NFL power rankings Cowboys Packers climb

NFL power rankings Cowboys Packers climb

Week Zach Cunningham Jersey 16 in the NFL had more of a playoff feel to it throughout the league as the playoff picture is starting to come into final focus with the end of the 2022 regular season fast approaching.The winter wonderland around Christmas is a chilling reminder the new year is coming and only 14 teams can play in the tournament for Super Bowl 57. Some of the best championship contenders flexed by either grinding out tough victories or finding a complete groove.Even the teams near the bottom found some extra competitive spirit for the holidays. It's time to deck the halls with another edition of Sporting News NFL power rankings, from still a most cheerful No. 1 to a a happier than usual No. 32:MORE: 1. Philadelphia Eagles 13-2 (previous week: 1)The Eagles gave it a great fight with Gardner Minshew and scored plenty with DeVonta Smith and others to win in Dallas, but they had to be a little concerned about key pa s defense breakdowns given their pre sure prowe s and secondary strength. They are still the team to beat in the NFC but the D remains key.2. Buffalo Bills 12-3 (2)The Bills' offense still isn't the explosive machine that everyone expected, but it remains powered by the freight train Josh Allen and now he's getting the right late-season locomotive help from the traditional running game and defense.3. Kansas City Chiefs 12-3 (3)The Chiefs are manufacturing offense in different ways as running backs Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon have become legitimate big-weapons to play well off Travis Kelce. Their defense also showed some needed timely pop against the Seahawks.4. San Francisco 49ers 11-4 (4)The 49ers' rolled their eighth straight victory as Brock Purdy continues to take advantage of elite blocking and premier weapons such as Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle. The defense makes a rookie QB's life much easier, too.5. Dallas Cowboys 11-4 (7)The Cowboys needed the win over the Eagles more for their confidence as real Super Bowl contenders out of the NFC vs. thinking they can still win the NFC East. Dak Prescott did have more interception woes, but he recovered in a much-needed way. (Getty Images) 6. Cincinnati Bengals 11-4 (5)The Bengals got a little sloppy and perhaps overconfident in finding easy offense vs. the Patriots in New England and were fortunate to win and stay in first place in the AFC North. Joe Burrow has been great, but he could be better by avoiding a few key mistakes.7. Minnesota Vikings 12-3 (6)The Vikings aren't lucky. They put themselves in position to win with good offensive play design that involves top skill players Justin Jefferson, Dalvin Cook and T.J. Houston Texans Hats Hockenson at the right times. They also proved defense and special teams can be a factor when needed.8. Baltimore Ravens 10-5 (9)The Ravens didn't change much without Lamar Jackson as Tyler Huntley continues to grind with a run-heavy offense. The defense coming through again without Calais Campbell and Marcus Peters was impre sive.9. Los Angeles Chargers 9-6 (8)The Chargers are surging at the right time with Justin Herbert and have also find more of a running game to match their pa sing juice with Austin Ekeler and others. Watch out if their defense can keep making more of an impact.10. Miami Dolphins 8-7 (10)The Dolphins, even after four consecutive lo ses, seem be the the unofficial dividing line for teams with a real shot at winning the Super Bowl because of their offensive firepower, but Tua Tagovailoa's mistakes increasing near the end of the season is concerning. (Getty Images) 11. New York Giants 8-6 J J Watt T Shirts -1 (11)The Giants have had a lot of positives this season, including Daniel Jones showing some of the qualities of a franchise QB while being supported by a healthy Saquon Barkley and a better offense. The goal next year for Brian Daboll is getting the right receiving pop and improved run stoppers.12. Jacksonville Jaguars 7-8 (16)The Jaguars have figured out everything offensively around breakout franchise QB Trevor Lawrence and despite their defensive struggles, are developing into a dangerous team for the AFC playoffs because of Doug Pederson's Super Bowl pedigree.MORE: 13. Washington Commanders 7-7-1 (13)The Commanders' uncertainty at quarterback between Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke is interesting for a playoff-positioned team. Their defense has been a backbone of late, but it got a real wakeup call in San Francisco.14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7-8 (19)The Buccaneers were able to escape the Cardinals because of more late Tom Brady heroics to shake off some early Brady mistakes and more inept pa sing. But their defense is getting big breaks at the right time.15. Detroit Lions 7-8 (12)The Lions have been an explosive offense and have excelled as a home team this season, but their i sues overall defensively and not being able to play as well on the road will likely cost them Justin Britt Jersey a playoff shot under Dan Campbell. (Getty Images) 16. Tenne see Titans 7-8 (14)The Titans may not be able to salvage another AFC South title and a wild-card berth with rookie Malik Willis thrust into an overwhelming starting QB role without Ryan Tannehill. Their rash of injuries on both sides of the ball and offensive limitations away from Derrick Henry also have been magnified.17. Seattle Seahawks 7-8 (15)The Seahawks have had major i sues stopping the run and containing tight ends all season and those problems were prevalent as they lost again in Kansas City with not enough offense to compensate. They have overachieved regardle s but finishing below .500 is disappointing.18. Green Bay Packers 7-8 (21)The Packers amazingly are in control of their playoff fate after their ma sive win in Miami to stay alive. You can bet the Vikings don't want to see Aaron Rodgers in the playoffs right away at home. The Packers will be laser focused on beating the Vikings and Lions to end the season with much of it on Rodgers' play.MORE: 19. Pittsburgh Steelers 7-8 (23)Counting out Rodgers is much like counting out Mike Tomlin. They both have their Super Bowl rings for a reason as great Houston Texans Jersey competitors who dig deep to make the most of what they have. Tomlin's master motivation is being seen most in the defense, as expected.20. New England Patriots 7-8 (17)The Patriots were getting ripped by the Bengals' offense and could do nothing around Mac Jones before a desperate and aggre sive defensive approach worked. Unfortunately, the personnel and execution in big close games isn't the same under Bill Belichick. (Rich Grae sle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) 21. New York Jets 7-8 (18)The Jets' offense went into the tank against a shaky Jaguars run d

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