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

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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2022 NFL Power Rankings
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 01: Gerald Everett #7 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates a touchdown with Mike Williams #81 during the third quarter in the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on January 01, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

8. Los Angeles Chargers

With a convincing win over their roommates on Sunday, the Los Angeles Chargers are now 10-6 and secured a spot in the NFL playoffs. They don’t know yet who they will be playing but it’s going to be the first time we get to see Justin Herbert in the postseason. And he has his weapons around him now.

Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, and Mike Williams have all had injury concerns in recent years but when they’re out there it’s easy to see why this team is often an offseason favorite.

7. Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 which started their season off on the wrong foot. They had a chance to essentially end their campaign on New Year’s Day with another win over the Pack, but instead, they were blown out of the building.

Minnesota lost 41-17 while Kirk Cousins threw three picks. What’s concerning is, they were trying to get into a spot where they could get the No. 1 seed in the NFC but that’s not happening now. It was also their third blowout loss, with the other two coming against the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles who are also fighting for the No. 1 seed.

None of this bodes well for their chances in the playoffs since there could be now three teams that walked all over them.