NFL Postseason Schedule – 2022
Wild Card Playoff Starts New Postseason Format

The opening week of the NFL playoffs begins with the Wild Card weekend. This year the NFL playoffs has been expanded with the addition of one more Wild card team per conference. The format expands to six games this weekend including a triple header on Saturday and the first Monday night playoff game in history. There is only one team per conference who received an opening week bye – the Packers in the NFC and the Titans in the AFC. Both teams will retain the home field advantage throughout their conference playoffs.

   Saturday, January 15

AFC Wild Card Playoffs
Matchup                                  Time (est)         TV        Location
Las Vegas vs Cincinnati             4:30 PM            NBC     Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati
New England vs Buffalo             8:15 PM            CBS     Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park

   Sunday, January 16

NFC Wild Card Playoffs
Philadelphia vs Tampa Bay        1:00 PM            FOX     Raymond James Stadium, Tampa
San Francisco vs Dallas             4:30 PM            CBS     AT&T Stadium, Arlington

AFC Wild Card Playoffs
Pittsburgh vs Kansas City          8:15 PM            NBC     GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City

   Monday, January 17

NFC Wild Card Playoffs
Arizona vs Los Angeles             8:15 PM            ESPN/ABC SoFi Stadium, Inglewood

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 19
NFL Power Poll – Wild Card Playoff Week

Raiders & 49ers Clinch Wild Card Berths
Steelers Win in OT vs Ravens for Final Wild Card Place

Teams of the Week 
49ers Clinch Playoff spot with Win over Rams – 27-24 OT
Raiders Get Wild Card Spot with Win over Chargers – 35-32 OT

Upset of the Week
Detroit Lions (3-13-1) Edge Green Bay Packers (13-4) – 37-30
    
Players of the Week
  Offense – QB Dak Prescott – Cowboys        
  Defense – LB Uchenna Nwosu – Chargers
 
Games of Week 19 – Wild Card Playoff Week – Saturday thru Monday
Postseason Begins with New Format

NFL Team Power Poll
Draft Insiders’ Staff

Ranking /Record /Team

#1 – 13-4 Packers
The Packers gained #1 seed and sat out several starters in loss to Lions. Earned bye week and will host lowest winner in Titletown.

#2 – 13-4 Bucs
Bucs begin their SB title defense with the Eagles coming to town. Brady is still money especially in the postseason.

#3 – 12-5 Chiefs
Chiefs host the Steelers on Saturday. Club began to peak over 2^nd half and looks to strong run in the postseason.

#4 – 12-5 Titans
The Titans edged the Texans in the finale to earn the #1 seed and bye. Host the lowest winner looking to get healthy for a run at the title.

#5 – 12-5 Rams
Rams lost to the 49ers in OT in the finale that matches them up with AFC West rival the Cardinals. They host the first Monday night playoff game in NFL history.

#6 – 11-6 Cardinals
Cardinals lost to the Seahawks to complete their rocky closing stretch. Face the Rams in LA and must improve or expect a quick postseason exit.

#7 – 12-5 Cowboys
The Cowboys look like world beaters vs mediocre clubs. Host the hot 49ers in a game that will test their meddle to the fullest.

#8 – 11-6 Bills
Bills host the Patriots in their three peat matchup. Weather could define this again. Interesting coaching battle between Belichick and McDermott.

#9 – 10-7 Bengals
Bengals rested veterans with their home playoff game secure. Rematch with Raiders who are coming off a thrilling OT game vs Chargers.

#10 – 10-7 Patriots
Pats return to Buffalo where their late December victory highlighted once again the brilliance of Bill Belichick.

#11 – 10-7 49ers
The 49ers beat the Rams to claim an NFC Wild card berth. Travel to Big D to face the Cowboys looking for postseason victory for first time since losing SB in 2020.

#12 – 10-7 Raiders
The Raiders hung together for a wild stretch run and won a huge game vs the Chargers. Travel to Cincinnati hoping to rebound from being crushed by Bengals at midseason.

#13 – 9-8 Eagles
The Eagles were crushed by Cowboys in finale but had claimed a Wild card spot. Travel to Tampa to face Tom Terrific hoping to give a strong performance vs the defending champions.

#14 – 9-7-1 Steelers
Steelers slipped into the postseason in Ben Roethlisberger’s final season. Travel to KC where their defense will be fully tested by the explosive Chiefs attack behind Patrick Mahhomes.

#15 – 9-8 Chargers
The hot and cold Chargers lost a thriller in OT to the Raiders that eliminated them from postseason. They have the core talent to press for a SB title, though not a finished product yet.

#16 – 9-8 Colts
The Colts crushed over final two weeks. Losing in Jacksonville in finale will linger during the postseason.

#17 – 9-8 Dolphins
Dolphins were eliminated despite beating Patriots in finale. The firing of HC Brian Flores makes no sense.

#18 – 9-8 Saints
The Saints stayed alive for the postseason through finale beating the Falcons but came up short. Club played hungry despite starting four QBs

#19- 8-9 Ravens
Ravens lost another close one this time in OT to the Steelers. First sub .500 season since 2015.

#20 – 8-9 Browns
Browns beat the undermanned Bengals in finale. They came up short again this year with key injuries and a lack of cohesion on both sides of the ball that must be addressed.

#21- 7-10 Broncos
The Broncos finished with another close loss and must address the QB problem. They actually have playoff talent throughout and might look for a blockbuster move for a veteran star QB.

#22 – 7-10 Vikings
Vikings fired both HC Zimmer and GM Spielman to begin a new era. Expect many roster moves this offseason.

#23 – 7-10 Falcons
Falcons come up flat vs the Saints to finish sub .500 for the three consecutive season. Ready for a complete rebuild after trying to unsuccessfully fix different areas.

#24 – 7-10 WFT
The WFT failed to repeat in the East and will look to address the QB position this postseason. They struggled keeping pace in high scoring games.

