As with the 2021 season, there will be a 14 team playoff field in 2022.
AFC East: Buffalo Bills
I think the Buffalo Bills will win this division. It will come down to the New England Patriots and the Buffalo Bills, but I think the Buffalo Bills will pull this division out. I predict which ever team doesn’t win the division will earn a Wildcard slot.
AFC North: Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals surprised a lot of people last season and I think they will win the division this year. The Ravens will not make it easy for them, but I think the Bengals will pull it out. I think The Ravens will compete for one of the Wildcard slots for sure, I just think their WR depth will be their downfall. Losing Hollywood Brown to the Cardinals is a a bigger deal than I think they are anticipating.
AFC South: Indianapolis Colts
I think the Indianapolis Colts pull this one out. I think most people will pick the Titans, however I think the loss of AJ Brown will be hard for them to get past. Derrick Henry is not getting younger so they can’t just hand him the rock. If they do attempt to run Henry thirty times a game, he will not stay healthy for the year. I think the Colts will be better with Matt Ryan under center and they have an underrated defense. I anticipate Henry does not last play the entire season and the Titans miss a wildcard.
AFC West: Los Angeles Chargers
This is a tough division to try and handicap. There are three teams that most people think can win this division; the Chargers, Chiefs and Broncos. I think it will come down to the Chargers or the Broncos. I think the Chargers D with the addition of Mack will be too much for this division to handle. In the end I think the Chargers will pull it out. They have one of the best young QBs and a very good, young defense. I am going to go out on a little bit of a limb here and predict two wildcards will come out of this division. I am very comfortable saying one wild card will come out of this division. If a team misses the playoffs I am predicting it will be the Chiefs. I think people are underestimating the loss of Hill in the field position game and how he contributed as a return specialist.
AFC Division Winners:
Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Chargers
AFC Wildcards:
New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs (Ravens could sneak in and replace one of these teams)
NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles
The Cowboys and the Eagles will battle this out until the end. The Eagles have arguably the best OL and they picked up a stud WR this offseason in AJ Brown. I think the Eagles will win this division when the season is over, but the Cowboys will be right there. I think which ever team doesn’t win this division will earn a wildcard spot so I expect to see both the Cowboys and Eagles in the postseason.
NFC North: Green Bay Packers
Even though the Packers lost Davante Adams in the off season and he was Rodgers favorite receiver, I still think the Packers will be too much for this division. I expect the loss of Adams to hurt them more than the Packers are expecting. The Vikings can give them a run if their defense can improve. I expect the Vikings offense to be strong if Jefferson, Thielen, Cousins and Cook can stay healthy. I think which ever team does not win the division will earn a wildcard spot.
NFC South: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I don’t think there is anyone in this division that can compete with the Bucs. The Falcons, Panthers and Saints I don’t think can compete. I think the only team that could even sniff a wildcard is the Saints. I predict this division might be the first one locked up in the NFL.
NFC West: Los Angeles Rams
I anticipate the Los Angeles Rams will win this division, but I think the Cardinals will make it a competition. The Rams wrapped up the Super Bowl last year and I at least expect them to be dancing in the postseason. I anticipate Trey Lance will see more reps in San Francisco which will likely negatively impact their record for this season; as a result, I think the 49ers miss the playoffs.
NFC Division Winners:
Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Rams
NFC Wildcards:
Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings