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Now that 2021 has passed, and we are now in 2022 the NFL Power Rankings look ahead. We decided that this was the perfect time for every franchise to make a new year’s resolution for 2022, even though there are still championships to be won and playoff berths left to be earned.
We asked NFL Nation reporters to write their own version of “Auld Lang Syne” in order to help us determine a primary goal for each team they will cover over the next 12 months. The following are the highlights. New England PatriotsWhile the answers went a little wild, most of them fell within a few categories. For contestants like the Green Bay PackersThese short-term goals were to help teams make it in the race for the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Reporters were also interested in other teams’ rewards for deserving players and the provision of better assistance to surrounding stars. Your downtrodden teams (sorry Jacksonville), were simply making a positive move down the long road of respectability.
How we decide our Power Rankings: A power panel, which is made up of more than 80 TV personalities, editors, and writers evaluates how teams perform throughout the season.
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Previous ranking: 2
New Year’s resolutionHelp IR men return
There are a few players in injured reserve who could be eligible to play again in the playoffs. CB Jaire Alexander, OLB Za’Darius SmithLT David BakhtiariC Josh MyersWR Randall Cobb. After Sunday’s game, Aaron RodgersThey expressed optimism about the possibility of some or all returning this year, but coach Matt LaFleur slightly downplayed it. Any of them could return in the postseason. — Rob Demovsky
Previous ranking: 1
New Year’s resolution Re-sign Tyrann Mathieu
Mathieu must be kept around by the Chiefs beyond his contract expiration in a few months. He has plenty of value as a playerAs a leader in his locker room, he brings the same amount. It would be difficult for the Chiefs to find all that Mathieu brings to the team at a lower price than it would cost to resign him. Mathieu is the only player in their secondary that they haven’t made significant investments in, and Mathieu is the one they can’t live without. — Adam Teicher
1:42
Ryan Clark explains why Antonio Brown is not being forgiven by NFL teams, despite his extraordinary skill set.
Previous ranking: 4
New Year’s Resolution:Keep fit for the new season
Injuries have decimated the Bucs Chris GodwinIt’s over for the year. Leonard Fournette, Lavonte DavidAnd Giovani BernardAre currently on IR, but could be back. Shaq BarrettAnd Jason Pierre-PaulResulting from shoulder and knee injuries, they are often out of work. Mike EvansI just came back from a hamstring injury. Antoine Winfield Jr. From a foot injury. Ronald Jones IIAn ankle injury forced them to miss Sunday’s game. They’re already limping into big postseason. They must be replaced, which makes matters worse Antonio BrownWho is it? left the team. — Jenna Laine
Previous ranking: 5
New Year’s resolution Eliminate turnovers
Matthew StaffordThe offense has been ignited by the quarterback, but it would be even better if he was the 13th year. eliminate some of his turnover streaksIf they could, the Rams wouldn’t be stopped. Stafford is second in the NFL. 38 passing touchdownsBut he is also. tied for secondWith 15 interceptions, including four pick-6es, the Rams lead the league. It’s amazing that the Rams have won five consecutive games despite having back-to-back multiturnover performances. Imagine how dominant they would be if Stafford could find a way to reduce the number of multi-turnover games (he currently has five) or eliminate them entirely. — Lindsey Thiry
Previous ranking: 8
New Year’s Resolution:Resign OLB Harold Landry III
Since Brian Orakpo in 2016 had 10.5 sacks, the Titans haven’t seen a pass-rusher with double-digit sacks. Landry’s 12 sacks in this season’s season put him in a tie for fifth in franchise history with Kyle Vanden Bosch. Then, suddenly, the Titans have a formidable pass rushLandry leads the team with 41 sacks. That is sixth in the NFL. Landry can be dropped by the Titans into coverage, but he’s strong against the run. Landry is also one of the most reliable players on the team, having missed just one game in his last four seasons. — Turron Davidnport
Previous ranking: 7
New Year’s Resolution:You can win close games by finding ways to win
The Bills on their way to the playoffsFor the division to be clinched for the second consecutive year, the Dolphins must win against the Jets and the Patriots lose to them. However, Buffalo could have secured its playoff path much sooner. The Bills instead have gone 0-5 in one-score gamesThe offense missed a few chances to win, or tie four games. They came up just short. It’s not easy to fix it, like Sean McDermott clapping his hands or finding a dominant runningback for the future. However, it is something that should be corrected for a team expected to remain in contention for many years. — Alaina Getzenberg
1:55
Rex Ryan and Dan Orlovsky break down the Cowboys’ loss to the Cardinals. They also discuss whether the Cowboys can win the playoffs.
