NFL Preseason Power Rankings: Who's Rising In 2022?

Hey guys! The 2022 NFL preseason is upon us, and you know what that means – it's time to start sizing up the competition and get hyped for the regular season! Preseason power rankings are always a fun way to gauge where teams stand before the real games begin, and while they're not always perfect, they give us a glimpse of the potential contenders and the teams looking to make a leap. So, without further ado, let's dive into my 2022 NFL Preseason Power Rankings. Remember, these are based on a mix of factors: offseason moves, draft success, returning talent, and coaching changes. Things can and will change, especially after a few preseason games. Buckle up, and let’s get into it!

Top Tier Contenders: The Elite

Alright, let’s kick things off with the big dogs, the teams everyone is talking about, the ones with a legit shot at hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. These teams have it all: established quarterback play, strong defenses, and coaching staffs that know how to win. In the 2022 NFL preseason power rankings, this is where the serious contenders reside, the teams built to win now, and these guys are ready to make a serious push for the Super Bowl. We're talking about teams that have consistently proven themselves in recent years or have made significant moves to elevate their game. These teams are stacked with talent, have the coaching expertise, and the winning culture necessary to go all the way. Expect these guys to be battling for the top spots throughout the regular season. Their performance in the preseason is less critical; it's all about fine-tuning before the games really count. Preseason games are primarily for evaluating depth and testing out new strategies. They will still want to perform well, but it isn't the primary focus. The focus will be how well they perform in the regular season.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With Tom Brady back in the fold, the Buccaneers immediately become Super Bowl favorites. Even without the GOAT, they still possessed a talented roster, but with Brady back in the mix, they're a force to be reckoned with. They have a strong receiving core, a solid running game, and a defense that can get after the quarterback. Their offensive and defensive lines are also well-regarded. The key for them will be staying healthy and maintaining the chemistry they built last season. They already have the experience of winning a Super Bowl, and they know what it takes to get there. Their coaching staff is also top-notch, with Bruce Arians back as a senior consultant. It also helps to have a coach with an offensive mind like Byron Leftwich, who understands the game. All of the pieces are there for another deep playoff run. They've made some smart acquisitions and are well-positioned to compete for another championship. This team is ready to dominate the NFC and make another Super Bowl run. With Brady at the helm, anything is possible. They'll be looking to iron out some issues in the preseason, but they're already a well-oiled machine. Expect them to be one of the top teams in the league all season long. They've got the talent, the coaching, and the experience to make another Super Bowl run. Watch out, NFL, the Buccaneers are coming!

2. Kansas City Chiefs

Even with the loss of Tyreek Hill, the Chiefs remain a top contender, thanks to Patrick Mahomes and their explosive offense. They've also added some new weapons, like JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who will help fill the void. Their offense is always a threat, and their defense is improving. They are still one of the most dangerous teams in the league. Mahomes' ability to make plays and his exceptional arm talent makes them a threat every week. The Chiefs' ability to score quickly and in bunches makes them a tough team to stop. They've been a perennial contender and have shown they can adapt. Their coaching staff has proven itself, and they know how to make adjustments throughout the season. Their defense, led by Chris Jones, will be looking to get even better this season. They'll need to shore up their offensive line, but the pieces are in place for another strong season. Don't count out the Chiefs; they will be in the mix for the AFC crown. They have the talent and the coaching to make another deep playoff run and are always a threat to go all the way. Their preseason games will be crucial in fine-tuning their offense and building chemistry. They'll be looking to work out the kinks and get ready for another playoff push. The Chiefs are always a threat, and they are here to stay. They will be battling for the top seed in the AFC all season long. Their regular season will be exciting. The Chiefs always find a way.

3. Buffalo Bills

The Bills are the trendy pick this year, and for good reason. They have an explosive offense led by Josh Allen, a top-tier defense, and a strong coaching staff. The Bills have made all the right moves and are ready to take the next step. They've assembled a complete roster and look to be the team to beat in the AFC. Their offense is explosive, with Allen's incredible arm talent, and they have playmakers everywhere. Their defense is stout, and they have playmakers on both sides of the ball. They've been building towards this moment for years, and now they're ready to make a deep playoff run. They added Von Miller to their defense. They also have a solid coaching staff that knows how to win. They’ve been consistently improving each year and are now poised to make a run at the Super Bowl. They're going all-in and have made the necessary moves to be a true contender. The Bills are one of the most exciting teams to watch, and their fans are buzzing with excitement. They're not just hoping to make the playoffs, they are gunning for the Super Bowl. Their preseason games will be important for building chemistry and fine-tuning their offense and defense. They have the talent, the coaching, and the drive to make a statement this season. They’ve been knocking on the door, and this year, they're ready to kick it down. The Bills are a dangerous team, and they are ready to make a statement in the AFC.

