Training camp is here, and football is about to be in full swing. We’re still about a month and a half away from the start of the 2022 NFL regular reason, but it’s never too early to make some predictions about the upcoming year.
Today, we take our first stab at predicting the entire 2022 season. Let us know in the comments section what you think of our predictions, and what you think is going to happen in the upcoming season.
AFC South
Analysis: After a disastrous ending to the 2021 season, the
went out this offseason and made a splash, bringing in 37-year-old veteran Matt Ryan to lead their offense. At this point of his career, Ryan certainly isn’t the same caliber of player that won league MVP back in 2016, but he still has the ability to be a capable quarterback. Pairing Ryan with All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor should give the Colts a good enough offense to be the favorites to win this division.
The Titans take a step back, and the Jaguars take a step forward, but ultimately the Colts are the best team in the division and win it with a 10-7 record.
AFC East
Analysis: This might be the most straightforward division to predict in the NFL this season. Barring an injury to Josh Allen, there is no way the
don’t win this division. Buffalo currently is the favorite to win the Super Bowl, sitting at +600 via DraftKings, and for good reason. They added two-time Super Bowl champion Von Miller to help bolster their defense and that will be the difference from this season to last.
The Bills have a clear quarterback advantage in this division, and it may be the biggest gap between the best and second-best signal-caller in any division in the NFL. Buffalo wins 13 games and takes home the division crown, while the Patriots, Dolphins, and Jets all finish below .500 and miss the playoffs.
AFC North
Analysis: Lamar Jackson had a bad season last year, there’s no way around it. Jackson threw almost as many interceptions last season (13) as he did in the two previous years combined (15). However, the former league MVP is going to bounce back in a huge way this season, leading the Ravens to the best record in the NFL. Baltimore had an outstanding draft, bringing in Kyle Hamilton, Tyler Linderbaum, and Travis Jones. All three of these players will be able to come in and start right away, making a positive impact on this team.
The Bengals start off rocky with a bit of a post-Super Bowl hangover but rebound in the second half of the season to make the playoffs. The Browns struggle without the suspended Deshaun Watson, narrowly missing the playoffs at 9-8.
AFC West
Analysis: This is without a doubt the best division in football. Realistically, you could predict any of these four teams to win this division and have a decent case as to why they will do so. In a division this talented, the best quarterback play usually wins out, and that’s exactly what will happen this season. Patrick Mahomes elevates the Chiefs to 14 wins and a division title, but the Broncos and Chargers both make the playoffs with double-digit wins.
NFC South
Analysis: This is without a doubt the best division in football. Realistically, you could predict any of these four teams to win this division and have a decent case as to why they will do so. In a division this talented, the best quarterback play usually wins out, and that’s exactly what will happen this season. Patrick Mahomes elevates the Chiefs to 14 wins and a division title, but the Broncos and Chargers both make the playoffs with double-digit wins.
NFC East
Analysis: The NFC East is going to be a lot more competitive than many people think. The have a clear advantage at the quarterback position, which ultimately will lead to them winning the division, but they made some questionable moves this offseason that they will come to regret. Dallas’ offense will miss Amari Cooper big time, and they’ll struggle out of the gate without Michael Gallup. The Cowboys start the season going 3-3 through the first six weeks, but rebound to go 7-4 down the stretch and win the East for the second straight season.
The Eagles, despite Jalen Hurts’ limitations, do just enough to sneak into the playoffs with 10 wins. The Commanders start off hot, winning four of their first six games, but fade down the stretch as Carson Wentz struggles to take care of the football. The Giants win an unimpressive four games as Daniel Jones’ tenure as New York’s signal-caller comes to an end.
NFC North
Analysis: The lost Davante Adams this offseason, which no doubt is a huge loss, but they still have this guy named Aaron Rodgers, and he’s pretty darn good. The 2022 Packers won’t be as dynamic offensively as they were in 2021, but their defense will be improved and Rodgers will do enough with the offense to lift them to a division title.
The Vikings are one of the NFL’s most surprising teams under first-year head coach Kevin O’Connell, winning 11 games and making the playoffs
NFC West
Analysis: Fresh off winning the Super Bowl, the Rams come out and dominate the NFC. Los Angeles wins 13 games, tied for the most in the conference, and goes an impressive 5-1 in one of the better divisions in football.
Second-year quarterback Trey Lance is very impressive, leading the 49ers to 10 wins and a playoff berth, while Kyler Murray and the Cardinals once again fade away in December/January, missing the playoffs at 9-8.