#25 – 7-10 Seahawks
Seahawks finished with a few wins, but could face a big turnover of talent especially if they part ways with QB Russell Wilson.

#26 – 6-11 Bears
The Bears have begun their house cleaning with both HC Nagy and GM Pace fired. They have a tough road with no #1 pick, but have a big overhaul to get to playoff levels.

#27 – 5-12 Panthers
Panthers collapsed after a good opening month. They have to make a decision on QB Sam Darnold and have to improve a struggling offense to compete in the NFC South.

#28 – 4-13 Texans
Texans fell to the Titans in the finale to complete a horrible season. More major changes expected prior to training camp and they must answer the question of QB Deshaun Watson.

#29 – 4-13 Jets
Jets completed their development season and actually improved over the late season. They hope they have the foundation inline to build on with a critical postseason to take another step.

#30 – 4-13 Giants
The Giants finished with a 6 game losing streak behind an inept offense. The house cleaning has started with firing of HC Judge and retirement of Gettleman.

#31 – 3-13-1 Lions
Lions beat the Packers sub package to complete a difficult season. They played hard throughout, but must improve their talent level to take a step up.

#32 – 3-14 Jaguars
Jaguars earned the top overall selection again this year off a horrible performance that included firing first year coach Urban Meyer at midseason. Trevor Lawrence is the foundation despite a challenging rookie season.

NFL Draft 2022 Selection Order – The Jaguars are ‘On the Clock’ (Again)!

Jaguars Lions, Texans, Jets & Giants Hold Current Top 5 Selections
                         Eagles Hold Three #1 Selections,
               Giants and Jets Hold Two #1 Draft Choices

The Jacksonville Jaguars are ‘On the Clock’ with the first overall selection for the NFL Draft 2022. They earned the top overall draft choice again currently off a horrible 3-14 record. Rookie head coach Urban Meyer was fired in early December. Their recent overall draft decisions have been weak.

Detroit currently holds the 2nd overall selection off a poor 3-13-1 record with the Texans, Jets and Giants completing the top five selections. There is a logjam with nine clubs between 4-13, 7-10 and 9-8 that will impact the top  selections.

Jets (#4 & #10) and Giants (#5 & #7) hold two first round picks each with both top ten selections. The Eagles hold three #1 selections (#15, 16 & 19) with all from the middle of the round back.

A teams’ opponent’s W-L record will determine all tie situations. Teams that are still tied will flip though none necessary this year. Playoff teams will shuffle according to their postseason results to determine the final top 32 selections.

NFL teams look to both the veteran Free Agency period and the NFL Draft 2022 to improve their rosters. The salary cap went up after  in years with a $175 million cap range per team expected. It will dictate the movement of many veteran players this offseason and have an impact among the premier draft selections.

        Playoffs – Super Bowl game will determine final position
                postseason determines the final two positions

#            Team               W-L / Opp W-L %
1          Jacksonville          3-14     .512
2          Detroit                  3-13-1  .528
3          Houston                4-13     .498
4          NY Jets                 4-13     .512
5          NY Giants             4-13     .529
6          Carolina                5-12     .512
7          NY Giants (Chic)   6-11   .524
8          Atlanta                  7-10     .476
9          Denver                  7-10     .484
10         NY Jets (Seattle)   7-10   .519
11         Washington           7-10   .529
12         Minnesota             8-9     .507
13         Cleveland              8-9      .517
14         Baltimore              8-9     .528
15         Phil (Miami)         9-8      .464
16         Phil (Indianapolis) 9-8    .495
17         LA Chargers      9-8          .510
18         New Orleans     9-8          .512
19         Philadelphia      9-8          .472
20         Pittsburgh         9-7-1       .521
21         Cincinnati          10-7        .472
22         New England    10-7        .481
23         Miami (San Fran) 10-7   .500
24         Las Vegas        10-7          .510
25         Buffalo            11-6           .472
26         Detroit (Rams)   11-6     .490
27         Dallas               12-5         .491
28         Arizona            12-5        .483
29         Kansas City      12-5       .538
30         Tampa Bay       13-4      .460
31         Tennessee        12-5        .472
32         Green Bay        13-4       .479
 
               *** April 28-30 – NFL Draft 2022 – ***
 
Team tie-breaking procedure for the NFL Draft
If two or more clubs are tied in the selection order, the strength-of-schedule tie breaker is applied, subject to the following exceptions for playoff clubs: The Super Bowl winner is last and the Super Bowl loser next-to-last. Any non-Super Bowl playoff club involved in a tie shall be assigned priority within its segment below that of non-playoff clubs and in the order that the playoff clubs exited from the playoffs. Within a tied segment a playoff club that loses in the Wild-Card game will have priority over a playoff club that loses in the Divisional playoff game that in turn will have priority over a club that loses in the Conference Championship game. If two tied clubs exited the playoffs in the same round, the tie is broken by strength of schedule. If any ties cannot be broken by strength of schedule, the divisional or conference tie breakers, when applicable, are applied. Any ties that still exist are broken by a coin flip.

NFL Draft 2022 – First Round Mock Draft  1.0

 January, 2022
* Underclassmen –   Selection order with 1 regular season game to go
Pre All-Star games

All underclassmen had until Jan. 17^th to declare for the NFL Draft 2022. Players have three days to rescind their decision and return to school and still retain their college eligibility.

