Whether you like it or not, power rankings have become a fixture in American culture. From ranking sports teams to pizza toppings, they provide an engaging way to turn our personal preferences into conversations and debates.

Our Expert Consensus Rankings are essentially a consensus power ranking of every fantasy football player. But power ranking teams is an entirely different exercise because it forces us to think holistically about each team and player.

To provide an accurate and comprehensive power ranking, I wanted to set quantitative and qualitative parameters. The quantitative parameter is a team’s number of viable weekly starters. Using our ECR, I defined players as weekly viable starters as such:

• Quarterbacks and tight ends ranked inside the top 15
• Running backs ranked inside the top 36 (to include players worthy of FLEX consideration)
• Wide receivers ranked inside the top 48

My qualitative parameter is a subjective grade for each team’s overall situation. This takes a look at the entire picture to determine which teams are best set up to deliver fantasy success.

The goal was to create power rankings that clearly state which teams you should target and avoid in fantasy drafts.

Now’s the time to try your new secret weapon for your draft: Draft Intel! Draft Intel analyzes up to 5 years of drafts and breaks down all your league-mates’ draft tendencies. See who waits at quarterback, how people approach the early rounds, and tons more insights to get an edge in your draft. Best of all, it’s totally FREE! Check out your league’s Draft Intel today!

1. Buffalo Bills

• Viable starters: 5
• Situation grade: A-

By now, you know the deal with the Bills. Josh Allen is the top QB in fantasy. Stefon Diggs is a second-round pick at the latest. Dawson Knox is a viable streaming tight end, although he could be due for touchdown regression. The bigger question revolves around the running game. Devin Singletary barely qualifies as the RB33, which is telling considering the opportunity he has to put up big fantasy numbers in this offense. Maybe James Cook emerges into something worth rostering. Get the Bills you know, and hope a tailback emerges.

2. Los Angeles Rams

• Viable starters: 4
• Situation grade: A

It’s no surprise to see the defending champs high on this list. Cooper Kupp will be the first receiver off the board in most drafts, although it’s reasonable to wonder whether his 2021 season will wind up being his peak. Matthew Stafford is a perfectly capable late QB selection, so long as his elbow is OK.

But it gets intriguing beyond those two. Allen Robinson could benefit from a career resurgence in L.A. if he’s got something left in the tank. And Cam Akers is looking to bounce back now that he’s fully recovered from an Achilles injury. If both Robinson and Akers hit, L.A. will be a juggernaut again.

3. Cincinnati Bengals

• Viable starters: 4
• Situation grade: A-

Cincinnati has a top-1o player at quarterback, tailback and receiver. The star power is clearly there. And even though Tyler Boyd barely missed the cut as the WR50, he’s definitely going to start for teams in the right matchups.

The main question I have entering 2022 is how much has the offensive line improved? If the additions of La’el Collins, Ted Karras and Alex Cappa pay immediate dividends, then this offense will be the best in football.

4. Los Angeles Chargers

• Viable starters: 4
• Situation grade: B+

Could the Chargers take the mantle as the best offense in the league? It’s certainly possible. Justin Herbert could be poised for a monstrous third season. Austin Ekeler is one of the league’s best three-down backs. And the dynamic duo of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams makes up one of the league’s best receiving combos. However, there are depth questions. Can Joshua Palmer or Jalen Guyton emerge? Can rookie Isaiah Spiller become the long-awaited complement to spell Ekeler on early downs? These answers can help the Chargers take another step forward. But this is an offense you want a piece of.

5. Kansas City Chiefs

• Viable starters: 4
• Situation grade: B+

The Chiefs are not as bankable as they’ve been in years past. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are still elite. But there’s more uncertainty than ever at the skill positions. Only JuJu Smith-Schuster and Clyde Edwards-Helaire qualify as viable starters as of now, with Marquez Valdes-Scantling and rookie Skyy Moore barely missing the cut. Juju is in his first year, while CEH’s time to become an impact player is ticking. Despite that, the Chiefs have Mahomes, Andy Reid and a great offensive line. Fantasy production should come, but the beneficiaries aren’t as obvious.

