NFL Power Rankings To End Regular Season | How Do Football Teams Rank 2021

Last Updated: Jan 12, 2022

The 2021 NFL regular season is over, and the playoffs are just about ready to begin. But before we get there, let’s take a look back at the year and rank all 32 teams based on the 2021-2022 season.

Additionally, we’ll take a look at the current Super Bowl odds for the 14 playoff teams and what the other 18 teams need to do this offseason to get back on track.

Without further ado, let’s get to the rankings.

All NFL gameday odds are courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook and are current as of 12:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 11.

NFL Power Rankings for 2021-2022 Season

32. New York Giants (4-13) ⬇️ 1

  • Super Bowl Odds: N/A

We have a new team at No. 32, and it’s the New York Giants.

The Giants lost six consecutive games to finish the season and scored a combined 26 points in their final four games. Joe Judge looks like he is going to have a third year with them, which feels like a mistake.

This is a team going nowhere with a coach who clearly doesn’t know how to help the offense.

31. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-14) ⬆️ 1

  • Super Bowl Odds: N/A

The Jaguars upset the Colts in Week 18, and it wasn’t a fluke. They clearly outplayed them on both sides of the ball and Trevor Lawrence played the best game of his career.

That type of effort by the defense and quarterback play from Lawrence should give them some hope and some positive momentum heading into the offseason.


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30. Carolina Panthers (5-12) ↔️

  • Super Bowl Odds: N/A

After a 3-0 start, the Panthers went 2-12 to finish the season. They are no closer to competing now than when Matt Rhule took over at the beginning of the 2020 season. They still need a franchise quarterback and the defense looks like it has regressed.

It’s going to be a long, long offseason for the Panthers in 2022.

29. New York Jets (4-13) ↔️

  • Super Bowl Odds: N/A

It’s tough to take too much away from the Week 18 loss to the Bills if you’re the Jets. They had so many players out in that game that it was hard to evaluate this team at all.

However, the No. 1 goal for the Jets this offseason has to be to improve the offensive line. With the No. 4 and No. 10 picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, that shouldn’t be all that hard to accomplish.

28. Houston Texans (4-13) ↔️

  • Super Bowl Odds: N/A

The Texans hung with the Titans for most of their game in Week 18, and Davis Mills looked phenomenal. However, it’s still worth wondering if he is their quarterback of the future.

That’s the question the Texans will need to answer this offseason.

27. Detroit Lions (3-13-1) ↔️

  • Super Bowl Odds: N/A

It’s admirable how hard the Lions played this season. In a year they knew would be tough, Dan Campbell‘s team showed a lot of fight and never stopped competing.

The goal during the 2022 offseason has to be to improve the overall talent level so they can get back to the 7-8 win range next season.

26. Atlanta Falcons (7-10) ⬇️ 3

  • Super Bowl Odds: N/A

The Falcons are going to have some big decisions this offseason regarding the future of the franchise. Is Matt Ryan coming back, or is it time to search for a new quarterback? What’s the status of Calvin Ridley?

25. Seattle Seahawks (7-10) ⬆️ 1

  • Super Bowl Odds: N/A

Are the Seahawks going to run back the combo of Pete Carroll and Russell Wilson after their first losing season ever? That feels likely, but don’t be surprised if there is some trade chatter regarding Wilson after his strange offseason in 2021.

He wasn’t quite as good this season as we are accustomed to seeing.

24. Washington Football Team (7-10) ↔️

  • Super Bowl Odds: N/A

The 2022 offseason is going to have the same storyline as always for Washington. They need to find a franchise quarterback in the worst way.

Until they do, they will only be a middling team in a super competitive NFC.

23. Denver Broncos (7-10) ⬆️ 2

  • Super Bowl Odds: N/A

The Broncos fired head coach Vic Fangio and it appears that Dan Quinn is the most likely candidate to replace him. But if the Broncos don’t quickly solve their quarterback issue, he’ll wind up having the same fate as Fangio.

Before worrying about anything else, the Broncos have to get a competent quarterback to compete with Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and Derek Carr in the AFC West.

22. Chicago Bears (6-11) ↔️

  • Super Bowl Odds: N/A

The Bears let go of Matt Nagy on Monday and are now searching for the right head coach to pair with Justin Fields. They need a creative offensive mind that can develop their franchise quarterback.

After that, it’s time to rebuild the culture and talent level in Chicago.

