New Season, New Stories

        The 2022 NFL season felt like it was going to never arrive. We had A LOT going on, yet the season still felt so far away. Now, here I am writing this intro with just over 24 hours for the official kickoff of the 2022 season. For the next few months we will finally have a reason to drink beer at noon, and eat cheap nacho cheese for a meal. We saw the preseason, we saw the roster moves, and now we are ready to announce our first ever Season Prediction!

David

Division Winners
AFC

AFC East

• Winner – Buffalo Bills
• I shouldn’t have to explain myself very much with this one.  The Bills are easily the best team in this division.  I believe they have one the top MVP candidates in Josh Allen and might just be the best team in football.  The Jets are the farthest thing from a threat to the Bills, and the I don’t believe the Patriots offense will be good enough to take them anywhere this season.  The team that could shock everyone would be the Dolphins.  However, without seeing the new look offense and coaching staff in action, I can’t have them winning this division. 

AFC North

• Winner – Cincinnati Bengals
• This is one of the hardest decisions to make as far as division winners go, so I’m just going with my gut here.  I do believe the Bengals overachieved at the end of last year and will likely take a step back from their final form.  However, I still think they pull out a division win.  Probably a hot take but in my opinion, they have the best quarterback in the division and the best offense.  Meanwhile, their defense is good enough.  The Steelers are going to be better than I originally expected with both quarterbacks looking good in the preseason.  The Browns won’t be very good without Deshaun Watson, and it will be too little, too late by the time he returns in my opinion. The team to watch out for is the Ravens.  They should have an elite defense and that always wins ball games, but that offense has yet to prove it can do enough to get over the hump. 

AFC South

• Winner – Indianapolis Colts
• The Colts are my sleeper team on the season for the AFC.  The addition of Matt Ryan isn’t being talked about enough if you ask me.  The Colts biggest weakness is depth at the wide receiver position, and while it may not be good enough to win a Super Bowl, it’s certainly good enough to win this weak division.  The Titans will likely still be a good team, but I think the loss of AJ Brown will hurt them more than people think.

AFC West

• Winner – LA Chargers
• Full disclosure, this is a complete dart throw.  Easily the best division in the NFL with three teams that could be legitimate Super Bowl contenders and one that would be good enough to be a wild card team if they were in any other division.  Like my Bengals pick, I’m going with my gut here.  I think Herbert takes another step and leads this team to a division title. The Chargers issue every year seems to be injuries, so if they can stay healthy, I like them a lot.  The only other thing that could hold them back is their questionable coaching decisions.  Like I mentioned, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Chiefs or Broncos win the division, and that’s why I have them as the top two wild card teams.  I think three teams make the playoffs from this division. 

AFC Wild Card

1. Kansas City Chiefs
2. Denver Broncos
3. Baltimore Ravens

Complete AFC Playoff Picture

1. Buffalo Bills
2. LA Chargers
3. Cincinnati Bengals
4. Indianapolis Colts
5. Kansas City Chiefs
6. Denver Broncos
7. Baltimore Ravens

Division Winners

NFC

NFC East

• Winner – Philadelphia Eagles
• I mean… who knows? Some sites have the Eagles in the top 10 for Super Bowl favorites, and I just don’t understand that.  They’re not winning the Super Bowl. Neither is anyone else from this division.  The Cowboys will give them a run for their money, and I wouldn’t be surprised if tiebreakers are the reason the Eagles take the division.  I think the Eagles will have a solid defense, and that gives them the edge for me.  It’s also just hard to trust the Cowboys and ole Mikey. 

NFC North 

• Winner – Green Bay Packers
• No matter who the Packers lost in the offseason or what drugs Aaron Rodgers was off doing or how many game shows he was busy hosting, this is still a weak division.  Sure, the Lions might want to drag teams into the deep end and make them fight to breathe (or whatever Dan Campbell said on Hard Knocks).  But they will likely be the ones who drown more often than not.  Sure, the Vikings have a loaded offense at the skill positions, but they’re defense is questionable, and the offense is still led by Kirk Cousins.  Oh, and I guess the Bears exist as well.  The Packers still have Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, a great running game, and a great defense.  They’ll take care of this division once again.