Previous ranking: 3
New Year’s resolutionKellen Moore and Dan Quinn will be with you.
Jerry Jones can only do so many things if another team offersEither assistant coach can be a head coach position. However, he is persuasive in the past with coaches. Quinn has transformed the defense. Moore was in quarterback Dak PrescottFrom the beginning,’s ear. The best way to start the year is not with Mike McCarthy’s third defensive coordinator. Maybe shifting the offensive strategy would be a better option. — Todd Archer
Previous ranking: 11
New Year’s resolutionSecond-half meltdowns are not acceptable
Although Arizona won Sunday’s game in Dallas, the Cardinals still have five losses from their nine previous games, which gives Kliff Kingsbury some hope. second-half slide in every season he hasnot been a coach. If the season had not fallen apart, the Cardinals would likely have won the NFC West and been competing for or having captured the Super Bowl. No. 1 seed in the entire conference. Aside from all of that, they could have been looking for 14 or 15 wins. Kingsbury must work on it because it lowers his ceiling. Kyler MurraySuper Bowls are won when there is a limit on what a team can accomplish on the field. — Josh Weinfuss
Previous ranking: 9
New Year’s Resolution:Belichick should not be asked about resolutions.
After their Week 16 loss at home against the Bills, Belichick was asked if he had any resolutions. It didn’t work out as expected. Six days later, he was again asked for a follow up via videoconference. He replied, “These would all be personal anyway so they probably wouldn’t mean much to me anyway.” — Mike Reiss
Previous ranking: 10
New Year’s resolutionImprove Joe BurrowProtect yourself
If you haven’t heard it before, the Bengals QB is more at risk than most people are comfortable with. Let’s look at the numbers before we are dissuaded by positive comments. According to NFL Next Gen Stats the Bengals rank 31st for pass block win rates. They were 31st in 2019, and 29th in 2020. Burrow has been contacted 89 times inside the pocket — the third-highest total in the league, per ESPN Stats & Information research. For pass blocking to be at par, the Bengals need to improve on their current players and make some offseason purchases. — Ben Baby
Previous ranking: 12
New Year’s Resolution:Cornerback is a great place to make a large investment
Since GM John Lynch’s arrival in 2017 and HC Kyle Shanahan’s arrival, the Niners have made major investments in key positions like quarterback, left guard and pass-rusher. However, they haven’t done the exact same for cornerback. Cornerback was where the biggest investment was made. Richard ShermanWhen he was recovering from a torn Achilles. The Niners have not taken a cornerback before No. 66, either. San Francisco has a fine raw passing yardage, but is also the NFL’s leader with 19 defensive pass interference penalties. In 2022, a top-level corner could help the 49ers return to elite defense. — Nick Wagoner
Previous ranking: 6
New Year’s resolutionMake Carson WentzMore consistent
The Colts should be grateful that they have the NFL’s top rusher in Jonathan TaylorThey are just one win away (1.734 yards) from him. To acquire Wentz from Philadelphia, the Colts gave up their first-round pick. But, Wentz hasn’t shown the stability to prove that they can win with him long-term. Wentz performed admirably in the fourth quarter against Arizona on Christmas nightHowever, he has problems with overthrows. He also takes too many risks that can still cause anxiety. — Mike Wells
0:58
Ryan Clark and Dan Orlovsky agree that Nick Sirianni’s playcalling and execution are what make the Eagles dangerous during the playoffs.