21. Minnesota Vikings (8-9) ↔️

  • Super Bowl Odds: N/A

The Vikings fired Mike Zimmer on Monday, and it’s fair to wonder about Kirk Cousins‘ status with the team as well. They like a team that is about to reset the franchise and start a rebuild, and it’s hard to blame them — they probably went as far as they could with their current roster construction.

If the Vikings do decide to trade Cousins, he should have a very robust market.

20. Cleveland Browns (8-9) ⬇️ 1

  • Super Bowl Odds: N/A

The Browns have a big decision to make in regards to Baker Mayfield this offseason. He is guaranteed nearly $18 million in 2022, but is he the future quarterback for the Browns? If the answer is no, then the Browns should seriously consider drafting or trading for another quarterback.

Could Kirk Cousins be an option? Or are they better off going through the draft and finding a long-term solution? We shall see.

19. Miami Dolphins (9-8) ⬆️ 1

  • Super Bowl Odds: N/A

The Dolphins made one of the most surprising moves of the week by firing Brian Flores. It’s going to be tough for the Dolphins to find a coach better than him, but they could be searching for more of an offensive mind.

Still, it’s a mind-boggling move for a team that won eight of their last nine games to finish the 2021 season.

Brian Flores, Miami Dolphins

Now that Brian Flores and the Miami Dolphins have parted ways, the coach is expected to see plenty of interest from numerous franchises. (Image: USA TODAY Sports)


18. Baltimore Ravens (8-9) ⬇️ 1

  • Super Bowl Odds: N/A

The Ravens had the season from hell in 2021. Not only did Lamar Jackson miss five starts, but the entire team was decimated by injuries. They wound up losing their last six games and finished last in the AFC North.

With that said, don’t be surprised if the Ravens win this division in 2022. They still have the most talented roster.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7-1) ⬆️ 1

  • Super Bowl Odds: +6000

The Steelers made the playoffs after being (+1400) to do so entering Week 18. Now, they have to win a playoff game in Kansas City to move on. Pittsburgh isn’t a good team, but they keep finding ways to win games.

Despite the offense being among the worst in the NFL, don’t be shocked if the Steelers hang around and compete with the Chiefs this weekend.

16. New Orleans Saints (9-8) ↔️

  • Super Bowl Odds: N/A

The Saints didn’t make the playoffs in 2021, but Sean Payton did one of the best coaching jobs of his career. With three different starting quarterbacks and injuries to several All-Pro players, the Saints won nine games in one of the most competitive divisions in football and swept the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

This is a good team that just fell a tad short this year.

15. Indianapolis Colts (9-8) ⬇️ 5

  • Super Bowl Odds: N/A

The Colts have to be one of the most disappointing teams of the 2021 season. All they needed was to win one of their final two games to make the playoffs, and they couldn’t get the job done.

They are clearly talented, but something is missing. After the way he finished the year, it’s fair to wonder if Carson Wentz is the starting quarterback for this team in 2022. Change is needed in Indianapolis.

14. Philadelphia Eagles (9-8) ↔️

  • Super Bowl Odds: +6000

The Eagles did not defeat a team with a winning record during the 2021 season, but they have made it to the playoffs. Nick Sirianni deserves a lot of credit for changing the culture in Philadelphia in just his first season.

That probably won’t result in an upset win over the Buccaneers in the playoffs, but the fact that they are even there is highly impressive. The future looks bright for the Eagles with three first-round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft.

13. Los Angeles Chargers (9-8) ↔️

  • Super Bowl Odds: N/A

It’s really disappointing that the Chargers aren’t in the playoffs. Justin Herbert is spectacular and has some young John Elway vibes about him — he lives for clutch moments. However, the Chargers have to do a better job of improving the talent level around him.

This team had no reason to miss the playoffs this year considering how well Herbert played this season.

12. Las Vegas Raiders (10-7) ⬆️ 3

  • Super Bowl Odds: +4000

I don’t know how it happened, but the Raiders are in the playoffs. They won their last four games to make the playoffs and are suddenly the No. 5 seed in the AFC.

They have a tough draw against the Bengals in Cincinnati, but it’s a game they could win. Considering where they were a month ago, that’s quite the turnaround.

11. Arizona Cardinals (11-6) ⬇️ 6

  • Super Bowl Odds: +2200

The Cardinals went from possibly being the No. 1 seed in the NFC earlier in the year to now having to go to Los Angeles in the first round of the playoffs. It’s a tough draw for Arizona, but they have been a much better road team this year anyway.

It wouldn’t be a surprise at all if the Cardinals won that game despite their recent play.

