New Arena senior writers Jason Fray, Dylan Fraychineaud, and Harris Ahmadzai will offer their divisional and postseason predictions — as well as major awards predictions — for the upcoming 2022-2023 season.
AFC South
DF: Indianapolis Colts
The AFC South is a two-team race. With the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars set to jockey for the No. 1 overall pick for a third year in a row, that leaves the Colts and Tennessee Titans to battle it out for the division crown. The Titans have won between 9-12 games six-straight years, and have won the division the past two seasons. The Colts collapsed in the final weeks of the 2021 season, but I am confident the addition of Matt Ryan will be the difference in the division (as well as Tennessee being without star wideout A.J. Brown). Indy will finish 11-6, two games ahead of the Titans.
HA: Indianapolis Colts
It would be foolish to count out the Tennessee Titans who have won back-to-back AFC South titles. And, they did so last year with star running back Derrick Henry missing half of the season. That being said, the Titans took a severe hit with the departure of A.J. Brown. Additionally, they’ll be playing a rugged first-place schedule which includes road tilts versus the Bills, Chiefs, and Packers. Indianapolis is coming off a disappointing end of ’21, but have a new quarterback in former league MVP Matt Ryan. Ryan’s experience and accuracy projects to be the perfect complement in Frank Reich’s offense. Riding the talent of stud running back Jonathan Taylor, the Colts march to their first AFC South title since 2014.
JF: Indianapolis Colts
The Colts on paper appear to be the most talented team within the division. Jacksonville and Houston project to be dreadful. Tennessee will be the stiffest competition in the South. However, one must wonder if the Titans are getting a bit stale. They rely a ton on Derrick Henry, and despite his robot-esque effectiveness — he will fall off at some point. Duly, Ryan Tannehill lost A.J. Brown in the offseason (only to be replaced by Arkansas rookie Treylon Burks and an aging Robert Woods). Matt Ryan’s experience should enable the Colts to win this division with room to spare. It also helps having the league’s best RB in your backfield (Jonathan Taylor).
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AFC East
DF: Buffalo Bills
The Bills may have only won the division by one game last year, but they will have no trouble repeating as AFC East champs this time around. Buffalo will understandably enter the year as a Super Bowl favorite. With Josh Allen spearheading their attack, the Bills will put up a ton of points. Defensively, Buffalo improved its front by signing veteran star Von Miller. The Jets and Dolphins should be improved, but the Patriots will regress — and ultimately fail to push the Bills atop the division.
HA: Buffalo Bills
It may come as a surprise to some, but the Bills won the AFC East by just one game last season. Buffalo was two games back (and behind in the tiebreaker) of New England heading into Week 14, but a 4-0 stretch from the Bills coincided with a 1-3 finish by the Patriots to help power Sean McDermott’s club to a division crown. This year, the Bills enter as heavy favorites but could face some trouble fending off the pesky Patriots and upstart Dolphins. In the end, Buffalo has the division’s best offense and best defense and should cruise to 12-plus wins en route to a third-straight AFC East title.
JF: Buffalo Bills
This one is a no-brainer. Buffalo has built a team top-to-bottom with practically zero weaknesses. The depth is super strong across the board — particularly within the defensive unit as a whole. Von Miller might not be a great long-term investment. But in the interim, he can offer pass-rushing skills while also providing Super Bowl experience to a team in need of some. Plus, Josh Allen is just scratching the surface on how good he can be.
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AFC North
DF: Baltimore Ravens
This division is tough to predict. Depending on the NFL’s decision regarding Deshaun Watson, all four teams in the AFC North may have a realistic shot at winning the division. Cincinnati, the defending AFC Champions, should be an improved team and will enter the season with a ton of confidence. Pittsburgh isn’t the most talented team in the division, but the Steelers always find a way to finish above .500 and compete for a playoff spot. If Watson doesn’t miss a ton of time, the Browns have enough talent on their roster to win 10+ games. However, my pick to win the division is the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore disappointed a year ago — missing the playoffs with a 8-9 record. However, Lamar Jackson is healthy entering the year, and will remind folks why he was deemed the MVP in 2019. Baltimore will finish the regular season 12-5.
