2022 NFL Power Rankings Week 18: Tom Brady clinches, Aaron Rodgers on the verge
By Randy Gurzi
47. . . Previous: 19th. New England Patriots. 16. team
16. New England Patriots
A two-game losing streak almost ended the season for the New England Patriots. We can excuse a loss to the Bengals but the 30-24 defeat to the Raiders when they threw the ball away while it was tied could come back to haunt them.
The good thing is, they stopped the bleeding this weekend with a narrow win over the Miami Dolphins. They’re now tied with Miami but currently have the tie-breaker. They most likely have to win next week, which will be tough against the Buffalo Bills but this team is well-coached and deep — even if there are no superstars.
Even if they don’t make it, they continue to be a scrappy team that’s never easy to beat.
. Previous: 16th. Green Bay Packers. 15. team. 49.
15. Green Bay Packers
In Week 17, the Green Bay Packers took it to the Minnesota Vikings and won a lopsided game 41-17. Not only does that mean the Vikings aren’t getting the No. 1 seed but the Packers are now on the verge of making the playoffs.
They were able to put a terrible start to the season behind them and at 8-8, they can knock out the Detroit Lions with a win next week. They would also leapfrog the Seattle Seahawks due to a better NFC record, even if Seattle wins.
As long as Aaron Rodgers is under center, there’s a chance they can make some noise. So a lot of people might be pulling for the Lions in Week 18.