10. Buffalo Bills (11-6) ⬆️ 2

  • Super Bowl Odds: +750

The Bills have now made the playoffs for the third consecutive season and will host the Patriots in the first round. However, Josh Allen has to become a more consistent passer in order for this team to win multiple playoff games.

Until then, it’s hard to trust this team.

9. San Francisco 49ers (10-7) ⬆️ 2

  • Super Bowl Odds: +2500

The 49ers had one of the most impressive wins of the season, battling back from 17-0 to beat the Rams. San Francisco will now travel to Dallas to take on the Cowboys in a game they certainly can win.

The 49ers are a real dark-horse candidate to make a run in the NFC. They have a team built for the playoffs.

Bet Tip: At (+2500) odds, the San Francisco 49ers are one of the best value picks on the board right now. They have a real chance to make the Super Bowl, so a bet in their favor right now might not be a bad idea.

8. New England Patriots (10-7) ⬇️ 2

  • Super Bowl Odds: +2000

The Patriots will be on the road in the first round of the playoffs and will take on the Buffalo Bills for the third time this season.

After a 2-4 start, it’s impressive how quickly Bill Belichick has turned the Patriots into a legitimate AFC contender.

7. Cincinnati Bengals (10-7) ⬆️ 2

  • Super Bowl Odds: +1800

The Bengals won the AFC North and will now host the Raiders in the first round of the playoffs. With Joe Burrow playing out of his mind, it wouldn’t be a shock at all if the Bengals made a bit of a run in the postseason.

This is a team that’s built for the playoffs. Now it’s time to take care of business.

Bet Tip: The Cincinnati Bengals have the necessary tools to compete with any team in the league, which makes taking their Super Bowl odds at (+1800) a compelling bet.

6. Dallas Cowboys (12-5) ⬆️ 2

  • Super Bowl Odds: +1200

The Cowboys blew out the second-stringers for the Eagles, but it did result in them moving up to the No. 3 seed. Now, they will host the 49ers in an NFC rivalry game.

Buckle up — it’s going to be a physical contest.

5. Los Angeles Rams (12-5) ⬇️ 1

  • Super Bowl Odds: +900

Going into Week 18, the Rams had a real shot to be the No. 2 seed and host the Eagles in the first round. Instead, they fell to the No. 4 seed and will now host the Arizona Cardinals in the first-ever Monday Night Football playoff game.

If the Rams are going to reach the Super Bowl, they are likely going to have to go through the Cardinals, Buccaneers and Packers. That’s going to be quite the road for Los Angeles.

4. Tennessee Titans (12-5) ⬆️ 3

  • Super Bowl Odds: +850

The Titans are the No. 1 seed in the AFC, which is quite surprising. Despite all of their injuries, they’ve found a way to get it done. Now, the road to the Super Bowl will go through Tennessee.

With Derrick Henry on his way back to the field, that’s a terrifying thought for the rest of the AFC field.

Bet Tip: Despite being the No. 1 seed, the Titans are only (+340) to win the AFC. All they need to do is win two home games to accomplish that, which shouldn’t be all that difficult. Take the Titans to win the conference — they have proven that they can match up with the best teams in the AFC.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (13-4) ↔️

  • Super Bowl Odds: +800

The Buccaneers are the No. 2 seed this year after winning the Super Bowl as the No. 5 seed in 2020. However, this team isn’t quite as good. They have lost multiple players for the season due to injuries, including Chris Godwin.

If the Bucs are going to make it to the Super Bowl this year, it’s going to take Tom Brady playing at a superhuman level once again.

2. Kansas City Chiefs (12-5) ↔️

  • Super Bowl Odds: +475

The Chiefs lost the No. 1 seed in the AFC after falling to the Bengals in Week 17. Now, Patrick Mahomes will have to play in his first-ever Wild Card game against the Steelers.

They are heavy favorites, but their road to the playoffs just got a whole lot harder.

1. Green Bay Packers (13-4) ↔️

  • Super Bowl Odds: +380

The Packers earned the first-round bye in the NFC, and it’s tough to see anyone going to Lambeau Field and beating them. They should be a heavy favorite to come out of the NFC this year since they simply need to win two home games to reach the Super Bowl.

Thanks for reading our NFL Power Rankings! For more NFL betting tips, check out our NFL bet of the day.

Author

Marcus Mosher

Marcus Mosher is an NFL analyst at The Game Day, residing in Erie, PA. He covers the NFL from a betting and fantasy perspective, producing written and video content. Marcus currently hosts multiple football-related podcasts and is a managing editor at USA Today’s Sports Media Group covering the Las Vegas Raiders. He has previously worked at The Athletic and Bleacher Report.

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