NFL power rankings: Where the LA Chargers rank before training camp
By Jason Reed
NFL power rankings, teams 22-18:
22. New York Jets
Call me crazy, but I am buying New York Jets stock heading into the 2022 season. The only problem is that Zach Wilson is a huge question mark but if he pans out, this is a team that can compete in the playoffs perhaps as early as next year. They absolutely killed the draft, have a great head coach and have a great core in place. Wilson is the big x-factor.
21. Cleveland Browns
It is unclear whether or not Deshaun Watson will play this season but it seems more likely than not that he won't play. If so, the Browns, who have a talented roster outside of QB, will stay close in games and be competitive, but will ultimately be burned, yet again, at QB.
20. New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints did fix one of their biggest problems at the receiver position and the team should still have one of the better defenses in the league next season. That being said, first-year head coach Dennis Allen is a question mark, as is the quarterback position. New Orleans is running it back with Jameis Winston next season.
19. Miami Dolphins
This entire page thus far has been about teams who have talent on the roster but also have an unknown under center. They can climb the list during the season as well as quickly fall. Miami is very obviously in this category with Tua, who is entering a make-or-break season in 2022.
18. Minnesota Vikings
Kirk Cousins is the most perfectly average quarterback in the league. He can win games with a lot of talent around him but he is not going to single-handily push a team over the edge. That being said, he has a great receiving corps, an improved defense and a relatively easy schedule. Minnesota should contend for a playoff spot in the soft NFC.