HA: Baltimore Ravens
Though the Bengals are the defending AFC Champions, it’s the Ravens who are the team to watch in this one. Baltimore was one of the most injured teams in football last season, and still managed to race out to an 8-3 start before dropping each of its last six games. Lamar Jackson missed the last five contests, and will be rejoined in the backfield by J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards (each of whom missed the entire ’21 campaign). With the former MVP back under center, the Ravens once again reign supreme in the AFC North.
JF: Baltimore Ravens
I’m not bullish on the Cleveland Browns considering the Deshaun Watson situation. Too much volatility. Too much unknown about the situation. Pittsburgh must break in a new quarterback in Mitch Trubisky. I love the defense, though I don’t love the QB situation. Cincinnati is interesting — as the Bengals upgraded its offensive line considerably in the offseason. However, I worry about the dreaded Super Bowl hangover. They also won’t be sneaking up on anyone this year. As such, we’re left with a motivated Ravens’ team. Stick with Baltimore and put your trust in Lamar Jackson.
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AFC West
DF: Los Angeles Chargers
On paper, the AFC West is the best division in football…and it’s not particularly close. In 2021, both the Chiefs (12-5) and Raiders (10-7) reached the postseason. The Chargers (9-8) should have been the third team to reach the playoffs, but they kept themselves out due to some truly unfathomable decision-making by their coach. Denver finished 7-10, but had a positive point-differential and allowed the third-fewest points in football. With the additions of Davante Adams and Russell Wilson, the Raiders and Broncos — respectively — will both be improved teams. In my eyes, however, the Chargers are the team to beat. The team is absolutely stacked — and I believe the Chiefs will take a slight step back, allowing the Chargers to top the division for the first time since 2009.
HA: Kansas City Chiefs
Oh, this is going to be a good one. The Chiefs enter as early favorites, though it will be interesting to see how the offense fares without Tyreek Hill stretching defenses. The Chargers have all of the talent, but a history of letdowns. The Broncos and Raiders made big splashes in the offseason with the additions of Russell Wilson and Davante Adams, but will either player be enough to take their new team over the top? Call it a cop out, but something must be said about Kansas City’s consistency over the years. Even without Hill, Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid will have defenses in fits with the air attack. And, the Chiefs still have one of the best home field advantages in all of football.
JF: Kansas City Chiefs
Until this iteration of the Chargers can ‘do it’, I simply can’t have them winning the division (even if LA is the most complete team in this division). The Tyreek Hill-less Chiefs will be the favorites to win this division. The WR corps has certainly been shuffled a bit. With that said, this could result to a real breakout year from Mecole Hardman. Defensively, the Chiefs did well to nab two savvy, hard-nosed defensive players in the first round (DB Trent McDuffie, DE George Karlaftis). Denver is breaking in too many new players, and the Raiders may be hard-pressed to replicate last year’s success.
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AFC Wild Cards
DF: Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, Las Vegas Raiders
While I believe the Chiefs are going to take a step back in 2022, they will be good enough to reach the playoffs. Joining Kansas City as Wild Card teams will be the Bengals and Raiders. The battle for the three Wild Card spots will be intense. I only envision three teams (Jets, Texans, Jaguars) being out of the mix. Ultimately, I believe these three teams will outlast Tennessee and Pittsburgh due to their advantage at quarterback. The Broncos will finish with the same record as Las Vegas, but the Raiders make the playoffs after winning both head-to-head matchups.
