Congratulations! You have successfully survived 29 consecutive Sundays without NFL football!

As a reward for your patience, in just over 3 hours, the defending Super Bowl champions (the Los Angeles Rams) will play host to the Buffalo Bills to kick off the 2022 season.

From now until February 12, 2023, every Sunday will feature NFL football. Thursday night plans? Nah. Sunday night plans? Forget about it. Monday night plans? Think again!

NFL Football (and Fantasy Football) is finally back, and we at the MVP Blog can’t hide our excitement. So, feel free to kick your feet up, grab a drink, and read our analysis and predictions for all 32 NFL teams for the 2023 NFL season.

Ben Pawlak breaks down the AFC, while Ryan Macdonald dissects the NFC. If you read all 32, you are a legend, and we very much appreciate you. If you are only here to read about your favorite team, we appreciate you all the same.

Without any further ado, enjoy the first installment of The MVP Blog’s return to weekly content.

AFC East

Buffalo Bills
Predicted Record: 13-4
Predicted Finish in Division: 1st in AFC East
X-Factor: Pass Rush
Sleeper: Gabe Davis

This has to be the year for the Buffalo Bills.

After a heartbreaking end to last season at the hands of the Chiefs, Josh Allen and the Bills are out for revenge. The star QB’s supporting cast has been bolstered with the likes of future Hall of Fame pass rusher Von Miller, former Pro Bowl offensive lineman Rodger Saffold III, and exciting rookie running back James Cook. GM Brandon Beane has assembled a truly terrifying team on paper, but it’s up to Head Coach Sean McDermott (along with new Offensive Coordinator Ken Dorsey and longtime Defensive Coordinator Leslie Frazier) to translate the team’s immense talent into consistent results. In order to make take that next step, they’ll need to do a better job putting pressure on the quarterback. On the offensive side of the ball, expect Gabe Davis to break out from promising weak side receiver to first time Pro Bowler.

With the rest of the AFC East looking relatively weak, the Bills are a very safe bet to win the division, but everyone in Bills Mafia knows that this season won’t mean a thing without a ring.

Miami Dolphins
Predicted Record: 8-9
Predicted Finish in Division: 2nd in AFC East
X-Factor: Tua Tagovailoa
Sleeper: Jevon Holland

The Miami Dolphins are in a weird spot heading into the new season.

The offseason addition of former Chiefs star wideout and kick returner Tyreek Hill rightfully grabbed many headlines this summer, but not all is sunny in Miami. Let’s not forget the ugly scandal between former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores and owner Stephen Ross, wherein the NFL found Ross guilty of tanking and tampering after Flores’ allegations, stripping the Dolphins of multiple draft picks as a result. There is a dark cloud of uncertainty hanging over the Dolphins, and the questions being asked start and end with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. If he isn’t able to rise to the occasion and prove that he is, at the very least, a serviceable quarterback, expect the Dolphins to look for a replacement. The Dolphins have many holes on the defensive side of the football, but I do expect a first Pro Bowl berth for Jevon Holland, Miami’s free safety who enjoyed a fantastic rookie season last year.

I expect the Dolphins to hover around .500 all year and miss the playoffs, as I don’t think Tua Tagovailoa has what it takes to be a signal caller in the NFL.

New England Patriots
Predicted Record: 8-9
Predicted Finish in Division: 3rd in AFC East
X-Factor: Mac Jones
Sleeper: Rhamondre Stevenson

It seems as though the Patriots’ reign of terror is finally over.

After a brutal 47-17 playoff loss in frigid Buffalo weather during the Wild Card round, the Patriots had an offseason to forget. Most notably, the Pats lost star cornerback (and best defensive player) J.C. Jackson to the bright lights of Hollywood when he signed a five year deal worth over $82 million with the Chargers. Mac Jones had an up and down season under center last season but given the fact that it was his rookie season, it would make sense that there would be optimism for improvement. However, due to New England’s lack of viable weapons to surround Jones (who is already a limited, traditional pocket-passing quarterback), it seems unlikely that the Patriots offense will be very threatening this year. However, I do expect sophomore running back Rhamondre Stevenson to break the cycle of committee ball carriers for the Pats by breaking out into a bell cow caliber back this year.

Bill Belichick may still be the head coach of the Pats, but this team is a far cry from the days of New England’s “evil empire”. They’re no longer contenders and I expect them to miss the playoffs as well.

New York Jets
Predicted Record: 5-12
Predicted Finish in Division: 4th in AFC East
X-Factor: Breece Hall
Sleeper: C.J. Uzomah

Another year, another last place finish in the AFC East for the Jets.

Things don’t seem as bleak as they have been in recent years, but that doesn’t mean the Jets are a good team. They still comprise one half of the disastrous duo in north Jersey (along with the Giants) and fans don’t have too much to look forward to this year. Second year quarterback Zach Wilson was injured during preseason, and while his knee injury was thankfully just a sprain, it was a very symbolic moment which represents how things just never seem to go their way. The Jets are still in the midst of a rebuild, so it will be interesting to see which young guys perform and which guys don’t. Two rookies – Cincinnati cornerback Sauce Gardner and Iowa State running back Breece Hall – will be expected to show out this season, with Hall in particular in line for the lion’s share of carries out of the backfield. Head coach Robert Saleh will be hoping that he can provide a new dynamic (a strong run game) to the Jets offense.

