2022 AFC Season Preview
By Peyton Schultze
Coming off a miraculous postseason run last season, Joe Burrow and the Bengals hope to once again get back to the top of the AFC (via ESPN).
Name a year with more talent on offense in the AFC.
The Chiefs, Chargers, Broncos, Ravens, Titans, and the Bills have as much firepower as any team in the league entering the 2022 season, which speaks to the craziness of the prior offseason that saw so much change throughout the NFL. All that and it does not even touch upon the team that found a way to sneak through this conference last season and get to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1988, and with players such as Joe Burrow, Joe Mixon and Ja’Marr Chase set to return, the Bengals appear to be the team to beat for the near future as kickoff in Los Angeles looms.
It is hard to think of a year where this many elite quarterbacks were found within one conference, which makes the prospect of this year’s AFC playoffs so interesting. From Patrick Mahomes to Joe Burrow, and from Josh Allen to Lamar Jackson, there should not be any sort of shortage of offensive displays throughout the conference this season. Yet that is even without mentioning other notable contenders who could surprise people this season. Teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins figure to be in the middle of the playoff race without a surefire top-ten quarterback, which thickens the plot even further in the AFC and could set up a finish for the ages.
All of this points toward a year to remember in the AFC, which is a thrilling sign with kickoff for the new year starting in just two weeks. With that said, and with so much to look ahead to, we present our full preview of the AFC entering the 2022 regular season:
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos
Russell Wilson brings a new energy to the Mile High City, giving the Broncos their first chance at relevancy in several seasons (via Covers.com).
No team in the NFL had a more splashy offseason than the Denver Broncos after landing longtime Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson in one of the biggest trades in NFL history. With the future Hall of Famer gearing up for the season, Denver looks fresh and revitalized entering the year, and with a very favorable schedule on their plate, they could find themselves back in the middle of playoff contention in the AFC.
With Wilson now taking over as the starter, the Broncos should have their best offensive attack since Peyton Manning was last under center. Yet Denver’s attack, as orchestrated by new head coach Nathaniel Hackett, could rely heavily on creating a strong running game first, which will be led by young running back Javonte Williams and the veteran Melvin Gordon. Those two will be the force among this group, while a solid offensive line featuring Garett Bolles, Dalton Risner and Lloyd Cushenberry II will lead the way in this zone-running scheme. Yet having Wilson in the lineup changes this entire team, and there is no doubt that the former Pro Bowler will air it out plenty of times this season. With a very good receiving trio of Courtland Sutton, KJ Hamler and Jerry Jeudy, Wilson will have options on the outside, while young tight ends such as Albert Okwuegbunam and Greg Dulcich will see touches as well. The Broncos look like a team on the rise, and it would not be a surprise to see this group put up some pretty big numbers in 2022.
Yet what could separate the Broncos from the rest of the teams in the AFC West is the depth they present on defense. Although they are solid across the field, Denver’s secondary has a chance to be one of the best in the league. Pro Bowler Justin Simmons is easily the leader of this defense next to the hard-hitting Kareem Jackson, but look for second-year cornerback Pat Surtain II to take his game to the next level this season next to Ronald Darby and K’Waun Williams. If healthy, this has a chance to be the best secondary in football, especially when complimented by a strong pass rush featuring Bradley Chubb, Randy Gregory and Dre’Mont Jones. If other names such as newly acquired DJ Jones and DeShawn Williams can also contribute up front, while middle linebacker Josey Jewell can stay healthy over the course of a full season, Denver should finish as one of the better defensive units in the AFC. This notion, combined with Wilson’s potential immediate impact on the offense, brings plenty of promising potential to the Mile High City this season, especially as teams look back on the success that Tom Brady and Matt Stafford had in their first season with their new teams in recent times. That may be a little bit too high of expectations in Wilson’s first year, but expect Denver to compete for a championship in the AFC this season.
Record: 12-5
Biggest Story to Watch: How long will it take Wilson to adapt to Hackett’s offensive scheme?
Offensive MVP: Wilson
Defensive MVP: Surtain II
2. Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert has quickly emerged as one of the best signal callers in football, especially with an improving offense around him (via WordPress).
The Chargers have long been cursed with injuries galore and a loaded division around them, and things may not be all that different for them heading into the 2022 season. But a young superstar at quarterback and a spending spree in free agency has changed the way that teams look at Los Angeles, which could lead to one of the best seasons for the franchise in at least a decade.
Quickly rising through the ranks of the NFL’s best, quarterback Justin Herbert gives the Chargers a chance at winning every weekend. Although he has not made the playoffs yet in his young career, Herbert is an offensive monster in the middle as someone who pushes the ball down the field and sheds tackles in the pocket with ease, which makes the Los Angeles offense as deadly as any group. Yet running back and fantasy catalyst Austin Ekeler is certainly Herbert’s running mate on offense, giving the group one of the more dynamic scat backs in the league. Meanwhile, Los Angeles also returns a solid receiving duo with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, who lead the way for the passing attacks next to youngster Joshua Palmer and tight end Gerald Everett. Yet the Bolts’ overall success on offense could come down to their offensive line, especially after taking a step forward last season. With left tackle Rashawn Slater sealing the edge next to fellow linemen such as Cory Linsley and Storm Norton, Los Angeles will need positive production up front in order to keep Herbert healthy and for the rest of their offense to reach their overall potential.
For as good as the Chargers’ offense could be, their season could come down to their success on defense under head coach Brandon Staley. Last season, the Chargers were one of the worst run defenses in all of football, especially with a weak front featuring names such as Jerry Tillery and Austin Johnson. But the Chargers’ front office made some improvements on defense to help seal some of their biggest holes, especially at the linebacker position. With star pass rusher Khalil Mack now situated on the other side of the line from Joey Bosa, the Chargers may have the best pass rushing duo in the entire league. In addition, expect improved production in the middle from Kenneth Murray Jr. and Drue Tranquill after struggles last season. Yet Los Angeles also deploys two stars in the secondary with safety Derwin James Jr. and newly acquired JC Jackson, who will be major pieces that drive their success against the rest of the AFC West. If those two can stay healthy next to Michael Davis and Nasir Adderley, the Bolts could easily have a top-five defense in the league. Although depth behind their stars is plenty of cause for concern, the Chargers have stirred up a Rams-type of formula that features top players at the most important positions. That should be plenty enough to get this team back into the playoffs if they can stay healthy, where they could be an extremely tough out with so much superstar talent across the field.
Record: 12-5
Biggest Story to Watch: Can the defense improve on their struggles from a year ago?
Offensive MVP: Herbert
Defensive MVP: Bosa
3. Kansas City Chiefs
Although he was inconsistent at times last season, Patrick Mahomes remains one of the most dynamic players in the entire league (via AP News).
Easily the best projected third-place team in the history of the NFL, the Kansas City Chiefs remain one of the biggest Super Bowl threats in the league despite some key offseason losses. That’s what happens when you continue to deploy one of the best head coach and quarterback duos in the league, which gives the Chiefs a shot at winning each and every Sunday heading into the regular season.
Even though he had somewhat of a ‘down year’ in 2022, quarterback Patrick Mahomes still might be the best offensive player in football. With his rare blend of athleticism, size and the ability to score as quickly as any signal caller in the NFL, Mahomes remains one of the game’s greatest under the tutelage of head coach Andy Reid. Yet Mahomes has plenty of help, especially behind one of the best offensive lines in the league. Powered by the talents of Orlando Brown Jr., Creed Humphrey and Joe Thuney, the big men up front give Mahomes a major advantage to see the field and push the ball down the sidelines. This dominance up front should also help KC produce a better rushing attack this season, as running backs Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jerick McKinnon should see more touches this year. Yet the Chiefs will surely miss the talents of Tyreek Hill on the outside now that he is in Miami, which means newcomers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling will be called upon in major roles. Next to Mecole Hardman and rookie Skyy Moore, the Chiefs have plenty of offensive talent in key positions, and still have the All-Pro tight end talents of Travis Kelce taking the field each week. Kansas City may not be quite as good without Hill, but they’re still as dangerous as any unit in football on offense.