HA: Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots
The Chargers will give the Chiefs a run for the division crown, but may ultimately come up short. Still, their light schedule to start the year should be enough for them to secure one of the Wild Card spots. Joining them will be another AFC West combatant — the Las Vegas Raiders, who project to have one of the league’s highest flying offenses coupled with a premier pass rush. In the hottest take for the AFC, the defending champion Cincinnati Bengals will miss the playoffs this season. The Bengals boast playmakers on both sides of the ball, but needed some incredible luck to fall their way to make a Super Bowl run. With better pass catchers on the outside, Mac Jones takes a leap and leads his Patriots to a second-straight postseason appearance — thanks in large part to a key Week 16 win over the defending AFC Champs.
JF: Los Angeles Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos
I’m sold on the Chargers as a playoff the team. The same thing applies to Joe Burrow and the explosive Bengals. The third spot is essentially a toss-up between the Titans, Patriots, Raiders, Steelers, Browns, and Broncos. What’s the one position separating Denver from the rest? Quarterback. If Russell Wilson can stay healthy and revitalized in Denver, the Broncos could surprise some people.
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NFC North
DF: Green Bay Packers
The Packers have won 13 games three years in a row. Davante Adams is no longer on the team, but Aaron Rodgers is. Rodgers has won two MVPs in a row, and figures to contend for a three-peat in 2022. But even if Rodgers’ numbers fall a bit without Adams, Green Bay’s defense remains one of the top units in the league. It truly can carry the Packers to another NFC North crown. Chicago and Detroit are non-factors — leaving the Vikings as Green Bay’s only competition.
HA: Green Bay Packers
This might not be as much of a cakewalk as it has been the last three years, but the Packers remain the team to beat in the NFC North. Even without Davante Adams, Green Bay boasts a star-studded roster on both ends of the field — especially defensively where they could field one of the league’s stingiest groups. The Vikings could see an uptick under new head coach Kevin O’Connell, but Aaron Rodgers has been playing too well over the last two seasons to pick a Kirk Cousins-led group over him.
JF: Green Bay Packers
You’ve got one Super Bowl contender…and three teams in full rebuild-mode. Arguably the easiest division to call, Aaron Rodgers and the Pack will once again win this division.
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NFC South
DF: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Barring something unforeseen, the NFC South champion will be one of two teams — the New Orleans Saints or Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It doesn’t matter whether Baker Mayfield or Sam Darnold wins the job in Carolina, the Panthers aren’t winning the division. Atlanta remains the worst team in the division. New Orleans’ defense remains stout, and its offense should improve with a healthy Jameis Winston and the return of wideout Michael Thomas. The Saints could topple the Bucs, but I have to ride with Tom Brady. Tampa Bay is one of the most talented teams in the league, and Brady remains a fringe top-5 quarterback. Advantage, Bucs.
HA: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Immediately, we can count out the Falcons and Panthers. Atlanta boasts arguably the league’s worst roster from top-to-bottom (mostly by design). The Panthers are projected to have a quarterback competition between Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, and Matt Corral — so, yeah we can scratch them off. The Saints have owned the Bucs head-to-head recently, winning each of the last seven regular season matchups. However, we’re talking about the greatest quarterback of all-time here. Tom Brady is back, and he’s ready to lead his squad to another deep postseason run — starting with a second-straight NFC South crown.
JF: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
As long as Tom Brady is under-center for the Bucs, Tampa will be the favorites in this division. Atlanta and Carolina are miles away from competing for anything of consequence. The Saints are still rebuilding, and have some depth issues relative to the Buccaneers. Barring injury, there’s no way Tampa shouldn’t win this division comfortably.
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NFC West
DF: Los Angeles Rams
This division looks a lot different than it did a year ago. Russell Wilson is no longer QB1 in Seattle. Fellow Seahawk legend Bobby Wagner is now set to roam the middle of the field for the Rams. Arizona star wideout DeAndre Hopkins is suspended for the first six games of the season. We still don’t know whether Jimmy Garoppolo or Trey Lance will be the Niners’ starting QB Week 1. And then, there is the Rams. The defending Super Bowl champs lost Von Miller, but added Wagner and Allen Robinson — an underrated wideout following his time in Chicago. The Rams are certainly the team to beat given their talent and the uncertainty in Arizona and San Francisco.
HA: Los Angeles Rams
The reigning Super Bowl champions face a tall task in defending their title. Los Angeles has a daunting schedule, kicking off with a juggernaut matchup against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in Week 1. Additionally, the Rams will go on the road to take on the defending NFC North (Packers) and NFC South (Buccaneers) champions. Everybody will be gunning for Sean McVay’s club, but they remain the cream of the crop in a suddenly vulnerable division. The other three teams enter the year with serious question marks — the 49ers starting ostensibly a rookie quarterback, the Cardinals dealing with the DeAndre Hopkins suspension, and the Seahawks being plain bad.
JF: Los Angeles Rams
The Super Bowl champs project to once again be the top team in the competitive NFC West. Seattle is going to be one of the worst teams in the conference. Arizona did well to lock up Kyler Murray — though other questions within the roster remain. San Francisco will be the stiffest competition for the Rams. These two always play each other tough — though the main difference this year will be the wild card second-year QB Trey Lance getting his chance to play. Though very talented, he’s still very inexperienced. With Matt Stafford, the Rams don’t have that issue.
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NFC East
DF: Dallas Cowboys
There hasn’t been a repeat winner in the NFC East since the Philadelphia Eagles won the division four-straight years from 2001-2004. Last season, the Cowboys ran away with the East. Dallas finished the year 12-5 — three games ahead of the Eagles. It’s anyone’s guess how this season will play out. On paper, the Giants appear to be the weakest team. The Commanders aren’t too far ahead of the G-Men, but they do have some nice top-end talent. I believe it is a coin-flip between the Eagles and Cowboys. In the end, the Cowboys will end the 17-year drought without a repeat division champ.
HA: Philadelphia Eagles
Always expect chaos in the NFC East. It wouldn’t even be that surprising to see Carson Wentz lead the Washington Commanders to a division crown — especially if that defense can return to the level of the ’20 squad. Dallas enters as a sizable favorite, though the Cowboys are more susceptible from a roster standpoint than in previous years. The Cowboys offensive line is getting up there in age, and the secondary remains a weakness overall. The Eagles are the most improved team of the offseason, and could potentially be dynamic offensively with the addition of A.J. Brown.
JF: Philadelphia Eagles
“Fly, Eagles, Fly!” The Eagles revamped their roster in the offseason with great effectiveness. The acquisition of A.J. Brown immediately gives Philly a Pro Bowl No. 1 receiver alongside the uber-talented DeVonta Smith. The secondary was completely revamped (adding among others, Darius Slay and Anthony Harris), and the addition of first-round DT Jordan Davis gives the Eagles some massive size up front. The expected competition for the division would be the Cowboys. At this point, this underachieving franchise seems like a ticking time bomb to explode. They have aging players across the board at prominent positions (hi, Zeke Elliott and Tyron Smith).
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NFC Wild Cards
DF: New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers
I am high on the Saints’ chances of making the playoffs. New Orleans’ defense is amongst the best in the league, and considering how weak the NFC appears, it shouldn’t be too difficult to secure one-of-three Wild Card berths. With a new coach in charge, the Vikings are going to play with a bit more juice than they have in recent years. Playing in a lousy division should help net Minnesota a few wins. Despite not being able to topple Green Bay, Minnesota will be one of the final 14. The third and final spot comes down to San Francisco, Philadelphia and Arizona. With all three teams tied entering the final week of the season, the Niners will knock off the Cardinals at home — while the Eagles are shocked in Philly by the hapless Giants.
HA: San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals
The 49ers have built up so much equity as an organization that I simply cannot count them out no matter who is lining up under center. This team has won games with C.J. Beathard and Nick Mullens, and made it to a Super Bowl (and nearly a second) with Jimmy Garoppolo. They’ll be just fine with a supreme athlete like Trey Lance at the helm. Dallas loses out on the division due to a difficult schedule, but Dak Prescott surrounded by a bevy of skilled pass catchers will be enough to reach the postseason in a shallow NFC. The last spot will likely come down to the Saints, Vikings, and Cardinals. Edge goes to the team with the most dynamic playmaker at quarterback. The recently-extended Kyler Murray leads his Cardinals to a second-straight postseason berth.