With very few expectations on this young team, Jets fans should focus on player development and overall progress rather than the team’s record this season.

AFC North

Cincinnati Bengals
Predicted Record: 11-6
Predicted Finish in Division: 1st in AFC North
X-Factor: Offensive Line
Sleeper: Logan Wilson

After Cincy’s Cinderella run to the Super Bowl last season, everyone is wondering what will be in store with the magnifying glass cast directly upon this young, exciting team.

The Bengals enter the season as, more or less, the same team they were last season. A fully healthy Joe Burrow will look to make another leap to secure his place as one of the elite passers in football, and his top target, Ja’Marr Chase, will look to build upon what was quite possibly the greatest rookie receiving season in NFL history. The only positional group which was bolstered this offseason was in the form of some key additions on the offensive line (Ted Karras, Cordell Volson, and a few others as well). The Bengals main issue last season was protecting Burrow in the pocket, so these reinforcements are much needed. Linebacker Logan Wilson showed off his spectacular skills during the playoffs last year, and I expect him to rise into the upper echelon of linebackers this season as he leads an underrated defensive unit into battle once again.

Many people are too quick to write off the Bengals playoff run last season as a fluke occurrence, but that’s seeing the forest for the trees. Cincinnati still has all the pieces to be a true contender in the NFL, and I certainly think they’ll come out on top of the AFC North once again.

Baltimore Ravens
Predicted Record: 10-7
Predicted Finish in Division: 2nd in AFC North
X-Factor: Lamar Jackson
Sleeper: Rashod Bateman

Last season, the Baltimore Ravens were weird. Really, really weird. One week they’d look like Super Bowl contenders, the next they’d look like the worst team in the AFC North. These fluctuations would even happen within the same game (against the Colts and the Lions in particular). When electric dual-threat QB Lamar Jackson is healthy and at his best, the Ravens are tough to beat and are extremely dangerous to any opponent they face, especially when they’re at home.

The Ravens need to stay healthy if they want to reach their potential. After trading away Marquise Brown to Arizona, Rashod Bateman steps into the WR1 role in Baltimore. He missed a bunch of games due to injury last season, but he was very productive for a rookie when healthy. Their defense is also extremely stout, but once again, it’s all health dependent. In fact, the team’s beloved mascot, a giant anthropomorphic Raven named Poe (Edgar Allen Poe being the team’s namesake) fell victim to a serious knee injury during the preseason.

The Ravens have the talent to break through the mold and make the playoffs again, but in a tough division and an unforgiving NFL landscape, it won’t be easy.

Pittsburgh Steelers
Predicted Record: 9-8
Predicted Finish in Division: 3rd in AFC North
X-Factor: T.J. Watt
Sleeper: Pat Freiermuth

For the first time since 2004, the Steelers will have a new man under center.

Mitch Trubisky has emerged from his spot on the Buffalo benches to try and nail down a spot as a starting QB again, not in Chicago but in Pittsburgh. As a result, first round draft pick and hometown hero (Pitt) Kenny Pickett will start the season as QB2. In my opinion, Trubisky is about average when it comes to passing chops and athleticism, but I am quite high on his supporting cast. Second year running back Najee Harris will look to cement his stardom in this league, the receiving core of Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and rugged rookie George Pickens is very solid, and tight end Pat Freiermuth’s great 2021 season went under the radar. On the defensive side of the football, everything starts and ends with T.J. Watt. The reigning DPOY is a one-man wrecking crew, and his ability to get to the quarterback with sacks and pressures makes everyone else’s job so much easier. As long as he stays healthy, he’ll be productive and disruptive for the Steelers defense.

Head Coach Mike Tomlin will be looking to lead the Steelers to their 16th straight winning season under his command, and I think they’ll (once again) have just enough in the tank to get there, even if they fail to make the playoffs.

Cleveland Browns
Predicted Record: 5-12
Predicted Finish in Division: 4th in AFC North
X-Factor: Nick Chubb
Sleeper: Greg Newsome II

If this past offseason has proven anything, it’s that the Cleveland Browns are a factory of sadness.

With Deshaun Watson suspended for 11 games (a lenient punishment given what he’s done might I add), career journeyman Jacoby Brissett has his work cut out for him as Cleveland’s QB. He’s not very good and opposing defenses will be daring him to throw to avoid the wrath of superstar running back Nick Chubb. He’s Cleveland’s best offensive player by a wide margin, which isn’t too difficult given their bang average receiving core and offensive line. Once again, the Browns will be looking to scrape some wins with their unique brand of ugly, defensive football. Myles Garrett is one of the premier edge rushers in the NFL, and Denzel Ward has ascended to become a truly elite cover corner. Rookie cornerback Greg Newsome II slots into their secondary, and I expect him to meet the challenge of being targeted constantly as opposing quarterbacks do their best to avoid Ward’s coverage.

Losing franchises find fresh, creative ways to lose. The Browns have been a losing franchise for their entire existence, and their turbulent offseason and current QB situation proves why this remains the case.

