NFL predictions 2022: Closing standings, playoff projections, Tremendous Bowl 57 choose

September 5, 2022

The one factor predictable a couple of given NFL season is unpredictability. Though there’s room extra of the parity celebration in 2022, many acquainted powerhouses stand out within the race to get to and win Tremendous Bowl 57.

Final season, the Tremendous Bowl 56-winning Rams have been on the quick record to contend for a championship out of the NFC. However the Bengals have been a shock upstart in representing the AFC.

It is getting harder to determine the place groups will end as a result of extra groups have figured it out at quarterback. There are also important teaching and personnel modifications for a number of groups throughout each offseason.

However the nature of creating predictions is a daring. There is no shying away from wanting right into a crystal bell and attempting to make calculated name based mostly on the correct variables.

Here is how Sporting Information sees ’22 enjoying out, from September kickoff in Los Angeles to February coronation in Glendale:

MORE: QB Rankings | RB Rankings | WR Rankings | Purchase NFL tickets

NFL predictions 2022

Josh-Allen-011522-Getty-FTR

AFC East

1. Buffalo Payments (13-4)

The Payments are loaded offensively round Josh Allen and so they have a stronger defensive basis for Sean McDermott and Leslie Frazier now with a cross rush that includes Von Miller. They need to roll over the remainder of the East once more.

2. New England Patriots (9-8)

The Patriots will ship defensively for Invoice Belichick as regular even with some lacking items, however the supporting forged for Mac Jones in 12 months 2 nonetheless does not encourage a lot past the working recreation.

3. Miami Dolphins (8-9)

The Dolphins are a buzzy workforce with new offensive-minded coach Mike McDaniel and Tyreek Hill serving as the brand new go-to man for Tua Tagovailoa. However extra of a studying curve for Tagovailoa and the transitioning protection will maintain them again for a playoff breakthrough till 2023.

4. New York Jets (6-11)

Zach Wilson’s knee damage is an early bummer, however there is no doubt the Jets centered on getting a lot better round him with Breece Corridor, Garrett Wilson, Duane Brown, Laken Tomlinson, C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin. Robert Saleh’s defensive upgrades got here within the secondary, however the entrance seven can curb important enchancment.

AFC North

Lamar-Jackson-052722-GETTY-FTR

1. Baltimore Ravens (13-4)

The Ravens will return to being the scary Ravens. First, offensively, they’ll restore their blocking and conventional working strengths to spice up Lamar Jackson. Defensively, in addition they have expedited their defensive reloading on the cross rush and a secondary that is arguably one of the best within the league. John Harbaugh and his workers will get them again near 2019 kind.

2. Cincinnati Bengals (11-6)

The Bengals will keep away from having a real Tremendous Bowl-losing hangover due to they’re too well-rounded of a younger workforce to let that occur. Led by Joe Burrow, they’re nonetheless loaded on offense with an improved line. Defensively, led by Trey Hendrickson, they will nonetheless make key performs on each degree.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)

The Steelers’ calling card is their cross protection, however their passing recreation ought to carry a a lot larger ceiling sooner or later with Kenny Pickett taking up. The run protection is headed to being shored up whereas the working recreation is within the succesful legs of Najee Harris. Count on Mike Tomlin’s workforce to overachieve once more.

4. Cleveland Browns (7-10)

Deshaun Watson’s suspension increasing to 11 video games ensures the Browns will not be playoff workforce once more put up Baker Mayfield. They may help Jacoby Brissett win with the working recreation and protection, however they not may have the scoring offense to stick with the higher groups within the AFC.

AFC South

Michael-Pittman-090720-GETTY-FTR

1. Indianapolis Colts (10-7)

The Colts wished quarterback stability throughout the construction of Frank Reich’s run-heavy offense and Matt Ryan will present it, helped by a ton of Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman Jr. The protection will not have Matt Eberflus calling the performs, but it surely has loads of expertise and expertise on each degree to execute at a excessive sufficient degree.

2. Tennessee Titans (9-8)

The Titans are certain to slip again and fall out of first place and the playoffs altogether. Their power lies now as Mike Vrabel prefers it, with protection and the working recreation, however the latter has concern about how Derrick Henry comes again from a giant foot damage. Ryan Tannehill has a new-look passing recreation, however he might wrestle to rebound from the playoffs and open the door for Malik Willis.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-14)

The Jaguars have a variety of outcomes below Doug Pederson, from taking a rebuilding step again as they clear up the mess left from the City Meyer space to seeing a Trevor Lawrence-fueled turnaround. Count on the previous with the latter creating for 2023.

4. Houston Texans (1-16)

The Texans have a troublesome schedule even in a weak division. They performed extra impressed than anticipated with David Culley, however that enthusiasm will fade with Lovie Smith. Rookie working again Dameon Pierce would be the vibrant spot of the offense, however second-year QB Davis Mills is certain to take some actual lumps in 12 months 2 and the protection does not have an excessive amount of past Jonathan Greenard.

 AFC West

1. Los Angeles Chargers (12-5)

The Chargers do not have actual weaknesses round Justin Herbert, together with the road, receivers and working backs. In addition they stuffed in some key gaps defensively, elevating the playmaking to an unbelievable degree with Khalil Mack serving to Joey Bosa on the cross rush whereas J.C. Jackson joins Derwin James within the secondary. If considerably wholesome, this workforce ought to come by way of big-time for Brandon Staley in 12 months 2.

2. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (12-5)

The Chiefs will likely be proper with the Chargers due to Patrick Mahomes’ personal elite QB play serving to them type out some change within the passing recreation and concern within the working recreation. Their protection misplaced sufficient within the secondary to open the door for one more workforce to take this powerful division.

3. Denver Broncos (10-7)

Russell Wilson is a game-changer for the offense, their first top-flight quarterback because the early Peyton Manning years 10 years in the past. Every little thing will likely be lifted on that aspect of the ball. The protection minus Vic Fangio needs to be a adequate complement to make it three West groups within the playoffs.

4. Las Vegas Raiders (7-10)

The Raiders have some constructive offensive buzz with Josh McDaniels and Davante Adams round to push Derek Carr however they’ve questions on their line and backfield. The protection has Maxx Crosby however little else with whom to decelerate the Chargers, Chiefs and Broncos.

NFC East

Dak-Prescott-010822

1. Dallas Cowboys (11-6)

The Cowboys have some regarding developments round Dak Prescott with lessened receiving depth an no Tyron Smith at left sort out. However they nonetheless have sufficient blocking, working and firepower to outscore many groups. The turnover-dependent protection can turn out to be a much bigger situation ought to the massive performs not maintain coming for Dan Quinn.

2. Philadelphia Eagles (10-7)

The Eagles have probability to return to the playoffs, this time stealing the division again from the Cowboys. Jalen Hurts has the road, receivers, backs and tight finish to evolve right into a dependable passer, so it comes all the way down to him executing. The defensive potential is extra stable than spectacular.

3. New York Giants (5-12)

There’s been some offensive optimism with Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka, centered round Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley lastly having the system and blocking to carry steadiness and explosiveness to Huge Blue. Sadly, ineffectiveness and damage make {that a} Large if and this nonetheless looks like a defensive-reliant workforce.

4. Washington Commanders (5-12)

Carson Wentz takes command at QB however the critiques have been combined at finest for.a remixed passing recreation. The working recreation has rising uncertainty, too, with disappointment over Antonio Gibson. The actual bugaboo is a protection that will not get an impactful Chase Younger anytime quickly.

NFC North

Allen Lazard-Aaron Rodgers-072722-GETTY-FTR

1. Inexperienced Bay Packers (14-3)

The Packers have been caught on 13 wins for 3 seasons and below Matt LaFleur and even with consecutive MVP runs with Aaron Rodgers, haven’t any Tremendous Bowl journeys to point out for it. They’ll put up a greater recored with out Adams given Rodgers, the working recreation and their finest total protection shortly.

2. Minnesota Vikings (10-7)

Kevin O’Connell is the promising new man in control of the Vikings and is waking up their offense with extra domination in thoughts for Justin Jefferson and Dalvin Prepare dinner. Defensively, there are extra crucial items on each degree that missed on the finish of the Mike Zimmer period. Minnesota will problem Inexperienced Bay a little bit and fall again on a wild-card spot.

3. Detroit Lions (7-10)

The Lions will go from an inspiring “Arduous Knocks” stint with Dan Campbell with a number of the constructive vibes manifesting on the sector. That will likely be very true of an offense that has a powerful line and ability place gamers for Jared Goff. Aidan Hutchinson is big for the protection, however the questions there’ll maintain Detroit from an actual playoff push.

4. Chicago Bears (5-12)

The Bears should navigate by way of a division with a longtime energy and two upside groups whereas they break in a brand new defensive-minded coach and reboot the offense for Justin Fields. There will likely be some Fields’ flashes, however the worries up entrance — each blocking and defensively — will maintain them down.

NFC South

Tom-Brady-081922-GETTY-FTR

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (13-4)

Tom Brady got here again from his quick retirement realizing he might take trip in coaching camp and nonetheless have a simple walkover to second consecutive division title. He can handle the offensive problems with key line accidents and new receiving personnel whereas the more healthy protection does its factor higher for Todd Bowles.

2. New Orleans Saints (7-10)

The Saints are marching ahead with a extra wide-open offense after shedding Drew Brees and Sean Payton in consecutive offseasons. They hope Jameis Winston is as much as the duty, getting the assist he wants from the working recreation and safety. Nonetheless, it looks like an excessive amount of will stay on promoted Dennis Allens’ protection.

