Looking at our NFL power rankings, the NFC sees some change with Baker Mayfield traded to the Carolina Panthers.
16. Atlanta Falcons
Most causal NFL fans couldn’t name a half-dozen players on the Falcons. Might well be the worst roster in the league.
15. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks were excellent for a decade with Russell Wilson at the helm. Wilson is gone, though, leaving Seattle with a major rebuild ahead.
14. Chicago Bears
Chicago is trying to get off the proverbial ground with a new regime. Much of this season will be defined by the efforts of second-year quarterback Justin Fields.
13. New York Giants
The Giants have to find out what they have in quarterback Daniel Jones. Jones is entering his fourth and potentially final year with Big Blue if he doesn’t improve.
12. Detroit Lions
It’s not crazy to think Detroit might be frisky this season. The Lions had a terrific draft, adding talent on both sides of the ball.
11. Carolina Panthers
Even with Mayfield, the Panthers remain well outside of the playoff bubble. The Panthers have significant questions up front and across the defense.
10. Washington Commanders
Washington brought in Carson Wentz at quarterback and first-round receiver Jahar Dotson. Is that enough to make a move in the NFC East?
9. New Orleans Saints
The Saints have a healthy Jameis Winston under center, and are adding receivers Jarvis Landry and Chris Olave along with a rehabbed Michael Thomas (ankle). Could be potent.
8. Arizona Cardinals
This is the biggest season of Kyler Murray’s young career.
7. Philadelphia Eagles
After having arguably the best offseason in the NFL, the Eagles are loaded up to make a considerable run in the division.
6. Minnesota Vikings
New head coach, new opportunities? The Vikings are talented but it hasn’t amounted to much in recent years. This could be the breakthrough year with head coach Kevin O’Connell.
5. San Francisco 49ers
Who’s the quarterback in San Francisco? The answer to that question, and how well said man plays, is going to determine the Niners’ fate in 2022.
4. Dallas Cowboys
Can the Cowboys get out of their own way? Dallas has ample talent, but talent alone doesn’t win big games.
3. Green Bay Packers
This is going to be a different year in Green Bay. The defense must lead the way and Aaron Rodgers has to be at his best once more.
2. Los Angeles Rams
The defending champs are bringing back plenty of talent and added star receiver Allen Robinson along with future Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wager. They’re loaded.
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tom Brady and the Bucs are old, but they remain one of the favorites to win it all come February.
