Final NFL power rankings after Chiefs win Super Bowl 57
Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers is sacked by Aidan Hutchinson of the Detroit Lions (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
26. . 10-8. Previous: . Baltimore Ravens. 12. team
After finishing last in the AFC North in 2021, John Harbaugh’s team rebounded to make the playoffs. It was a quick exit as the team fell at Cincinnati in the wild card round.
For the second straight year, Lamar Jackson missed substantial time due to injury, but the defense rebounded after a shaky campaign. What does the future hold for Jackson, who could test free agency? Offensive coordinator Greg Roman is gone after six seasons with the club.
. 9-8. Previous: . Detroit Lions. 11. team. 50
Dan Campbell’s club had a solid finish in 2021 and carried a bit of that momentum into this year, sort of. The Lions got off to a 1-6 start due mainly to their issues on defense.
Slowly but surely, that unit would improve and the Lions wound up winning eight of their last 10 contests. In fact, the club finished with the best record in the NFC North, sweeping the Bears and Packers. It was the Lions’ first winning campaign since a 9-7 finish back in 2017.
10-8. Previous: . Los Angeles Chargers. 10. team. 13.
After a few disappointing seasons, the Chargers finally made their first playoff appearance since 2018. The Bolts opened up a 27-0 lead in the wild card round at Jacksonville, but Brandon Staley’s club wound up losing, 31-30.
Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi is out and Kellen Moore is in. It will be interesting to see how he can elevate Justin Herbert’s game. The real issue is on defense as the Chargers finished 28th in the league against the run.