NFC South 

• Winner – New Orleans Saints
• Count the Saints out all you want.  Sean Payton is gone, but this is still one of the deepest rosters in the NFL.  They lose Marcus Williams and Ceedy Deuce, but Tyrann Mathieu returns home.  Gone are the days of the worst receiving corps in the NFL.  Jarvis Landry and Chris Olave are here to save the day. Oh, by the way, Mike Thomas is back to remind everyone just who he is.  QB1 is healthy and ready to quiet all the doubters.  The Saints’ biggest competition for the division is the Bucs, but as we’ve seen over the last two seasons, they don’t care that Tom Brady is the quarterback.  The Saints own the Bucs, and they will own the division.  But another postseason matchup with the Bucs could be in the cards.

NFC West

• Winner – LA Rams
• The NFC West is an interesting division.  I think it’s obvious that the Rams are the best team in the division.  They didn’t lose much in the offseason and replaced Odell and Robert Woods with Allen Robinson.  Not only is that not a downgrade, but it could also end up being an upgrade.  The Seahawks traded Russ to Denver and are no longer a threat.  The Cardinals will be without Deandre Hopkins for six weeks and can’t ever seem to get over the hump anyway.  The wild card here, literally, and figuratively, is the San Francisco 49ers.  Trey Lance takes over at quarterback, and where you think they’ll finish in the division ultimately depends on whether you believe in him or not.  I believe Trey Lance will be an upgrade for the 49ers, but without seeing him in action, I can’t take the 49ers over the reigning Super Bowl champs.  I feel good enough about the 49ers to have them playing Wild Card Weekend.

NFC Wild Card

1. Tampa Bay Bucs
2. San Francisco 49ers
3. Dallas Cowboys

Complete NFC Playoff Picture

1. LA Rams
2. New Orleans Saints
3. Green Bay Packers
4. Philadelphia Eagles
5. Tampa Bay Bucs
6. San Francisco 49ers
7. Dallas Cowboys

Super Bowl Matchup

Matchup – (Buffalo Bills vs. New Orleans Saints)

• Winner – Buffalo Bills
• Buffalo fans rejoice! Your reign of mediocrity is over, and your Buffalo Bills are world champions! If not for Patrick Mahomes magic last year, the Bills would’ve found themselves in the AFC Championship game.  I think Josh Allen takes another step this year and has a massive season.  I think the Bills defense is legit, and I like the weapons they added on offense in James Cook and Jamison Crowder.  I have them facing the Saints in the big game.  Call it homerism if you want, but I truly believe in the Saints this year.  Defense wins ball games, and the Saints have one of the best.  They’ll compliment that defense with an overwhelming upgraded offense led by Jameis Winston, provided Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas play full seasons.  However, I think the Saints’ defense meats its match in Josh Allen, and the Bills take home the Lombardi.

NFL Honors Predictions for 2022 Season

Offensive Rookie of the Year – Kenneth Walker III (Seahawks)

• This was a tough choice if I’m being honest.  I wanted to go with Steelers QB Kenny Pickett, but with the Steelers naming Mitchell as their starting QB, I think it could be difficult for Pickett to get the award.  I also like Saints’ wide receiver Chris Olave, but he’s part of a deep wide receiver room, so it could be tough for him to put up numbers big enough to bring home the trophy.  That brings us to my winner, Kenneth Walker.  The only thing standing in the way of Walker and this award is Rashaad Penny, and as everyone knows, it’s only a matter of time before he misses time and Walker makes that backfield his.  He may have to overcome loaded boxes given the Seahawks question marks at quarterback, but Walker is extremely talented and shouldn’t have any problem doing so. 