Exact draft order to be determined at close of the postseason

NFL  Mock Draft

1st Round

  #         Team             W/L      Player                          Pos      Ht/WT               School             Class
1         Jacksonville      2-14      Aidan Hutchinson          DE       6-6/265             Michigan           Jr
2         Detroit              2-13-1   Derek Stingley               CB        6-1/195             LSU         Jr
3         Houston            4-12      Kayvon Thibodeaux       DE       6-5/260             Oregon             Jr
4         Jets                  4-12      Kyle Hamilton               S          6-4/220             Notre Dame      Jr
5         Giants               4-12      George Karlaftis         DE       6-4/275             Purdue        Jr
6         Jets (Seattle)     6-10      David Ojabo               DE       6-5/250            Michigan           RSoph
7         Carolina            5-11      Kenny Pickett             QB       6-3/220             Pittsburgh     Sr
8         Giants (Chicago) 6-10    Evan Neal                   OT        6-7/350             Alabama           Jr
9         Washington       6-10      Ikem Ekwonu              OT        6-4/320             North Carolina St Jr
10         Atlanta              7-9        DeMarvin Leal           DT        6-4/290             Texas A&M       Jr
11         Denver              7-9        Devin Lloyd            ILB       6-3/235                Utah              Sr
12         Minnesota         7-9        Matt Corral               QB       6-2/205             Mississippi       Jr
13         Cleveland          7-9        Garrett Wilson         WR       6-0/190             Ohio State        Jr
14         Phil (Miami)       8-8        Treylon Burks           WR       6-3/225            Arkansas        Jr
15         New Orleans     8-8        Kaiir Elam                 CB        6-2/195             Florida         Jr
16         Baltimore          8-8        Tyler Linderbaum        C          6-3/290             Iowa      Jr
17         Pittsburgh         8-7-1     Charles Cross         OT        6-5/310             Mississippi St   RSoph
18         Philadelphia      9-7        Jordan Davis           DT        6-6/340             Georgia        Sr
19         Miami (San Fran) 9-7     Kenyon Green               OG       6-4/325             Texas A&M       Jr
20         Las Vegas        9-7        Andrew Booth               CB        6-0/195                Clemson           Jr
21         Phil (Indianapolis) 9-7    Ahmad Gardner            CB        6-3/200            Cincinnati          Jr
22         LA Chargers      9-7        Drake London               WR       6-5/210             Southern Cal     Jr
23         Cincinnati          10-6      Nicholas Petit-Frere       OT        6-5/315          Ohio State        Jr
24         New England    10-6      Jameson Williams         WR       6-2/190           Alabama           Jr
25         Buffalo             10-6      Kenneth Walker             RB        5-11/210            Michigan State Jr
26         Tennessee        11-5      Nakobe Dean                ILB       6-0/225             Georgia            Jr
27         Arizona             11-5      Drake Jackson             OLB      6-4/250             Southern Cal     Jr
28         Dallas               11-5      Christian Harris             ILB       6-2/235                Alabama          Jr
29         Kansas City      11-5      Jermaine Johnson         DE       6-5/265             Florida State     Sr
30         Tampa Bay       12-4      Jahan Dotson               WR       5-11/185            Penn State        Sr
31         Detroit (LA Rams) 12-4  Chris Olave                   WR       6-1/190             Ohio State        Sr
32         Green Bay        13-3      Jalen Wydermyer          TE        6-5/255             Texas A&M       Jr

X – The Colts #1 pick goes to the Eagles as QB Carson Wentz participated in 75% of the Colts offensive plays this season and they made the playoffs.

Currently four teams, the Bears, 49ers, Seahawks and Rams do not have a 1st round selection.
Teams 19-32 make the playoffs if the season ended today and are playoff clubs in the draft order. The draft order for playoff teams is determined by the results through postseason play.

April 28-30 – NFL Draft 2022 – Las Vegas, Nevada.

NFL Power Poll – Titans Clinch AFC South Title
Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 18

Bengals Clinch AFC North Title for First time in Six Years
Titans Earn AFC South Title For 2nd Year in a Row

Team of the Week 
Bengals Take AFC North Title in Chiefs Win 34-31
QB Joe Burrows outshines Patrick Mahomes to win a great shootout that may be a postseason preview.

Upset of the Week
Las Vegas Raiders (9-7) Edges Indianapolis Colts (9-7) – 23-20
    
Players of the Week
  Offense – QB Joe Burrow – Bengals        
  Defense – LB TJ Watt – Steelers
 
Rookies of Week
    Offense – WR Ja’Marr Chase – Bengals
    Defense – S Jevon Holland – Dolphins  
 
Game of Week 18 
   LA Chargers (9-7) at Las Vegas Raiders (9-7)
      Winner Earns Wild Card spot in playoffs.

NFL Team Power Poll
Draft Insiders’ Staff

Ranking /Record /Team

#1 – 13-3 Packers
The Packers maintain the best record in the league for bye and homefield advantage. Face Lions in their finale.

#2 – 12-4 Bucs
Bucs bounced back vs the Jets behind late dramatics by Tom Brady. Host the Panthers this Sunday.

#3 – 11-5 Chiefs
Chiefs lost a shootout vs the Bengals with their secondary toasted by Joe Burrow. Travel to Mile High for finale.

#4 – 12-4 Rams
Rams beat the Ravens behind late game heroics by QB Matthew Stafford.  Host the 49ers this Sunday hoping to clinch the NFC West and high playoff seating.

#5 – 11-5 Titans
The Titans drilled the Dolphins to clinch the AFC South title. Travel to Houston for their finale hoping to earn AFC bye with a victory.

#6 – 11-5 Cardinals
Cardinals end a three game losing streak with a big Sunday night win over the Cowboys.  It was their best performance on the season. Hosting the Seahawks this week.

#7 – 10-6 Patriots
Pats bounced the weak Jaguars to clinch a playoff berth. Travel to Miami for hoping to win the AFC East with a victory.

#8 – 11-5 Cowboys
The Cowboys came up short vs the Cardinals. Travel to Philly for Saturday night finale that will dictate both club’s playoff positions.

#9 – 10-6 Bills
Bills took care of business vs the Falcons. Host the Jets looking to repeat with an AFC East title.

#10 – 10-6 Bengals
Bengals outshot the Chiefs for an impressive late season victory. Winning the AFC North behind another strong performance by QB Joe Burrow. Travel to Cleveland looking to maintain momentum.

#11 – 9-7 Colts
The Colts lost tough thriller to the Raiders in last one. Travel to Jacksonville this Sunday and needs a victory and help to claim a Wild card berth in the AFC logjam.

