Ah, can you feel that happy energy in the air? Do you hear that glorious sound of pads hitting and freshly-cut grass being torn up by sharp cleats?
Yes, with training camps in full swing and the 2022 NFL preseason right around the corner, meaningful football is almost back. We made it, you made it, and we should all be proud of ourselves for staying (somewhat) patient. What a time to be alive.
Every new NFL season carries a unique intrigue and fresh hope for all 32 fanbases (no matter how misguided). But between the litany of young and veteran stars across the board — 2022 could be a special year to watch.
For example, a certain snakebitten franchise in Western New York might finally get over the hump thanks to their dynamic superstar under center. Meanwhile, the arguable ever-aging GOAT may add ring No. 8 to hands that are already full of diamonds. Plus, within L.A’s vast city limits, the defending champs reside along with some worthy upstarts ready to put themselves on the map.
And that’s describing only four heavyweight squads with a lot on their plates.
Here are For The Win’s preseason power rankings for the 2022 NFL season.
32
Houston Texans
Notable additions: Derek Stingley Jr. (CB), Kenyon Green (G), Jalen Pitre (S)
Notable departures: Deshaun Watson (QB), Tyrod Taylor (QB), Justin Reid (S)
2021 record and finish: 4-13 (missed playoffs)
The Texans have some nice young pieces in place. 2022 will merely be about figuring out who among them can stay and who is replaceable.
Laremy Tunsil is a man of few words. He said he’s feeling great when asked about recovering from his injury last year.
What has he seen from Kenyon Green?
“Dog”
What do you think about Davis Mills and what he brings this upcoming season?
“Dog”#WeAreTexans #Texans
— Cody Stoots (@Cody_Stoots) August 1, 2022
31
Chicago Bears
Notable additions: Riley Reiff (OT), Michael Schofield (OT/G), Kyler Gordon (CB), Jaquan Brisker (S)
Notable departures: Khalil Mack (EDGE), Allen Robinson (WR), Akiem Hicks (DT), Andy Dalton (QB)
2021 record and finish: 6-11 (missed playoffs)
Darnell Mooney is delightful, and Roquan Smith is quite good. Yet, with a patchwork offensive line, an otherwise putrid receiving corps, and a very green secondary, the Bears should simply look ahead to 2023 before they hurt themselves too much. Poor, poor Justin Fields.
30
New York Giants
Notable additions: Kayvon Thibodeaux (DE), Evan Neal (OT), Wan’Dale Robinson (WR), Tyrod Taylor (QB)
Notable departures: Evan Engram (TE), Nate Solder (OT), Will Hernandez (G)
2021 record and finish: 4-13 (missed playoffs)
New York’s immensely easy schedule could ultimately hamper plans to replace Daniel Jones. The Giants may win more games than you expect, but this is still a bad team staring up at its future — one now in the hands of first-year coach Brian Daboll.
"That's pretty great. It had me juiced up like, 'okay, okay, okay.'"
Kadarius Toney appreciated Brian Daboll and the Giants playing his music in practice: pic.twitter.com/CBLZSKWk7v
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) July 29, 2022
29
Carolina Panthers
Notable additions: Ikem Ekwonu (OT), Baker Mayfield (QB), Matt Corral (QB), Austin Corbett (G)
Notable departures: Cam Newton (QB), Stephon Gilmore (CB)
2021 record and finish: 5-12 (missed playoffs)
The Panthers did the right thing by drafting a legitimate long-term franchise book-end in Ikem Ekwonu. Unfortunately, Carolina can’t morph its glorified journeymen cast of quarterbacks in Baker Mayfield, rookie Matt Corral, and Sam Darnold into one capable passer.
… They really can’t, right? Just checking.
Baker Mayfield and Robbie Anderson are looking good together 🙌 pic.twitter.com/yISkL91H8Z
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) August 2, 2022
28
Seattle Seahawks
Notable additions: Charles Cross (OT), Boye Mafe (EDGE), Noah Fant (TE), Abraham Lucas (OT)
Notable departures: Russell Wilson (QB), Bobby Wagner (LB), Duane Brown (OT)
2021 record and finish: 7-10 (missed playoffs)
I’m not entirely sure what the Seahawks are trying to be after jettisoning several veterans but not quite buying into a rebuild. Pete Carroll appears content to run a throwback, run-first offense this fall. We’ll see if his counter-culture play works out.
