Stunning? Outlandish? Unrealistic. Hence the bold prediction. And here’s a look at some interesting forecasts when it comes to each of the 32 NFL teams.
The 2022 NFL season is less than two months away as of this writing. Training camps are open and brimming with optimism. The preseason is just around the corner.
Football prognosticators have already had plenty to say when it comes to the upcoming season. And they and lots of fans will have plenty more to chime in on as 32 teams look to play the last game of the league’s 103rd campaign in Super Bowl LVII at Arizona.
Be it individual or team oriented, are these predictions indeed bold enough?
Arizona Cardinals: Slow start, strong finish but miss playoffs
Under head coach Kliff Kingsbury, the Cardinals have been notoriously late-season faders after respectable or even great starts. A year ago, the team was the last to lose a game in the league at 7-0. But finished with seven losses in their last 11 contests – including the postseason lost to the Rams.
Four of Arizona’s first five games this season are against teams that reached the playoffs in 2021. That doesn’t necessarily guarantee doom. But the Cards have their share of new faces on both sides of the ball. It wouldn’t be surprising if the club takes some time to gel. However, a late-season surge won’t be enough to ensure a return to the playoffs.
Atlanta Falcons: QB Desmond Ridder starts more games than Marcus Mariota
After a 14-year stay in Atlanta, quarterback Matt Ryan was dealt to the Indianapolis Colts this offseason. In response, the club signed Marcus Mariota – late of the Las Vegas Raiders and the second overall pick in 2015 NFL Draft by the Titans. And in April, the Falcons opted for University of Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder in the third round.
Ryan was quite the iron man with the team. He missed only three games during his stint with the organization. So it was an unusual occurrence when the team started more than one quarterback in the same season. But it won’t be so rare in 2022 and don’t be stunned if the rookie Ridder winds up seeing more playing time.
Baltimore Ravens: Allows fewest passing yards in NFL
This past season was nothing short of disastrous for John Harbaugh’s club. The Baltimore Ravens were coming off an 11-5 showing – the third consecutive year the team reached the playoffs. But after an 8-3 start in 2021, it all came apart for a squad that had big problems staying healthy throughout the year.
One of the biggest areas hit by injuries was the secondary. And when it was all said and done, the Ravens allowed the most passing yards in the league.
The team has a new defensive coordinator in Mike Macdonald. Cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey are on the mend. Free agency brings safety Marcus Williams and cornerback Kyle Fuller while the team used a first-round pick on University of Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton. A reversal of misfortunes?
Buffalo Bills: DE Von Miller leads NFL in sacks
This offseason, general manager Brandon Beane gave big money to one of the NFL’s most accomplished defenders of the last decade-plus. Eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro Von Miller joined the Buffalo Bills via a six-year, $120 million deal (via Spotrac).
The second-overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft has become quite the postseason performer. He captured Super Bowl 50 MVP honors in 2015 with the Broncos. This past season, Denver dealt him to the Rams during the season and he responded with solid numbers down the stretch and in the playoffs.
Now he hopes to be a pivotal piece for a franchise that is still looking for that elusive Lombardi Trophy. If Miller leads the league in sacks in 2022, it would mark the first time during his impressive NFL career.
Carolina Panthers: QB Sam Darnold will eventually be traded
Imagine having the first and third overall picks in the same draft class and both are quarterbacks. That’s the situation in Charlotte as the Panthers orchestrated a deal with the New York Jets and picked up Sam Darnold in 2021. More recently, the team acquired Baker Mayfield from the Cleveland Browns for a conditional draft pick.
The franchise has won exactly 15 games over the past 3 seasons combined. And if you think having two members from the Quarterback Class of 2018 is intriguing, Carolina used a third-round pick in April on Ole Miss’ signal-caller Matt Corral. Seems like a pretty crowded quarterback room.
Chicago Bears: QB Justin Fields throws 20-plus TD passes
Over the last few months, new general manager Ryan Poles has been doing his best to upgrade Chicago’s pass-catching corps. The Bears have signed numerous free-agent wide receivers and recently traded for former Patriots’ first-round draft choice N’Keal Harry.
