The NFL is enjoying a “wild 2022 season” and The SportingNews presents a new version of it NFL Power Rankings. Behind the still undefeated NFC team (Philadelphia Eagles) and the clear favorite in the AFC (Buffalo Bills), there are some surprises. Halfway through the season, many teams have established identities, while many more are discovering them.
Putting all 32 teams in a blender after their most recent performances in Week 8, here are the standings.
NFL Power Rankings Week 9
1. Philadelphia Eagles 7-0 (previous ranking: 1)
The Eagles had no problem crushing the Steelers, with Jalen Hurts and AJ Brown coming back hot after Goodbye. His defense is still strong. There’s no question they remain the best team in the NFC with the most favorable path to the Super Bowl at midseason.
2. Buffalo Bills 6-1 (2)
The Bills continue to roll with their Josh Allen rushing attack and strong swarm zone defense. There are minor chinks in his armor as an AFC powerhouse while he remains on a collision course with the Eagles.
3. Kansas City Chiefs 5-2 (3)
The Chiefs deserved some rest after showing a more exciting and explosive offense around Patrick Mahomes before the bye. They come out with more playmaking ability than last season, which should also help the defense in more favorable situations in the second half.
4. Minnesota Vikings 6-1 (5)
The Vikings continue to get the job done with the right combination of scoring and not giving up points in high-stakes situations. Kevin O’Connell is pushing Pete Carroll and Brian Daboll for Coach of the Year with his offensive scheme to create a better complementary defense. There is nothing accidental about Minnesota’s strong lead in the NFC North.
5. Dallas Cowboys 6-2 (6)
The Cowboys have adopted a more intense run lately and it’s paying off, especially with the explosive Tony Pollard helping out a healthy Dak Prescott. The defense is still in attack mode with Micah Parsons and friends.
6 Seattle Seahawks 5-3 (11)
The Seahawks made their final statement by stomping on the Giants with their defense and run game, with only a few rare mistakes by Tyler Lockett making the game closer than it was. Pete Carroll is the oldest coach in the NFL and now he deserves the love of the young coach of the year.
7. New York Giants 6-2 (4)
The Giants’ offensive limitations, beyond Daniel Jones’ running game, and their defensive limitations in general affected them in Seattle. They can’t rest if they want to make the playoffs.
8. Baltimore Ravens 5-3 (9)
The Ravens tried to open up the passing game early on in Tampa Bay, before a return to creative execution led to a more efficient overall game from Lamar Jackson. The defense continues to improve with a better scheme each week.
9. Tennessee Titans 5-2 (10)
Not having Ryan Tannehill didn’t matter much in Houston as Derrick Henry continued to destroy the Texans on the ground. But what if the defense starts going all out against the run and the pass? Mike Vrabel has done it again.
10. San Francisco 49ers 4-4 (15)
Christian McCaffrey arrived in San Francisco and was CMC’s running, passing and receiving show to fill in for Deebo Samuel’s absence in Los Angeles. The 49ers showed exactly why they wanted him as another explosive piece for their offense.