#12 – 9-7 Chargers
Chargers rebound and blasted the Broncos. They face the Raiders in a must win situation for both clubs with the winner in for the playoffs.

#13 – 9-7 49ers
The 49ers beat the Texans to stay alive for the postseason. Travel to LA to face the Rams looking for victory to claim the final Wild card NFC position.

#14 – 9-7 Eagles
The Eagles claimed a Wild card spot off a victory over WFT. Host the Cowboys on Saturday night
hoping to get a favorable playoff matchup.

#15 – 8-7-1 Steelers
Steelers beat the Browns in Ben Roethlisberger’s home finale to keep their faint playoff hopes alive. Travel to Baltimore hoping to earn final Wild card spot.

#16 – 9-7 Raiders
The Raiders hung together for the stretch run and won a huge game vs the Colts. Host the Chargers Sunday night with the winner going to the Show.

#17 – 8-8 Dolphins
Dolphins were eliminated after coming up empty vs the Titans. Play out the string playing on pride with the Patriots coming to town.

#18 – 8-8 Saints
The Saints stayed alive for the postseason edging the Panthers. Travel to Atlanta for finale looking for victory to claim a Wild card berth.

#19- 8-8 Ravens
Ravens lost a close one to the Rams that put their postseason hopes as only a longshot. Host the Steelers looking to end their playoff hopes.

#20 – 7-9 Vikings
Vikings lost to arch rival the Packers Sunday night ending any playoff hopes. Host the Bears in finale with a postseason of many changes coming.

#21 – 7-9 Browns
Browns came up short again this time vs the Steelers. They were eliminated from playoffs and play out the string hosting Bengals without QB Baker Mayfield.

#22- 7-9 Broncos
The Broncos continue to lack the firepower to beat the top clubs. They fell to the Chargers last week. Host the Chiefs playing only on pride after their 5th consecutive sub .500 season.

#23 – 7-9 Falcons
Falcons come up flat vs the Bills. Host rival the Saints hoping to end their playoff hopes.

#24 – 6-10 WFT
The WFT lost to the Eagles in another close game where they come up short offensively. Play Giants in an NFC East game of disappointing clubs.

#25 – 6-10 Seahawks
Seahawks crushed the Lions. Travel to Arizona hoping to make a final statement in the NFC West.

#26 – 6-10 Bears
The Bears beat the Giants for their first two game win streak since 2020 season. Face the Vikings in their finale where both clubs expected to have major overhauls.

#27 – 5-11 Panthers
Panthers lost to the Saints. They travel to Tampa playing out the string in a season where they collapsed after a good first month.

#28 – 4-12 Texans
Texans fell to the 49ers with a weak offensive performance. Host the Titans to complete a horrible season and major changes expected prior to training camp.

#29 – 4-12 Giants
The Giants offense scored another FG in loss to Bears. Host WFT in a merciful finale of season that never got off the ground.

#30 – 4-12 Jets
Jets pushed the Bucs to the limit before falling on Tom Brady’s late heroics. Travel to Buffalo where they can impact the AFC East winner with a top performance.

#31 – 2-14 Jaguars
Jaguars were blasted by the Patriots in another mismatch. Host the Colts in a must win for them in the finale in a season where little progress was made.

#32 – 2-13-1 Lions
Lions were toasted by the Seahawks. Host the Packers looking to establish respect for next season.

NFL Draft 2022 –

– The Jaguars are ‘On the Clock’ (again)!
Jaguars, Lions, Texans, Giants & Jets Hold Current Top 5 Selections

                     Eagles Have Three #1 Selections,
            Giants & Jets Hold Two #1 Draft Choices

The Jacksonville Jaguars are ‘On the Clock’ with the first overall selection for the NFL Draft 2022. They could earn the top overall draft choice again currently off a horrible 2-14 record if they maintain this position over the Lions. Rookie head coach Urban Meyer was fired in earlier December. Their recent overall draft decisions have been weak and slow to develop. Detroit currently holds the 2nd overall selection off a poor 2-13-1 record and could still land the top overall selection if they lose and the Jaguars win in the final week. Texans, Jets and Giants complete the top five selections with 4-12 records. There is a logjam with eight clubs between 5-11 and 7-9 that will impact the top 12 overall selections.

Jets and Giants hold two #1 picks with both probable top ten selections. The Eagles hold three #1 selections with all from the middle of the round back.

First Round Selection Order – after 16 Games

#   Team                       Record             Strength/schedule

1 Jacksonville               2-14                  .522
2 Detroit                       2-13-1               .539
3 Houston                     4-12                  .496
4 NY Jets                      4-12                  .515
5 NY Giants                  4-12                  .537
6 Carolina                     5-11                  .507
7 NY Jets (Seattle)        6-10                  .518
8 NY Giants (Chicago)   6-10                  .520
9 Washington                6-10                  .533
10 Atlanta                     7-9                    .461
11 Denver                     7-9                    .478
12 Minnesota                7-9                    .513
13 Cleveland                 7-9                    .524
14 Phil (Miami)              8-8                    .467
15 New Orleans             8-8                    .515
16 Baltimore                 8-8                    .531
17 Pittsburgh                8-7-1                 .520
18 Las Vegas                9-7                    .517
19 Philadelphia             9-7                    .461
20 Phil (Indianapolis)     9-7                    .489
21 LA Chargers             9-7                    .509
22 Miami (San Fran)      9-7                    .509
23 Buffalo                     10-6                  .469
24 New England            10-6                  .474
25 Cincinnati                 10-6                  .465
26 Arizona                    11-5                  .483
27 Dallas                      11-5                  .493
28 Kansas City             11-5                  .542
29 Tampa Bay              12-4                  .474
30 Detroit (LA Rams)     12-4                  .480
31 Tennessee               11-5                  .469
32 Green Bay                13-3                  .469

X – The Colts #1 pick goes to the Eagles as QB Carson Wentz participated in 75% of the Colts offensive plays this season and they made the playoffs.