Previous ranking: 13
New Year’s resolutionDonate Jalen HurtsSome space
General manager Howie Rosenman said that the Eagles wanted to be a “quarterback plant.” It’s a good mindset. Investing in the most important position of pro sports is smart. The QB1 must also feel supported. After the Eagles selected Hurts 2nd round in 2020 NFL Draft, Carson Wentz felt it was in jeopardy. The Eagles might find it tempting to spend some of their attractive draft capital (they have 3 first-round picks this spring) to secure a high-profile quarterback. But Hurts has led his team into the playoffs in his first season as a full-time starter and deserves some breathing room before the Philly brass get the factory running again. — Tim McManus
Previous ranking: 17
New Year’s resolution Less drama
From Jon Gruden’s emailsRapid resignation Henry Ruggs III’s deadly car crashTo Damon ArnetteThe social media profile of’s five walk-off winners to an unlikely playoff chaseTo an offseason (whither) of uncertainty GM Mike Mayock? Interim coach Rich Bisaccia? QB Derek Carr?The Raiders might be able to have a more peaceful 2022. However, they have been resilient and are only one win away of making the playoffs for the second time since 2002 (checks note). — Paul Gutierrez
Previous ranking: 15
New Year’s resolution Re-do Justin HerbertContract
Herbert is in his second year of his rookie agreement and rules are rules. His base salary this year, however, is $1,818,125. But he won’t go hungry and will be paid a lot in his second contract. It seems low for a quarterback with that much experience. a shot of leading his teamIts first playoff berth since 2009. The Pro Bowl’s record holder for TD passes, 35, is now being set by the franchise. This surpasses Philip Rivers and Dan Fouts. Players who did far less are getting far less. Deshaun WatsonAnd Dak Prescott. Herbert has proved himself to be a worthy candidate. — Shelley Smith
Previous ranking: 14
New Year’s Resolution:Find a way for you to stay healthy
The ongoing struggle to overcome injuries has been a constant challenge, from training camp through the end of the regular season. This season, the Ravens have started 75 players, which is tied for 2020. Baltimore has used 45 different players to start at least one game. Even Lamar JacksonEven though he had not missed a game in three of his previous seasons due to injury, he couldn’t help but be sidelined. A right ankle injuryHe has been out of action for three consecutive games. Ravens consider themselves a Super Bowl contender if they are healthy. Baltimore, however, has been a shell this season. — Jamison Hensley
Previous ranking: 16
New Year’s resolutionHelp Tua
The Dolphins’ general manager Chris Grier spent four of the top-90 picks to acquire offensive linemen in 2019. They still have the worst pass blocking offensive line in 2021. With $80 million projected in cap space this offseason and a lot of money to spend on this issue, it’s time for the Dolphins to stop throwing draft selections at it. He should draft an impact runningback on the second day. Grier prefers to wait for Day 3, which shows on the field. Miami will have to make a decision regarding quarterback. Tua TagovailoaIt will be the next season. It needs to either put a supporting castTagovailoa will have people to support him, or help him set up the pieces that will make Tagovailoa a successful successor, should the team decide to move on. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
3:18
Ryan Clark, Byron Leftwich (Byron Leftwich), Jerome Bettis, Jerome Bettis, and Bruce Arians reflect on Ben Roethlisberger’s incredible career with Steelers.
