ESPN releases way too early NFL power rankings for 2022 season

The Los Angeles Rams are Super Bowl champions after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Just days after the official conclusion of the 2021 season, ESPN has released a way too early look at power rankings for the 2022 NFL season. With many major changes coming to a number of teams during the offseason, these rankings will undoubtedly change many times over the coming weeks and months.

ESPN’s way too early 2022 NFL power rankings

1. Kansas City Chiefs
2. Buffalo Bills
3. Los Angeles Rams
4. Green Bay Packers
5. Cincinnati Bengals
6. San Francisco 49ers
7. Dallas Cowboys
8. Tennessee Titans
9. New England Patriots
10. Arizona Cardinals
11. Los Angeles Chargers
12. Baltimore Ravens
13. Indianapolis Colts
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
15. Las Vegas Raiders
16. Cleveland Browns
17. Miami Dolphins
18. Pittsburgh Steelers
19. Philadelphia Eagles
20. Minnesota Vikings
21. Denver Broncos
22. New Orleans Saints
23. Seattle Seahawks
24. Atlanta Falcons
25. Washington Commanders
26. Chicago Bears
27. New York Giants
28. New York Jets
29. Carolina Panthers
30. Detroit Lions
31. Houston Texans
32. Jacksonville Jaguars

The quarterback carousel has already impacted the outlook for next season

There are a number of questions surrounding the quarterback situations for many teams around the league entering the offseason. Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger have announced their retirements, while Aaron Rodgers again has an uncertain future with the Green Bay Packers. Without Brady, the Buccaneers fall to 14th in ESPN’s way too early NFL power rankings. The Steelers come in at 18th, with the Packers holding firm in the top five, assuming they hold onto Rodgers.

In addition to the Buccaneers, Steelers, and Packers, many other teams face uncertain futures at the position. Deshaun Watson’s status remains unknown. If he returns next season, will it be in Houston? Or will he be traded elsewhere? Other possible trade candidates include Jimmy Garoppolo (San Francisco 49ers) and Carson Wentz (Indianapolis Colts), and a few other names have been thrown around as well.

The Los Angeles Rams won the Super Bowl, finishing the 2021 season on top. But the Rams face some questions entering the offseason as well. There has been speculation about the possible early retirement of star defensive lineman Aaron Donald, as well as head coach Sean McVay. Los Angeles defeated the Cincinnati Bengals, who round out the top five in ESPN’s 2022 NFL power rankings. The Bengals’ main goal in the offseason is to solidify the offensive line, and they have plenty of cap space to address that position.

NFL teams must place the franchise tag or transition tag on eligible players by 4 p.m. ET on March 8 if they intend to do so. There is a negotiating period ahead of free agency on March 14, prior to free agency opening on March 16. Trading will be allowed on March 16 as well. The 2022 NFL Draft is set to take place from April 28-30 in Las Vegas.