Justin Fields’ rookie campaign in 2021 was full of ups and downs. He connected on just 58.9 percent of his passes, threw more interceptions (10) than touchdown passes (7) and lost five of his 12 fumbles. But there were also some moments when he made opposing defenses nervous. Former Packers’ assistant Luke Getsy is Chicago’s new offensive coordinator.
Cincinnati Bengals: Allows fewer than 25 sacks
This past season, Bengals’ quarterback Joe Burrow took a licking and kept on ticking as the team made a surprise appearance in Super Bowl LVI. All told, the 2021 NFL Comeback Player of the Year was sacked a combined total of 70 times in 20 outings – including playoffs.
This offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals did their best to upgrade the offensive line and signed three veteran free agents in La’el Collins, Ted Karras and Alex Cappa. Look for those additions to pay off in a big way as Zac Taylor’s AFC North champions gave up 55 quarterback traps in 17 regular-season contests.
Cleveland Browns: Scores more points than they allow
This is probably not a surprise prediction when you are talking about a franchise that has enjoyed only three winning seasons since returning to the league in 1999. But it’s also worth pointing out that when the Browns returned to the playoffs in 2020, Kevin Stefanski’s squad gave up more points (419) than it scored (408).
Back in 2007, the Browns finished 10-6 under head coach Romeo Crennel. But the team failed to make the playoffs despite outscoring their opponents by a combined 20 points (402-382) in 16 games. Of course, it will be interesting to see how the quarterback situation plays out. But this this is an improved roster.
Dallas Cowboys: Fails to reach the playoffs
No team has won the NFC East in back-to-back seasons since the Philadelphia Eagles turned the trick four straight years from 2001-04. On the other hand, the Dallas Cowboys haven’t made consecutive playoff appearances since the 2006 and ‘07 seasons. And both of those trends figure to hold up for a team that had a very rough offseason.
This could be a year where the Dallas’ defense is slightly better than Kellen Moore’s offense thanks to numerous departures. In any case, the Cowboys were a perfect 6-0 vs. the NFC East in 2021. However, that may be far from the case this year.
Denver Broncos: Posts winning record but miss playoffs
The team has been down this path before when it comes to adding a veteran quarterback to the roster that wasn’t originally drafted by the franchise. From Craig Morton to John Elway to Peyton Manning, those are the three quarterbacks that combined to commander the franchise to their eight Super Bowl appearances.
These days, the Denver Broncos are currently in the midst of a stretch in which they have posted five consecutive losing seasons. The club hasn’t been to the playoffs since winning Super Bowl 50 in 2015. General manager George Paton gave up plenty to obtain nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson from the Seahawks. But that simply may not be enough.
Detroit Lions: Finishes with winning record vs. NFC North rivals
The futility in the Motor City has been well documented. The Lions have not won a playoff game since 1991 and a division title since 1993. But a year ago, the team played very hard under new head coach Dan Campbell. There was a victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 13, as well as a season-ending triumph over the division champion albeit less-than-motivated. Green Bay Packers
Still, a win is a win and a positive for a club that hasn’t posted a winning mark since 2017. That year, the Lions were an impressive 5-1 vs. their divisional brethren. Over the past four seasons, the team is a combined 5-19 vs. their NFC North neighbors. But look for that to change in a big way this year.
Green Bay Packers: Finishes with Top 5 run defense in NFL
In each of the past two seasons – under coordinators Mike Pettine and Joe Barry, respectively – the Packeers finished ninth in total defense in terms of fewest yards allowed. But that number is somewhat deceiving because one of the team’s recent bugaboos has been stopping the run.
But general manager Brian Brian Gutekunst loaded up on the front seven this off season. He signed defensive tackle Jarran Reed away from the Kansas City Chiefs and used a pair of first-round pick in April on University of Georgia defenders Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt. These could be difference making additions for Barry’s unit.
Houston Texans: Owns worst record in NFL
By the end of last season, then head coach David Colley had the Texans playing respectable football. But he was let go after one season on the job and the new head coach is promoted defensive coordinator Lovie Smith.