As good as the KC offense is, defense could be their ultimate downfall. The Chiefs have not been great on defense in recent years to begin with, but with two major defensive backs now on new teams, the Chiefs will turn toward a scrappy secondary without a ton of proven performances. Safety Justin Reid certainly highlights the group next to rookie Trent McDuffie, but Juan Thornhill and L’Jarius Snead will be thrust into starting roles as well in a loaded division full of elite passing attacks. This weakness is also complimented by a defensive front seven that is on the decline. Although Chris Jones is one of the best defenders in the league and Frank Clark remains an effective pass rusher, KC will turn toward rookie George Karlaftis and Mike Danna to get after opposing quarterbacks. In addition, linebacker remains a concern, especially with a mostly quiet threesome of Willie Gay, Elijah Lee and Nick Bolton. All of these factors point toward Kansas City having one of the worst defensive units in the AFC, which is a major concern in such a tight conference full of elite quarterbacks and strong offensive weapons. Mahomes and Reid alone should be enough to get the Chiefs back into the postseason, but with improvements around them in the AFC West, the Chiefs no longer look like the unstoppable juggernaut on both sides of the football and could simply remain a dynasty of one.
Record: 10-7
Biggest Story to Watch: How will this defense stop any of the offenses in the division?
Offensive MVP: Mahomes
Defensive MVP: Jones
4. Las Vegas Raiders
Davante Adams’ arrival in Las Vegas could help bring even more production to an already-solid offense (via The Fresno Bee).
Las Vegas made a surprise return to the postseason in 2021 despite a season full of chaos and turmoil surrounding the organization, which could be a hopeful sign heading into the new season. Yet the Raiders face plenty of challenges ahead of them as they adapt to the first season under head coach Josh McDaniels, who will hope to maximize the talent on both sides of the ball and bring this storied franchise back to the mountaintop.
Although the Raiders have often been a mess in recent years, there has been one consistent presence that has kept the light on: quarterback Derek Carr. One of the most underrated players in the league, Carr has provided excellent leadership on top of solid positional traits that makes him one of the top quarterbacks in the league. Yet Carr may be able to take another step forward this season with the arrival of Davante Adams, a former college teammate and arguably the best receiver in the league. With Adams slotting in next to sneaky wideout Hunter Renfrow and dominant tight end Darren Waller, the Raiders’ passing attack should have no problem putting up points. This compliments a nice rushing game led by running back Josh Jacobs, although the offensive line remains a concern. If Las Vegas truly wants to make a run toward the top of the AFC West in 2022, they will need added production from linemen such as Kolton Miller and Alex Leatherwood, who will be called upon to protect Carr and open up running lanes for a clock-controlling offense that has a chance to rank near the top in the league in terms of total points and third-down efficiency.
The Raiders have typically deployed one of the worst defenses in the league year in and year out over the past decade, but this 2022 version could be better than the rest. This is in large part due to the emergence of pass rusher Maxx Crosby, who has developed into one of the premier players in the sport on defense. With Crosby getting after the passer next to the still-solid veteran Chandler Jones, Las Vegas should have a very nice defensive line with other names such as Andrew Billings and Bilal Nichols. However, there are plenty of concerns elsewhere on this defense. Linebacker remains especially thin for the Raiders heading into the new season, and they’ll look toward a trio of Jayon Brown, Divine Deablo and Denzel Perryman to stop the run in the middle. This looks to be a major concern for Vegas, which only adds to the question marks in the back end. The Raiders appear fragile at best against the pass on defense, where they will turn toward a shaky group of defensive backs such as Rock Ya-Sin, Johnathan Abram, Nate Hobbs and Tre’von Moehrig. If this group can get any sort of positive production against Herbert, Mahomes and Wilson in the AFC West, it could go a long way toward their playoff hopes. Yet holes across this roster look to be too much to overcome in a tough division, especially when it comes to their defensive approach against the pass. The Raiders are not a bad team by any means and will fight for a playoff spot until the very end, but they may come up just a little bit short in their first year under McDaniels.
Record: 9-8
Biggest Story to Watch: Will the Carr to Adams connection take off right away?
Offensive MVP: Adams
Defensive MVP: Crosby
AFC South
1. Indianapolis Colts
Matt Ryan should help bring some stability to a Colts’ offense that has suffered so much quarterback turnover in recent years (via Indianapolis Colts).
A season ago, the Colts were on their way toward a playoff berth behind a strong running game and a feisty defense. That is, until disaster struck, losing their last two games and falling just short of sneaking into the postseason. The following offseason was full of urgent change and immediate development, which puts tons of pressure on head coach Frank Reich entering the new season as Indianapolis looks to make a charge to the top of the AFC South.
