Welcome to the first edition of The Intermission’s NFL Power Rankings. Here, our football editors rank where each team stands to start the season.
All odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook.
1. Buffalo Bills
Super Bowl Odds: +600 (bet $10 to win $60)
Buffalo seems like, on paper, the most well rounded team in the NFL. That may be the case when they’re healthy. But in a Thursday night prime-time game to open up the season versus the defending Super Bowl champs, Buffalo will be without star cornerback Tre’Davious White and potentially All-Pro safety Jordan Poyer. Will the rookies starting in place; Kaiir Elam and Christian Benford, be able to hold up under the prime-time lights?
2. Los Angeles Rams
Super Bowl Odds: +1100
With Matthew Stafford seemingly moving past an unusual elbow injury that has plagued him this offseason, there should be no reason to doubt the Rams, right? While the team did lose some considerable talent at receiver in Robert Woods and Odell Beckham Jr., they restocked by signing former Pro-Bowl talent Allen Robinson. Although Robinson had an abysmal season to forget last year, he was in Chicago. There’s no reason to believe why Robinson can’t rebound to his usual elite form this upcoming season.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Super Bowl Odds: +750
The Buccaneers offseason has been… interesting, to say the least. Tom Brady’s 40-day retirement, his 11-day absence from training camp and the interesting press conference after his return – it wasn’t really on-brand for the G.O.A.T. But let’s not forget that the last time we saw Brady taking the field, he was arguably the MVP and playing at nearly the highest level in his career. You can never count Tom out, ever.
4. Cincinnati Bengals
Super Bowl Odds: +2000
After Aaron Donald tore through the Bengals offensive line to rip away any chance of glory for Cincinnati, it was clear what had to be done. The Bengals now have a completely revamped offensive line: Jonah Williams, Cordell Volson, Ted Karras, Alex Kappa and La’el Collins. If what was once Cincinnati’s biggest weakness turns into a strength, then you can easily make a case of Cincinnati having the best offensive attack in football.
5. San Francisco 49ers
Super Bowl Odds: +1600
The Jimmy Garrapolo era is over in San Francisco… almost. Since the 49ers couldn’t find a suitable deal to trade Garoppolo this offseason, his contract was restructured to make him the highest-paid backup quarterback in the NFL. He’s set to earn $6.5 million guaranteed and up to $10 million in incentives if he’s slated to start. It's a great insurance policy if rookie Trey Lance suffers an injury, but it’s hard to see Garoppolo starting under any other circumstances.
6. Kansas City Chiefs
Super Bowl Odds: +1000
A lot happened to the Chiefs this offseason. Tyreek Hill left to join Miami on a monster contract, breaking up the dynamic duo that’s plagued defenses for seasons in Kansas City. The Chiefs responded by adding Juju Smith-Shuster and Marquez Valdez-Scantling to fill that void. On the surface, it seems like a paltry attempt to revamp their offense. But this may be a lot better than people realize. While Juju has not had elite production since 2018, he’s been dealing with middling quarterback play and injuries. There’s much reason to believe that if he stays healthy, he can potentially reach that same level of production he reached in 2018 while playing alongside the most talented quarterback in the world. Not to mention MVS and his great ability to be a deep threat that he's already showcased in Green Bay; this offense is still incredibly scary.
7. Green Bay Packers
Super Bowl Odds: +1200
Allen Lazard is now the top option for Hall of Fame signal-caller Aaron Rodgers this season. The departure of Davante Adams will hurt. For someone who is arguably the best route runner in the league, it’s hard to replicate that talent at the wide receiver position. Look for Green Bay to lean on their run much more heavily this season. With the two-headed monster of Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon, it creates arguably the most potent run attack in Rodgers’ tenure as a Packer. And don’t forget that Aaron Rodgers is still, well, Aaron Rodgers. No matter who he’s throwing to, the Packers should be fine this season moving the chains.
8. Denver Broncos
Super Bowl Odds: +1700
Denver finally has a quarterback! It makes sense why the Broncos pulled the trigger on a monster package to acquire Russell Wilson. Denver seemingly has the team to potentially get the job done: a great defense, elite running game and young talent at receiver. They were just missing that final piece at quarterback to put it all together. But in a loaded AFC West division filled with other elite teams and quarterbacks, it’s tough to gauge how well this team will handle the heat this season.
9. Los Angeles Chargers
Super Bowl Odds: +1400
Is this the season the Chargers finally put it all together? In Justin Herbert’s two stellar seasons in Los Angeles, they’ve yet to make the playoffs. However, that narrative is seemingly set to change this year. The Chargers revamped their defense to try to keep up with a competitive AFC West division and now look elite on both sides of the ball. But this is the Chargers we’re talking about here – nothing ever seems to work out. We all know Herbert is special, but can he be special enough to finally put it all together for Los Angeles?