The Next Tier: Playoff Contenders

Alright, let’s move on to the teams that are knocking on the door of the elite. These teams have a good shot at making the playoffs and could potentially make a run. These teams have some impressive talent but may have a few question marks that need to be addressed. The teams in this tier have the potential to upset the top dogs and make a surprising playoff run. They're well-coached and have the talent to make some noise. These teams may need a few things to go their way, but they're still legitimate contenders. They've made strides to improve their rosters and have a good chance of being in the playoffs. They're on the cusp of becoming true contenders and will be looking to make a statement. Preseason will be critical for these teams, giving them a chance to test out new players and strategies. The teams in this tier have to make every play count in the regular season.

4. Los Angeles Rams

As the defending Super Bowl champions, the Rams are always a threat. They still have a talented roster, but they have a few question marks, like the health of their key players. They've lost some key players, but they still have a lot of talent. Their offense is explosive, and their defense is always stout. They have the coaching and the experience to make another playoff run. Their team is full of stars, and they know what it takes to win. They still have some of the best players in the league, and they're going to be a tough out for anyone. Their coaching staff is excellent, and they know how to make adjustments. They've proven themselves and know how to win. They will be aiming to get back to the Super Bowl. Their preseason games will be crucial in evaluating new players and building chemistry. They have the talent, the coaching, and the experience to be a contender. They're always a team to watch out for. They will be looking to repeat as Super Bowl champions. The Rams are never to be counted out.

5. Green Bay Packers

Even without Davante Adams, the Packers remain a threat, thanks to Aaron Rodgers. They'll need their young receivers to step up, but they have a strong running game and a solid defense. They're still a team to be reckoned with. Rodgers is still one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and he knows how to win. Their offense needs to find the right players to surround Rodgers. They also need to fix the running game. Their defense is improving and will need to step up. They still have a strong coaching staff, and they know how to win. They have made some key acquisitions, and they are still a team to watch out for. They're always in the mix, and they have a good chance of making the playoffs. Their preseason games will be important for their receivers to build chemistry with Rodgers. They still have the talent and the coaching to be a contender. They will still be battling for a spot in the playoffs. The Packers are still a formidable team, and they are here to stay. They will still be a threat in the NFC. They will be looking to find their footing in the new season.

6. Cincinnati Bengals

Coming off their Super Bowl appearance, the Bengals are on the rise. Joe Burrow is a star, and they have a talented receiving core. Their defense also improved last season and is looking to get even better. The Bengals have a young, exciting team that's ready to compete. They have the talent to make another run. They're only going up from here. Their offense is explosive, and they have a good defense. They have made some key acquisitions and are poised to make another playoff run. Their coaching staff is still young, but they have proven themselves. They have the pieces in place to be a contender. Their preseason games will be important for fine-tuning their offense and defense. They will be looking to prove that they are more than a one-year wonder. They have a good chance of making the playoffs and potentially making a deep run. The Bengals are a force to be reckoned with. They are ready to prove that they belong in the elite tier. They are hungry and motivated to take the next step. The Bengals are here to stay.

7. San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers are always a threat, and they have a talented roster. The health of their quarterback situation will be key. They have a strong defense and a good running game. They have a lot of talent. They will be looking to make another playoff run. They have a good coaching staff, and they know how to win. They need to find a way to stay healthy and make it to the playoffs. They're always a threat in the NFC. Their preseason games will be crucial in determining their quarterback situation. They have the talent, the coaching, and the experience to make another playoff run. They'll need to stay healthy, but they're a team to watch out for. The 49ers are always in the mix, and they are here to stay. They are a team that you can never count out.

On the Cusp: Wild Card Hopefuls

Alright, let's talk about the teams that are on the edge of playoff contention. These teams are ones that could surprise us and make a wild-card push. They may have made some significant improvements in the offseason or have key players returning from injury. These teams have a lot of potential, but they need to execute. They're looking to make a statement and prove they belong in the playoffs. They have a lot to prove this season. They'll need to play their best to make it, but they're capable of doing so. Their preseason games will be crucial to evaluate their team's strengths. These teams are well-coached and have the talent to make some noise. They are hungry and motivated to prove themselves. They will be looking to take the next step and become a true contender. The teams in this tier are ones to watch.

8. Los Angeles Chargers

With Justin Herbert at quarterback, the Chargers are a team to watch. They have made some key acquisitions on defense and are looking to make a playoff push. They have a lot of potential. They are exciting to watch. They added some key players in the offseason. Their offense is explosive, and they have a good defense. They have the talent to make a playoff run. They need to stay healthy and find ways to win close games. Their preseason games will be important for fine-tuning their offense and defense. They are a team to watch out for. They're looking to make the playoffs and make some noise. The Chargers are always a team to watch. They are going all-in this season, and they are ready to compete. They have all the pieces to make a run at a playoff spot. They are ready to shock the league.

9. Baltimore Ravens

Even with some injury concerns, the Ravens are always a threat with Lamar Jackson. They have a strong running game and a defense that can get after the quarterback. They are always a tough team to play against. They have a lot of talent and are always in the mix. They are a well-coached team, and they know how to win. They need to stay healthy and find ways to win close games. Their preseason games will be crucial in evaluating their offense and defense. They are a team to watch out for. They're looking to make the playoffs and make some noise. They are always a team to watch. The Ravens will be ready to fight for a playoff spot. They will be a team to be feared. They have a good chance to prove their doubters wrong.

