Dec 7, 2021

  • NFL NationESPN

We've reached the homestretch of the season, so every version of the NFL Power Rankings becomes more and more important. But the homestretch isn't just important for ranking teams; it's important for players in setting up the next part of their careers.

Whether you're a immature guy trying to constitute a legacy or a veteran trying to preserve what is already built, December is when reputations are made and maintained. On that note, we asked our NFL Nation writers to option the one player on the teams they encompass for whom the concluding month of the season is about of import. As you'd look, the quarterback position is well represented here -- from rookies trying to get a foothold (run across the Big Apple) to veterans trying to close out in mode (Pittsburgh Steelers fans can experience this) to current stars looking to attain that next level (such as the guy heading up America's Team) -- simply in that location are non-quarterbacks who make the list, also.

How we rank our Ability Rankings: Our power panel -- a group of more than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities -- evaluates how teams stack up throughout the season.

Previous rankings: 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | eight | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | Preseason

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NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | X | WSH

1. Arizona Cardinals (x-2)

Previous ranking: ii

Player who must step up: OL Josh Jones

The one-time 3rd-round selection is the backup at both correct guard and right tackle during a flavour in which he should accept been starting at one or the other. If Jones doesn't testify himself over the balance of the campaign, there's a chance he might not be in the mix next year, specially with how well both RG Max Garcia and RT Kelvin Beachum have played. Considering how valuable quarterback Kyler Murray is, Jones needs to be equally adept as he maybe tin to keep Murray healthy. -- Josh Weinfuss

2. Greenish Bay Packers (9-3)

Previous ranking: 1

Actor who must step up: K Bricklayer Crosby

Non all of the follies with the field goal unit have been Crosby's fault; he got a new holder correct earlier the season opener and a new long-snapper 9 games in. But ultimately it's on the kicker, and Crosby ranks tied for 35th in the league this season in field goal percentage (66.seven%, 18-of-27). He went through a slump in 2012, and the Packers stuck with him. He responded with one of his all-time years in 2013. But at age 37 and with a $iii.4 one thousand thousand bacon and $4.735 1000000 cap charge for next year, Crosby might need a strong finish to secure his future here. -- Rob Demovsky

three. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-iii)

Previous ranking: three

Player who must step up: WR Breshad Perriman

This 1 might come as a surprise, given that Perriman was only called up from the practice squad. Merely the 2022 kickoff-round draft pick out of UCF lined upwardly equally the Bucs' 3rd broad receiver confronting the Falcons on Dominicus, playing 83.3% of offensive snaps every bit compared to xiii.2% for Tyler Johnson and 5.9% for Scotty Miller. With Antonio Brown out 2 more weeks due to his break and the uncertainty surrounding Dark-brown's future with the Bucs, Perriman has a chance to resurrect his career subsequently existence cut twice already this year (by the Lions and Bears) and really aid the Bucs in their push for another Super Basin. -- Jenna Laine

four. New England Patriots (9-4)

Previous ranking: five

Actor who must step up: TE Jonnu Smith

Inbound Monday night's game against the Bills, the big-money free-agent signing had totaled 25 catches for 259 yards and one touchdown. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has referred to this every bit a foundational year for Smith and all newcomers. At the same time, when the team signed Smith to a four-year, $l million contract in free agency -- with $31.25 one thousand thousand guaranteed -- it created a level of expectation that Smith is all the same striving to reach. -- Mike Reiss

5. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (8-4)

Previous ranking: half dozen

Player who must step up: WR Mecole Hardman

With Sammy Watkins moving on and the Chiefs in need of a second receiving threat, this was to be the season Hardman proved he could be trusted as an every-downwardly receiver. Information technology hasn't happened. While Hardman is third on the team in catches, he has few large plays, registering 10.1 yards per take hold of and just one touchdown. If Hardman doesn't brand a motility in what remains of the campaign, the Chiefs volition be shopping for receiving assist in the offseason. -- Adam Teicher