Currently four teams, the Bears, 49ers, Seahawks and Rams do not have a 1st round selection.

Teams 19-32 make the playoffs if the season ended today and are playoff clubs in the draft order. The draft order for playoff teams is determined by the results through postseason play.

April 28-30 – NFL Draft 2022 – Las Vegas, Nevada.

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 17

Chiefs Clinch 6th West Title
Bucs Win 1st South Title Since 2007

Teams of the Week 
Bills Take AFC East led with huge win over Patriots (9-6) – 33-21
Cowboys explode in a dominant performance over WFT for NFC East title

Upset of the Week
Houston (4-11) Slams LA Chargers (8-7) – 41-29
RB Burkhead rushes for 149 yards and 2 TDs with both rosters hindered by Covid
    
Players of the Week
  Offense – QB Joe Burrow – Bengals        
  Defense – S Micah Hyde – Bills
 
Rookies of Week
    Offense – TE Kyle Pitts – Falcons
    Defense – LB Micah Parsons – Cowboys
 
Games of Week 17 
   LA Rams (11-4) at Baltimore Ravens (8-7)
      Two clubs in tight divisional races that are on the line.

NFL Team Power Poll

Draft Insiders’ Staff

Ranking /Record /Team

#1 – 12-3 Packers
The Packers maintain the best record in the league for homefield advantage. Host the Vikings this week.

#2 – 11-4 Bucs
Bucs bounced the Panthers to stay apace for the best record in the NFC with a bye week the bonus.
Travel to MetLife to face the Jets this Sunday.

#3 – 11-4 Chiefs
Chiefs pounded the Steelers to clinch the AFC West and looking to claim the #1 seed for a bye week the first week of the playoffs.

#4 – 11-4 Rams
Rams beat the Vikings to reclaim lead in NFC West. In the dogfight for the top NFC position that will determine home field advantage and possible bye week. Face the Ravens this Sunday.

#5 – 11-4 Cowboys
The Cowboys bombed WFT staying abreast for playoff bye. Host the Cardinals in a playoff type matchup that has major ramifications in the NFC races.

#6 – 10-5 Cardinals
Cardinals failing in big spots and surrender the NFC West led to the Rams. Club is looking like a paper tiger as we enter crunch time.

#7 – 9-6 Patriots
Pats lose a tough game to the Bills and are tied with two games to go. Host the Jaguars this week and Belichick gets this club ready in must win situations.

#8 – 10-5 Titans
The Titans edged the 49ers for a critical win. Host the hot Dolphins this Sunday in a matchup that shapes the playoff hopes of both clubs.

#9 – 9-6 Bills
Bills came out with a strong performance beating the Pats to claim AFC East led. Host the Falcons and must take care of business over the final two weeks to make the postseason.

#10 – 9-6 Colts
The Colts beat the Cardinals in last one. Host the Raiders this Sunday with QB Carson Wentz testing positive for Covid early ln the week.

#11 – 9-6 Bengals
Bengals drilled the Ravens behind another strong performance by QB Joe Burrow. Host the Chiefs in huge AFC matchup for North division and key playoff positions on the line.

#12 – 8-7 Chargers
Chargers came up short vs the Texans that puts them in a dogfight for a playoff position. Host the Broncos in a must win situation and needing help for a postseason berth.

#13- 8-7 Ravens
Ravens were toasted by the Bengals in last one. Needs help for a playoff berth and host the Rams in must win situation Sunday for their longshot possibilities.

#14 – 8-7 49ers
The 49ers fell to the Titans putting them in a tough spot for the final playoff spot. Host the hot Texans this week in a must win situation for any playoff hopes.

#15 – 8-7 Dolphins
Dolphins beat the Saints to stretch their winning streak to seven games. Travel to Nashville in a must win situation to stay alive for the final AFC playoff spot.

#16 – 8-7 Eagles
The Eagles stay alive for the last wild card position with a strong win over the Giants. Travel to the Capital hoping to keep pace for the final week of the season.

#17 – 7-8 Vikings
Vikings lost a shootout with the Rams last week. Travel to Titletown for a Sunday night matchup
in a desperate chance to earn the final playoff spot.

#18 – 8-7 Raiders
The Raiders edge the Broncos to keep their slim playoff chances alive. Travel to Indy hoping for a final push to claim a postseason berth.

#19 – 7-8 Browns
Browns came up short again this time vs the Packers. Travel to Pittsburgh for Monday night clash with the loser out for any even long shot chances for the playoffs.

#20 – 7-7-1 Steelers
Steelers were bashed by the Chiefs in another lackluster performance. They host the Browns in a must win situation that will determine if they stay alive the final week.

#21- 7-8 Broncos
The Broncos lack the firepower to beat the top clubs. They fell to the Raiders in a must win situation. Travel to LA to face the equally erratic Chargers in a must win situation for both clubs.

#22 – 7-8 Saints
The Saints loss to the Dolphins all but eliminates them from the postseason. They have started four QBs this season hoping to stay atop the NFC South division. Host the Panthers in a game of also rans.

#23 – 7-8 Falcons
Falcons edged the Lions. They go to Buffalo with only a super longshot for the postseason.

#24 – 6-9 WFT
The WFT were blasted by the Cowboys. Host the Eagles in a key NFC East contest that will define any Philadelphia chances.

#25 – 5-10 Seahawks
Seahawks lose to the Bears in a close contest. Host the Lions in a battle for top ten positions in the NFL Draft.

#26 – 5-10 Panthers
Panthers were drilled in their loss to the Bucs. They travel to New Orleans with only NFC South pride on the line.

#27 – 5-10 Bears
The Bears edged out the Seahawks for their first win in weeks. Host GMen in a matchup of pathetic offenses.

