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AFC dominates post-Super Bowl list

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The NFL season is over, but the NFL Power Rankings never sleep, even in the absence of football. It’s essential to get a feel for the outlook of all 32 franchises before free agency and the NFL Draft. Which teams are in a good or bad position before we head into the meat of the NFL offseason?

Way Too Early NFL Power Rankings: Tier 5 | Rebuilding or floundering

The Tier 5 teams are either rebuilding or trying to convince themselves they don’t have to.

32) Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars are a raging dumpster fire. Shad Khan’s unwillingness to part ways with general manager Trent Baalke sparked a full-out fan revolt against the team’s owner. They even went as far as to dress like clowns for Jacksonville’s final home game. 

Doug Pederson should help with Trevor Lawrence’s progression as an NFL QB. However, there are several questions about the organization, and the roster needs a rebuild to be competitive again. They have over $55 million in salary cap space to spend, should they choose to.

31) Houston Texans

The Texans might be even more dysfunctional than the Jaguars. David Culley miraculously won four games with a roster that we thought might struggle to win one. But after just one season with a subpar roster, the organization cut Culley. We won’t get into the ridiculousness of their head coaching search. 

Despite being generally terrible, the Texans still don’t have a ton of room to operate with in terms of cap space. They rank just 15th in the league with slightly less than $20 million available. They have questions at nearly every spot on the roster, and we’ve yet to see any specific direction from this team since Bill O’Brien left.  

30) New York Jets

The Jets are one of the youngest teams in the NFL. It wouldn’t hurt for the front office to go outside of the organization in free agency to fill a few leadership roles. They have $44 million to work with and a lot of holes to fill on the roster, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. 

The problem is they must also do everything in their power to protect their second-year quarterback. That means not only adding help on the offensive line but also revamping their weapons. They’ll find themselves low in the NFL Power Rankings until they can do that. 

29) Detroit Lions

The Lions appear to be one of the basement-dwelling teams from 2021 that could be on the upswing moving forward. Dan Campbell somehow propelled a hilariously underwhelming group of offensive weapons to a three-win season. But the victories themselves weren’t the most impressive part.

Detroit played in a ton of close games throughout the season. Six of the Lions’ 13 losses were one-score contests. Detroit also won three of its last seven games. Although they only have about $21 million in salary cap space, they have five picks in the top 100 and 10 total selections.

28) New Orleans Saints

The Saints are a complete unknown heading into the 2022 campaign. They’re currently $60 million in salary cap debt, and their head coach of 15 years just up and walked away from the game. They don’t have a quarterback at the moment, and they’ll probably lose multiple vital contributors on defense.

Their offensive line is struggling to stay healthy, and there doesn’t seem to be money in the budget to retain Terron Armstead. Michael Thomas is a complete wild card moving forward, and the rest of the receiving corps is underwhelming at best.

27) Carolina Panthers

Matt Rhule and the Panthers’ front office have made their fair share of mistakes thus far in his tenure. Trading assets for Sam Darnold was a big mistake, especially given the 2021 QB draft class. The second mistake was making ex-offensive coordinator Joe Brady the fall guy, especially when one of the biggest reasons for his firing was that the Panthers weren’t running the ball enough. Third, Rhule admitted they didn’t draft Rashawn Slater because of his arm length.

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Drafting Jaycee Horn wasn’t a mistake, but admitting to an antiquated arm length threshold was a bad look. No quarterback or running back will prosper behind the current iteration of the Panthers’ OL. And with only $18 million in spending money this March, I struggle to see how they’ll improve there or in the NFL Power Rankings. 

26) New York Giants

As of mid-February, nobody has had a better offseason than the New York Football Giants. If there wasn’t an incredible retirement party thrown for former general manager Dave Gettleman, there should have been. They also did the right thing by relieving Joe Judge of his duties.

Why? Well, forcing a general manager into a head coach that ownership wants is a bad start to a professional relationship. After defensive coordinator Patrick Graham decided to move on, New York hired Joe Schoen, Brian Daboll, Mike Kafka, and Wink Martindale. That’s an incredible staff, and it came together incredibly fast. For the first time in a long time, the Giants look to be headed in the right direction.

25) Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons were an outlier in 2021. They were legitimately terrible on both sides of the ball, yet somehow snuck their way into a seven-win season. For reference, they had a worse point differential than the three-win Detroit Lions. They finished with the 30th-ranked DVOA (Football Outsiders’ efficiency metric).

Kyle Pitts appears headed for superstardom, but the rest of the roster needs work. Aside from A.J. Terrell and Grady Jarrett, the defense struggles. Losing Calvin Ridley was a blow to the offense, and the offensive line is below-average in spite of the significant draft resources Atlanta’s front office has expended on the unit.

The organization needs to be patient with Arthur Smith and Terry Fontenot because there is still a lot of work to do on this roster. 

24) Chicago Bears

Matt Eberflus is an excellent defensive coordinator, but it was a bit surprising to see the Bears hire him as their next head coach. Ryan Poles takes over as general manager, and he has his work cut out for him. The Bears’ offensive line struggled in 2021, and the defense has lost some talent over the past few years.

Justin Fields flashed some special traits as a passer and runner. However, the offense is set to lose Allen Robinson, leaving only Darnell Mooney as a legitimate receiving threat. With no first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, it’ll be difficult to address the line and receiver positions in the offseason.

23) Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers’ 2021 season doesn’t make sense. They somehow made the playoffs despite posting inefficient numbers in all three phases. Their weighted DVOA ranked 26th in the NFL. Yet, Mike Tomlin somehow led this team to its 16th straight season of .500 or better.

Their immediate future looks bleak. They don’t have a viable option at quarterback. Their offensive line is a trainwreck, and the defense is held together only by their incredible pass rush. Even Minkah Fitzpatrick had his struggles in 2021.

If the Steelers attack the offensive line in free agency and hit on a QB in the draft, they’ll pick up right where they left off. But for now, 2022 looks like it could be the one to break Tomlin’s streak.

Way Too Early NFL Power Rankings: Tier 4 | Not far away

The three teams in Tier 4 aren’t that far away. With a few adjustments, they could all be playoff teams in 2022.

22) Washington Commanders

We were all guilty of overestimating the Washington defense in 2021. With names like Chase Young, Montez Sweat, and Jonathan Allen, it should have been a dominant unit. They even improved at cornerback on paper with the addition of William Jackson III. Kamren Curl was a great hit in the draft.

But things turned sour for Washington, leading to a physical altercation between Allen and Da’Ron Payne, who were college teammates at Alabama. They finished 29th in expected points added (EPA) per play allowed on defense. The Washington defense couldn’t get to the passer, and they couldn’t defend the ball in the air.

21) Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are in a precarious position heading into 2022. The Lions and Bears aren’t competitors yet, and the Packers’ future is on hold awaiting a decision from Aaron Rodgers.

Meanwhile, the Vikings are under new management. They hired Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as general manager and Kevin O’Connell as their next head coach. The team isn’t talented enough to truly compete for a championship, but if Rodgers walks, there isn’t much keeping Minnesota from the playoffs.

They’re also dangerously over the cap, which could be managed through a Kirk Cousins restructure. But the staff would need to want him around past 2022 for that to make sense. Until there’s more clarity, it’s difficult to have Minnesota any higher in the NFL Power Rankings. 

20) Miami Dolphins

It’s been a tumultuous 20+ years for the Miami Dolphins. But the past few months have been a real doozy. They fired a successful head coach in Brian Flores, who then decided to sue the NFL. He accused them of trying to pay him to tank in 2019. They’ve watched Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert run laps on Tua Tagovailoa.

But they also made a head coaching hire that was almost universally loved in Mike McDaniel. The hope is for McDaniel to cultivate an offensive environment that suits Tua and the talent around him. I’d expect Jaylen Waddle to become an even bigger focal point in the offense, which is a great thing.

Way Too Early NFL Power Rankings: Tier 3 | No man’s land

These teams have good rosters that could compete for the playoffs. However, there are some unknowns with a few clubs in this group, and a lot hinges on the quarterbacks of each franchise.

19) Denver Broncos

The Broncos are so close. They have control of four solid playmakers at receiver, another two at tight end, and one great running back. They have a star in Patrick Surtain II and one of the best free safeties in the NFL. Denver simply can’t figure out the quarterback position. They gave up on Drew Lock and rolled with Teddy Bridgewater for most of the season.