6. Baltimore Ravens (8-4)

Previous ranking: iv

Thespian who must stride up: QB Lamar Jackson

Jackson wants to become his stock going back up heading into an offseason in which he could sign his large-coin extension. He has lost two of his past three starts, struggling to produce with a 34.4 Full QBR (22nd in the NFL). In the by two weeks, he threw a career-high four interceptions in one game and was sacked a career-high seven times in the other. Jackson will ultimately go one of the highest-paid players in the NFL. But a stiff showing the rest of the way, especially in the postseason, would justify Jackson commanding $45 meg a year like Patrick Mahomes. -- Jamison Hensley

vii. Dallas Cowboys (eight-4)

Previous ranking: 10

Role player who must pace up: QB Dak Prescott

It's non that Prescott has played poorly, but he has not been every bit effective as he was in the first vii games of the season, earlier suffering a calf strain against New England. In his by five games, he has 7 touchdown passes and iv interceptions. He would be helped by a amend running game and protection that has not been as good lately, but this is why the Cowboys made a $160 1000000 investment in Prescott in March. Dallas is in position to win the NFC East for the third time with Prescott, merely for this squad to again be seen every bit i of the best in the NFL, it needs more than from him. -- Todd Archer

eight. Buffalo Bills (seven-5)

Previous ranking: vii

Role player who must step up: QB Josh Allen

The Bills' power to secure a top playoff seed and potentially make a Super Bowl relies on the whole team playing well, only the operation of Allen down the stretch will be vital. Turnovers have been an issue for Allen as of late -- 7 interceptions and 2 fumbles in the past five games -- and while they are non all his fault, he needs to make better decisions with the football. Overall, Allen has had a solid season, only he and the offense need to take it to the next level to get where the Bills want to go. -- Alaina Getzenberg

nine. Los Angeles Rams (8-four)

Previous ranking: xi

Actor who must step up: WR Odell Beckham Jr.

Given the odd circumstances surrounding Beckham's release from the Browns -- which included a video his father shared of quarterback Bakery Mayfield non throwing him the football game -- the eighth-yr wideout must prove that he not merely even so has large-play capabilities but that he tin consistently contribute. Playing on a one-year, $1.25 deal that he signed final calendar month, Beckham's productivity has gradually increased since his arrival in Los Angeles. In his second game with the Rams, he caught a 54-m touchdown pass for his offset receiving score in ten games, and on Sunday he snagged a 1-yard touchdown laissez passer, giving him TDs in back-to-dorsum games for the first time since Weeks 16 and 17 of the 2022 season. -- Lindsey Thiry

10. Tennessee Titans (viii-4)

Previous ranking: 8

Player who must step up: QB Ryan Tannehill

The Titans were one of the few teams that weren't driven by their quarterback when Derrick Henry was good for you. It's now Tannehill's job to elevate everyone else'south game. That can be specially difficult given how Tennessee volition be without star wide receivers A.J. Brownish and Julio Jones for some stretch of time. But Tannehill has to discover means to connect with his remaining pass-catchers, especially in the red zone. Tannehill also is very capable of making plays with his legs inside the 20-yard line. Although a good amount of Tannehill's 13 interceptions isn't directly his error, he has to observe a way to avoid plush turnovers downward the stretch and in the playoffs. -- Turron Davenport

eleven. Cincinnati Bengals (7-5)

Previous ranking: ix

Player who must pace upwards: Due south Jessie Bates III

In November, Bates said his contract season hasn't been as expert as he wanted it to exist. Later Pro Football Focus graded Bates as the NFL'southward top safety in 2020, Bates hasn't been able to carry that production into 2021. Some of that can be chalked up to the stalled contract negotiations that bandage a cloud over Bates at the get-go of the flavour. While he has had some adept moments, Bates still has enough of piece of work to practice in gild to testify he is worth being paid every bit one of the NFL's best safeties. Of form, the Bengals using the franchise tag on him for 2022 is the most likely scenario. Just in add-on to potentially making himself some extra money, he could heave a Cincinnati defense that is suddenly lacking some key players during the final month of the season. -- Ben Baby

12. Indianapolis Colts (7-6)

Previous ranking: 13

Player who must pace up: QB Carson Wentz

No, Wentz isn't having a bad season. He has had a pretty solid i, in fact, with 22 touchdown passes and only five interceptions. Only the first-yr Colts quarterback has to take his game to an even higher level because they are far from a lock to brand the playoffs this flavor. They're currently 9th in the AFC with four games remaining, which includes contests against New England, Arizona and Las Vegas. Now is the time for Wentz to testify why the Colts acquired him from Philadelphia final offseason. "It's December; everything feels like a playoff game," Wentz recently said. -- Mike Wells