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts
Predicted Record: 10-7
Predicted Finish in Division: 1st in AFC South
X-Factor: Matt Ryan
Sleeper: Nyheim Hines

The Indianapolis Colts are in desperate need of a statement season.

The Colts are undoubtedly a very talented team, and they showed it last year with huge road wins over the Cardinals and Bills. Jonathan Taylor made the leap to establish himself among the elite running backs in the NFL, amassing over 1,800 rushing yards and finding the end zone 20 times. However, a brutal loss to the Jaguars at season’s end eliminated the Colts from the playoffs and served as the closing act to Carson Wentz’s tumultuous season under center. Now, for the 4th time in the last 4 seasons, there’s a new signal caller in Indianapolis. Colts fans will hope that their big offseason acquisition, Matt Ryan, will finally be able to fill the gaping hole Andrew Luck left in the pocket. Ryan is at his best when he’s given plenty of time to make a great throw, as he’s not the most athletic or improvisational quarterback. Thankfully for him, the Colts have a good offensive line and a litany of offensive weapons, including breakout wide receiver candidate Michael Pittman Jr. and the ever-underrated Nyheim Hines, who serves as a versatile backfield threat with speed to burn.

It will take a little while to get going, but I expect the Indianapolis Colts to finally put it all together to claim the top spot in the AFC South.

Tennessee Titans
Predicted Record: 9-8
Predicted Finish in Division: 2nd in AFC South
X-Factor: Denico Autry
Sleeper: Robert Woods

The Titans are the NFL’s biggest question mark heading into the new season.

After finishing with the top spot in the AFC last season on the back of Derrick Henry’s dominance and a strong defense, the Titans earned a first-round bye in the playoffs. With home field advantage against a Bengals team with little to no playoff experience, Ryan Tannehill and the Titans laid an egg, losing 19-16, a massively disappointing end to what was otherwise a groundbreaking season for the team. However, the bad news doesn’t stop there for the Titans. Star linebacker Harold Landry tore his ACL during a practice in early September, and according to their depth chart, it will be up to Denico Autry to replace Landry as the will linebacker in Mike Vrabel’s signature 3-4 defense. Autry has traditionally played on the defensive line, so it won’t be easy for him to fill Landry’s shoes, and his performances in this new role will be crucial to the success of the Titans’ season.

After trading away A.J. Brown to the Eagles and drafting Treylon Burks out of Arkansas to be his replacement, Ryan Tannehill’s production will likely take a hit. At the same time, I like Robert Woods’ fit in the Titans offense, and I think he could have a resurgent season this year with his new team. Regardless, I’m pretty low on the Titans overall, and I think they’re in line for a 9-8 season.

Jacksonville Jaguars
Predicted Record: 5-12
Predicted Finish in Division: 3rd in AFC South
X-Factor: Trevor Lawrence
Sleeper: Zay Jones

When you’ve hit rock bottom, the only place to go is up.

The Jaguars 2021 season was an unmitigated disaster. Former head coach Urban Meyer ensured that every headline about the Jags put the team in the most negative light possible. Trevor Lawrence lived up to virtually none of the hype in his rookie season, and the team finished with a 3-14 record to secure yet another #1 overall draft pick, which they promptly used to select edge rusher Travon Walker. They spent the most money in free agency of any team in the NFL (about $272 million), and while dynamic wide receiver Christian Kirk grabbed headlines for the massive payday the Jaguars gave him, I’m going to keep my eye on Zay Jones. Jones has always been an underrated receiver, and I have a feeling he’ll end up being Lawrence’s favorite weapon this season.

Things have looked bleak in Jacksonville for a few years now, and while there is reason for cautious optimism this season, I can’t envision anything better than a 5-12 finish.

Houston Texans
Predicted Record: 3-14
Predicted Finish in Division: 4th in AFC South
X-Factor: Derek Stingley Jr.
Sleeper: Dameon Pierce

On paper, the Houston Texans might just be the worst team in the NFL.

The Texans roster is full of unproven young players and washed-up veterans. Quarterback Davis Mills had a surprisingly solid rookie season last year, but he has very few weapons to work with. Further, Houston’s defense is putrid. Key rookies on both sides of the ball will be looking to help the Texans escape the basement of the AFC South. First round pick Derek Stingley Jr. was the third overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and he’ll be looking to translate the dominant coverage skills he flaunted at LSU to the professional level. Rookie running back Dameon Pierce has been given the keys to the backfield, and he has been earning praise from the rest of the team for his relentless work ethic, so he’s worth keeping an eye on this season.

The bottom line? It’s going to be another ugly season in south Texas.

The MVP Blog would like to send up prayers and our best wishes to rookie wide receiver John Metchie, who announced in late July that he has been diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia. Cancer sucks. Kick its ass, John! We look forward to seeing you make a full recovery and in a Texans uniform in 2023!

AFC West

Kansas City Chiefs
Predicted Record: 11-6
Predicted Finish in Division: 1st in AFC West
X-Factor: Pass Coverage
Sleeper: Skyy Moore

How will the Chiefs offense cope with the loss of Tyreek Hill?