Now, if they make a move and somehow acquire Rodgers, we’re looking at a Super Bowl-caliber roster, even in a tough AFC West. Denver doesn’t deserve to see a great roster foiled by subpar quarterback play. If they can figure that out, they pose a serious threat in the AFC.

18) Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders overachieved in the face of turmoil for the entire 2021 NFL season. Derek Carr is good enough to keep the Raiders competitive, and Josh McDaniels could be the right fit to find some offensive consistency. 

But their defensive makeup needs reimagining. Maxx Crosby and Trevon Moehrig are foundational pieces, and Nate Hobbs looks good in the slot. Aside from those three, there aren’t any building blocks. Las Vegas also needs to replace Henry Ruggs’ speed on the outside. They sorely missed that vertical threat. 

17) Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks will most likely rise as the season creeps closer. However, it’s difficult to properly place Seattle until we know for sure the fate of franchise QB Russell Wilson. Reports indicate that he’s staying, but until the rumor dies completely, there will be at least some mystery. 

The Seahawks need a difference-making pass rusher. There are a few in the free agency market they could look at. They also have nearly $35 million in salary cap space to work with.

16) Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles need another outside receiving threat. I’d expect prospects like Treylon Burks and Drake London to be in consideration midway through Round 1, where the Eagles have three draft picks. The Eagles don’t have a mass of salary cap space to work with, but they have a golden opportunity to acquire multiple building blocks in the draft. That also gives them an excellent chance to rise in the NFL Power Rankings. 

What anybody outside of the organization thinks of Jalen Hurts is irrelevant. He’s inexpensive and he can find ways to win football games. His rushing ability is an added layer, and a second good receiver will only help in his development. Philadelphia’s offensive line is great, and they have some solid veterans on the defensive front. If they can find better linebacker play, this defense could surprise people in 2022. 

15) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers should probably be lower at this point, but I’m curious to see what they’re able to do at quarterback. The roster is still rock solid, even if they’re unable to retain Chris Godwin. The absence of a quarterback is significant, but Tampa Bay has great players up and down their roster. 

Tom Brady retired still playing at an incredible level, so this won’t be as “easy” as trying to replace a heavily washed Peyton Manning. Heck, many believed that Brady deserved the MVP over Rodgers. However, because of their team success, the Bucs don’t have great draft capital, and they’re just barely in the black in terms of the cap. So it’ll be nearly impossible to improve in 2021. 

14) Green Bay Packers

If Rodgers returns, the Packers are a top-seven team. If he retires or is traded, they’re a bottom-tier team in the worst division in football. That’s how much Rodgers means to Green Bay. Being $50 million over the cap isn’t ideal, either. 

There are many questions to be answered by the Packers this offseason. Until they are, it’s easier to keep them toward the middle of the pack. It won’t be easy to become cap compliant, but they can do it with a few anticipated moves. Retaining Davante Adams will be key. 





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Taylor Swift Is Shown Chugging a Beer on the Jumbotron at Super Bowl 58

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Global superstar Taylor Swift made it to the big game to support her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce. In the second quarter, it was evident that she was having a good time at the Super Bowl after taking a 12-hour flight from Tokyo the night prior.

Taylor Swift Seen Chugging Beer at Super Bowl

Swift’s attendance has been highly anticipated, as many fans questioned whether she would be able to make it to the big game since she had been in Japan until Saturday for her Eras Tour.

Sure enough, she made it to the Super Bowl and was seen making a grand entrance alongside Blake Lively and Ice Spice.

Swift made it back to the States with plenty of time to make it to Allegiant Stadium to support Kelce. After a leg of her Eras Tour, where she performed several nights in Japan, the singer appeared to let loose.

In a box full of friends, Swift was shown chugging a beer with Ashley Avignone. She was shown on the jumbotron and slammed her cup down after she finished her beer.

There was a mix of cheers and boos as Swift was shown on the big screen, and a long pass to Mecole Hardman was the only highlight of the first half for Swift and her friends. The 49ers led the Chiefs, 10-0, late in the second quarter.

On social media, Swift garnered plenty of support from NFL fans.

If you’re hating on her you can kick rocks man she’s the best,” one user posted on X

“The one thing I learned this season is that she is actually fun,” another said. 