#28 – 4-11 Texans
Texans won back to back games for the first time this season. Travel to San Fran hoping to get crazy and finish strong in a nightmare season for the former AFC South winner.

#29 – 4-11 Giants
The Giants offense hits new heights of ineptitude in loss to the Eagles. Travel to Chi town holding both team’s 1st round draft selections in April.

#30 – 4-11 Jets
Jets beat the struggling Jaguars for a good win. Rookie Zach Wilson continues to improve. Faces the tough Bucs defense this week which will be a major test at this point of his development.

#31 – 2-13 Jaguars
Jaguars lost a close contest with the Jets. Travel to New England to face a hungry Patriots club that rarely lets a must win situation get away from them.

#32 – 2-12-1 Lions
Lions fought the Falcons to the end, but came up short again in a season of difficult losses. Travel to Seattle hoping to register another victory.

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 15

Chiefs Dance All Over Raiders
Rams Outlast Cardinals

Team of the Week 
Chiefs (9-4) Dance over Raiders (6-7) – 48-9
Chiefs explode in a dominant performance vs the trash talking Raiders

Upset of the Week
Rams (9-4) Slam Cards (10-3) – 30-23
QB Matthew Stafford back on the beam with strong Monday night performance.
    
Players of the Week
  Offense – QB Patrick Mahomes – Chiefs        
  Defense – DT Aaron Donald – Rams
 
Rookies of Week
    Offense – WR JaMarr Chase – Bengals
    Defense – CB Patrick Surtain – Broncos
 
Games of Week 15 
   Kansas City Chiefs (9-4) at LA Chargers (8-5)
      Two hot clubs via for AFC West leadership.

NFL Team Power Poll
Draft Insiders’ Staff

Ranking /Record /Team

#1 – 10-3 Packers
The Packers are dangerous especially with Aaron Rodgers who can change games in an instant.
Packers are playing for home field advantage and a playoff bye at this point.

#2 – 10-3 Bucs
Bucs fell asleep vs the Bills, but Tom Brady woke up this club with another heroic victory this time in OT.

#3 – 10-3 Cardinals
Cardinals fell to the Rams and hold only a one game lead in West. They fail in big spots often, yet take care of business vs the mediocre clubs.

#4 – 9-4 Patriots
Pats are well rested for their trip to Indy. Belichick is getting this club playoff ready and looking for home field advantage with a few more victories.

#5 – 9-4 Chiefs
Chiefs danced on the Raiders heads in their thorough stomping Sunday. Chiefs peaking at the right time and face a critical AFC West matchup vs the Chargers for divisional leadership.

#6 – 9-4 Rams
Rams’ explosive air game is back and maybe Odell Beckham becomes an impact midseason addition. Host the Seahawks this Sunday.

#7 – 9-4 Titans
The drilled the lifeless Jaguars with an impressive shutout performance. Travel to Pittsburgh looking to maintain a strong South lead vs the desperate Steelers.

#8 – 9-4 Cowboys
The Cowboys come off a good win vs WFT. Travel to MetLife to face the faltering GMen and within reach to clinch the East title.

#9 – 8-5 Chargers
Chargers have regained their swag and look to maintain vs the Chiefs this Thursday night. Shootout between Justin Herbert and Patrick Mahomes has the makings on a postseason matchup.

#10- 8-5 Ravens
Ravens lost a close contest vs the Browns. Struggling with inconsistency and pressing secondary issues.

#11 – 7-6 Bills
Bills came back vs the Bucs, but fell in OT to another Tom Brady comeback. Bills are in danger of falling out of the playoff race and host the Panthers in desperate need of a victory.

#12 – 7-6 49ers
The 49ers beat the Bengals in OT. Host the Falcons that is vital for both teams’ playoff hopes.

#13 – 7-6 Colts
The Colts are rested coming off their bye week and host the Patriots this Saturday. This game may define their playoff chances.

#14 – 7-6 Bengals
Bengals’ defense failed again in big spot vs the 49ers. They travel to Denver in a must win situation for both clubs.

#15 – 7-6 Browns
Browns beat the Ravens in a huge North contest. They host the Raiders this Saturday where they need to win to separate themselves in the tight North divisional and AFC wild card races.

#16 – 6-6-1 Steelers
Steelers looked terrible in their loss to the Vikings. They host the Titans in a must win situation that will determine if they can stay alive the final month.

#17- 7-6 Broncos
The Broncos shut out the Lions to stay in the tight AFC playoff chase. They host the Bengals in
in a must win situation for two inconsistent clubs.

#18 – 6-7 Dolphins
Dolphins are on a 5 game winning streak coming off their bye week. Host the Jets, looking to get to .500
to make a stretch run where the AFC playoff spots are wide open.

#19 – 6-7 WFT
The WFT fell to the Cowboys in another close game. Travel to Philly in another key NFC East contest that could define both teams’ slim chances.

#20 – 6-7 Eagles
The Eagles come off their bye week and face WFT where the winner is alive for the last wild card position. Their offense holds the key here and must set the pace to beat a tough Washington D.

#21 – 6-7 Vikings
Vikings drilled the Steelers on Thursday night. Travel to Chi town for a Monday night matchup
and need to win to get to .500 for a chance at a wild card spot.

#22 – 6-7 Saints
The Saints come off a win vs the Jets. Travel to Tampa in a must win situation to have any chances for a playoff spot.

#23 – 6-7 Falcons
Falcons beat the Panthers in a critical matchup. They go to San Fran with the loser looking to next season.

#24 – 5-8 Seahawks
Seahawks extended their winning vs Houston. Travel to LA for major test vs the Rams, hoping to extend their long shot hopes for the postseason.

#25 – 6-7 Raiders
The Raiders got crushed by the Chiefs. Trash talking never won an NFL game yet.

#26 – 5-8 Panthers
Panthers struggled in loss to the Falcons. They travel to Buffalo to face the desperate Bills this Sunday.

#27 – 4-9 Giants
The Giants are a total mess with backup QBs struggling. They host the Cowboys and are playing only on pride in this divisional rivalry.