Pete Carroll to DK Metcalf: "you want to take our shirts off again?"
DK: "No." pic.twitter.com/Zm7unshyPo
— John Boyle (@johnpboyle) July 29, 2022
27
Atlanta Falcons
Notable additions: Drake London (WR), Marcus Mariota (QB)
Notable departures: Matt Ryan (QB), Calvin Ridley (WR/suspension), Duron Harmon (S), Russell Gage (WR)
2021 record and finish: 7-10 (missed playoffs)
A serviceable Marcus Mariota paired with Drake London and Kyle Pitts should mean a ton of acrobatic, high-flying touchdowns in Atlanta. And the Falcons will need every last point because that turnstile defense isn’t stopping any opposing offense that’s even halfway competent.
Mariota to Kyle Pitts. Touchdown. #Falcons pic.twitter.com/7oxk2h3EhO
— Kevin Knight (@FalcoholicKevin) July 30, 2022
26
Detroit Lions
Notable additions: Aidan Hutchinson (DE), Jameson Williams (WR), Jeff Okudah (CB/from injury), D.J. Chark (WR), Josh Reynolds (WR),
Notable departures: Trey Flowers (DE), Jalen Reeves-Maybin (OLB)
2021 record and finish: 3-13-1 (missed playoffs)
Dan Campbell fielded a competitive team in 2021 despite an abject lack of talent. The roster is better in 2022, but this remains a rebuild. The playoffs are a long shot, but Detroit has the chops to ruin several other seasons on its way to six or seven wins.
For Dan Campbell and his Detroit Lions, it’s all about grit.#HardKnocks with the @Lions starts August 9 on @HBOMax pic.twitter.com/z8Cawt6Khp
— NFL (@NFL) August 2, 2022
25
Jacksonville Jaguars
Notable additions: Christian Kirk (WR), Travon Walker (EDGE), Zay Jones (WR), Brandon Scherff (G), Darious Williams (CB), Evan Engram (TE)
Notable departures: Andrew Norwell (G), D.J. Chark (WR),
2021 record and finish: 3-14 (missed playoffs)
Doug Pederson is a significant coaching upgrade from the loathsome, checked-out Urban Meyer. But that’s also not a high bar. Barring a dramatic leap from hopeful wunderkind Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville has its work cut out.
trevor lawrence rocks pic.twitter.com/Wxzh3FOTEV
— Derrik Klassen (@QBKlass) August 2, 2022
24
Cleveland Browns
Notable additions: Deshaun Watson (QB), Amari Cooper (WR)
Notable departures: J.C. Tretter (C), Jarvis Landry (WR)
2021 record: 8-9 (missed playoffs)
Cleveland is loaded with talent, has a capable head coach and mortgaged its future for a quarterback who faced more than 20 accusations of sexual misconduct as a Houston Texan. This should have been a fun team to watch, but it’ll be difficult to feel any kind of positives toward this trainwreck franchise.
23
Washington Commanders
Notable additions: Carson Wentz (QB), Andrew Norwell (G), Jahan Dotson (WR), Phidarian Mathis (DT)
Notable departures: Brandon Scherff (G), Landon Collins (S), DeAndre Carter (WR)
2021 record and finish: 7-10 (missed playoffs)
Washington has some of the loftier ambitions of any NFL team because they’ll try to succeed where the actually well-run Eagles and Colts failed before them: Win with Carson Wentz. Good luck, folks.
Carson Wentz intercepted for the third time today. Was looking for Terry McLaurin on a deep comeback. Bobby McCain jumped the route and picked it easily
— Ethan Cadeaux (@Ethan_Cadeaux) August 1, 2022
22
New York Jets
Notable additions: Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner (CB), Garrett Wilson (WR), Jermaine Johnson II (DE), Breece Hall (RB), Jeremy Ruckert (TE)
Notable departures: Morgan Moses (OT), Jamison Crowder (WR), Marcus Maye (S)
2021 record and finish: 4-13 (missed playoffs)
Zach Wilson was 2021’s worst starting quarterback. By a lot. Fortunately, he’s surrounded by more talent for 2022. If he doesn’t make significant improvements this year, the poor Jets are screwed. Again.
