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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Najee Harris f the Pittsburgh Steelers scores on a touchdown reception against the Baltimore Ravens (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

15. team. 48. . . Previous: . Tampa Bay Buccaneers

A victory by the Buccaneers would give the club a second straight NFC South title. Todd Bowles’ club looked to avoid being swept by the Panthers and it didn’t look good early as Carolina took a 14-0 lead in the second quarter.

Tampa Bay outscored their guests 30-10 the rest of the way as Tom Brady and Mike Evans put on a show. The former threw for 432 yards and three TDs, all of those scores to Evans, who caught 10 passes for 207 yards.

14. team. 55. . 8-8. Previous: . Pittsburgh Steelers

The team had won five of its last seven games when it faced the Ravens on Sunday night at Baltimore. The Steelers had limited five straight opponents to 17 points or less and made it six in a row as Pittsburgh surrendered only 13 points and 240 total yards.

Mike Tomlin’s ground attack rolled up 198 yards, 111 by Najee Harris. He also caught a 10-yard TD pass from Kenny Pickett with 55 seconds to play as the Steelers rallied from a 13-3 deficit.

50. . 8-8. Previous: . Detroit Lions. 13. team

With a victory on Sunday, the Men from Motown could sweep the rival Bears for the first time since 2017. The Lions spotted Chicago a 7-0 lead less than five minutes into the game and proceeded to outscore the Bears a combined 41-3 the rest of the way.

Dan Campbell’s squad gained 504 yards of total offense. Jamaal Williams ran for 144 yards and one score and Jared Goff threw for 255 yards and three touchdowns in the lopsided victory.

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