Patrick Mahomes leads a new look Kansas City offense into a new season, but the objective remains the same, winning the Super Bowl. After a historic second half collapse in the AFC Championship at the hands of the Cincinatti Bengals, the Chiefs will be out for revenge. To compensate for the loss of Hill, former Steelers receiver Juju Smith-Schuster was signed in free agency and the team also used a second-round pick to select Skyy Moore, a speedy and versatile receiver with great hands and footwork. Both of these additions fit well into Andy Reid’s offensive scheme, but the real question for me is whether the Chiefs can improve their pass coverage, which seems dubious given the loss of Tyrann Mathieu and the failure to address their secondary as a whole this past offseason.

I still think the Chiefs have enough firepower to win a hotly contested AFC West division, but it won’t be easy.

Los Angeles Chargers
Predicted Record: 11-6
Predicted Finish in Division: 2nd in AFC West
X-Factor: Pass Rush
Sleeper: Gerald Everett

The Chargers need to break their cycle of disappointment.

Despite the dazzling play of star quarterback Justin Herbert, the Chargers failed to make the playoffs last season, in large part due to their inconsistent defense and horrendous special teams. By bringing in the likes of J.C. Jackson and Khalil Mack this offseason, along with the return of a fully healthy Joey Bosa, fans should look forward to great strides being made by the team on the defensive side of the ball. Getting to the quarterback will open up many doors for their defense, and the duo of Mack and Bosa should create chaos for opposing signal callers all season. One of Herbert’s favorite red zone targets, tight end Gerald Everett, should be in for a big year as the Chargers look to make the leap and establish themselves as an elite team.

The Chargers always seem to find ways to screw things up, but I think that this season could be different. I can see them hitting their stride to the tune of a 2nd place finish in the AFC West.

Las Vegas Raiders
Predicted Record: 10-7
Predicted Finish in Division: 3rd in AFC West
X-Factor: Pass Coverage
Sleeper: Anthony Averett

Calling the Raiders’ season last year turbulent would be a gross understatement.

Despite all of the negative attention surrounding the team last season (Jon Gruden’s email fiasco, Henry Ruggs’ DUI, and Damon Arnette’s legal troubles), the Raiders were able to band together and make the playoffs under interim head coach Rich Bisaccia. However, this remarkable achievement ended in defeat, falling in the Wild Card round after a valiant effort against the Bengals. As a result, Sin City wasted no time to get busy in the offseason. They secured the services of All-Pro receiver Davante Adams, who leaves Aaron Rodgers and the chilly winters of Green Bay to reunite with Derek Carr (they played together at Fresno State). The Raiders also brought in veteran pass rusher Chandler Jones after a stellar season in Arizona, who will no doubt form a scary partnership on the edge with 2021 breakout star Maxx Crosby. Finally, they hired former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to be their head coach.

The Las Vegas offense is absolutely loaded, but in order to take another step toward the promised land, their pass coverage desperately needs to improve (especially in an AFC West which features three other great quarterbacks). Further, given their unbalanced roster, the Raiders will likely find themselves in offensive shootouts this season, which will make for some entertaining football at the very least. I expect Derek Carr to take full advantage of his weapons (Josh Jacobs in the backfield, Davante Adams and Hunter Renfrow out wide, and Darren Waller at tight end) to earn a return to the Pro Bowl for the first time since 2017 and lead the Raiders back to the playoffs for a chance at redemption.

Denver Broncos
Predicted Record: 9-8
Predicted Finish in Division: 4th in AFC West
X-Factor: Wide receivers
Sleeper: Bradley Chubb

Broncos country, let’s ride.

It’s been a wild offseason in Denver. They traded a huge haul of players and draft assets to land Russell Wilson, who becomes the team’s first franchise caliber quarterback since the days of Peyton Manning. They also signed Randy Gregory with the hopes that he’ll make their already strong defense even more dangerous. Gregory’s immense presence on the defensive line could allow promising young pass rusher Bradley Chubb to break out into stardom. On an organizational level, an ownership group, featuring former Walmart chairman Rob Walton, purchased the Broncos for $4.65 billion. Expectations are high heading into the 2022 season despite the fact that the AFC West is the most competitive division in the NFL. The Broncos receiving core took a major blow when Tim Patrick, who had a breakout season last year, tore his ACL during training camp. As a result, Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton will be asked to handle most of the pass-catching responsibilities, and I’m not sure either of them is equipped to deal with Russell Wilson’s signature air raid style.

It’s not easy picking which of the four AFC West teams will finish in last place, but I have a feeling that the Broncos offense will hold this team from reaching it’s mile high potential, at least in 2022.

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles
Predicted Record: 11-6
Predicted Finish in Division: 1st in NFC East
X-Factor: Jalen Hurts
Sleeper: Trey Sermon

Jalen Hurts. That’s the only question mark on this team. Around him, they are talented and poised to make a run in the playoffs. The offensive line is very solid, led by veterans Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson. Fletcher Cox makes running up the middle all but impossible. James Bradberry and Darius Slay on the same team is borderline unfair. Having one shutdown corner is one thing. Having two is lethal.

The big draft night trade gives Hurts a 3rd great pass catcher in AJ Brown, to go with Devonta Smith and Dallas Goedert. Although they lack a great running back, the depth at that position is great. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if Trey Sermon gets a chance at some carries and outgains the other 3 this season. Simply put, the Eagles will get production at that position this season. Whether it be from Sanders, Gainwell, Scott, or Sermon is our best guess, but it will be production, nonetheless. Jalen’s legs will be a weapon without a doubt, but can he consistently make opposing teams pay with his arm. If he can, the Eagles have the makings of a Super Bowl team in 2022. And I really think Hurts is poised to take that next step.