While the veteran sideline leader took the Chicago Bears in 2006, he takes over a roster that doesn’t appear to be overly talented and very young at some key spots. A year ago, quarterback Davis Mills showed promise during his rookie campaign in 2021.
A season ago, the Texans won four games, including surprises of the Titans and Chargers. They also swept the rival Jaguars. But they reside in a division that could be much-improved this fall.
Indianapolis Colts: Finishes undefeated vs. AFC South rivals
It’s been a while since this team has been able to able to dominate the AFC South. You have to go back to 2014 to find the last time the Indianapolis Colts prevailed in all six games within the division. That also happens to be the last time the franchise won the AFC South.
They’ve had their recent problems with the Tennessee Titans – dropping four of the last five meetings. And the last time the team beat the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road was 2014.
But general manager Chris Ballard basically stole quarterback Matt Ryan from the Falcons for a third-round pick. Edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue, cornerback Stephon Gilmore and safety Rodney McLeod bolster Gus Bradley’s defense. And the Colts will be very much in the Super Bowl LVII mix.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Won’t finish last in AFC South
It’s somewhat ironic to make this prediction considering the first year that Doug Pederson was head coach in Philadelphia (2016), the Eagles finish 7-9 and dead last in the NFC East basement.
But you can sense that there’s already some optimism for a team that hasn’t been back to the playoffs since reaching the AFC Championship Game in 2017. A year ago, quarterback Trevor Lawrence took his share of abuse as a rookie. Now fellow 2021 first-round draft choice Travis Etienne is back after missing his rookie campaign.
Remember, this team had enough talent to knock off the Bills a year ago.
Kansas City Chiefs: S Justin Reid leads NFL in interceptions
When it comes to the team’s last line of defense, a former Houston Texans’ safety is a Justin on the spot. Tyrann Mathieu is now a member of the New Orleans Saints as the Kansas City Chiefs made in clear the team was going in a different direction. Now Justin Reid hopes to fill the cleats of one of the headiest defensive players.
The Chiefs own the longest current playoff streak at seven straight years. And Reid’s team has won the AFC West six consecutive seasons. But it wasn’t easy in 2021 and Steve Spagnuolo’s defense digressed a year ago. Reid has 10 takeaways – including seven interceptions – in four NFL seasons. Don’t’ be shocked if his numbers soar this season.
Las Vegas Raiders: Wins first playoff game since 2002
Talk about a makeover? The Silver and Black has a new general manager as well as a new head coach in Dave Ziegler and Josh McDaniels, respectively. The team added some very talented veterans, signing free agent pass rusher Chandler Jones and acquiring All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams in a trade with Green Bay.
But look for this team to build on last season’s strong finish and first postseason appearance since 2016. The Raiders haven’t reached the playoffs in back-to-back years since going to the postseason three straight years from 2000-02. But it’s worth noting that the club hasn’t won a playoff game since knocking off the Titans in the ’02 AFC title game.
Los Angeles Chargers: Wins first AFC West title since 2009
It’s a team that has plenty of talent. But as of late, the Chargers just haven’t been able to put all the pieces together in the same season. The Bolts last made the playoffs in 2018, finishing 12-4 (tied with the Chiefs for the best record in the AFC) but were relegated to a wild card berth. Prior to that, the team’s last postseason appearance came back in 2013.
However, the Chargers have not captured the AFC West since 2009. That was the final year of a four-year stretch which saw the team crowned division champions each season. With defensive additions such as Khalil Mack, J.C. Jackson and Kyle Van Noy, Brandon Staley’s squad has the potential for big things.
Los Angeles Rams: Sweeps 49ers for first time since 2018
Thanks to their come-from-behind 20-17 win in the NFC Championship game at SoFi Stadium, the Rams were able to snap a six-game losing streak to the rival San Francisco 49ers. It’s safe to say that head coach Sean McVay has had his problems thwarting divisional nemesis Kyle Shanahan.
You would have to go back to 2018 the last time the Rams swept the 49ers. In fact, that season saw McVay’s team go undefeated vs. their NFC West rivals and reach Super Bowl LIII. As far as the Niners, the reigning Super Bowl champions appear to have gotten that monkey off their back.