Defensive Rookie of the Year – Aidan Hutchinson (Detroit Lions)

• It may seem like a cop-out to pick the favorite, but I saw all I needed to see from Hutchinson in one drive of the preseason.  On one drive, he dominated the offensive line on multiple occasions and found his way into the backfield with ease.  I’m not sold that he’ll be the best defensive rookie this year, as I think guys like Derek Stingley Jr. and Sauce Gardner will be very good cornerbacks for their respective teams.  But Hutchinson plays a flashier position and will show up more on the stat sheet, which I believe will lead to him getting the votes here.

Defensive Player of the Year – Tyrann Mathieu (Saints)

• Let’s get a little wild here.  Sure, this is a little bit of a biased choice, but hear me out.  Dennis Allen LOVES players with versatility in his defense.  The Honey Badger is the poster boy for defensive versatility.  He’s also known for his playmaking ability on defense, and for his ability to always find himself around the ball.  And, if you don’t think that he doesn’t have some extra motivation to bring a championship to his hometown team, you’re mistaken.  Tyrann may be on the back end of his career, but he’s still one of the best defensive players in the league.  I think he flourishes in Dennis Allen’s scheme and becomes the face of one of the best defenses in the league.

Offensive Player of the Year – Justin Herbert (Chargers)

• History isn’t on my side here.  Only two quarterbacks have won this award over the last seven years, and it seems like the trend is leaning towards OPOY becoming the “Best Non-QB Award.”  But I think this is one of those outlier seasons.  I am all-in on the Chargers this year.  Well, all-in until they run into the Josh Allen and the Bills that is.  If not for Allen, I’d have Herbert as my MVP.  We’ve seen what Justin Herbert is capable of.  He flashes moments of greatness weekly but has been inconsistent at times.  On top of that, the Chargers always seem to deal with a plethora of injuries that ends up dragging them down.  This is the year both Herbert and the Chargers put it together and make their playoff run.  Only to have the dream season ended by the Buffalo Bills.

Comeback Player of the Year – Michael Thomas (Saints)

• 591 days.  As of the time I’m writing this, that’s how long it’s been since we’ve seen Michael Thomas play a game in the NFL.  591 days.  Let that sink in.  Sure, his teammate and quarterback Jameis Winston has his own claim to this award, but I feel that the amount of time Mike has missed is more significant.  By all accounts, Mike dominated training camp.  Dennis Allen has even said that he sees pre-injury mike.  Pre-injury Michael Thomas had a claim to the title of best receiver in the NFL.  Pre-injury Michael Thomas was the record-setting offensive player of the year.  Do I expect Mike to break records again? No.  There are too many mouths to feed in this offense now.  But do I expect him to remind everyone of exactly who Michael Thomas is? In the words of the great Stone Cold Steve Austin, “OH HELL YEAH!”

Most Valuable Player – Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)

• Again, it’s somewhat of a cop out to pick the favorite, but I expect Allen to be the best player (and quarterback) on the best team.  As you read earlier, the Bills are my pick to win the Super Bowl this year, and Josh Allen is the key to all their success.  He took a major step forward last season and put his name right up there with Patrick Mahomes.  While he may not surpass Mahomes as the best quarterback in the league, this is the season of Josh Allen.  He’s going to be must-see television week in and week out, and that is why I choose him as my NFL MVP.

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Patty

Division Winners

AFC

AFC East

• Buffalo Bills
• The NFL is a QB driven league, and when you can pair a guy like Josh Allen with a team as talented surrounding him as the Buffalo Bills are, its an unstoppable force. 

AFC North

• Baltimore Ravens
• Largely gut here. This division feels like murderers row this year. I think the Bengals will still be extremely competitive, but also believe they take a step back. 

AFC South

• Indianapolis Colts
• This team was already a phenomenal team down the stretch last year. Adding Matt Ryan to the mix does nothing but help. If they can stay healthy, they’re a tough team to stop. I do find it hard to go against the Titans here, but my instincts tell me they don’t win 3 division titles in a row. 

AFC West

• Kansas City Chiefs
• They’re the Kansas City Chiefs. 