Previous ranking: 19
New Year’s resolutionFind out Ben Roethlisberger“Supplement”
It is it? Mason Rudolph? A first-round rookie? Dare I say, Aaron RodgersOder Russell Wilson? It’s likely not the former, but there are a lot of problems on the offensive side that the Steelers need to address. The Steelers procrastinate on the quarterback succession plan because Roethlisberger is prolonging his career. But the task is due. The Steelers’ run game will need significant help in the offseason for the third consecutive year. However, it all begins with the decision of who the next signal-caller is. — Brooke Pryor
Previous ranking: 18
New Year’s Resolution:With more talent, surround the next QB
A Saints team that has had five different QBs in the last year is clear to prioritize finding the right quarterback for 2022. Jameis WinstonAlthough Winston is the front-runner, the Saints will still consider other options. Winston is an unsigned free agent who has just been released from a torn anterior cruciate ligament. No matter who they choose, the Saints will surround their next quarterback in a better passing game and with a stronger offensive line. Injuries were a significant factor in 2021. WR Michael ThomasThe entire season was missed by the linemen Terron Armstead, Ryan RamczykAnd Andrus PeatThey were not available for much time. The Saints must now make difficult financial decisions about how many of the guys they can bring home in 2022. — Mike Triplett
Previous ranking: 20
New Year’s resolutionEncourage the passing game
It’s too lazy for Cleveland to blame its struggles through the air on the quarterback. Baker MayfieldHe has been suffering from a torn Labrum on his non-throwing right shoulder since Week 2. Mayfield has had his moments, it is certain. But he’s hardly the only reasonThe Browns have one of the most dangerous passing offenses in the league, and that is why they are suddenly so dominant. The Browns need to improve the talent at wide receiver and downfield playmaking. The Browns will target a receiver who is compatible with their WR draft strategy. first pick. — Jake Trotter
Previous ranking: 21
New Year’s resolutionFix the offense
The Broncos are home to 10 different quarterbacks as well as running backs. Phillip LindsaySince 2016, it has been behind the center. But this team’s troubles with the ballYou can go deeper than your quarterback. They refused for most of the four seasons to match the offensive scheme they have drafted or signed to it. They have violated two essential tenets in offense. They routinely call what it can’t block and, if they were asked their defense, “is your offense difficult for you to defend,” they would answer “no.” You can use all your resources to be one of the most fortunate teams in the league. But even the best quarterbacks will struggle if they don’t have the same playbook as the other team. — Jeff Legwold
Previous ranking: 22
New Year’s resolutionA clean start
In 700 days, the Vikings never reached a level of.500. They tried to use a soft rebuilding approach but it didn’t work. They tried to rebuild their defense in an effort to bring back the glory days from 2017, but couldn’t. Mike Zimmer led this team to the playoffs three more times in eight seasons. General manager Rick Spielman brought in draft selections like Brian O’NeillAnd Justin JeffersonAnd the quarterback Kirk CousinsIn 2021, he had one of his best years. Now it’s time to restart and take this franchise in the right direction. with fresh ideas, new leadershipIn 2022, there will be significant changes and improvements across the board. — Courtney Cronin
Previous ranking: 23
New Year’s resolutionLine help — both sides
In real life, it could double as a gift to the quarterback Matt RyanCornerback A.J. TerrellTwo of Atlanta’s most talented players. Arthur Smith, Falcons head coach, wants his team to be physical on the line — and that’s despite other holes on his roster. This is where you should start when looking at offseason. Atlanta is still not able to create a pass rush. No Falcons player has more then 4.5 sacks.Dante Fowler Jr.) or 12 quarterback hits (Grady Jarrett) — and too often quarterbacks sit back and pick apart Atlanta’s secondary, even with Terrell. Ryan has been fired at least once in each of his games, with the exception of two. Ryan has been fired in the first half of Atlanta’s three games. If the Falcons want to win, fixing the fronts must be their top priority. step forward in 2022. — Michael Rothstein
Previous ranking: 24
New Year’s resolutionFind a QB
There are could be so many resolutionsIt all starts with the correct name. Washington will need more than just a new name if he wants to win back his fans. A quarterback is the best source of hope for fans. Washington must be aggressive in looking for one, whether that’s trading for a veteran or finding the right man in the draft. Washington fans have been without hope for quite some time. Give them reason to believe next year might be better. Since 1991, the franchise has had 32 quarterbacks; this is why the team has only won two playoff games since Dan Snyder assumed control. That guy? — John Keim