13. Los Angeles Chargers (seven-5)

Previous ranking: sixteen

Player who must step up: RB Justin Jackson

Jackson was thought to exist the No. ii running back behind Austin Ekeler but missed two directly games with shoulder injuries and has withal to play more than 16% of offensive snaps in any competition. He had six carries for 15 yards against the Bengals. The Chargers are in corking demand for a solid No. 2 back, and Ekeler has the tools; but he can't get on the field. -- Shelley Smith

xiv. San Francisco 49ers (vi-6)

Previous ranking: 12

Player who must stride upward: QB Jimmy Garoppolo

Garoppolo has played well recently (bated from a Week xiii dud versus Seattle), though it's no coincidence that the good performances have coincided with the resurgence of San Francisco'due south running game. Ideally for all involved, that would continue. But it's likely that the 49ers volition find themselves in a meaningful game or two similar that against Seattle in which the opposing defence force will force Garoppolo to comport a heavier load. His ability to do that volition not merely play a big office in San Francisco'south postseason hopes but also in Garoppolo's hereafter. A finishing flourish would only bolster his value as he heads toward an uncertain offseason. -- Nick Wagoner

15. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5-1)

Previous ranking: 19

Player who must footstep upward: QB Ben Roethlisberger

Roethlisberger is all merely assured to be a future Hall of Famer, but he is very likely inbound his terminal five regular-season games in a Steelers uniform. Roethlisberger isn't the gunslinger he used to exist, but if he performs more like the quarterback who had two monster fourth quarters (confronting the Chargers and the Ravens), the Steelers could end his storied career with a playoff berth and a postseason run. But if he looks like the version of himself who threw ii picks confronting the Bengals and couldn't put consistent zip on the ball, the Steelers' ceiling will be a .500 season -- an underwhelming finish for Large Ben. -- Brooke Pryor

16. Washington Football Team (vi-half-dozen)

Previous ranking: 22

Histrion who must pace upwards: QB Taylor Heinicke

He already has proved he belongs in the NFL, only questions remain about the level Heinicke can reach. Even Washington views him as a high-quality backup or a low-end starter. Heinicke's hereafter in the NFL is secure, simply if he can lead Washington to a strong finish over the next five games -- say, a 4-one marking -- it could elevate him in the eyes of others. He has been inconsistent, but he also has started only 13 games in the NFL. In the past four weeks, Heinicke owns the NFL's fifth-best Total QBR (65.4), and he has won over teammates. But he can win over many others with a big December. -- John Keim

17. Miami Dolphins (6-7)

Previous ranking: 21

Player who must stride up: OL Liam Eichenberg

Eichenberg was one of the most highly touted offensive linemen in the 2022 rookie form, and while he has gained quite a bit of feel starting for the Dolphins this season, he has been the squad'south worst starter statistically. Since Week 9, the beginning of Miami's win streak, Eichenberg owns a 71.4% pass block win rate -- which ranks 162nd out of 164 qualified linemen. His season-long win rate of 76% ranks expressionless final among 170 qualified players. He is better than he has played and is not in danger of losing his starting chore, but a strong finish would be inspiring earlier the Dolphins enter an offseason loaded with greenbacks and desperate for improvement. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques

18. Las Vegas Raiders (6-6)

Previous ranking: xiv

Player who must step up: QB Derek Carr

Yeah, Carr entered the weekend leading the NFL in passing yards, and he is notwithstanding on footstep to throw for a career-best 5,189 yards. And he has had to bargain with an unreal amount of off-the-field drama this season, permit solitary a rebuilt-on-the-wing offensive line. Just with Carr, who has a career winning per centum of just .434, but having i yr left on his contract, a decision on either extending the most polarizing player in Raiders franchise history or letting him play a lame-duck season while dangling a franchise tag for 2023 could be decided in these last five games. -- Paul Gutierrez

xix. Cleveland Browns (half dozen-6)