The good news: @ZachWilson turns 23 today! 🎂
The bad news: he doesn't read our tweets 😭 pic.twitter.com/Hj9NyccndJ
— New York Jets UK (@NYJetsinUK) August 3, 2022
21
Minnesota Vikings
Notable additions: Za’Darius Smith (EDGE), Jordan Hicks (LB), Andrew Booth Jr. (CB), Lewis Cine (S)
Notable departures: Tyler Conklin (TE), Everson Griffen (DE), Anthony Barr (LB), Michael Pierce (DT),
2021 record and finish: 8-9 (missed playoffs)
Justin Jefferson’s the best receiver in football, and there are other bright young pieces like Andrew Booth Jr. But, with Kirk Cousins still padding his stats and not much else — Minnesota’s in a pseudo-rebuild. They don’t seem to know it.
Highlight so far: Andrew Booth picks off Kirk Cousins in team drills, on an out route. Looks like he could have run it for 6
— Arif Hasan, former hexagon (@ArifHasanNFL) July 27, 2022
20
Pittsburgh Steelers
Notable additions: Mitchell Trubisky (QB), Kenny Pickett (QB), George Pickens (WR)
Notable departures: Ben Roethlisberger (QB), Juju Smith-Schuster (WR), Stephon Tuitt (DE)
2021 record and finish: 9-7-1 (lost AFC Wild Card Game)
Pittsburgh should have a stout defense, and an upgraded offensive line will help clear space for Najee Harris. The question is whether Mitchell Trubisky or Kenny Pickett can merely be competent enough to keep opponents from constantly loading the box against them.
mike tomlin already cemented himself as one of the best coaches of this era by getting the corpse of big ben into the playoffs twice in a league dominated by good QB play
but if he gets a winning record with mitch trubisky and/or kenny pickett put in the HOF on the spot
— Tej Seth (@tejfbanalytics) August 4, 2022
19
New England Patriots
Notable additions: Cole Strange (G), Tyquan Thornton (WR), Marcus Jones (CB), Malcolm Butler (CB)
Notable departures: J.C. Jackson (CB), Shaq Mason (G), Ted Karras (C), Dont’a Hightower (LB)
2021 record and finish: 10-7 (lost AFC Wild Card Game)
You have to give Bill Belichick the benefit of the doubt. Even when it doesn’t seem like he has a plan, the arguable GOAT coach is probably devising something brilliant. However, this time around, it’s harder to discern what he has in mind.
Belichick says the #Patriots are dedicating today’s practice to fixing mistakes from the past two days.
What specifically?
“Everything.” pic.twitter.com/iyiNMb7Q7W
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) August 3, 2022
18
New Orleans Saints
Notable additions: Tyrann Mathieu (S), Chris Olave (WR), Trevor Penning (OT), Jarvis Landry (WR), Marcus Maye (S)
Notable departures: Sean Payton (head coach), Terron Armstead (OT), Malcolm Jenkins (S)
2021 record and finish: 9-8 (missed playoffs)
Jameis Winston, Michael Thomas and Chris Olave *could* work. Or this whole operation could collapse in upon itself in the first year without Sean Payton at the helm. Either or, really.
Rookie offensive lineman Trevor Penning continues to make friends with the #Saints defense. First he got into with J.T. Gray, then it was Scott Pachan. pic.twitter.com/BkqpRb08Wd
— Garland Gillen (@garlandgillen) August 2, 2022
17
Arizona Cardinals
Notable additions: Marquise Brown (WR), Trey McBride (TE), Cameron Thomas (EDGE), Myjai Sanders (EDGE)
Notable departures: Chandler Jones (EDGE), Christian Kirk (WR), Jordan Phillips (DT), Jordan Hicks (LB)
2021 record and finish: 11-6 (lost NFC Wild Card Game)
Offseason drama aside, Kyler Murray remains a promising quarterback. The only problem is that his coach, Kliff Kingsbury, seems to be in over his head as a play-caller, offensive schemer, and well — everything that comes with the job title of “head coach.” That holds Arizona’s potential as a team way back.