JF: San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints
The NFC has a far higher concentration of rebuilding teams relative to the AFC. It’s quite straightforward at this point to see who will be contenders, and who will be fighting for draft positioning. SF, Dallas, and New Orleans appear to be straightforward picks. As for darkhorse options, I’d include the likes of Arizona, Washington, Minnesota, and….Detroit (yes, Detroit).
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Offensive Rookie of the Year
DF: Christian Watson
With no rookie quarterback currently expected to start the year as his team’s QB1, I am going with a wideout to win Offensive Rookie of the Year — but it may not be one you would expect to see. Four receivers were selected by the No. 12 overall pick, and six of the first 18 selections overall were wideouts. Christian Watson went off the board at No. 34. A 6-foot-5 target out of North Dakota St., Watson finds himself in an offense led by Aaron Rodgers and without a true No. 1 receiver. I’m predicting that Rodgers and Watson establish an early rapport (which leads to a massive debut season).
HA: Kenny Pickett
One (or a few) of the skill players will pop. Drake London and Treylon Burks are on teams with very few pass catching options. Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson could be top targets early on thanks to their speed and route running. Breece Hall has a chance to be New York’s bell cow. However, this award always leans towards quarterbacks. It took a historic performance from Ja’Marr Chase last season to wrestle it away from New England’s Mac Jones. Kenny Pickett appears to be the first-year QB with the likeliest chance of winning a starting role. Equipped with a strong group of pass catchers, Pickett could easily play his way into this award by season’s end.
JF: Chris Olave
The native of San Diego is buttery-smooth as it pertains to his route-running ability. Olave knows all of the tricks when garnering separation from defenders. He’s got above-average speed, terrific hands, and the I.Q. to maximize the most of his ability. He’s in a perfect situation with the Saints. Michael Thomas hasn’t stayed healthy for some time now, and Jarvis Landry won’t catch a pass beyond eight yards. Olave could be the team’s big target for shots downfield. Playing on turf in a pass-happy offense can’t hurt, either.
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Defensive Rookie of the Year
DF: Kayvon Thibodeaux
Despite being the 5th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Kayvon Thibodeaux was the third defensive end to come off the board. Travon Walker went No. 1 to Jacksonville, and Aidan Hutchinson was selected by Detroit with the following pick. Thibodeaux is a monster off the edge, and should find himself in some good spots as opposing lines focus on shutting down Leonard Williams. By playing in New York, Thibodeaux will have some extra eyeballs on him — and thus more people persuaded to vote for the stud rookie.
HA: Aidan Hutchinson
The Lions were thrilled to hear Aidan Hutchinson was still on the board at pick No. 2. The Michigan native projects to be a major contributor from the get-go. Hutchinson is coming off a 14.0-sack season with the Wolverines, and is also a major contributor in run defense. He plays with a relentless motor, which will be welcomed by intense head coach Dan Campbell.
JF: Devin Lloyd
Though the Jags went with another defender atop the first round (Travon Walker), I think Lloyd might be the more important player. He’ll be taking over for Myles Jack as the roaming playmaking linebacker. Without a doubt, Lloyd will get to play a heavy percentage of the snaps for this rebuilding franchise. As we saw at Utah, Lloyd was all over the field — whether covering tight ends in space, or attacking the line of scrimmage. Keep an eye on this guy…he’s for real.
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Coach of the Year
DF: Kevin O’Connell
Since 2013, every coach who has been named the Coach of the Year has led his team to a minimum of 11 wins. Heading into the season, my money is on a first-year head coach — Minnesota’s Kevin O’Connell. O’Connell joined the Vikings this offseason after spending the previous two seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Rams. Throughout his coaching career, O’Connell has been a quarterbacks coach with two teams (Cleveland, Washington), and also spent time as Washington’s OC. In guiding the Vikings to 11 wins and a trip to the playoffs, O’Connell will become the first Sean McVay disciple to win the award.