After Indy’s late season collapse in 2021, the Colts decided to bring in veteran quarterback Matt Ryan to take over the starting role left by Carson Wentz. Ryan’s pedigree and polished leadership will help bring more stability to an Indianapolis offense that has struggled at times in recent years, even behind one of the best offensive lines in football. With top-end players such as Quenton Nelson, Ryan Kelly and Matt Pryor, there is no reason why the Colts can not dominate in the trenches through an improved passing game with Ryan and a punishing rushing attack. Speaking of that, the Colts’ centerpiece on offense remains Jonathan Taylor, an elite thumper who makes a strong case for the best running back in the league. Taylor is a workhorse who will get occasional rest from scat back Nyheim Hines, but Indy really should not have many concerns when it comes to their rushing attack. The passing game is a different story; outside of stud receiver Michael Pittman Jr., Indy really lacks a ton of playmakers on the outside. Although Parris Campbell, Alec Pierce, and tight end Mo Alie-Cox will receive some targets from Matt Ryan, Indianapolis will need some breakout talent to step up in the passing game in order to compete with some of the best teams in the AFC.
The Colts may have lost defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus to the Bears, but the team returns plenty of solid talent across the board on one of the conference’s best defenses. This is, of course, led by linebacker Shaquille Leonard in the middle, who remains one of the best tacklers in the league next to Zaire Franklin and Bobby Okereke. In addition, the Colts remain a solid unit on the defensive front, especially with enforcers in the middle such as Yannick Ngakoue and DeForest Buckner. With occasional help on the line from Kwity Paye and Grover Stewart, Indy should be able to cause plenty of pressure on opposing quarterbacks in the pocket. The Colts also have upgraded an already-solid secondary, adding stud cornerback Stephon Gilmore next to their #1 defensive back in Kenny Moore II. Those two help create one of the conference’s stronger secondaries next to Nick Cross and Julian Blackmon, which will be interesting to see in a conference with high-flying offenses in nearly every division. On paper, there is no reason why Indianapolis should not be able to finish the season as one of the best defenses in the league. This is a major factor that could determine their playoff hopes, and even though the Colts have some receiving issues on the outside, the formula of a strong defense that is helped out by a talented rushing scheme is a recipe for success in the league.
Record: 10-7
Biggest Story to Watch: Does Indy have enough to emerge as a Super Bowl contender?
Offensive MVP: Taylor
Defensive MVP: Leonard
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
After a tough rookie season, Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars will look to take a leap forward in 2022 (via Big Cat Country).
No team was more active in free agency than the Jacksonville Jaguars, who took it upon themselves to surround their franchise quarterback with some necessary talent after the miseries of last season. And even though the Jaguars remain young and inexperienced despite some much-needed acquisitions, it will be fascinating to see if this intriguing squad can make a jump in the first year under head coach Doug Pederson.
If there is one factor that will certainly determine the Jaguars’ overall success in 2022, it is the play of quarterback Trevor Lawrence. One of the most polished prospects of all-time struggled mightily at times throughout the 2021 season, but Jacksonville did a nice job of helping him find some new targets to throw to. This includes speedy wide receiver Christian Kirk, who joins a fairly decent core of receivers such as Zay Jones, Marvin Jones Jr., and Laviska Shenault Jr. With tight end Evan Engram also chipping in with occasional plays on third-down, Lawrence should have much better numbers across the board in a new offense under Pederson. This also has to do with a strong running room that will see the debut of Travis Etienne, Lawrence's former teammate at Clemson. With Etienne next to a solid runner in James Robinson once he is cleared from injury, the Jags should have a very nice group of running backs behind a decent offensive line. Although it is not great by any means, Jacksonville does have some talent in the trenches in the form of Brandon Scherff, Cam Robinson and Luke Fortner. The 2022 Jaguars are not perfect by any means on offense, but this should be a much better unit that will take a step forward this season.
Even the defense looks a little better for Jacksonville. Starting in the secondary, the Jaguars will turn toward some veteran names, including Shaquil Griffin and Rayshawn Jenkins. With help from Andre Cisco, Tyson Campbell and Darious Williams, Jacksonville should be a little more well-equipped to stop the pass than they were a year ago. On top of that, the linebacking core remains an area of interest after the Jags selected Travon Walker with the first overall pick. Walker joins a nice group of impact players led by Josh Allen, who fight to get after the quarterback and stop opposing running games alongside Devin Lloyd and Foyesade Oluokun. If this group can help cover for some continuing issues on the defensive line with a lack of talent outside of DaVon Hamilton and Roy Robertson-Harris, Jacksonville may be able to put together a decent defense that can compete in the AFC South. It is hard to pin the Jaguars as any sort of playoff contender after the lows of the 2022 season, but any sign of promising change under Pederson has to be a win moving forward. A lot of that will be pinned upon the broad shoulders of Lawrence, who will need to step up in a big way throughout the season in order to get this organization back on track for the near future.