“Booing Taylor Swift chugging a beer is so soft. She’s just one of us now and I respect it ,” another posted. 

At the time of the beer chugging, Kelce, Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, has had one catch for a single yard. It came on the first possession, which ended up being a three-and-out. The Kansas City Chiefs hadn’t done much otherwise.

They did have a deep pass play to Hardman, which put them in the red zone, but Isiah Pacheco fumbled on the very next play — one that Kelce was surprisingly on the sideline for.

Swift and Kelce have garnered much media attention as their romance has taken off throughout this NFL season.

Swift was able to support her boyfriend at many of his games throughout the final stretch of the season, as her Eras Tour was on a break. But starting on Feb. 7, she went back on the road.

MORE: NFL World Reacts to Unbelievable Super Bowl Trick Play

Despite performing in Tokyo the night before the Super Bowl, she was able to make it in time to support her boyfriend due to the time difference and is having a good time doing so.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find the PFN Fantasy Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.  Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Check out the PFN Fantasy Podcast on our Fantasy YouTube channel.





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What Happened to the 49ers Linebacker?

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The San Francisco 49ers sustained a massive blow during the second quarter of Super Bowl 58, as linebacker Dre Greenlaw left the game on a medical cart.

CBS Sports confirmed that the veteran Greenlaw suffered an Achilles tear, ruling him out for the rest of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

What Happened to Dre Greenlaw?

The outside linebacker, who had already been battling past injuries to his hamstrings and calves, left with what appeared to be a leg injury.

And somehow, his left leg looked like it buckled as he tried to trot onto the field with the Niners’ defense.

Greenlaw clutched his left leg in agony before being helped off the field.

CBS Sports sideline reporter Evan Washburn reported that the outside linebacker left with what was ruled as a lower leg injury. He was later determined to sustain an Achilles injury.

Greenlaw was declared out for the rest of the game.

Greenlaw Carted Off in Passenger Seat

Even more noticeable was where Greenlaw sat on the cart.

He ended up leaving not in the back of the medical vehicle but ended up riding shotgun with his leg injury.

One would think that with an injury like an Achilles ailment, medical officials would try to make the player as comfortable as possible before they leave. It wasn’t the case here.

MORE: San Francisco 49ers Depth Chart

Regardless, Greenlaw was replaced by Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles for the rest of the first half. Greenlaw became the most significant injury of the game.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find the PFN Fantasy Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.  Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Check out the PFN Fantasy Podcast on our Fantasy YouTube channel.





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NFL World Reacts to Epic Super Bowl Intro From CBS

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Super Bowl 58 is here and it’s going to be exciting. The San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs are facing off in the final game of 2023.

CBS is broadcasting the game and the opening was nothing short of amazing. How is the NFL world reacting to the electric Super Bowl-opening video?

Epic CBS Super Bowl Intro Garners Reaction From NFL World

The video, which spanned four minutes and 19 seconds, featured players from both teams talking about the big game and what it means to them. It also featured their families talking about their journeys to this point.

“Amazing intro! Reminds me of my dad! Bravo on the intro!,” one NFL fan said on X (formerly known as Twitter)

Additionally, Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” played in the background, giving it a near-movie feel. “This was incredible.,” another person said on X. “And so, the @49ers and @Chiefs face that final curtain,” CBS Sports said.

The 49ers finished the regular season as the top seed in the NFC with a 12-5 record. After their first-round bye, they defeated both the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions to earn their trip to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl. Both of their victories came in comeback fashion, including an NFC Championship-record 17-point comeback.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, had a more uphill battle. Entering the playoffs as the AFC’s third seed, they finished the regular season with an 11-6 record. In the playoffs, they defeated the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens to punch their ticket.

Super Bowl 58 is a re-match of Super Bowl 54 when the Chiefs defeated the 49ers 31-24. The win was the first in Patrick Mahomes career, as he also won Super Bowl MVP. Four years later, the Chiefs have made three more and won another. For the 49ers, this is their first trip back to the big game since.

The game kicked off at 6:30 p.m. ET with the 49ers receiving the opening kick. In addition to being broadcast on CBS, the game is also being streamed on Paramount+.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find the PFN Fantasy Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.  Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Check out the PFN Fantasy Podcast on our Fantasy YouTube channel.





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