HA: Nick Sirianni
This award typically goes to the head coach of a team which outperformed expectations. Though some pundits are high on Philly’s outlook, Dallas remains a sizable favorite in the NFC East. That could change with strong play from Eagles QB Jalen Hurts, and it all starts with Siranni’s approach with his unique quarterback. If Siranni can unlock the best version of Hurts, the Eagles will thrive and the 41-year-old coach will be showered with praise.
JF: Nick Sirianni
Assuming Philly wins the NFC East, Siranni will be the pick here for this award. Dallas is projected universally as the odds-on favorite to win the division. That help’s Sirianni’s potential case here. Plus, we could see a situation where the Eagles have a Bengals-like emergence this year with a plethora of very talented offensive skill players.
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Rushing & Receiving Leaders
DF: Derrick Henry & Justin Jefferson
Before an injury ended his regular season after just eight games, Derrick Henry was well on his way to winning the rushing title for the third year in a row. Through eight games, Henry had amassed 937 yards and rushed for 10 scores. How dominant was he? At the end of the year, Henry ranked ninth in total rushing yards despite playing less than half of his team’s games. For my leading receiver, I am going with last year’s No. 2 receiver — Justin Jefferson. Jefferson has been stellar in each of his two seasons as a professional. After hauling in 88 passes for 1,400 yards as a rookie, Jefferson finished 2021 with 108 receptions, 1,616 yards and 10 TD. His numbers will pace the league in Year 3.
HA: Jonathan Taylor & Justin Jefferson
While the Titans’ bell cow Derrick Henry remains a threat, there is the potential for regression following a broken foot. Taylor, on the other hand, remained healthy throughout ’21 and is entering the prime of his career. Through the air, nobody does it better than Justin Jefferson right now. With Cooper Kupp likely ceding targets to new addition Allen Robinson, Jefferson has a chance to take home his first receiving title. The Minnesota pass catcher has finished fourth and second in receiving yards through his first two seasons.
JF: Jonathan Taylor & Cooper Kupp
Taylor is a no-brainer assuming he can stay healthy. Indianapolis has one of the league’s best offensive lines. It also has an offensive scheme geared towards getting Taylor the football. Kupp and Stafford have undeniable chemistry. Kupp is much more athletic than you’d think, and is also much bigger, too. His toughness and ability to create YAC makes him the perfect pick for this category.
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Comeback Player of the Year
DF: Christian McCaffrey
If McCaffrey proves me right, he might as well be handed two Comeback Player of the Year awards. The superstar all-purpose back has appeared in just 10 games over the past two seasons. Before being hit by the injury bug, CMC didn’t miss a game during his first three years in the league. When healthy, McCaffrey is the most dynamic back in the league. He is the best pass-catching back in the NFL, and rushed for a career-high 1,387 yards in 2019. Not only will CMC remain healthy in 2022, but he will finish with 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards for the second time in his career.
HA: Michael Thomas
Following a historic campaign, Michael Thomas has been hampered by injuries over the last two years. The New Orleans wideout was limited to just seven games in ’20, and missed the entire 2021 campaign. Thomas hasn’t scored a touchdown in a game since December of 2019. That sets up the big-bodied wideout for a massive comeback this upcoming season. With the gunslinging Jameis Winston at the helm, we could potentially see an even more dominant version of Thomas upon his return.
JF: Christian McCaffrey
The last two years have been tough on McCaffrey. He hasn’t seen much of the field, and it’s no surprise to see Carolina struggle in his absence. All accounts insist that he’ll be healthy and ready to go. Remember, his last full season led to McCaffrey accruing nearly 1,400 rushing yards. As Carolina looks to extend his career, you may see him turn into the elite version of what Danny Woodhead was to the Patriots during their heyday.