AFC Wild Card

1. Tennessee Titans
2. Cincinnati Bengals
3. Miami Dolphins

Complete AFC Playoff Picture

1. Kansas City Chiefs
2. Buffalo Bills
3. Indianapolis Colts
4. Baltimore Ravens
5. Tennessee Titans
6. Cincinnati Bengals
7. Miami Dolphins

Division Winners

NFC

NFC East

• Philadelphia Eagles
• It’s their turn in the rotation. This division hasn’t had a repeat winner since 2004. Only Tom Brady, Andy Lee, and potentially Jason Peters (if he signs with Dallas) will have been in the league to see this happen. 

NFC North

• Green Bay Packers
• Aaron Rogers is a dawg. (I do not care for him, but he’s a dawg none the less)

NFC South

• THE NEW ORLEANS FREAKING SAINTS
• Because WHO DAT!? In all seriousness, the Defense is one of the best in the NFL, and they have addressed some large areas of need on the offensive side of the ball. If Jameis can perform, which I think he will, this team makes a deep run. 

NFC West

• San Francisco 49ers
• This is a shot in the dark pick. I think it would be too easy to choose the Rams again, so I’m simply going against that. The Cardinals are a dark horse team here, always starting hot and fizzling out, but the 49ers seems to be built properly to get it done, so I’m going with them. 

NFC Wild Card

1. Carolina Panthers
2. Los Angeles Rams
3. Washington Commanders

Complete NFC Playoff Picture

1. Green Bay Packers
2. Philadelphia Eagles
3. New Orleans Saints
4. San Francisco 49ers
5. Carolina Panthers
6. Los Angeles Rams
7. Washington Commanders

Super Bowl Matchup

Matchup – Buffalo Bills vs San Francisco 49ers

• Winner - Buffalo Bills
• The Bills are an extremely talented team led by one of the best QBs in the league. This team is simply built for a deep run, injuries aside. The 49ers on the other hand, are starting a first year QB. Their team is extremely deep on both sides of the ball, and if things can click for Trey Lance, this team is set up well. I believe they get hot down the stretch and make some real noise. 

NFL Honors Predictions for 2022 Season

Offensive Rookie of the Year – Chris Olave (New Orleans Saints)

• Total homer pick here, but I believe there will be a ton of chemistry between he and Jameis, and not only will his speed help, but the route running seems phenomenal here.

Defensive Rookie of the Year – Aidan Hutchinson (Detroit Lions)

• Fell in love with the clips of the guy on hard knocks, and he plays a position where it is easy to gain attention for an award like this. He certainly has the talent, and if he can rack up some sacks this should be easy enough. 

Defensive Player of the Year – Aaron Donald (Los Angeles Rams)

• This guy has won so many of this award, its hard for me to bet against him. 

Offensive Player of the Year – Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)

• Allen has the 5th highest odds to win this years award (+1800), but is the first QB on the list. I think the Bills run through the league this year, and Allen puts on a show. 

Comeback Player of the Year – Jameis Winston (New Orleans Saints)

• It was between Jameis and Derrick Henry here for me. I firmly believe Jameis has a phenomenal year this season. Sure he may turn the ball over, but I have zero doubts the numbers will be there. 

Most Valuable Player – Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)

• Its really hard to give the offensive player of the year to a QB, and then not turn around and give him the MVP. Unless of course Drew Brees is in the discussion, but we all know that was a sham. 

Follow Patty V on Twitter.
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Ethen

Division Winners

AFC

AFC East

• Buffalo Bills
• The Bills being the best team in their division is no secret. Then, looking at the rest of the teams in the AFC East, it would take a huge jump for every other team in the division in order to bump them off the top.

AFC North

• Cinncinati Bengals
• It feels like Baltimore will give the Bengals a run for their money, but the Bengals added yet another WR threat and may have the best receviving core with a better O-Line. It is rare you see a team that looks better after a Superbowl loss but I feel the Bengals are going to come back hungrier.