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Viable starters: 4
• Situation grade: B+

I’ve felt weird vibes about Tampa Bay this summer. First, Tom Brady retires, then comes back after seemingly squeezing out Bruce Arians. Then star guard Ali Marpet retired. The other starting guard, Alex Cappa, left for Cincinnati. Center Ryan Jensen could miss significant time with a knee injury. Rob Gronkowski is gone, and we don’t know whether Chris Godwin will be ready to roll for Week 1.

Let’s remember the best way to beat Tom Brady is to pressure him up the middle. Now, Tampa Bay will have to replace all three of its interior linemen. That’s not only a concern for Brady, but for tailback Leonard Fournette too.

I’m not saying fade the Buccaneers. Brady’s still a strong starting QB until he isn’t. And Mike Evans is a solid WR1 and end zone machine. I’m just saying the Bucs don’t feel as safe as they have since Brady arrived.

7. San Francisco 49ers

• Viable starters: 5
• Situation grade: B+

Projecting San Francisco’s offense really comes down to what you expect from Trey Lance. The North Dakota State product looked pretty green in his spot starts last year. But there’s no doubt he has the dual-threat abilities to be the next Lamar Jackson.

Lance isn’t the only uncertainty within this offense. Will Deebo Samuel see a reduction in carries, something that played a big role in his 2021 outburst? Is Kyle Shanahan going to stick with Elijah Mitchell, or play RB Roulette again? Does this passing game have enough volume to make Brandon Aiyuk a weekly fixture in lineups? Oh, and there’s George Kittle.

The offensive line is still solid, and Shanahan usually finds a way to make his offense work. But that doesn’t mean it’s always conducive to fantasy success. The best-case scenario is Lance emerges and makes this unit a juggernaut led by bell cow Mitchell out of the backfield. The worst case is Lance struggles, the backfield is a committee, and none of the pass catchers truly reach previous heights.

8. Baltimore Ravens

• Viable starters: 4
• Situation grade: B

The Ravens are another talented offense with questions. Can Lamar Jackson continue to take strides as a passer? Will Greg Roman revert the offense back into more of a power run scheme? Can JK Dobbins shake off the rust after missing all of last year? And who’s going to catch the ball besides Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman.

The last two questions are what intrigue me most. We know the Ravens’ lead back is a very valuable position. Meanwhile, Baltimore needs another outside threat to return to elite status. Baltimore is a stable unit. You know what you’re getting from the key parts. But how high is the ceiling?

9. Dallas Cowboys

• Viable starters: 5
• Situation grade: B

I’m all aboard the CeeDee Lamb train this season. The problem is Dallas’ receiving room lacks a whole lot aside from him. Michael Gallup won’t be ready for Week 1. Amari Cooper is in Cleveland. Can Jalen Tolbert turn into something? He’s someone I’d consider late in deeper formats. Dak Prescott is perfectly fine, but I don’t think he’ll ever reach the elite ceiling many hoped he would.

Then there’s the Ezekiel Elliott conundrum. Has his stock fallen too far? Or is he finished? I’m willing to believe that the PCL injury limited his explosiveness and give him one last ride only as an RB2. Tony Pollard is a really nice player too, but someone who’s tricky to roster because of his uncertain usage.

10. Minnesota Vikings

• Viable starters: 5
• Situation grade: B

The Vikings are relatively stable from a fantasy perspective. Kirk Cousins has his obvious limitations and is likely a bye week or fill-in at best. Dalvin Cook is still an elite back when he stays healthy. Justin Jefferson is a stud, and Adam Thielen will still be around to probably vulture touchdowns from him. We know this unit is very good. The question will be whether new coach Kevin O’Connell can take it to elite heights.

11. Las Vegas Raiders

• Viable starters: 5
• Situation grade: B-

The Raiders have the parts to be legitimately potent. But there are questions. Can Davante Adams remain elite without Aaron Rodgers and with more target competition? How will his arrival impact Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller? Is Josh Jacobs a bell cow in disguise or the best piece of an ugly timeshare?

