn’t great.

team. 57. . . Previous: 31st. Chicago Bears. 31

31. Chicago Bears

It’s getting more difficult every week to point out what’s wrong with the Chicago Bears. They continue to be a mess on both sides of the ball as they were thoroughly beaten by the Lions this weekend, 41-10.

They’re now 3-13 on the year and continue to seem to have an offensive game plan that consists of hoping Justin Fields can carry them to victory with his legs. He had more rushing attempts than completions on Sunday, finishing with 132 yards on the ground and just 75 through the air.

Chicago has a lot that needs to be fixed and it’s tough to think they have any chance of doing that because this conversation seems to be stuck on repeat.

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