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Offensive Player of the Year
DF: Justin Jefferson
If McCaffrey goes for over 1,000 receiving and 1,000 rushing yards, he may very well win this award. However, my favorite to win Offensive Player of the Year is Justin Jefferson. As I mentioned earlier, Jefferson has been stellar each of his two years in the league. For his career, the LSU product is averaging over 15 yards per reception (15.4) and 91.4 yards per game. With Adam Thielen garnering attention of opposing defenses as well, Jefferson is afforded a bit more room than some other elite receivers around the league. My prediction for Jefferson in Year 3: 117 receptions, 1,813 yards, 13 TD.
HA: Justin Herbert
On paper, the Chargers defense should be much improved with the additions of J.C. Jackson and Khalil Mack. Call me a skeptic, but it feels like Justin Herbert and company will still find themselves in plenty of shootouts. Pitted against the explosive offenses in the AFC West, we could see Herbert tossing the ball upwards of 50-plus times any given week in an effort to keep his Chargers in contention. The 24-year-old superstar throws for 5,000 yards for the second-straight season, and adds 40-plus touchdowns to boot.
JF: Josh Allen
If the Bills are going to be as good as we think, Allen will be racking up some crazy numbers. Yes — some will point to him playing for a cold weather team in an outdoor stadium. These elements could hinder his stats a tad. Yet, as we’ve seen with Allen, his gargantuan arm strength seems to still work through the rain, snow, and wind. Duly, his ability with his feet gives Allen more of a chance to rack up the stats.
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Defensive Player of the Year
DF: Aaron Donald
The most destructive player in football is going to win Defensive Player of the Year for the fourth time. Aaron Donald is a legend in his prime.
HA: Micah Parsons
Finishing second in Defensive Player of the Year last year, Parsons is ready to put together an encore performance in Year 2. He already showcased his elite pass rushing skills, but there’s reason to believe there’s even more to Parsons game than getting after opposing quarterbacks. If he can combine league-leading sack totals with a few forced turnovers, this will be Parsons’ award to lose.
JF: T.J. Watt
He’s the odds-on favorite to win the award. Following in the footsteps of his older brother, T.J. will continue to cement himself as one of the league’s best.
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Most Valuable Player
DF: Justin Herbert
The 24-year-old former Oregon Duck is going to solidify his status as a superstar in 2022. Recognized as one of the best young players in the league, Herbert has dazzled in his two years with the Chargers. After throwing for over 4,300 yards with 31 touchdowns and 10 interceptions as a rookie, Herbert took his game to another level in Year 2. The 6-foot-6 dynamo threw for 5,014 yards and 38 TDs in 2021. In Year 3, Herbert will put it all together and earn his first (of multiple) MVP.
HA: Josh Allen
An easy way to find yourself in MVP discussions is to be the starting quarterback for the team with the best record in the league. And, that’s just what Josh Allen has a good chance of being in ’22. The Bills are in a favorable spot while teams in the AFC North and West are forced to battle it out. Early road wins over the Rams and Chiefs would skyrocket Allen’s chances of taking home his first MVP award. 13 or 14 wins would all but secure this for the sensational fifth-year QB.
JF: Josh Allen
We’re double-dipping with this one. Allen wins both major awards, leads the Bills to a Division title, a Conference title, and perhaps something more…
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AFC Championship Game
DF: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Buffalo Bills
The Chargers will finally string together a few good performances in a row en route to the AFC Championship Game…but they will run out of steam against the favored Buffalo Bills. After surviving the gauntlet that is the AFC West, Los Angeles comes up against the best team in the AFC from Week 1. The Bills are one of the most well-rounded teams in football, and won’t have any problem controlling this game in frigid Buffalo. Ultimately, Josh Allen and Co. outlast the Chargers 31-20 to reach the Super Bowl.