Oh, and can Derek Carr make all of this work? Carr isn’t a bad quarterback by any means. But he’s rarely elite. And the pressure’s on. While I liked the Josh McDaniels hiring and love the weaponry, I don’t love the guys protecting him. A bad offensive line could derail this unit’s upside.

12. Denver Broncos

• Viable starters: 5
• Situation grade: B-

I think it’s fair to be cautiously optimistic about this Denver offense from a fantasy perspective. However, I’m not quite as bullish on this unit as some were once Russell Wilson arrived. And the main reason is that other than Wilson, the rest of the team’s viable starters have question marks.

I really like Javonte Williams, but Melvin Gordon is still around and ranked as the RB35. If this is another 50/50 timeshare, it could get frustrating fast. Courtland Sutton has the downfield skills to be Wilson’s new version of Tyler Lockett. But how high is his ceiling? And banking on Jerry Jeudy as a low-end WR2 or high-end WR3 frightens me, as he’s shown very little through two seasons.

Denver also has a new head coach and an average, but far from outstanding, line. I’m not running to draft Broncos, more like lightly jogging.

13. Indianapolis Colts

• Viable starters: 2
• Situation grade: B

I was initially surprised to see Indy only had two players qualify as viable. But then I thought about it, and it makes sense. Other than Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman, who else are you drafting? Maybe Matt Ryan if you’re a believer in a resurgence away from Atlanta. Otherwise, it’s taking Taylor’s understudy and pass-catching fiend, Nyheim Hines, or it’s taking a flyer on Parris Campbell putting together a healthy year.

And let’s talk about the offensive line. The perception is it’s elite, but I’m not sure that’s the case anymore. The Colts have questions at left tackle, which is really concerning with the immobile Ryan behind center, as well as right guard. This unit is no longer infallible.

I’m not saying the Indianapolis offense is bad. Taylor and Pittman are still two guys I want. But there are significant questions everywhere else.

14. Philadelphia Eagles

• Viable starters: 5
• Situation grade: B

Can Jalen Hurts take a step forward as a passer? That question will determine whether Philadelphia’s offense can reach elite status.

The pieces are essentially there. Hurts is a dazzling dual threat and a great fantasy quarterback. I’m just scared he’s not quite a good enough real-life quarterback yet. Hurts’ development will determine how well things go for AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, which could turn into an awesome receiving duo. Dallas Goedert also shouldn’t be forgotten about, even though I don’t love him like I used to.

The backfield doesn’t really amaze me. Miles Sanders is fine and should benefit from some better touchdown luck. Kenneth Gainwell intrigues me as a Darren Sproles type of player. And the offensive line is one of the best in football, which always helps.

15. Green Bay Packers

• Viable starters: 4
• Situation grade: B-

I’ll likely find myself investing more in Green Bay’s ground game than aerial attack this season. I suspect Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon could both finish the year ranked inside the top 24. Jones could see a surge of targets, while Dillon could see more work as Green Bay shifts to the running game more frequently.

Now, about that passing game. I still think Aaron Rodgers is fantastic and probably underrated as the QB13. But who’s he throwing to? Allen Lazard is the only wideout who made the cut, but I have a hard time buying the notion that Adams’ departure is what Lazard needed to reach his potential. If he was a great player, we’d know by now.

Maybe I’m buying into August narratives, but I’m willing to bet on Romeo Doubs in the last couple of rounds.

Beyond our fantasy football content, be sure to check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you prepare for your draft this season. From our free mock Draft Simulator – which allows you to mock draft against realistic opponents – to our Draft Assistant – that optimizes your picks with expert advice – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football draft season.

16. Arizona Cardinals

• Viable starters: 5
• Situation grade: C+

I was surprised to see Arizona had five viable starters. I’m still a believer in Kyler Murray, so long as he puts down the video game sticks. And Hollywood Brown put up a low-key really good year in Baltimore last year and is a nice WR2. But DeAndre Hopkins will miss the first six games. And are we really trusting James Conner to stay healthy? And is James Conner even that good, or just a beneficiary of good fortune in the end zone? I’d also rather take a younger tight end with more upside than Zach Ertz, the TE9.