Previous ranking: 17

Histrion who must step up: QB Baker Mayfield

Later on quarterbacking the Browns in 2022 to their start playoff victory in 26 years, Mayfield has had a disappointing flavour to this point. He has been contesting a torn labrum in his non-throwing left shoulder since Calendar week 2, equally well as injuries to his right knee and left foot. In role as a outcome, Mayfield ranks only 26th in QBR, one season after finishing in the top x. The Browns are however in the hunt for a playoff spot. But they won't become there unless Mayfield rekindles the caliber of play he unleashed in 2020. -- Jake Trotter

20. Denver Broncos (half dozen-6)

Previous ranking: fifteen

Thespian who must step upwardly: QB Teddy Bridgewater

Look, the Broncos practice Bridgewater no favors when they stick him in the shotgun, considering they don't protect in information technology very well and he is already limping again with another leg injury this flavor. When he is under center and working play-activity, the Broncos have pushed the ball down the field in the passing game. But beyond that, if this team is going to hang around in the playoff race, Bridgewater has to overcome any and all dilemmas and throw with the confidence he had earlier his first lower-torso injury before this season. -- Jeff Legwold

21. Philadelphia Eagles (6-7)

Previous ranking: 23

Actor who must step up: QB Jalen Hurts

It's not really Hurts vs. Gardner Minshew. It'south Hurts vs. fourth dimension. Hurts has four regular-season games left to convince the forepart part that instead of using their three kickoff-round picks in April'south draft to learn a quarterback, they should use the resources to build around him. Hurts has had stretches this season when he has been among the nigh impactful quarterbacks in the game, only he has been inconsistent as a passer. If he tin lead the Eagles to a postseason berth in coach Nick Sirianni's first year, it would get in all the more than difficult for direction to get in a different direction. -- Tim McManus

22. New Orleans Saints (5-seven)

Previous ranking: 20

Histrion who must footstep up: QB Taysom Hill

This ane'southward kind of obvious, isn't it. This could exist Loma'south last real chance to prove he should exist considered as a legitimate QB choice -- and it couldn't have started much worse than his four-interception game in Week 13. To ramp up the degree of difficulty, Hill likewise suffered a mallet finger injury on his throwing manus, and he is all the same dealing with a partially torn plantar fascia from Week 10. The good news? He could get vital reinforcements such as running back Alvin Kamara and offensive tackles Terron Armstead and Ryan Ramczyk dorsum as early as this week. And expectations couldn't be lower for Hill -- and so an unlikely playoff run could get a long way in boosting his reputation. -- Mike Triplett

23. Minnesota Vikings (5-seven)

Previous ranking: 18

Player who must footstep upwardly: LB Anthony Barr

A knee and subsequent hamstring injuries have express the linebacker to playing in simply six games this season, during which he has totaled 0.5 sacks and i interception, dedicated iii passes and recorded 28 tackles. That comes on the heels of missing all but 1½ games in 2022 due to a season-ending pectoral tear. The Vikings reworked Barr'southward contract in the offseason to make him a gratuitous agent in 2022 after paying him $9.iv meg on a fully guaranteed one-yr deal. Barr hasn't seen the field much over the past ii seasons to justify another big payday. He'll need a strong showing in Minnesota'southward final v regular-season games to show he is capable of getting back to his Pro Bowl course. -- Courtney Cronin

24. Atlanta Falcons (v-7)

Previous ranking: 24

Histrion who must step upward: WR Russell Gage

The product has started to prove up more than lately, including an 11-grab, 130-k operation on Lord's day. Merely Gage is in a contract year, and afterwards the Falcons traded Julio Jones, information technology looked like Gage would be in position for a breakout season. That largely hasn't happened, as he dealt with an ankle injury and consistent inconsistency upon his render. Simply Gage has at present been targeted 7 or more than times in each of the past three games, and he had his first 100-yard game on Dominicus. For Atlanta to have any shot at the playoffs, it needs that production to continue. -- Michael Rothstein

25. Seattle Seahawks (4-8)

Previous ranking: 28

Player who must step upward: RB Rashaad Penny

The fourth-yr running back needs to bear witness he can stay healthy and that he can consistently produce when he gets his chances. He hasn't done either since the Seahawks drafted him 27th overall in 2018. And given that he has missed xxx of a possible 64 games (including playoffs) due to injuries over his career, Penny isn't playing for a big payday in complimentary agency; he probably is playing just to get whatever sort of payday, and information technology will near certainly be from another team. More performances similar Sunday's volition help. Penny played through a pulled hamstring he suffered two weeks ago and gained 62 yards on 11 touches. -- Brady Henderson