10. Denver Broncos

The Broncos made a big splash by trading for Russell Wilson. With Wilson at quarterback, they are a team to watch. They have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball. The Broncos have a good chance to make the playoffs. They added key players. They are poised to make a run. They are looking to make a statement this season. They have a good coaching staff, and they know how to win. Their preseason games will be important for fine-tuning their offense and defense. They are a team to watch out for. They're looking to make the playoffs and make some noise. The Broncos are ready to prove that they are contenders. They will be battling for a spot in the playoffs. They have the talent, coaching, and the quarterback to make a run. They are a team to be feared. The Broncos are a team to watch out for in the AFC.

11. Indianapolis Colts

With Matt Ryan now under center, the Colts are looking to take the next step. They have a strong running game and a defense that can get after the quarterback. They have a lot of potential. They are a team to watch out for. They're looking to make the playoffs and make some noise. Their preseason games will be crucial for evaluating their team's strengths. They are well-coached. The Colts are a team on the rise. They have all the pieces to be a contender. They are ready to show the world what they are made of. They will be a tough team to beat. They are here to make a statement.

Building Blocks: Teams on the Rise

Now, let's talk about the teams that are still building, but are showing promising signs. These teams may not be ready to compete for a Super Bowl just yet, but they're heading in the right direction. They have the potential to make a leap in the near future. These teams are focused on developing their young talent and building a strong foundation. They're looking to become contenders in the future. They have made some significant acquisitions. They are looking to make a statement. They have the pieces in place to be a contender. These teams are the ones to keep an eye on. Their preseason games will be crucial for evaluating their team's strengths. These teams are well-coached. They will be a tough team to beat.

12. Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles made some significant moves in the offseason and are looking to make a playoff push. They have a strong offense and a defense that can get after the quarterback. They are a team to watch out for. They're looking to make the playoffs and make some noise. Their preseason games will be crucial for evaluating their team's strengths. They are well-coached. They will be a tough team to beat. The Eagles are a team on the rise. They have all the pieces to be a contender. They are ready to show the world what they are made of. They have a good chance to make a playoff run. The Eagles are here to make a statement.

13. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings made some significant changes in the offseason and are looking to make a playoff push. They have a strong offense and a defense that can get after the quarterback. They are a team to watch out for. They're looking to make the playoffs and make some noise. Their preseason games will be crucial for evaluating their team's strengths. They are well-coached. They will be a tough team to beat. The Vikings are a team on the rise. They have all the pieces to be a contender. They are ready to show the world what they are made of. They have a good chance to make a playoff run. The Vikings are here to make a statement.

14. Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys are always a team to watch. They have a lot of talent and are always in the mix. They are a well-coached team, and they know how to win. They need to stay healthy and find ways to win close games. Their preseason games will be crucial in evaluating their offense and defense. They are a team to watch out for. They're looking to make the playoffs and make some noise. The Cowboys will be ready to fight for a playoff spot. They have a good chance to prove their doubters wrong. The Cowboys are a team to watch out for in the NFC. They'll be looking to make another playoff run. They are always a threat to make a deep playoff run.

15. New England Patriots

The Patriots are always a threat, even with a young team. They have a strong coaching staff and are always well-prepared. They need to find a way to stay consistent and make it to the playoffs. Their preseason games will be crucial in evaluating their offense and defense. They are a team to watch out for. They're looking to make the playoffs and make some noise. They are always a team to watch. The Patriots will be ready to fight for a playoff spot. They are always a threat. The Patriots are a team to watch out for in the AFC. They are looking to take the next step. They will be working on improving their offense. They are looking for ways to shock the league.

The Rebuilding Phase: Looking Ahead

And finally, let's take a look at the teams that are in the rebuilding phase. These teams are focused on developing their young talent and building for the future. They may not be contenders this year, but they're laying the foundation for long-term success. They've got some work to do, but they have the potential to turn things around. These teams are focused on building a strong foundation. They're looking to become contenders in the future. They have made some significant acquisitions. They are looking to make a statement. They have the pieces in place to be a contender. These teams are the ones to keep an eye on. Their preseason games will be crucial for evaluating their team's strengths. These teams are well-coached. They will be a tough team to beat.

16. Arizona Cardinals

17. Tennessee Titans

18. Las Vegas Raiders

19. Miami Dolphins

20. Pittsburgh Steelers

21. New Orleans Saints

22. Washington Commanders

23. New York Giants

24. Detroit Lions

25. Carolina Panthers

26. Atlanta Falcons

27. Jacksonville Jaguars

28. Seattle Seahawks

29. Chicago Bears

30. New York Jets

31. Houston Texans

32. Cleveland Browns

Disclaimer: These rankings are my opinion and are subject to change throughout the season. Football is unpredictable, and upsets are part of the game. Enjoy the preseason, and let's get ready for some exciting NFL action! Let me know what you guys think in the comments! Who are your Super Bowl favorites? Who do you think is being overlooked? Let’s get the conversation going! Thanks for reading, and let's have a great season!