#28 – 4-9 Bears
The Bears will probably finish with rookie QB Justin Fields going through his learning curve. He faces the Vikings at home on Monday Night this week.

#29 – 3-10 Jets
Jets continue to struggle especially offensively. Rookie Zach Wilson continues to adjust to the NFL and travels to Miami for a traditional AFC East matchup.

#30 – 2-11 Texans
Texans outmatched again last week vs the Seahawks. Travel to Jacksonville in a battle for the AFC South basement the door prize.

#31 – 2-11 Jaguars
Jaguars were shutout in Nashville. Host the Texans looking for this young roster to gain a victory and get more experience despite facing a huge wholesale roster change.

#32 – 1-11-1 Lions
Lions were outclassed in Denver. Host the Cardinals looking to surprise the NFC West leader.

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll Week 14

Patriots Win 7th in a Row with Victory over Bills
Cardinals, Bucs, Cowboys and Chiefs Lead Divisions

Team of the Week 
Patriots (9-4) edge Bills (7-5)
Pats’ Control Clock to Take Command of AFC East

Upset of the Week
Lions Shock Vikings – 29-27
Detroit claims first victory with gutty performance on last second TD pass.
    
Players of the Week
  Offense – QB Justin Herbert – Chargers        
  Defense – LB Jordan Hicks – Cardinals
 
Rookies of Week
    Offense – WR Amon-Ra St. Brown – Lions
    Defense – LB Jaelen Phillips – Dolphins
 
Games of Week 14 
   Los Angeles Rams (8-4) at Arizona Cardinals (10-2)
     Rams looking to close the gap in the West entering final month.

NFL Team Power Poll
Draft Insiders’ Staff

Ranking /Record /Team

#1 – 10-2 Cardinals
Cardinals hold the top spot with a narrow victory over the Bears. Host the Rams Monday night that may decide the West title winner.

#2 – 9-3 Packers
The Packers are rested to host the Bears Sunday night. Packers are playing for home field advantage and a playoff bye with the North title also a certainty.

#3 – 9-3 Bucs
Bucs kept rolling along. Host the Bills in a playoff primer for their high scoring attack.

#4 – 9-4 Patriots
Pats win their 7th straight game with gutting victory in Buffalo. The Belichick magic never left.

#5 – 8-4 Chiefs
Chiefs come off a win vs the Broncos. Host the Raiders looking to maintain their West leadership.

#6 – 8-4 Ravens
Ravens came up short vs the Steelers. Travel to Cleveland with a makeshift secondary for the stretch run.

#7 – 8-4 Rams
Rams rebound vs the Jaguars with their explosive air game. Travel to the desert for major West battle with the Cardinals that they must win to close the gap.

#8 – 8-4 Titans
The rested Titans host the Jaguars looking to maintain their South lead over the surging Colts.

#9 – 8-4 Cowboys
The Cowboys travel to the Capital looking to improve their East lead to three games.

#10 – 7-5 Bills
Bills continue to struggle offensively. Travel to Tampa Bay for crucial matchup where they must reestablish themselves as playoff contenders.

#11 – 7-6 Colts
The Colts shut out the Texans. Get their bye week to heal up for the stretch run.

#12 – 7-5 Chargers
Chargers came out firing vs the Bengals to stay in the tight AFC West race. Host the struggling GMen in a crucial contest for their playoff hopes.

#13 – 7-5 Bengals
Bengals defense failed to show up vs the Chargers. Host the 49ers in a must win situation this week.

#14 – 6-5-1 Steelers
Steelers won slug out vs the Ravens to keep alive their AFC playoff hopes. Travel to Minny for vital Thursday night contest.

#15 – 6-6 WFT
The WFT beat the Raiders in yet another close game. Host the Cowboys in an NFC East contest that could define divisional title.

#16 – 6-6 49ers
The 49ers failed vs Seahawks that puts them in a dogfight for the final NFC playoff spot. Travel to Cinny for vital contest that could determine both teams’ playoff hopes.

#17 – 6-6 Raiders
The Raiders came up short vs WFT. Travel to KC for major matchup with the Chiefs which has all the makings of a must win to stay in contention.

#18 – 6-6 Browns
Browns coming off their bye week and need to get their bearings to stay alive in the AFC playoff chase. Host the Ravens with major ramifications.

#19- 6-6 Broncos
The Broncos struggled offensively in the loss to the Chiefs. Host the hot Lions in a must win situation.

#20 – 6-7 Eagles
The Eagles get a late bye to prepare for the stretch run. Face an NFC East diet the rest of the schedule.

#21 – 6-7 Dolphins
Dolphins won their 5th straight behind a solid defense. Get their bye week to prep for stretch run where they hope to extend their stretch and get help for playoff possibility.

#22 – 5-7 Vikings
Vikings lost another tough game, this time to division rival the Lions. Host the Steelers Thursday night and need to win to keep their remote postseason hopes alive.

#23 – 5-7 Saints
The Saints are rested after lose to the Cowboys on Thursday night. Travel to Jets in a crucial game for their slim postseason hopes.

#24 – 5-7 Falcons
Falcons failed vs the Bucs in a critical matchup. They go to Carolina with the loser looking to next season.

#25 – 4-9 Giants
The Giants came up empty with backup QB Mike Glennon. Playing out the string from here with major changes expected this offseason.

#26 – 4-8 Seahawks
Seahawks dug in for their victory over the 49ers. Travel to Houston hoping to extend their winning despite a long shot for postseason.

#27 – 5-7 Panthers
Panthers are coming off their bye week and host the Falcons. Offense has struggled mightily since the first month with hopes they can turn it around with Cam Newton.

#28 – 4-8 Bears
The Bears will return to rookie Justin Fields for stretch run. He faces the Packers in Green Bay on Sunday Night.

#29 – 3-9 Jets
Jets reaching new levels of ineptitude on both sides of the ball. Host the Saints looking to get young players into new schemes.

