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2022 NFL power rankings: Final regular season edition

By Russell S. Baxter

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 08: Nyheim Hines #20 of the Buffalo Bills returns the opening kickoff for a touchdown during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 08: Nyheim Hines #20 of the Buffalo Bills returns the opening kickoff for a touchdown during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Kendall Fuller of the Washington Commanders looks on against the Dallas Cowboys (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Kendall Fuller of the Washington Commanders looks on against the Dallas Cowboys (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Previous: . New Orleans Saints. 21. team. 15. . 7-10

In the midst of their first losing campaign since 2016, the Saints hosted the improved Panthers and looked to end their disappointing season on a high note.

Dennis Allen’s team took the opening drive and marched 75 yards on eight plays and Andy Dalton found rookie Chris Olave for a 25-yard score less than five minutes into the game. The Saints, however, were done scoring for the game. New Orleans limited the Panthers to 203 yards in a losing effort.

58. . 8-8-1. Previous: . Washington Commanders. 20. team

The Commanders are the only team in the NFC East not going to the playoffs. Ron Rivera’s club managed to avoid a losing season by stifling the visiting Cowboys.

Rookie quarterback Sam Howell got the nod and not only threw for 169 yards and one TD (1 interception) but ran for another score. Cornerback Kendall Fuller returned a Dak Prescott interception 29 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. Washington blanked the Cowboys in the second half.

Previous: . Carolina Panthers. 19. team. 87. . 7-10

The Panthers have played good football under interim head coach Steve Wilks and could sweep the rival Saints for the first time since 2017. The teams combined for 17 points and Carolina’s only TD came on an offensive fumble recovery by guard Michael Jordan after teammate Sam Darnold put the ball on the ground.

Carolina managed a mere 203 total yards, but Eddy Pineiro would wind up connecting on a 42-yard field goal on the game’s final play.

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