3. Carolina Panthers (4-13)

Baker Mayfield might signify a quarterback improve, but it surely’s not a lot of 1. His passing additionally will likely be reeled in by Matt Rhule’s archaic run-heavy need and an excessive amount of could also be on Christian McCaffrey and the protection once more.

4. Atlanta Falcons (4-13)

The Falcons go from rebooting with offensive-minded Arthur Smith to a complete restock minus Ryan and a suspended Calvin Ridley. The current defensive modifications are taking form, however there is no assured they will get away with a run-leaning system with Marcus Mariota.

NFC West

Trey-Lance-081321-GETTY-FTR

1. San Francisco 49ers (13-4)

The 49ers have essentially the most gifted workforce of the Kyle Shanahan period and will Trey Lance not dwell as much as the huge hype (he’ll), they’ve a powerful fallback plan in place once more with Jimmy Garoppolo. Offense, protection and particular groups add as much as a excessive ground with a Tremendous Bowl-winning ceiling.

2. Los Angeles Rams (12-5)

The Rams additionally will not expertise any type of Tremendous Bowl hangover as a result of they’re too gifted and too properly coached. They are going to be proper there within the championship combine with Cooper Kupp’s offense and Aaron Donald’s protection every having yet one more prime season for Sean McVay.

3. Arizona Cardinals (9-8)

The Cardinals overachieved a little bit final season with an ageing roster. Kyler Murray now could be below true strain to dwell as much as his contract and might want to do it early once more with out DeAndre Hopkins. J.J. Watt remains to be round for the protection, however there is no feeling of actual enchancment there total.

4. Seattle Seahawks (2-15)

The Seahawks aren’t inspiring anybody offensively with Geno Smith beginning at QB, extra line points and a working recreation already battling key accidents. Their protection additionally wasn’t any good for Pete Carroll on the finish of final season with the bust of Jamal Adams nonetheless looming. Seattle is ticketed to “worst workforce in NFC” standing after by no means having shedding seasons with a wholesome Wilson.

MORE: Why the Packers are SN’s choose to win Tremendous Bowl 57

AFC playoff predictions

Patrick Mahomes
  • Wild-card spherical: No. 2 Ravens over No. 7 Broncos … No. 3 Chargers over No. 6 Bengals … No. 5 Chiefs over No. 4 Colts
  • Divisional spherical: No. 5 Chiefs over No. 1 Payments … No. 3 Chargers over No. 2 Ravens
  • AFC championship recreation: No. 3 Chargers over No. 5 Chiefs

Jackson vs. Wilson and Herbert vs. Burrow make for epic QB battles early, whereas Ryan isn’t any match for Mahomes. Then it is gentle upset metropolis, as Mahomes provides Allen extra heartbreak and Los Angeles notches one other playoff win in Baltimore. The Chargers and Chiefs will likely be battle-tested from the West to assist them turn out to be the final two standing, with Herbert pulling a final yr’s Burrow.

NFC playoff predictions

  • Wild-card spherical: No. 2 Buccaneers over No. 7 Vikings … No. 3 49ers over No. 6 Eagles … No. 5 Rams over No. 4 Cowboys
  • Divisional spherical: No. 1 Packers over No. 5 Rams  … No. 2 Buccaneers over No. 3 49ers
  • NFC championship recreation: No. 1 Packers over No. 2 Buccaneers

The Buccaneers will not let Brady’s run finish with a one and accomplished. The 49ers are used to opening the playoffs properly and can get a house recreation to dispatch the Eagles in a traditional. Dallas shedding instantly to Los Angeles can also be par for the course. Then it is Rodgers outdueling Stafford and Brady beating Lance and his hometown workforce. Then it is MVP over GOAT in a marquee (doubtless) remaining recreation for Brady.

Sporting News Super Bowl predictions

Tremendous Bowl 57 prediction

  • Inexperienced Bay Packers over Los Angeles Chargers

The Packers have not been to the Tremendous Bowl in 12 seasons. The Chargers have not been to the playoffs in 4 years and their lone Tremendous Bowl look got here after the 1994 season.

However with the two-time MVP Rodgers and the risen celebrity Herbert, the fortunes can shortly change. San Francisco, Tampa Bay and Los Angeles all obtained a deserved Tremendous flip as NFC powers. Kansas Metropolis, Baltimore, Cincinnati and Buffalo are all formidable, however all of them have some key questions within the AFC.

Rodgers’ profession, along with his prolific and environment friendly numbers, profiles for at the least having two Tremendous Bowl victories. Herbert’s unprecedented work as a younger gun requires him getting a shot like Mahomes and Burrow. After Rodgers digs deep to beat Herbert late, Inexperienced Bay can as soon as once more be referred to as “Titletown.”

The Sporting Information has joined with TicketSmarter in an unique partnership to supply tickets for sporting occasions within the U.S. and Canada. Followers can go to TicketSmarter with this hyperlink and use code TSN15 to take $15 off orders of $100 or extra earlier than charges and delivery.

See also  2022 World Sequence urgency index