Dallas Cowboys
Predicted Record: 10-7
Predicted Finish in Division: 2nd in NFC East
X-Factor: Offensive Line
Sleeper: Jalen Tolbert

Tyron Smith is out for the year. Connor Williams and La’el Collins are both gone. This isn’t the dominant offensive line of the old days when Zeke was running wild. Will they be able to open up holes for Zeke and Tony Pollard? More importantly, will they be able to keep Dak Prescott upright? Everyone is talking about the Amari Cooper departure, but that isn’t a huge worry for me. Ceedee Lamb is incredibly talented and is ready to be WR1. Dalton Schulz is a great tight end. Michael Gallup is a solid WR2 when he returns from injury. And rookie Jalen Tolbert is going to get a chance to shine right out of the gate. He absolutely has the talent to make an immediate splash in this league. Who Dak throws the ball to is not the concern. The concern is whether this line can give him time to throw the football.

Defensively, the Cowboys are rock solid. They have impact players at all 3 levels and boast the best linebacker trio in the NFL, in my opinion, in Anthony Barr, Leighton Vander Esch, and Micah Parsons. The defense isn’t going to lose this team many games.

Washington Commanders
Predicted Record: 9-8
Predicted Finish in Division: 3rd in NFC East
X-Factor: Chase Young
Sleeper: Antonio Gibson

Terry McLaurin was a 3^rd round draft pick in 2019. Since he was drafted, he has put up 3,090 yards and 16 touchdowns in 3 seasons. All this success while playing with about 8 different QBs, who have combined for the worst total QBR in the NFL during that span. What Terry McLaurin has done is simply miraculous. Enter Carson Wentz. Wentz is by no mean a star in this league. He is about as mediocre as they come. But mediocre at QB is a huge upgrade for this franchise. Terry McLaurin is about to EXPLODE. He will be over 1,400 yards and will find the endzone at least 8 times. Sticking with this offense for a second, I might be the last Antonio Gibson believer on planet earth. I get that the fumbles are a concern, but there have been plenty of great running backs who have had fumble issues early in their career, such as Adrian Peterson. Now, I am not saying Gibson is AP, but let’s be honest here. Dismal QB play is hard on wideouts. It can be even harder on running backs. Antonio Gibson managed 1,300 yards from scrimmage last season and found the endzone 10 times. I don’t believe the Brian Robinson hype. Antonio Gibson can be a feature back in the NFL. And he’s going to prove it to everyone the first few weeks of the season with Robinson injured.

For me, the key to how good this Washington team can be depends on the health and growth of Chase Young. Washington’s defensive unit had a poor showing in 2021. Young got injured about halfway through the year, but he wasn’t producing when he was out there. Chase young is uber talented, and he showed that in 2020, as he recorded 7.5 sacks and won Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. I am adamant that the key to a good defense is a good pass rush. Getting to the QB can hide so many holes. This defense isn’t great. They NEED Chase Young to get healthy and take a step forward to becoming that elite pass rusher that he can be.

New York Giants
Predicted Record: 7-10
Predicted Finish in Division: 4th in NFC East
X-Factor: Saquon Barkley
Sleeper: Daniel Jones

The Giants won just 4 games last year, but let’s be honest, they were set up for failure. The head coach was a former special teams coordinator, and the offensive coordinator was the king of mediocrity himself, Jason Garrett. Plus, the team employed Freddie Kitchens as a “senior offensive assistant.” That offense was screwed from day one. Add in the horrendous offensive line play, and Aaron Rodgers wouldn’t have gotten that team to 8 wins.

2022, however, is a fresh start for the New York Giants organization. Brian Daboll takes over after leading a great Bills offense. The new offensive coordinator is Mike Kafka, a young promising coach who spent the last 6 seasons learning from Andy Reid and Eric Bieniemy and developing Patrick Mahomes. I’d say he did an okay job. The offensive line should be improved with the additions of Evan Neal, the #7 pick in this year’s draft, and Mark Glowinski, who spent 2021 blocking for Jonathan Taylor as part of perhaps the best offensive line in football. Jon Feliciano also comes over from Buffalo as the team’s new starting center. Perhaps the biggest win for this Giants offense is that Freddie Kitchens is no longer employed by the organization.

I fully expect Saquon Barkley to return to form this season. I also fully expect Daniel Jones to be much better this season than he has been. Under the tutelage of Daboll and Kafka, I honestly think the Giants will be interested in resigning Jones after the season is over. The athleticism and arm talent are there. He just needs to put it all together.