HA: Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills
A rematch of a 2020 playoff matchup which ended by a score of 17-3 in Buffalo’s favor. The Ravens return to their first AFC Championship game since 2012, while the Bills have a chance to reach their first Super Bowl since 1993. In this particular scenario, it would be a battle of two MVP’s in Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. Allen hopes to finally take his team over the hump, while Jackson is out to prove the doubters wrong. There is no player in the NFL quite like Jackson, and he finally silences the last of his critics by putting together a memorable playoff performance in an iconic win in Buffalo. Ravens edge out the Bills with a Justin Tucker field goal icing the game.
JF: Buffalo Bills vs. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chiefs may win the division, but the Chargers will move beyond them into the AFC Championship Game. Both of these teams are loaded from a talent standpoint. Surely, the Chargers will want to avoid a cross-country trip to Buffalo in the dead of winter. Buffalo will steamroll the competition en route to this game.
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NFC Championship Game
DF: Los Angeles Rams vs. Green Bay Packers
The defending Super Bowl champions return to the NFC Championship and take on Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Since winning the Super Bowl in 2010, Rodgers has carried his team to four NFC Championship Games — including each of the past two years. Despite his greatness, however, Rodgers hasn’t been able to get over the hump — and still has just one Super Bowl appearance on his resume. Will he make it two? No. The Rams — playing in Los Angeles — will hand Rodgers his third-straight NFC Championship loss, 24-23.
HA: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Los Angeles Rams
Another rematch, this time from last year’s postseason. The Rams had early control in that matchup until Tom Brady and the Buccaneers started clicking in the second half. A late Matthew Stafford heave to Cooper Kupp turned the tide of the game as it set up a game-winning Matt Gay field goal as time expired. The difference maker this time around? Chris Godwin who missed the final five games last season (including playoffs). In three career games against the Rams, Godwin has 25 receptions for 300 yards and four touchdowns. Tom Brady reaches his 11th Super Bowl.
JF: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. San Francisco 49ers
Surprise! The 49ers make it here under the assumption that Lance has a breakout year (and Deebo Samuel rescinds his trade request). SF is a very deep team upfront, and will be motivated to atone for the loss to the Rams last year. Brady came back for a reason — and that’s to win another Super Bowl. He’s got plenty of juice left, and the acquisitions of Russell Gage, Shaq Mason, Shaquill Barrett, and Akiem Hicks surely will bolster an already strong roster.
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Super Bowl
DF: Buffalo Bills vs. Los Angeles Rams
On September 8, 2022, the Rams host the Bills to open the new season. Since Buffalo will be in the building to see the Rams unveil their championship banner, it is only fitting that the two teams come together on February 12, 2023, to crown a champion. Buffalo will enter the game as the favorite having survived the loaded AFC, but Los Angeles will enter the contest with endless confidence and experience. Playing in their third Super Bowl in five years, the Rams pull off the upset to become back-to-back champs. 38-31. Matthew Stafford wins MVP.
HA: Baltimore Ravens vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This would be a fun one. Tom Brady vs. Lamar Jackson pits old school versus new school. The greatest quarterback of all-time up against arguably the best dual-threat we’ve ever seen. There’s never been a greater discrepancy in the foot speed of the two opposing quarterbacks in a Super Bowl matchup. Though the Buccaneers boast a clear advantage at the skill positions, both defenses should be up to the task. While the Ravens put up a valiant effort in hopes of capturing the franchise’s third Super Bowl victory, Brady ultimately gets his storybook ending and an eighth ring. Buccaneers 31, Ravens 23.
JF: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Buffalo Bills
The storylines here would be great. Two traditionally sandbagged franchises will be fighting for a Super Bowl ring. Oh yeah — and the narrative surrounding all-time great Tom Brady versus current stud Josh Allen. This would be a very fun game to watch. Brady would love to add another ring to the trophy case — whereas Allen wants to catch Patrick Mahomes, reminding people that he could ultimately be the best young QB in this generation. He’ll stake that claim — as the Bills narrowly upend the Bucs.
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