I’m also a Kliff Kingsbury skeptic. In fact, I think he stinks. Running a more collegiate scheme is fine. But failing to adjust your offense as the season goes on is concerning. Plus, Arizona’s offensive line might be one of the league’s worst units, which isn’t good for preserving Kyler.

17. New Orleans Saints

• Viable starters: 3
• Situation grade: B-

The more the summer goes on, the more intrigued I am by New Orleans. Michael Thomas appears to be back and healthy. Alvin Kamara could avoid suspension until next season. Chris Olave is a really exciting rookie who could be a great deep threat to pair with Thomas.

All of it hinges on Jameis Winston, however. Winston was fine in limited action last season. But he’s a polarizing case. You can’t trust him as your starter because of his tendency to throw the ball to the other team. But the weapons around him benefit most when Winston is slinging the ball around.

18. Miami Dolphins

• Viable starters: 4
• Situation grade: C+

How do you feel about Tua Tagovailoa? That’ll likely determine whether Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are on your rosters come September. The jury’s still out on the third-year passer out of Alabama. And while he may not have a tremendous arm, he’s plenty capable of getting the ball out quickly to his speedy weapons and letting them do the work. New coach Mike McDaniel comes from a San Francisco offense that just made Deebo Samuel a fantasy star. If Tua can get the ball out quickly and accurately, this passing game could succeed.

As for Miami’s running game, Chase Edmonds is the most viable (?), but he isn’t the type of player to shoulder a huge workload. That means either Raheem Mostert, Sony Michel, or… what am I saying, don’t bother with any of these guys.

19. Pittsburgh Steelers

• Viable starters: 4
• Situation grade: C+

The Steelers’ offense is a flashy car with a missing wheel and a bad battery. Najee Harris is widely regarded as a top 10 back, but his usage in the passing game could drop significantly without Ben Roethlisberger checking it down to him regularly. Diontae Johnson is a stud, and Pat Freiermuth could be the next emerging tight end. The bells and whistles are there. The problem is the foundation is creaky.

Mitchell Trubisky is a scary proposition if you’re a Johnson, Freiermuth or Chase Claypool believer. And to top it off, Pittsburgh enters 2022 with one of the league’s worst offensive lines. Maybe Kenny Pickett saves the day, but it likely wouldn’t come until midseason, if at all.

20. Cleveland Browns

• Viable starters: 3
• Situation grade: ?

For now, I’m not factoring Deshaun Watson into this equation, hence the uncertain situation grade. The Browns still have perhaps the best tailback tandem in the league. But the weapons elsewhere aren’t all that exciting.

Amari Cooper is 28 and already wildly inconsistent. Now he’s joining his third team. I’m terrified of him as the WR24. The next highest-ranked receiver is Donovan Peoples-Jones at WR71, who has potential but hasn’t shown a ton yet. David Njoku is being hyped (again) as a late-round tight end to target. But a hefty contract doesn’t automatically result in fantasy production.

If Jacoby Brissett is under center for a full season, then I’m off all Browns pass catchers and downgrading Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. If Watson returns, then this unit would surge into the top 15.

21. Tennessee Titans

• Viable starters: 3
• Situation grade: C-

Tennessee’s offense is… puzzling. Yes, Derrick Henry is still there. But we seem to be ignoring the fact that he’s 28 years old and coming off of a Jones fracture in his right foot. Most other running backs with that profile we’d be selling like crazy. But for some reason, Henry gets the benefit of the doubt.

Even if Henry stays healthy, he might be the only focal point of this offense. Ryan Tannehill is a below-average quarterback. And relying on rookie Treylon Burks or veteran Robert Woods, who’s coming off a season-ending injury as well, doesn’t feel like the most viable strategy. Plus, Tennessee’s offensive line has fallen off quite a bit over the last couple of years. There isn’t much I’ll be buying from this offense.