NFC North

Minnesota Vikings
Predicted Record: 12-5
Predicted Finish in Division: 1st in NFC North
X-Factor: Kirk Cousins
Sleeper: KJ Osborn

This could be the year for the Vikings. Mike Zimmer and his old school, pound the rock offense and bend but don’t break defense are gone. Kevin O’Connell is in. O’Connell is EXACTLY the type of head coach that has been so successful in the NFL recently. He’s a young, energetic, offensive minded head coach. And man, does he ever have some offensive weapons to work with in Minnesota. Dalvin Cook is a top-5 running back when healthy. Irv Smith Jr. is oozing with potential. Adam Thielen is still very relevant; He has 24 touchdowns in his last 28 games. KJ Osborn enters his 3rd season after putting up 650 yards and 7 touchdowns a season ago. And then there is this guy named Justin Jefferson. He’s alright. The offensive line play should be improved. Rookie guard Ed Ingram dominated training camp, looking like an absolute steal at the end of the second round.

Za’Darius Smith joins a veteran defense that should be able to get after the QB. When healthy, Smith and Danielle Hunter are two of the best pass rushers the game has to offer. The secondary is the big question mark with this defense. But the best remedy to a vulnerable secondary is an elite pass rush. And the Vikings may very well have that this season.

At the end of the day, this team has the talent to win the Super Bowl. But they will only go as far as Captain Kirk will take them. He’s an above average quarterback. Can he take that next step under O’Connell and become consistently great? I believe he can, and that’s the reason I am so high on this team.

Green Bay Packers
Predicted Record: 11-6
Predicted Finish in Division: 2nd in NFC North
X-Factor: Pass Catchers
Sleeper: Romeo Doubs

Allen Lazard: 103 career receptions in 4 seasons
Sammy Watkins: Huge prospect, has done very minimal the last 6 years
Randall Cobb: 32 years old. 375 yards in 12 games with GB last year
Christian Watson: Rookie
Romeo Doubs: Rookie
Robert Tonyan: 84 career receptions in 4 seasons

That’s what Aaron Rodgers is working with in 2022. Aaron Rodgers might be the most talented QB this league has ever seen. This might be the 4-time MVP’s toughest test. The Packers have the run game with the two headed monster of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. They have a solid offensive line. Jaire Alexander leads a defensive unit that could be one of the NFL’s best. But with no Davante Adams anymore, one of these pass catchers needs to step up for this team to fulfill their potential. And that man may just be Romeo Doubs. Watson was the one getting all the attention heading into camp, but Doubs was the one who reportedly stole the show in training camp. None of these wideouts are anywhere close to talented enough to replace Adams. I don’t even know if two of them combined can replace the production of Adams. But if there is one thing that we should all know by now, it is to never doubt Aaron Rodgers. If there is anyone in the world that can do more with less on the football field, it is Rodgers.

Detroit Lions
Predicted Record: 6-11
Predicted Finish in Division: 3rd in NFC North
X-Factor: D’Andre Swift
Sleeper: DJ Chark

Dan Campbell has this team on the right path, but they are still a few years away from relevance. But a 6-win season would go a long way to proving to the fans that things are going in the correct direction. D’Andre Swift can be an elite back in this league. He has all the physical talent, but can he stay on the field? One of the most underrated pickups of the offseason was DJ Chark. It seems like everyone has just chosen to forget that Chark is only 25 years old and had 1000+ yards and 8 scores 2 seasons ago. With Chark, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jameson Williams when he returns, the Lions have assembled a very solid trio of 3 young, talented wideouts. They have another great, young, talented pass catcher in TJ Hockenson.

Youth. Youth. Youth. That’s how Dan Campbell is rebuilding this thing. One the defensive side of the ball, the guy to watch will be defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, the number 2 pick in this past year’s draft. The Lions should be improved in all 3 phases of football, but no, they are not sniffing the playoffs. Not with Jared Goff at quarterback.

In one of my fantasy football leagues (a 12-man non-ppr league), a guy took D’Andre Swift at #6, ahead of the likes of Joe Mixon, Najee Harris, and Cooper Kupp. I laughed, shook his hand, and thanked him for the dotation. I love Swift, but thinking he is a top-6 RB in a non-ppr league is a pipe dream.

Chicago Bears
Predicted Record: 4-13
Predicted Finish in Division: 4th in NFC North
X-Factor: Justin Fields
Sleeper: Cole Kmet

Justin Fields will be the best QB from last year’s draft class. I said it at the time of the draft, and I am not backing off of it. But it won’t show this year, unfortunately. The Bears have handed first year head coach Matt Eberflus an absolute mess, outside of having a franchise QB, that is. The offensive line stinks. The defense isn’t much better. David Montgomery is incredibly average. Byron Pringle is the team’s number two wideout. You have a franchise QB, Chicago, get him some help! Give him some protection! Give him somebody to throw the ball to! Who is he going to throw the rock to? 3rd year pros Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet (Go Irish!). Look for Kmet to take another big leap forward this season.

NFC South

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Predicted Record: 14-3
Predicted Finish in Division: 1st in NFC South
X-Factor: Chris Godwin’s Knee
Sleeper: Rachaad White

Tom Brady retires. Wait. He’s back for more. Rob Gronkowski is going to be back. Just kidding. He’s enjoying the party life too much. Tom Brady disappears from training camp. Tom Brady rejoins the team. Reports that Tom Brady retired because he wanted to sign with the Miami Dolphins?!?!? Chris Godwin might be ready for week 1?!?!? The Bucs offseason has been full of unexpected twists and turns. But now with the season upon us, it’s just time to focus on football. And the Bucs are as good as ever.