26. Carolina Panthers (five-seven)

Previous ranking:

Player who must pace up: QB Cam Newton

After a storybook starting time to his return to the Panthers, Newton brutal apartment with arguably the worst performance of his NFL career before the bye. The 32-twelvemonth-erstwhile bespeak-caller is fighting to prove he deserves a job adjacent season with the Panthers or some other team. Practise well over the final five games and Carolina could bring him back equally the starter. Do poorly and it's hard to imagine whatever team giving him a chance. That Newton is yet learning the system and that the Panthers fired offensive coordinator Joe Brady during the good day complicate the situation. Consistency volition be key. -- David Newton

27. New York Giants (4-8)

Previous ranking: 26

Player who must step upwardly: QB Daniel Jones

The trouble here is that nobody knows if or when Jones will return from a neck injury. Merely information technology's Year three and there withal doesn't seem to be a definitive respond as to whether he is the franchise quarterback. Internally, the Giants remain high on Jones, but even they need to run into it more on the field. These final six weeks of working with a new playcaller were supposed to exist an invaluable role of the evaluation process. Now ... who knows. -- Jordan Raanan

28. Chicago Bears (4-8)

Previous ranking: 27

Actor who must footstep upwardly: QB Justin Fields

The rookie is dealing with cracked ribs, so it remains to be seen if and/or when he can play once more this season. But the Bears would surely like to go more of a look at him as they plan for next season. Whether there's a new coach and/or a new full general manager, they yet need to detect out what kind of player they have. -- Rob Demovsky

29. New York Jets (3-9)

Previous ranking: 29

Player who must step upwards: QB Zach Wilson

The rookie's performance over the final five games will determine whether the Jets' flavour is an abject failure or a positive springboard into 2022. So far, the 2d overall pick has been a disappointment, with simply half dozen touchdown passes and eleven interceptions in viii starts, merely he made progress in Sun's loss to the Eagles. Information technology was "past far" his all-time game in terms of playing within the structure of the criminal offense, according to double-decker Robert Saleh. If Wilson tin stack games like that, it will reinforce the Jets' belief that he is the right guy at the most important position. -- Rich Cimini

30. Detroit Lions (1-ten-1)

Previous ranking: 32

Player who must step up: QB Jared Goff

Now that Goff has proved he can win a game without his quondam Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay, the Lions will be looking to play spoiler. During Sunday'south walk-off victory against Minnesota, Goff snapped his 12-game winless streak, which was the longest past a quarterback drafted No. i overall since the common draft era began in 1967. The playoffs clearly aren't in the film for the Lions. Simply if Goff tin help Detroit finish the season with at to the lowest degree a few victories, maybe it can give starting time-year Lions motorcoach Dan Campbell and the roster some confidence as the squad continues to build for the future. -- Eric Woodyard

31. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-10)

Previous ranking: xxx

Role player who must stride up: WR Laviska Shenault Jr.

This applies to a lot of guys (including QB Trevor Lawrence), but Shenault was supposed to exist a breakout player in his second flavour. Instead, he isn't running routes correctly and hasn't been a consistent contributor. The Jaguars need to significantly upgrade at wide receiver, and Shenault has a month left to prove he should be part of that in 2022 and beyond -- or if he's just another guy they accept to replace. Lawrence'due south evolution is at stake. -- Mike DiRocco

32. Houston Texans (2-10)

Previous ranking: 31

Player who must pace up: QB Tyrod Taylor

Although it'south a small sample size, Taylor got off to a proficient start before he injured his left hamstring in Week 2 confronting the Cleveland Browns. He has struggled in his return from injured reserve, and he was benched for rookie quarterback Davis Mills in Houston'southward Week xiii loss to the Colts. Taylor, who signed a one-year deal with the Texans, is playing for a adventure to be on an NFL roster next season, but it remains to be seen if he'll get the opportunity to prove himself the residual of the way. After a blowout loss to the Colts, Texans coach David Culley wouldn't commit to Taylor keeping his starting job, saying, "When you don't score any points in the game, yous evaluate everything." -- Sarah Barshop