Kyler Murray is the only player in NFL history with 70 touchdown passes and 20 rushing touchdowns in his first 3 seasons. https://t.co/FVQH3fDhxS
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 21, 2022
16
Miami Dolphins
Notable additions: Tyreek Hill (WR), Terron Armstead (OT), Channing Tindall (LB), Erik Ezukanma (WR)
Notable departures: Jacoby Brissett (QB)
2021 record and finish: 9-8 (missed playoffs)
The table has been set for Tua Tagovailoa, who received offseason upgrades in nearly every facet of his offense. He’ll need to be more effective downfield in order to end the Dolphins’ five-year playoff drought.
Tua on why he thinks his bomb to Tyreek Hill went so viral: because people don’t think I can throw the ball far. Hard to be in the NFL if you can’t throw the ball, right? pic.twitter.com/jU94sRfvGI
— Brendan Tobin (@Brendan_Tobin) August 3, 2022
15
Indianapolis Colts
Notable additions: Matt Ryan (QB), Yannick Ngakoue (DE), Stephon Gilmore (CB), Bernhard Raimann (OT), Alec Pierce (WR)
Notable departures: Carson Wentz (QB), Rock Ya-Sin (CB), Xavier Rhodes (CB), Al-Quadin Muhammad (DE), Eric Fisher (OT)
2021 record and finish: 9-8 (missed playoffs)
GM Chris Ballard is now on his third consecutive stopgap veteran QB, this time putting the onus on Matt Ryan. A well-balanced Colts squad could be an AFC dark horse if the elder statesman makes the third time the charm and has anything worthwhile left in the tank.
Leaders in big time throws while under pressure last season
🎯 Josh Allen: 20
🎯 Matt Ryan: 16 pic.twitter.com/VUStrcW2RS— PFF IND Colts (@PFF_Colts) July 30, 2022
14
Tennessee Titans
Notable additions: Treylon Burks (WR), Roger McCreary (CB), Nicholas Petit-Frere (OT), Malik Willis (QB), Austin Hooper (TE)
Notable departures: A.J. Brown (WR), Julio Jones (WR), Rodger Saffold (G)
2021 record and finish: 12-5 (lost in AFC Divisional Round)
Mike Vrabel’s defense leveled up in 2021 to carry the Titans to the AFC’s top seed despite missing Derrick Henry and an awful season from Ryan Tannehill. That unit should only be better in 2022.
Most touchdowns scored over the last 5 seasons
Alvin Kamara 68
Derrick Henry 63
Todd Gurley 63
Davante Adams 57
Tyreek Hill 55
Melvin Gordon 55@A_kamara6 on top pic.twitter.com/bxa27j9eYY— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) March 30, 2022
13
Dallas Cowboys
Notable additions: Tyler Smith (OT), Sam Williams (DE), Jalen Tolbert (WR)
Notable departures: Amari Cooper (WR), La’el Collins (OT)
2021 record and finish: 12-5 (lost NFC Wild Card Game)
Dallas has ample star power, a ton of depth, and a top-level quarterback. Realistically, they should be one of the NFC’s top teams. But much of that status hinges on whether Mike McCarthy can help himself from screwing everything up again.
Most Pass Yards per Game over the last 3 seasons
Dak Prescott 302.9
Patrick Mahomes 295.9
Justin Herbert 292.2
Tom Brady 285.8 pic.twitter.com/4XBnFpAriV— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) August 1, 2022
12
San Francisco 49ers
Notable additions: Drake Jackson (DE), Danny Gray (WR)
Notable departures: Raheem Mostert (RB), Alex Mack (C), Laken Tomlinson (G), Jaquiski Tartt (S)
2021 record and finish: 10-7 (lost NFC Championship Game)
There’s a lot riding on Trey Lance, though he merely has to be better than Jimmy Garoppolo to give San Francisco an upgrade at quarterback. A deep ground game and the run-after-catch capabilities of Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle should help considerably.