This defense has been so incredibly steady over the past 3 seasons, and they return almost everything from those units. Vita Vea and newcomer Akiem Hicks sure up the line. The linebacker trio of Shaq Barrett, Lavonte David, and Devin White is about as good as it comes in the NFL. And all-pro Antoine Winfield Jr. might be the best safety in the NFL. This defense is stacked. They have all the makings of being the number one defense in the league. And we all know about how good any Tom Brady led offense will be. Already with two lethal weapons in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, the Bucs signed Julio Jones this offseason. And reports out of Bucs camp have been that he looks like his old self. Tom Brady is winning ring number 8 this season.

New Orleans Saints
Predicted Record: 11-6
Predicted Finish in Division: 2nd in NFC South
X-Factor: Jameis Winston
Sleeper: Michael Thomas, somehow

Michael Thomas is back. And I’m not just saying he’s back in the fact that he will be on the field. He’s back back. We are going to get 2019 version of Michael Thomas this year. And when that happens, I am going to become a rich man. I have taken Thomas in well over half my fantasy football leagues. And I have gotten him late! Nobody wants to talk about how Jameis Winston is actually a talented QB that can put up huge numbers. They only want to talk about the interceptions. In 7 games before getting hurt in 2021, Winston had 14 touchdowns to only 3 interceptions. He wasn’t throwing for yards because he had nobody to throw to. Well, now he does. Michael Thomas is fully healthy for the first time in two years. Jarvis Landry has come to town. And the Saints used a first-round draft pick to get Winston another weapon in Chris Olave. This offense is going to be able to move the ball and put up some points. You better believe that.

This Saints defense allowed only 19.7 points per game a season ago, and now they bring in Tyrann Mathieu to sure up the back end. This is a great defensive unit who will be able to bail out the offense if Winston starts getting interception happy again. But I don’t see that happening.

Carolina Panthers
Predicted Record: 7-10
Predicted Finish in Division: 3rd in NFC South
X-Factor: CMC Staying on the Field
Sleeper: Laviska Shenault Jr.

Are the Panthers a good football team? No. Will they be better than last season? Yes. Will it be enough to save Matt Rhule’s job? I don’t know. There is no arguing that Baker Mayfield is an upgrade from Sam Darnold. But Mayfield still isn’t great. A full season out of CMC staying healthy would help Rhule sleep a bit easier at night. DJ Moore and Robbie Anderson give Mayfield some quality targets to throw to and look out for Laviska Shenault Jr. to sneak into that WR3 role. It didn’t work out with him in Jacksonville, but there is no denying that the kid is talented.

The defense was very mediocre a season ago, but could be slightly improved this season. Bringing in Damien Wilson and Xavier Woods should sure up the middle of the field a bit more, and Jaycee Horn being healthy helps. The 2021 #8 overall pick played in just 3 games his rookie season due to a broken foot. All in all, this is a 9-win team at best. But hey, 8-9 wins would buy Rhule another year.

Atlanta Falcons
Predicted Record: 3-14
Predicted Finish in Division: 4th in NFC South
X-Factor: Out with the Old, In with the New
Sleeper: Tyler Allgeier

 I’m not going to sugarcoat it. The Falcons are going to stink. Marcus Mariota stinks. The defense stinks, although I will say that the secondary is very talented. AJ Terrell is as good as they come on the outside. Casey Heyward was a solid offseason pickup, although he is getting old. Richie Grant and Darren Hall have both shown great improvement in camp heading into year two. And rookie Dee Alford just adds more depth and talent to the Falcons best position group.

The good news for the Falcons is that they are young. And these kids have some talent, especially Kyle Pitts. Pitts may go down as one of the greatest tight ends of all time by the time it’s all said and done. His speed and athleticism is unmatched at that position. Drake London could be great, but he’s not WR1 right away good. That just goes to show you how thin the Falcons are at wideout. The QB/RB combo is interesting. Marcus Mariota and Cordarrelle Patterson aren’t part of the future. Desmond Ridder and Tyler Allgeier very much are. No matter what combination they put out there, this Falcons team is going to be bad. I get the argument for not throwing Ridder into the fire right away, but I disagree with it. Ridder should start and Allgeier should get 75% of the RB snaps.

PSA to all NFL general managers: Kyle Pitts is the only major threat on this offense. He should be double covered on every single snap. If there is a play in which Kyle Pitts receives single coverage, fire your defensive coordinator on the spot. Like I am talking about marching down to the field, or up to the booth, and disarming him of his headset and telling him to get lost.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals
Predicted Record: 13-4
Predicted Finish in Division: 1st in NFC West
X-Factor: Putting the Offseason Drama Aside
Sleeper: Isiah Simmons

Kyler Murray created quite the waves this offseason when he unfollowed the Cardinals on Twitter and deleted all of his Instagram posts related to the team. It seemed at one point that Kyler Murray might be suiting up for a different team in 2022. But nonetheless, the two sides worked out a contract, and Kyler’s coaches and teammates have done nothing but praise his leadership during training camp. Whether that’s blowing smoke or the unheralded truth, we will soon find out.