Miami Dolphins: Clinches first playoff berth since 2016
There’s a new head coach, some new faces on offense and some revitalized hope in South Florida. Is this year that the Miami Dolphins put all the pieces together? It is a club that has finished with consecutive winning seasons for the first time in nearly two decades.
However, the last time the ‘Fins made a trip to the playoffs was 2016. There’s been no division title since ’08 and no postseason victory since knocking off the Colts in overtime in the 2000 AFC wild card round. General manager Chris Grier gave up plenty to get wide receiver Tyreek Hill from Kansas City but he changes the offense. The defense has the gift of grab. And if the Dolphins can solve the Buffalo Bills just once this season…
Minnesota Vikings: Leads NFL in takeaways
While the Purple Gang has a new sideline leader in former Rams’ assistant Kevin O’Connell, the hiring of veteran defensive mind Ed Donatell is noteworthy as well. And he’s not that far removed for his most recent days in the NFC North with the Chicago Bears (2015-18).
The Minnesota defense has certainly disappointed in recent seasons. A year ago, only the New York Jets and Houston Texans gave up more total yards per game. But the talent is still there and additions such as linebacker Jordan Hicks, pass rusher Za’Darius Smith and rookie safety Lewis Cine should help. The last time the Vikings forced the most turnovers in the league? You have to go back to 1988.
New England Patriots: Hunter Henry leads all NFL tight ends in receptions
It was a year ago that the New England Patriots opened up their checkbooks and brought in numerous offensive free agents to bolster their offensive attack. From wide receivers Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne to tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry. The latter has always been has always been a solid player but has had to overcome his share of injuries.
But in his debut year with the Pats, Henry played in every game for the first time in his career. He also caught 50 passes, including a career-best nine for touchdowns. Don’t be stunned when he becomes second-year quarterback Mac Jones’ go-to target in 2022.
New Orleans Saints: QB Jameis Winston throws twice as many TD passes as interceptions
The raw talent has always been there. And a year ago, quarterback Jameis Winston showed some plenty promise under then-head coach Sean Payton and current offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael. Seven games into 2021, the New Orleans Saints owned a 5-2 record. Winston had connected for 59.0 percent of his passes for 1,170 yards, 14 scores and only four turnovers (3 interceptions, 1 lost fumble).
But in that seventh game, he was lost for the rest of the season with a knee injury. He’s on the rebound and figures to bounce back in a big way. In five years with the Buccaneers, his best season in terms of TD passes to interceptions (28-18) was in 2016 – plus-10. That’s about to change dramatically.
New York Giants: Team posts first winning record since 2016
We have seen our share of worst-to-first stories in the NFC East in recent seasons. In 2017, the Eagles rebounded from finishing in the basement to not only capture the division but win Super Bowl LII. Washington won three games in 2019 and a year later and captured the NFC East with a 7-9 record.
There’s a new regime when it comes to Big Blue in general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll. There are some new faces in the trenches on both sides of the football, most notably on the offensive line. And better blocking and pass protection could change things dramatically for quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley. This will wind up being a very pesky football team.
New York Jets: Wins 3 games vs. AFC East rivals
The last time the club broke even within the division was back in 2015. That year, the New York Jets finished 10-6 but failed to qualify for the playoffs. Over the past six seasons, the club is a combined 7-29 vs. their AFC East rivals and have dropped 12 straight divisional clashes dating back to 2020.
Dating back to 2016, the Green and White are 5-7 vs. the Buffalo Bills, 2-10 when facing the Miami Dolphins and a humbling 0-12 vs. the New England Patriots. But this improved roster may have a surprise or three in hand for their divisional neighbors.
Philadelphia Eagles: Leads NFL in rushing defense
A year ago, under new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, the playoff-bound Eagles ranked 10th in the NFL in fewest total yards allowed. The Birds also surrendered the ninth-fewest rushing yards in the league on the way to the franchise’s fourth postseason appearance in five years.
