2022 NFL power rankings, Week 18: Giants, Buccaneers playoff bound

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers catches a pass past Keith Taylor Jr. #28 of the Carolina Panthers to score a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) /

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DJ Moore of the Carolina Panthers runs the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

58. . 7-8-1. Previous: . Washington Commanders. 21. team

The Commanders hosted the Browns and Ron Rivera’s team had quarterback Carson Wentz back in the starting lineup. It proved to be a rough afternoon for the seventh-year signal-caller as he threw for only 143 yards, was sacked three times and served up three interceptions. Washington’s defense came up with five sacks of Deshaun Watson but failed to force a turnover. The Commanders are the only NFC East team not headed to the playoffs.

20. team. 59. . 8-8. Previous: . Miami Dolphins

Teddy Bridgewater was the starter at Foxborough. The club entered Sunday’s clash with the Patriots riding a four-game losing streak.

Things would get worse for Mike McDaniel’s club, which actually owned a 14-7 third-quarter lead via a Tyreek Hill TD run and a Bridgewater touchdown toss to running back Raheem Mostert. Miami’s quarterback left the game after throwing a pick-six and backup Skylar Thompson was also intercepted in the loss.

Carolina Panthers. 19. team. 87. . 6-10. Previous:

Thanks to a 21-3 win in Charlotte earlier in the season, the Panthers were in position to sweep the Buccaneers for the first time since 2017. Carolina made it look easy as they owned a 14-0 lead in the second quarter.

Quarterback Sam Darnold wound up throwing for 341 yards and three touchdowns but also committed all three of Carolina’s turnovers via an interception and two lost fumbles. Steve Wilks’ defenders allowed a whopping 478 total yards.

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