2022 NFL Power Rankings Week 18: Tom Brady clinches, Aaron Rodgers on the verge
By Randy Gurzi
26. . . Previous: 9th. Baltimore Ravens. 12. team
12. Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are in the playoffs at 10-6 but they’re not exactly going to enter it with a lot of momentum. A late loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers not only gave life to a rival — and could allow three AFC North entrants into the postseason — but it was also their second loss in the past three games.
They simply aren’t the same without Lamar Jackson and unless he comes back from his PCL injury, the Ravens might not last long in the playoffs. Tyler Huntley is a solid No. 2 quarterback but asking him to get clutch wins is going to be a bit much. We saw as much when he was unable to get them into field goal range after the Steelers took the lead on Sunday Night Football.
team. 50. . . Previous: 13th. Detroit Lions. 11
11. Detroit Lions
A shocking loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 16 ended a three-game winning streak for the Detroit Lions who were trying to take advantage of the Washington Commanders’ slide. They can still make it into the playoffs but things are much more crowded now as they have the Green Bay Packers tied with them at 8-8.
That game is going to be huge for this team that started out 1-6 before figuring things out. Even with their unfortunate loss to the Panthers, they’re still one of the hottest teams in the league right now and no one is going to want to see them in the postseason.