It’s a defensive front that features Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave on the inside and ends Brandon Graham and Derek Barnett. Now add a pair of talented rookies in defensive tackle Jordan Davis and inside linebacker Nakobe Dean – both from the defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs. This front seven figures to be tough to push around.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Won’t lead NFL in sacks for first time since 2016
It’s an accomplishment that has largely gone unnoticed because it really hasn’t resulted in anything significant in terms of victories when they count most. The Pittsburgh Steelers are not only the only team since the NFL merger to lead or tie for the league lead in sacks in consecutive seasons, the team has managed the feat an incredible five consecutive years dating back to 2017.
However, the Steelers have also reached the playoffs in three of the campaigns and failed to come up with a victory. And even with 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt and a healthier defensive front, look for someone to dethrone the team sack champions. And that may not be a bad thing.
San Francisco 49ers: Fails to reach playoffs
In five seasons at the helm, there have been three losing campaigns, an appearance in Super Bowl LIV and a year ago, the club reached the NFC title game.
Unpredictability has summed up head coach Kyle Shanahan’s brief tenure with the team to date. And heading into 2022, second-year pro Trey Lance figures to be the starting quarterback. Nine-year veteran Jimmy Garoppolo remains on the roster but recently received permission to seek a trade (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter).
The Niners’ defense looked formidable again a year ago thanks to the presence of a healthy Nick Bosa. But if you count the team’s playoff loss to the Rams, Shanahan’s squad was a dismal 2-5 vs. their NFC West rivals in 2021. Will the 49ers actually build on last year’s postseason run? A lot of question marks.
Seattle Seahawks: Leads NFL in turnovers
A season ago, there were three teams in the league that committed an NFL-low 13 turnovers – two of those residing in the NFC North. Those would be the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, who finished first and second, respectively, in the division standings.
But the third was Pete Carroll’s Seattle Seahawks, who dropped to the basement of the NFC West with a 7-10 record. The club didn’t have quarterback Russell Wilson for three games but still managed to do a good job of taking care of the football.
It may be a different story this season with quarterbacks Drew Lock and Geno Smith. And it’s worth noting that in 2020, the latter had 18 of the Broncos’ NFL-high 32 turnovers.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Finishes Top 10 in NFL in rushing
A year ago, Buccaneers’ quarterback Tom Brady led the league in passing yards (5,316) and TD tosses (43). All told, the team led the NFL in passing yards per game. But the 2021 NFC South champions finished 26th when it came to rushing yards per contest.
That should not come as a shock considering that in each of the past six seasons, the Bucs have ranked 24th or lower in the league in rushing. However, new head coach Todd Bowles has one of the best offensive lines at his disposal and a solid stable of backs. This could be one of the more balanced attacks in the league in 2022.
Tennessee Titans: RB Derrick Henry totals 400-plus carries
It has only happened five times in NFL annals and the last occurrence was in 2006 by Chiefs’ workhorse Larry Johnson. That season, he set a league record with 416 carries – a mark that still stands today. As for the rest of the list, there’s Atlanta’s Jamal Anderson (410) in 1998, Tampa Bay’s James Wilder (407) in 1984, the Rams’ Eric Dickerson (404) in 1986 and Tennessee’s Eddie George (403) in 2000.
It says here that the Titans’ Derrick Henry joins the list of players with 400-plus rushing attempts in a single season. Keep in mind that a year ago, he totaled 219 carries in eight games – for 937 yards and 10 touchdowns – before missing the club’s final nine games of the season. But can he stay healthy for all 17 contests?
Washington Commanders: DE Chase Young wins NFL Comeback Player of the Year
To say it’s been a rollercoaster start to his career would be a massive understatement. Two years ago, the franchise now known as the Washington Commanders made Ohio State defensive end Chase Young the second overall pick in the draft.
He would bolster the club’s pass rush and play-making ability on the way to winning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. A year later, he got off to a very sluggish start and totaled just 1.5 sacks in the team’s first nine games. But Young would miss the final eight games of the season with a torn ACL. The last defensive player to win the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award? That would be Kansas City Chiefs’ safety Eric Berry.