22. Detroit Lions

• Viable starters: 3
• Situation grade: C

Things appear to be looking up for the Lions offensively. The two players with the most intrigue are D’Andre Swift and Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Swift is an immensely talented tailback, but the threat of Jamaal Williams makes me hesitant about his getting a true bell cow work share. St. Brown went off to end the year, but much of that production occurred on shorter routes with his team trailing.

Jared Goff is far from elite, but he once led an offense headlined by Todd Gurley, Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods, all of whom were valuable fantasy assets. Detroit’s offensive line is really good too. While I likely won’t be buying Lions, I’ll be paying close attention to see if this offense takes a leap.

23. Carolina Panthers

• Viable starters: 2
• Situation grade: C

There are two Panthers you want in fantasy football: Christian McCaffrey and D.J. Moore. Some have CMC as the RB1 heading into drafts, and I get why. Nobody in the league has a higher upside over a full season than he does. And you can play the injury card for just about any tailback in the league.

Moore is a trickier case. He’s a really good route runner and a legit WR1. He just hasn’t found the end zone much in his career, and that lowers his ceiling. The hope is that an angry Baker Mayfield changes that somewhat, as he’s an upgrade over the embattled Sam Darnold.

24. New York Jets

• Viable starters: 3
• Situation grade: C

Could 2022 be the year the Jets turn the corner? This is probably the most excitement surrounding a Jets offense since the Ryan Fitzpatrick-Brandon Marshall-Eric Decker trio of 2015. New York has an inspiring backfield tandem in Breece Hall and Michael Carter. Elijah Moore could be due for a year two breakout.

But the success of New York’s offense likely hinges upon Zach Wilson, who struggled mightily as a rookie. What’s worse, the Jets’ offensive line has been beaten like a drum in training camp and just lost tackle Mekhi Becton for the season.

There is hope for the Jets, which usually means disappointment is right around the corner.

25. New England Patriots

• Viable starters: 3
• Situation grade: C

What if I told you that of New England’s three viable starters, Hunter Henry was the only pass catcher who qualified? Well, it’s true, and it speaks volumes about the uncertainty and lack of talent in New England’s receiving room.

That certainly won’t help Mac Jones in his second season after basically doing the bare minimum as a rookie. Neither will the departure of Josh McDaniels to Vegas. Even worse, New England’s running backs are always hard to trust. The only upside shot is Rhamondre Stevenson, who could seize a greater workload in his second season.

26. Seattle Seahawks

• Viable starters: 3
• Situation grade: D (for now)

Is it sad to say that Jimmy Garoppolo coming to Seattle would make this situation grade something like a D+? The Seahawks bid farewell to Russell Wilson and replaced him with Drew Lock and… nobody yet. Geno Smith is still there, but Geno Smith is bad at football. I suspect Garoppolo could be added eventually.

As someone who is a DK Metcalf stan, I’m concerned! Metcalf is still a stud, however, and one I’ll take the shot on as my WR2. He’s one of the few talents who can overcome such a shoddy QB situation. He kind of did last year finishing as the WR12 with Wilson banged up for a chunk of the year. The boom or bust Tyler Lockett becomes a lot more bust and a lot less boom.

I’m intrigued by Rashaad Penny as a potential league winner. He was outstanding to finish the year, but health is his biggest hindrance. As my RB3 or RB4, why not?

Seattle does have a very bad offensive line, which is worth noting for anyone brave enough to invest.

27. New York Giants

• Viable starters: 2
• Situation grade: C

Let’s start with the positives. I loved the hiring of Brian Daboll and think New York’s offensive line will be competent after throwing a ton of resources at the unit this offseason. Okay, now for the negatives…

Daniel Jones probably stinks. He struggles to read the field, he makes bad decisions, and doesn’t really have a uniquely great trait. Maybe Daboll extracts some potential bubbling underneath the surface. But I think New York starts over under center in 2023.