#30 – 2-10 Texans
Texans host the Seahawks, hoping to recover from shut out in last game.

#31 – 2-10 Jaguars
Jaguars travel to Nashville to face the rested Titans. Looking to an offseason of wholesale changes in this collapsing organization.

#32 – 1-10-1 Lions
Hail to the Lions. Gutty win after several heartbreaking losses. Travel to Mile High looking for two game winning streak.

Draft Insiders’ – NFL Power Poll – Week 13

Patriots Win 6^th in a Row for 1^st in AFC East
Packers Edge Rams in NFC Matchup

Team of the Week 
Patriots (6-5) crush Titans (8-4) – 36-13
Rookie QB Marc Jones leads Pat’s 6th victory in a row.

Upset of the Week
Raiders Beat Cowboys – 36-33
QB Derek Carr dices Cowboys secondary.
    
Players of the Week
  Offense – RB Leonard Fournette – Bucs        
  Defense – CB JC Jackson – Patriots
 
Rookies of Week
    Offense – WR Jaylen Waddle – Dolphins
    Defense – LB Odafe Oweh – Ravens

Games of Week 13 
   New England Patriots (8-4) at Buffalo Bills (7-4)
     First of two meetings in next month that should determine AFC East winner.

NFL Team Power Poll
Draft Insiders’ Staff

Ranking/Record /Team
#1 – 9-2 Cardinals
Cardinals return from their bye week with trip to Chi-town. Hoping QB Kyler Murray regains his magic down the stretch.

#2 – 8-3 Packers
The Packers win la wild shootout with the Rams. QB Aaron Rodgers continues to amaze scouts with his uncanny ability to lead this offense with rare accuracy and time management.

#3 – 8-3 Bucs
Bucs Tom Brady once again toasted a quality defense. Travel to Atlanta hoping to widen their South lead.

#4 – 7-4 Patriots
Pats won their 6th straight game and travel to Buffalo for monster AFC East clash.

#5 – 7-4 Chiefs
Chiefs come off their bye week and are gaining momentum weekly. Host the Broncos looking to separate in the AFC West.

#6 – 8-3 Ravens
Ravens win another one on guile and toughness vs the Browns. Travel to Steel City with huge AFC North implications.

#7 – 7-4 Rams
Rams come up short again this time vs the Packers as they continue to decline. Host the Jaguars looking to get back into the win column.

#8 – 8-4 Titans
The erratic Titans were drilled by the Patriots. Get their bye week looking to regroup for final stretch.

#9 – 7-4 Cowboys
The Cowboys were stifled by the Raiders for another loss. Travel to New Orleans needing to get back in the win column.

#10 – 7-4 Bills
Bills had their best performance in a month vs the Saints. Host Patriots hoping to regain the AFC East lead.

#11 – 7-4 Bengals
Bengals crushed the Steelers in a key North matchup. Host the Chargers in crucial playoff contender contest.

#12 – 6-6 Colts
The Colts lost a shootout vs Tom Brady. Travel to Houston needing a victory to stay apace in their playoff push.

#13 – 6-5 Chargers
Chargers were bashed by the Broncos in the tight AFC West race. Travel to Cinny to face the hot Bengals in a crucial AFC contest that could affect the wild card positions.

#14 – 6-5 49ers
The 49ers have quietly jumped into playoff contention. Travel to Seattle in a vital AFC West matchup.

#15 – 6-5 Raiders
The Raiders edged Cowboys on Turkey day. Host WFT in hopes to stay in tight AFC West division where one game separates the entire division.

#16 – 5-6 Vikings
Vikings lost a tough game vs the 49ers. Travel to Motown and must win scenario to get to .500 for stretch run.

#17 – 5-5-1 Steelers
Steelers were toasted by the Bengals. Host the Ravens in a must win situation for any playoff hopes.

#18 – 6-6 Browns
Browns offense continues to struggle with a banged up Baker Mayfield. Get a bye week to get healthy for a stretch run that will challenge them in the competitive AFC race.

#19- 6-5 Broncos
The pesky Broncos get the Chiefs in KC in a terrific Sunday night contest. Defense faces their toughest test.

#20 – 4-7 Giants
The Giants gutted it out in their victory over Eagles. Travel to Miami for must win game to keep their playoff possibilities alive.

#21 – 5-6 Saints
The Bills danced all over the Saints. Host Cowboys Thursday night in a crucial game in their postseason hopes.

#22 – 5-7 Eagles
The Eagles were jumped by the GMen. Face the Jets this week hoping to stay in the playoff chase.

#23 – 5-6 Falcons
Falcons looking to get to .500 vs the Bucs in a critical matchup. Their defense has failed continuously this fall.

#24 – 5-7 Dolphins
Dolphins are on a hot streak hoping get into the wild car race. Host the Gmen this Sunday where the loser is most likely done for the season.

#25 – 5-6 WFT
The WFT beat the Seahawks in another close game. Travel to Las Vegas looking to reach the .500 level.

#26 – 5-7 Panthers
Panthers continue to struggle offensively despite Cam Newton. Bye week gives them time to regroup for final stretch.

#27 – 4-7 Bears
The Bears got lucky vs the Lions on Thanksgiving. Host the Cardinals looking to jumpstart struggling offense.

#28 – 3-8 Seahawks
Seahawks continue to struggle especially offensively. Host the hot 49ers hoping to avert sinking deeper in the West basement.

#29 – 3-8 Jets
Jets edged the Texans despite a shaky performance by QB Zach Wilson. Host the Eagles hoping to build some momentum.

#30 – 2-9 Texans
Texans host the Colts, hoping to earn their 3rd divisional victory.

#31 – 2-9 Jaguars
Jaguars face the Rams looking for their young roster to gain further experience.

#32 – 0-10-1 Lions
Lions gave away the Thanksgiving game to the Bears. Host the Vikings looking for that first victory.