Trey Area is in full effect 🔥
(via @49ers) | @treylance09 pic.twitter.com/V1ubakeEL4
— NFL On Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) July 31, 2022
11
Las Vegas Raiders
Notable additions: Davante Adams (WR), Chandler Jones (EDGE), Rock Ya-Sin (CB), Duron Harmon (S), Bilal Nichols (DT)
Notable departures: Yannick Ngakoue (DE), Carl Nassib (DE), Zay Jones (WR), Casey Hayward (CB)
2021 record and finish: 10-7 (lost AFC Wild Card Game)
Between the reunion of BFFs Adams and Derek Carr, the signing of Chandler Jones, and the hire of Josh McDaniels — there’s an imaginable scenario where the new-look Raiders push a lot of teams this season. Las Vegas is finally playing with house money and has the poker face to match.
This Derek Carr to Davante Adams connection is going to be dangerous ☠️ pic.twitter.com/G8yDCTpjwC
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) July 28, 2022
10
Philadelphia Eagles
Notable additions: A.J. Brown (WR), Jordan Davis (DT), Cam Jurgens (C)
Notable departures: Rodney McLeod (S), Steven Nelson (CB)
2021 record and finish: 9-8 (lost NFC Wild Card Game)
Philadelphia was one of the offseason’s most active teams. Jalen Hurts is surrounded by talent. If he can level up his passing game, Philly has the chops to upend Dallas’ NFC East title defense.
“We’re going from being best friends to being best friends on the field”
-Jalen Hurts says he and AJ Brown are building every day pic.twitter.com/vdP267sTQV
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) August 2, 2022
9
Baltimore Ravens
Notable additions: Tyler Linderbaum (C), Kyle Hamilton (S), David Ojabo (EDGE), Morgan Moses (OT)
Notable departures: Marquise Brown (WR), Devonta Freeman (RB), Latavius Murray (RB)
2021 record and finish: 8-9 (missed playoffs)
The Ravens aren’t accustomed to failure. They didn’t play meaningful January football for the first time in Lamar Jackson’s career and responded accordingly by opening up their checkbook (ironically, except in the case of Jackson) and hit on pick after pick in April’s draft.
There are 37 days until the NFL season 🙌
We're throwing it back to @Lj_era8's 37-yard run into the end zone in 2020😤🔥
(📹: @Ravens)pic.twitter.com/jo2w1ITSFX
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) August 2, 2022
8
Denver Broncos
Notable additions: Russell Wilson (QB), Billy Turner (OT), Nik Bonitto (EDGE), Greg Dulcich (TE)
Notable departures: Noah Fant (TE), Teddy Bridgewater (QB), Drew Lock (QB)
2021 record and finish: 7-10 (missed playoffs)
Russell Wilson not only gets to cook outside of Pete Carroll’s influence but gets arguably the best young receiving corps in his new Denver home. 2021’s defense underwhelmed; can a loaded secondary change that in 2022?
Year 11… still got that new car smell! pic.twitter.com/4Jfy8XPOHR
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) July 26, 2022
7
Green Bay Packers
Notable additions: Quay Walker (LB), Devonte Wyatt (DT), Sean Rhyan (G), Sammy Watkins (WR)
Notable departures: Davante Adams (WR), Marquez Valdez-Scantling, Billy Turner (OT), Za’Darius Smith (EDGE)
2021 record and finish: 13-4 (lost in NFC Divisional Round)
Replacing Davante Adams will be no easy task, but the Packers have the reigning back-to-back MVP on their side. They also might have one of the league’s truly elite defenses with rising stars like Rashan Gary blooming.
Brian Gutekunst says he'd like to just put Rashan Gary in "bubble wrap" and save him for regular season. He's very pleased with his 4th-year edge rusher: "All the physical skills, and knowing what's going to happen before it happens, is coming together. He's wrecking practice."
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) August 3, 2022
6
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Notable additions: Julio Jones (WR), Logan Hall (DT), Luke Goedeke (G)
Notable departures: Rob Gronkowski (TE), Ali Marpet (G), Alex Cappa (G), Jordan Whitehead (S), Jason Pierre-Paul (DE), Ndamukong Suh (DT)
2021 record and finish: 13-4 (lost in NFC Divisional Round)
Tom Brady is back after leading the league in passing yards and touchdowns at age 44. He’ll have one of the league’s best WR corps as well. Expect another division title in Tampa.