Saquon Barkley makes me sad. He’s really talented. I want to rank him higher. But the injuries. Oh, the injuries. Did you know Kadarius Toney is the highest-ranked Giants wide receiver at WR45? And do you even know who the projected starting tight end is? I didn’t either until looking it up (it’s Ricky Seals-Jones, knock your hearts out).

Barkley and Toney are the only guys even remotely worth drafting. But they come with their share of risks.

28. Washington Commanders

• Viable starters: 2
• Situation grade: C

It’s pathetic to say that Carson Wentz is the best quarterback Terry McLaurin has played with during his brief NFL career. Wentz has looked awful in camp and is someone I’d only roster in deep formats or as a last resort in 2QB leagues. But Wentz made Michael Pittman a top 15 wideout last season. The hope is he can do the same for McLaurin. Watch out for rookie Jahan Dotson to emerge as a late-round sleeper too.

The backfield is a bit muddled for my liking. Antonio Gibson should be the starter. But his injuries and fumbling issues give me enough hesitation to pass on him at his ADP.

29. Jacksonville Jaguars

• Viable starters: 2
• Situation grade: D+

Maybe that situation grade is a little harsh. But when it comes to the Jaguars, you have to give me a reason to be bullish. Trevor Lawrence is basically getting a mulligan after the failed Urban Meyer experiment, and Doug Pederson could be the guy to help extract his potential.

However, when your top receiver has been no more than a No. 2 option in Arizona, and your top tailback is a second-year player who missed his entire rookie season, you’ve got some big questions to answer. That’s not to say Christian Kirk stinks, he might be the zone beater that’s needed in today’s NFL. And that’s not to say Travis Etienne is a bust either. I just don’t feel great drafting anything involved with this offense. If I miss out, so be it.

One last note, Evan Engram could be a sneaky TE1 this season. Doug Pederson uses tight ends a ton (see Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert). All Engram has to do is simply catch the ball!

30. Chicago Bears

• Viable starters: 3
• Situation grade: D+

The Bears have set up Justin Fields to fail. Chicago’s offensive line could be borderline offensive to watch. And new GM Ryan Poles has equipped him with a nice receiver in Darnell Mooney — is he really a WR1, though? — a young tight end in Cole Kmet, and literally nothing else. Recent acquisition N’Keal Harry might have a serious ankle injury. So that leaves you with Byron Pringle (hurt), rookie Velus Jones (hurt), Equanimeous St. Brown and Dante Pettis.

Pray for Fields.

David Montgomery is a fine, workman RB2. He’s a lunch pail and hard hat runner who will never amaze me. The only Bear who has my attention is Khalil Herbert, who could seriously surpass Montgomery as the team’s starter by season’s end.

31. Atlanta Falcons

• Viable starters: 3
• Situation grade: D-

Atlanta has two young pass catchers with a ton of potential in Kyle Pitts and Drake London. Pitts could be in store for a year two breakout, and London might have walked into Atlanta as the team’s most talented receiver (no offense to Olamide Zaccheus).

The question is whether the Falcons can get them the ball enough to make them viable weekly options. Marcus Mariota should only be drafted in the deepest of formats, although his dual-threat ability makes him somewhat intriguing as a desperation option.

It’s hard to see Cordarrelle Patterson repeating last year’s campaign, and he could be usurped by rookie Tyler Allgeier if he isn’t careful.

32. Houston Texans

• Viable starters: 1
• Situation grade: D-

Barf. Maybe I should just leave it at that. Brandin Cooks is the only person remotely on the draft radar, and he’s stuck with Davis Mills throwing the ball to him. Rookie Dameon Pierce could be a worthwhile sleeper pick in a backfield that consists of Marlon Mack and Rex Burkhead. Nico Collins is worth a look in deeper leagues as well if Houston can find a QB. See, I ended on a positive!

If you want to dive deeper into fantasy football, check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you navigate your season. From our Start/Sit Assistant – which provides your optimal lineup based on accurate consensus projections – to our Waiver Wire Assistant, which allows you to quickly see which available players will improve your team and how much – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football season.