If it’s the truth, which I believe it to be, watch out for the Cardinals. This offense is loaded with speed. Kyler Murray, Marquise Brown, and Rondale Moore are all absolutely electric with the ball in their hands. Throw in veterans DeAndre Hopkins, AJ Green, Zach Ertz, and James Conner, and the offensive weapons that Kliff Kingsbury has at his disposal are plentiful.

On the defensive side, look for Isiah Simmons to take another huge leap this year. Coming out of Clemson in 2020, he was by far my favorite defensive player in the draft. He can do it all. He’s a sure tackler with great size and speed. He can rush the QB. He can drop back in coverage. I love this guy, and I think he is going to turn himself into an all-pro in 2022.

Los Angeles Rams
Predicted Record: 10-7
Predicted Finish in Division: 2nd in NFC West
X-Factor: Matthew Stafford’s Elbow
Sleeper: The Schedule

Pencil me in as concerned about the right elbow of Matthew Stafford. Pencil me in as concerned about a championship hangover. Pencil me in as concerned about the road schedule. Pencil me in as saying the Rams will begin the season 0-1 tonight. I have very serious concerns about the 2021 Super Bowl Champions. Matthew Stafford’s elbow is the number one concern. This team lives and dies by the right arm of Matthew Stafford. When he is in a groove, this team is tough to beat. When he’s struggling though, winning becomes a lot tougher, as the Rams found out last season during their 3-game skid in the middle of the season, which featured two tough road games. That gets me into my second concern. Here are the teams that the Rams play on the road this season: Cardinals, Niners, Bucs, Chiefs, Saints, Packers, Chargers.

Winning 3 of those 7 games is a success, in my opinion. Couple that with a loss tonight, and the Rams are looking at a 10-win season.

San Francisco 49ers
Predicted Record: 8-9
Predicted Finish in Division: 3rd in NFC West
X-Factor: Trey Lance
Sleeper: Brandon Aiyuk

I consider the 49ers very similar to the Eagles. Solid defense. Solid rushing attack. Great weapons to throw the ball to. But it all comes down to the QB play. Can Trey Lance win them games? And I think the answer to that is no. I do not believe in Trey Lance even a little bit. And I don’t think Kyle Shannahan does fully either. That is why Jimmy Garoppolo is back in a Niners uniform.

4 of the first 6 games for the Niners are against bad teams. They get to play the Bears, Seahawks, Panthers, and Falcons. A 4-2 start is realistic, even with Trey Lance at QB. But after that, the season will go array quickly if Jimmy G isn’t under center. The Niners schedule weeks 7-14 is absolutely terrifying:

7: Home vs. Chiefs
8: Away vs. Rams
9: Bye
10: Home vs. Chargers
11: Neutral Field vs. Cardinals
12: Home vs. Saints
13: Home vs. Dolphins
14: Home vs. Bucs

The only saving grace is that 5 of those 7 games are at home. But dang, is that ever a tough schedule. I think management forces Shannahan to stick with Trey Lance until it’s too late for Jimmy G to come in and save the season. This may make it seem like I believe that Jimmy G is a great QB. I don’t. He is incredibly mediocre. But I think Trey Lance is going to be a very bad NFL QB. This team just needs mediocrity at the position to a playoff team.

Seattle Seahawks
Predicted Record: 4-13
Predicted Finish in Division: 4th in NFC West
X-Factor: Running Game
Sleeper: Rashaad Penny

Rashaad Penny was a 1st round draft pick in 2018. Up until week 13 of the 2021 season, his career had been a huge disappointment, mostly due to a plethora of injuries. From week 13 on, Penny stayed on the field, and my goodness was he impressive.

5 games
92 carries
671 yards
7.3 yards per carry
6 touchdowns

7.3 yards per carry is a Madden stat, not an NFL stat. And it’s not like 5 games is that small of a sample size. Penny DOMINATED the last 5 games of the season in 2021, won A LOT of people their fantasy leagues, but now is being tossed aside as an afterthought because they drafted Kenneth Walker? Stop that. Penny is still going to be VERY involved in this offense. Geno Smith is the starting QB. They are going to have to pound the rock to have any chance of winning games. Control the clock and keep their defense rested and on the sidelines. There will be plenty of opportunity for both Penny and Walker, in my opinion. But Penny will outpace Waker.

With that said, this team is terrible. Geno Smith. Need I say more?

AFC Playoff Picture
1. Buffalo Bills (1st Round Bye)
2. Kansas City Chiefs
3. Cincinnati Bengals
4. Indianapolis Colts
5. Los Angeles Chargers (Wild Card)
6. Las Vegas Raiders (Wild Card)
7. Baltimore Ravens (Wild Card)

NFC Playoff Picture
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1st Round Bye)
2. Arizona Cardinals
3. Minnesota Vikings
4. Philadelphia Eagles
5. Green Bay Packers (Wild Card)
6. New Orleans Saints (Wild Card)
7. Los Angeles Rams (Wild Card)

Which team will hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy at season’s end? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

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Author: Ryan Macdonald and Ben Pawlak

Published: 9/8/22 at 5:30pm EST

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Sources/Works Cited:

Google Images, Google, https://images.google.com/imghp?hl=en.

Sports Reference LLC. Pro-Football-Reference.com – Pro Football Statistics and Information. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/. 6 September 2022.