10. Baltimore Ravens
Super Bowl Odds: +2000
The 2021 Ravens were the definition of an Injury Bug. The team’s season was essentially wiped into nothingness when injury after injury berated this team. They hope that won’t be the same case this year. We know what this team is capable of when healthy. Lamar Jackson stands as arguably the best dual-threat quarterback in the NFL that goes along with a suffocating run attack and strong defense. One potential weakness of this team lies in their receiving core, as it’ll be interesting to see how effective they can be after the departure of Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, who emerged himself as a solid No. 1 option last season.
11. Las Vegas Raiders
Super Bowl Odds: +4000
In a division as cut throat as the AFC West, moves had to be made in Las Vegas – and moves were indeed made. The team made a blockbuster trade to acquire superstar receiver Davante Adams from Green Bay at an expensive price. The Raiders also re-signed Derek Carr, Maxx Crosby and Hunter Renfrow to hefty extensions, keeping the core together. This team is good, but good enough to stay afloat in this competitive division?
12. Arizona Cardinals
Super Bowl Odds: +3000
It was a tumultuous offseason in Arizona that featured a hefty contract extension for quarterback Kyler Murray that was later overshadowed by a bizarre “independent study” clause. The Cardinals did try to mend the fire by removing the clause, but it’s been a weird time to be a Cardinals fan. Arizona possesses some good weapons – Kyler Murray, DeAndre Hopkins (six-game suspension), Hollywood Brown, Rondale Moore, James Connor, A.J. Green and Zach Ertz – it’s a solid group. But does it have the firepower to overcome the big bads in a tough NFC West division?
13. New Orleans Saints
Super Bowl Odds: +4000
Saints fans must be happy that star receiver Michael Thomas is seemingly healthy going into this season after two campaigns berated by injuries. A vintage Thomas brings so much more to the table for quarterback Jamies Winston and this offense. Pair him up with electrifying rookie Chris Olave and you have a potential recipe for disaster for NFC South rivals.
14. Dallas Cowboys
Super Bowl Odds: +2000
The receiving core in Dallas is questionable, to say the least. With free-agent addition James Washington suffering a foot injury that will sideline him for a while and Amari Cooper now catching passes in Cleveland, that leaves just CeeDee Lamb and Dalton Schultz alongside some question marks. At least the defense, led by Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs, has potential to be a top-ten unit this season.
15. Philadelphia Eagles
Super Bowl Odds: +2000
Can Jalen Hurts take that next step forward as a passer this season? Eagles GM Howie Roseman has seemingly put him in the best position to do so. The offensive line may stand as the best in football, and the addition of star receiver A.J. Brown will help open up the field so much for DeVonta Smith, who’s looking to elevate his game further in Year 2. This offense has strong breakout potential for 2022; it all lies on if Hurts can live up to it.
16. Indianapolis Colts
Super Bowl Odds: +2200
While Indianapolis is on their fifth straight different starting quarterback in five seasons, the vibes are probably nothing but immaculate joy after getting public enemy No. 1 Carson Wentz out of the blue and white. While Matt Ryan looked seemingly done last season, he’s surrounded by a much stronger offensive core featuring the likes of superstar running back Jonathan Taylor and receiver Michael Pittman Jr. – who eclipsed 1000 yards last campaign. Bounce back season for Matt Ryan incoming?
17. Tennessee Titans
Super Bowl Odds: +3500
The departure of A.J. Brown led Tennessee to attempt to fill that void by acquiring Robert Woods and rookie Treylon Burks. Woods is seemingly fine after getting surgery for a torn ACL that prematurely ended his tenure with the Rams last season, but the issues surround Burks who seemingly hasn’t made an instant impact during training camp and pre-season that the Titans were probably hoping for. Not to mention star pass-rusher Harold Landry suffering a torn ACL in practice; it’s a tough time in Tennessee right now. But fortunately for the Titans, the AFC South is one of the most wide open divisions in the NFL so it's hard to count them out just yet.
18. Miami Dolphins
Super Bowl Odds: +4000
Can Tua be that guy this season? The Dolphins tried their best to load the offense this offseason by acquiring more weapons and protection for the third-year quarterback – three time Pro-Bowl tackle Terron Armstead and speedster Tyreek Hill to pair with rookie standout Jaylen Waddle. Add in offensive minded head coach Mike McDaniel; it’s do or die time for Tua in Miami.
19. New England Patriots
Super Bowl Odds: +4000
This New England offense isn’t great. While the departure of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels – who’s led the unit for a decade – isn’t great, it may not be as bad as it seems. Mac Jones was the best rookie passer last season and has potential to make a leap in Year 2. This offense could get it together, but looks like a work-in-progress to start the year.
20. Minnesota Vikings
Super Bowl Odds: +4000
The offense will be fine this season. A healthy Dalvin Cook to go along with superstar receiver Justin Jefferson and the somehow underrated and overrated Kirk Cousins – who will still probably put up 4,000 passing yards alongside 35 TDs – will score points. It’s just the defense that strikes some worries. The front seven is fine, but the cornerback group headlined by two rookies is troublesome. A Week 1 test versus the big bad Packers and Aaron Rodgers will definitely show us what we need to know about this defensive unit.