AFC South

• Indianapolis Colts
• I am going for the slight underdog here. Matt Ryan has new scenery that may be a reawakening of “Matty Ice”. I can finally talk good about Ryan, and I hope he succeeds for the Colts just to point and laugh at the Falcons more.

AFC West

• Kansas City Chiefs
• This was probably the toughest one for me in the AFC, the Chargers are REALLY good, Broncos added Russell Wilson, and the Raiders could be coming for blood. I just can’t bet against the Chiefs coming back stronger than ever, in a division that is stronger than ever.

AFC Wild Card

1. Los Angeles Chargers
2. Baltimore Ravens
3. Tennesee Titans

Complete AFC Playoff Picture

1. Buffalo Bills
2. Cinncinati Bengals
3. Kansas City Chiefs
4. Indianapolis Colts
5. Los Angeles Chargers
6. Baltimore Ravens
7. Tennesee Titans

Division Winners

NFC

NFC East

• Dallas Cowboys
• Despite the fun and games to hate them. Dallas with Dak and Zeke just feel like they will figure it out. I am not sure there is another team in their division that is worth losing two games to in a year.

NFC North

• Detroit Lions
• They feel like the baby Saints. They took some of our studs on the staff and made them bigger roles. Aaron Glenn and Dan Cambell were both hungry guys looking to provide they can succeed in bigger roles. In a division with Aaron Rodgers and the Vikings it will be an uphill battle but I believe they can do it with the additions to the total roster.

NFC South

• New Orleans Saints
• We will retire Tompa Brady.

NFC West

• Los Angeles Rams
• Again, they are really good and again, I don’t know who in their division can complete. The Cardinals can compete but I doubt they take anything but a Wild Card slot they would have to steal from the Bucs, Vikings or Packers according to my list.

NFC Wild Card

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 
2. Green Bay Packers
3. Minnesota Vikings

Complete NFC Playoff Picture

1. Los Angeles Rams
2. New Orleans Saints
3. Dallas Cowboys
4. Detroit Lions
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
6. Green Bay Packers
7. Minnesota Vikings

Super Bowl Matchup

Matchup – (New Orleans Saints vs. Cincinnati Bengals)

• New Orleans Saints
• This is a completely homer take, but I will accept that. I would love to see Joey B against the team he should come play for when Winston decides to hang it up. It is the year that only the Saints can prevent from happening. 

NFL Honors Predictions for 2022 Season

Offensive Rookie of the Year – Chris Olave (New Orleans Saints)

• I think Jameis Winston’s “contract year” added into his “redemption tour part 2” equates to be a lot of passing and Olave can be the speedy guy Winston will search for. 

Defensive Rookie of the Year – Aidan Hutchinson (Detroit Lions)

• The NFL loves a feel good story as long as your name isn’t Drew Brees. Aidan being a Michigan native AND being very good on a team that I predict to come on strong this year makes for that story the NFL wants to tell.

Defensive Player of the Year – Nick Bosa (Los Angeles Charges)

• I see Nick taking yet another leap, and that would likely put him above any other rusher in the League. Nick has, and I believe will continue to just be better than the next guy.

Offensive Player of the Year – Davante Adams (Las Vegas Raiders)

• Adams left Green Bay with what felt like bad blood, the Raiders want to prove themselves after some rough years. This combination and Adams already being a Top 5 receiver in the league gives me high hopes for his performance this year.

Comeback Player of the Year – Jameis Winston (New Orleans Saints)

• Winston was supposed to come here and redeem himself. Then he started 5-2 with his WR1 being Marquez Callaway. Now he is back after suffering a season ending injury with Micheal Thomas, Jarvis Laundry, Chris Olave all in FRONT of Callaway who is pretty darn good. Winston will feast this year and remind everyone the player he can be.

Most Valuable Player – Joe Burrow (Cinncinati Bengals)

• The Bengals were bad, really bad. Then they looked decent, then bad again. It is no secret the NFL is built around having a QB. I think Joe Burrow will bring his team to the Super Bowl yet again and prove himself the most valuable guy in the league. 

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