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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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Tyler Lockett  of the Seattle Seahawks catches a pass over Troy Hill of the Los Angeles Rams (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Tyler Lockett  of the Seattle Seahawks catches a pass over Troy Hill of the Los Angeles Rams (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

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

The Buccaneers are NFC South champions for the second straight year. The club looked to sweep the rival Falcons for the third consecutive season.

Tom Brady started the game but would give way to Blaine Gabbert and Kyle Trask. Todd Bowles’ club managed 222 total yards and were shut out in the second half. The Bucs finished with nine losses, more than twice as many as they did in 2021 (4) when they were tied for the best record in the league.

36. . 9-8. Previous: . Seattle Seahawks. 14. team

Pete Carroll’s club needed to complete a sweep of the Rams and get some help to reach the playoffs. Both teams struggled to reach the end zone. Rookie running back Kenneth Walker rushed for 114 yards and quarterback Geno Smith threw for 213 yards and one TD with two interceptions.

The Seahawks came away with an overtime victory. The Lions surprised the Packers on Sunday night at Lambeau Field and Carroll’s club is surprisingly playoff bound.

Previous: . Pittsburgh Steelers. 13. team. 55. . 9-8

The Steelers headed into Sunday needing a win over the Browns and losses by the Patriots and Dolphins to reach the playoffs. Mike Tomlin’s team spotted their guests a 7-0 lead before scoring the next 20 points. A resurgent ground game rolled up 148 yards, led by Najee Harris (84 yards).

Kenny Pickett completed less than half of his throws but got better as the afternoon unfolded. The Steelers sacked Deshaun Watson seven times and picked him off twice.

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