45 years old and not slowing down. Happy birthday to the 🐐 @TomBrady! pic.twitter.com/MvudLKt6OS
— NFL (@NFL) August 3, 2022
5
Los Angeles Chargers
Notable additions: Khalil Mack (EDGE), J.C. Jackson (CB), Zion Johnson (G)
Notable departures: Jared Cook (TE), Michael Schofield (OT/G), Justin Jones (DT)
2021 record and finish: 9-8 (missed playoffs)
After barely missing the playoffs last year, the other LA team brought in human titan Khalil Mack and pick magnet J.C. Jackson. In other words, Justin Herbert’s a bona fide superstar who finally has a supporting cast to match. The only question is whether this “Dream Team” of sorts can amass the necessary chemistry needed to be a contender.
“They were cheering for Khalil Mack.” – Justin Herbert on fans chanting “MVP”
— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) July 27, 2022
4
Cincinnati Bengals
Notable additions: La’el Collins (OT), Alex Cappa (G), Ted Karras (C)
Notable departures: C.J. Uzomah (TE), Larry Ogunjobi (DT), Riley Reiff (OT)
2021 record and finish: 10-7 (lost Super Bowl)
Cincinnati filled in its biggest holes by adding three new starters to the offensive line and drafting defensive backs in the first two rounds. Will opposing defenses catch up to Joe Burrow, or will he enter the MVP race in 2022?
The Bengals got an elite right tackle in La'el Collins pic.twitter.com/LTn6xy0nYH
— Mike (@bengals_sans) August 3, 2022
3
Kansas City Chiefs
Notable additions: Juju Smith-Schuster (WR), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR), Trent McDuffie (CB), George Karlaftis (DE), Skyy Moore (WR)
Notable departures: Tyreek Hill (WR), Anthony Hitchens (LB)
2021 record and finish: 12-5 (lost AFC Championship Game)
Generating consistent and explosive offense without Tyreek Hill will be extremely tough. Especially at first. But this is Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid we’re talking about. Even if the Chiefs get off to a slow start, they’ll be in top form by December like they always are.
Nobody:
Patrick Mahomes throwing a touchdown pass: pic.twitter.com/ZhK3CsFif5
— Oluwajomiloju (@JomiAdeniran) October 3, 2021
2
Los Angeles Rams
Notable additions: Bobby Wagner (LB), Allen Robinson (WR)
Notable departures: Von Miller (EDGE), Odell Beckham Jr. (WR), Darious Williams (CB)
2021 record and finish: 12-5 (won Super Bowl)
The reigning champions probably should have taken the top spot, but questions linger after a few key losses in the lineup. How will this team fare without Von Miller, Darious Williams, or Odell Beckham Jr.? And which veterans will Les Snead trade away his draft picks for if he needs reinforcements this fall?
Look ma, one hand. 👋
1️⃣ @AllenRobinson pic.twitter.com/Ob3srlhx6u
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 4, 2022
1
Buffalo Bills
Notable additions: Von Miller (EDGE), Tre’Davious White (CB/from injury), Rodger Saffold (G), Kair Elam (CB)
Notable departures: Mario Addison (DE), Cole Beasley (WR), Levi Wallace (CB)
2021 record and finish: 11-6 (lost in AFC Divisional Round)
After another stinging playoff defeat, the Bills added Missing Puzzle Piece, Von Miller. They’ll also see the return of shutdown corner Tre’Davious White from injury. Oh, and don’t forget that Josh Allen is a cyborg pretending to be a quarterback. At times, an average offensive line could hold Buffalo back, but this team’s on a hell-bent Lombardi Trophy mission. It’ll be hard to see anyone stop them.
"Our goal is to win the Super Bowl…that's it for us."@BuffaloBills QB Josh Allen on managing expectations for this season. #Bills | #BillsMafia | #NFLTrainingCampTour pic.twitter.com/qieZi2PNC9
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) August 2, 2022