Previous ranking: 25
New Year’s Resolution:Get more
Sometimes, resolutions for the New Year are not difficult. Lose weight. Be nicer. Read more books. Score more points, as Chicago does. The Bears have an inexorable cycle of poor offense, even this season. only 18 points per game. Is it possible to find a new coach? Maybe, but they’ve been there before. Is it rookie? Justin FieldsEven the answer? Perhaps, again, but it’s difficult to know without proper coaching and schemes. The Bears need some divine intervention. There has been no other solution, so maybe a simple resolution for the New Year is the best way. It’s possible that the points will start to come if you declare it so. Bears fans may have tried it, too. Praying has not worked well, so let’s reconsider. just get that new head coach. — Jesse Rogers
Previous ranking: 26
New Year’s resolutionThird down is better
It’s been the offense’s Achilles’ heel, and one of most difficult aspects of the 6-10 campaign. While the Seahawks rank 28th in offensive yards per play and 28th overall in offensive EPA, they are fifth in both of these categories over first and second. It’s not like their third down struggles are an indication of a poor offense. Before you think! Russell WilsonThe finger injury to Seahawks’ quarterback is the reason. They were 27th in third down conversion rate in their first four games, before he was hurt in Week 5. They were last in the standings at this point and moved up to 27th with a 7-of-12 win over Detroit. — Brady Henderson
Previous ranking: 27
New Year’s Resolution:Invest in an offensive line
I don’t believe that. Sam DarnoldThe Panthers’ quarterback is he. He isn’t, I think. However, it’s impossible to know for sure. how often he’s under duress. Darnold’s lack of protection since joining the NFL as a rookie, and then later with the NFL, should not be an excuse for a quarterback. New York JetsCarolina. Since 2018, he has been fired 2.67 times per week, and 3.3 times this season by the Panthers. It’s no surprise he has been sack. seeing “ghosts”Since 2019. — David Newton
Previous ranking: 28
New Year’s resolutionTrade Deshaun Watson
Both sides have made it clear Watson’s future isn’t in Houston. Both the Dolphins and the Texans have a great team. tried to get a deal doneThe lawsuits against Watson claiming sexual assault and inappropriate conduct prevented this from happening at the trade deadline. Although there is still much to be determined about Watson’s legal status, it is clear that the Texans will soon be able to move on with the franchise. — Sarah Barshop
Previous ranking: 30
New Year’s resolutionRobert Saleh needs some defense players
The Jets rank 32nd in yardage allowed and points, but have surrendered 477 points, a record for the franchise. This is not a coaching problem, it’s a talent problem. Think about this: The previous record was 457. It was set last season with a completely new staff and scheme. Saleh, a former defensive coach, requires help at all three levels of the game, including safety and linebacker. Four draft picks were made by the Jets in the first two rounds. There should be an investigation if there are at least two draft picks that are not on defense. — Rich Cimini
1:49
Dan Orlovsky takes aim at Joe Judge’s attempt for coachspeak to sound like Bill Belichick and says that it will make the Giants’ team tune him out.
Previous ranking: 29
New Year’s resolutionCompetent
Is it too much? In five seasons straight, the Giants have lost by double digits. Joe Judge said after Sunday’s loss at the Bears, that this was the “real deal”.ain’t some clown show organization.” Let’s see some on-field evidence to back that up. In this year’s resolution, the Giants are setting a low bar. This is what happens to an organization that misses the playoffs five times in a row or in nine of the 10 seasons. — Jordan Raanan
Previous ranking: 31
New Year’s Resolution:A record of success
It is hard to believe how many losses Lions fans have had over the years. The city is hungry for success in football, with only one playoff victory since 1957. Although they have had some great players and good coaching, the city just cannot seem to get it all together. Let’s not think about the playoffs. Instead, let us focus on the regular season as our New Year’s Resolution. A winning record is a good starting point. This hasn’t been possible since 2017, when Jim Caldwell had just completed his second 9-7 season. That’ll be a good result if Dan Campbell can produce at least.500. — Eric Woodyard
Previous ranking: 32
New Year’s Resolution:Hire a coach right away
Shad Khan never did that in his 10 year tenure as an owner. Even the one decision he made right, bringing back Tom Coughlin and hiring Doug Marrone as football czar, backfired spectacularly after a good season. This was a loss year. Trevor LawrenceThe franchise is at serious risk. potentially ruining his careerKhan will not be hired as a head coach if he fails to pass another hiring process. Khan has a poor track record and it is difficult to believe that he will make the right decision. — Mike DiRocco