21. Cleveland Browns
Super Bowl Odds: +3000
The Browns made headlines this season by acquiring Deshaun Watson in a monster trade and then signing him to a contract giving him the most guaranteed money in NFL history. Unfortunately for Cleveland, the controversial quarterback is set to serve an 11-game suspension and won’t be set to return until a Week 13 bout versus the Texans. Can Cleveland tread water until Watson returns? Their season hinges on that thought.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers
Super Bowl Odds: +7000
A new era in Pittsburgh without Ben Roethlisberger is finally taking place. Mobile veteran QB Mitch Trubisky is slated to start the year, but that could quickly change depending on his performance. The receiver core is fine, featuring the likes of Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool and the infamous George Pickens; the questions surround the offensive line. There weren't many changes made and the line struggled heavily last season. Is this the year Pittsburgh finally finishes with a sub .500 record? Who knows anymore.
23. Carolina Panthers
Super Bowl Odds: +10000
Is this the year Christian McCaffrey can finally stay healthy? Everyone knows what the star running back is capable of when healthy. He stands out as arguably the best dual-threat running back to ever step on a football field, being one of three players in NFL history to record a 1000 yard rushing and 1000 yard receiving season. Can he still be that same player after two washed seasons for Carolina?
24. Detroit Lions
Super Bowl Odds: +10000
The Lions have quickly become one of the most lovable team’s in the league. Head coach Dan Campbell has captured the hearts of millions with his fierce passion for the game and biting knee caps. The team has made improvements on both sides of the ball with No. 2 pick Aiden Hutchinson providing a much needed boost for the pass rush and D.J. Chalk adding more depth at receiver, but will it be enough to push the Lions into a playoff spot?
25. New York Jets
Super Bowl Odds: +15000
Can Zach Wilson become that man for New York? The quarterback is coming off a very rocky rookie season and it’s fair to wonder if the Jets – who are now 11 years into their playoff drought – still try to make it work with Wilson. The team surrounding him is seemingly solid, they just need Wilson to hopefully take that next big step forward.
26. Seattle Seahawks
Super Bowl Odds: +15000
Russell Wilson is gone and a new era has begun in Seattle. Geno Smith and Drew Lock are seemingly both in line to play this season, with Smith getting the nod for Week 1. There haven't been many good reports coming out of training camp, but Seattle still possesses two dynamic talents at receiver in D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett which gives some hope for the passing game this season. Still, it’s expected that head coach Pete Carroll will lean on the running game led by end-of-season breakout star Rashaad Penny more heavily than ever.
27. New York Giants
Super Bowl Odds: +8500
With the addition of a legit play caller in Brian Daboll and a healthy Saquon, you could make a case for New York to boast one of the league’s most improved offenses this season. But it all rests on if QB Daniel Jones can get the job done. His tenure in New York has been less than ideal, and this may be his final chance to prove himself to the G-Men.
28. Houston Texans
Super Bowl Odds: +30000
There isn’t much happening in Houston that’s really exciting. QB Davis Mills enjoyed a very good under-the-radar rookie campaign last season and Brandon Cooks is, well, Brandon Cooks. Cooks could be in line for a career season this year as he set career highs in catches (90) and targets (134) last year. The defense is middling, to say the least. This team is just okay.
29. Washington Commanders
Super Bowl Odds: +8500
Things aren’t completely hopeless in Washington. While the infamous Carson Wentz begins his NFC East revenge tour for the Commanders, he’s surrounded by some legitimate weapons. Terry McLaurin is a certified No. 1 receiver, Curtis Samuel is a bounce back candidate after having his last season washed by injuries, Jahan Dotson is a polished route-runner who could make an immediate impact, the offensive line is solid and the rushing attack is alright. Things are far from bleak in Washington.
30. Jacksonville Jaguars
Super Bowl Odds: +12000
After a dreadful rookie season from Trevor Lawrence, partially due to the head coaching fiasco of Urban Meyer, he’s looking to bounce back to become the legitimate star everyone thought he would become when he was selected No. 1 overall by the Jaguars. Things certainly look better than last year in Jacksonville and a middling AFC South could see Jacksonville still hanging around the playoff race come December.
31. Atlanta Falcons
Super Bowl Odds: +25000
After going from the No. 2 pick to a backup that’s barely seen a start in three years, it’s do or die time for QB Marcus Mariota. While the season-long suspension of Calvin Ridley does hurt this offense, the Falcons still have two talented young playmakers – Kyle Pitts and Drake London – that could do some damage this year.
32. Chicago Bears
Super Bowl Odds: +12000
Everyone is hoping that Justin Fields can take a leap forward in Year 2 after an abysmal rookie season, but it’s hard to really see that happening. The receiver core, besides Darnell Mooney, is wrecked by injuries. The offensive line is also projected to be one of the worst in football this season. It’s hard to say if Chicago is really putting their rookie in the best position to succeed (spoiler: they’re not).
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