Record: 7-10
Biggest Story to Watch: Will Lawrence take a leap under Coach Pederson?
Offensive MVP: Lawrence
Defensive MVP: Allen
3. Tennessee Titans
It will be interesting to see how Mike Vrabel’s Titans recover from a devastating playoff defeat to the Bengals last season (via Titan Sized).
The Titans powered their way to the top seed in the AFC last season behind steady offensive play and a nice defense, before being upset at home by the upstart Cincinnati Bengals in the Divisional Round. Now, with some key losses on offense, the Titans will look to once again squeeze their way through the regular season and get back to the postseason under a proven winner in head coach Mike Vrabel.
Even though the Titans ended up making the playoffs last year and captured the #1 seed, it was not like their offense had clicked all season long with running back Derrick Henry out for an extended period. The powerful Henry is the heart and soul of this offense, and without him in the lineup, the Titans are certainly one of the worst offenses in the league behind an inconsistent offensive line. Although players such as Taylor Lewan, Aaron Brewer and Ben Jones are talented and should be Pro Bowl-level players, Tennessee has struggled to block at times over the past two years. This has led to issues for quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who now faces some looming pressure to deliver a big season after the Titans selected Malik Willis as his potential replacement. Yet life will be hard for Tannehill with AJ Brown now in Philadelphia, and he’ll turn toward some receiver names such as the veteran Robert Woods and rookie receiver Treylon Burks. While tight end Austin Hooper will certainly see some red zone targets from Tannehill as well, look for Tennessee to focus even more on their running game with occasional reps this season from Dontrell Hilliard. This offense may take a major step backward this season, and that could be a concern for a team looking to finish at the top of the division once again.
On defense, the Titans still remain capable. The superstar highlight of their defense remains defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons, a game-wrecker with the ability to single-handedly dominate a game. Simmons is one of the better defenders in the AFC, and even though he does not get a lot of help inside from other players such as Teair Tart and Denico Autry, he is still a top player. With Simmons causing havoc up front, the Titans can look to create pressure on quarterbacks through pass rushing linebackers such as Bud Dupree and Harold Landry III. Those two help seal the edge while Zach Cunningham and David Long Jr. roam the middle of the field, helping to form a nice front-seven that can give offenses some real issues. Yet Tennessee has some worries in the secondary outside of star safety Kevin Byard. With defensive backs such as Caleb Farley, Kristian Fulton and Amani Hooker being thrust into starting positions, the Titans may be vulnerable through the air and could struggle to compete with the AFC’s best passing attacks. All of these signs point toward a major step back from Vrabel’s squad, especially with uncertainty on offense. Tennessee appears to be a team that is trying to go against the curve of modern NFL trends, and while it is an honorable thought, their unconventional methods may have an expiration date set for the upcoming season.
Record: 6-11
Biggest Story to Watch: Can Tannehill last for the entire season?
Offensive MVP: Henry
Defensive MVP: Simmons
4. Houston Texans
A thin roster could signal impending doom for a Houston organization that is stuck in the mud right now (via Houston Chronicle).
Lovie Smith’s return to the head coach position could not have come in a tougher position, where he will have to guide one of the league’s thinnest rosters to some type of success in his first year. Yet the Texans proved to be much more competitive than many people thought they would be last season, which could be a good sign for Texans’ fans who are hoping to see something from an unknown core of young players looking to make their mark at the NFL level.
Many of the rookie quarterbacks from 2021 stole headlines based upon their immediate performance for better or for worse, but Davis Mills quietly emerged as one of the best on-the-field from that particular draft class. The middle-round flier will get another deserved opportunity this season to prove he is the future at the position for the Texans, but he has plenty working against him once again. This starts with a shaky offensive line that lacks a ton of talent outside of left tackle Laremy Tunsil, who leads a group next to players such as AJ Cann, Tytus Howard, and Justin Britt. This scraped-together group will hope to lead the way for running backs Marlon Mack and Dameon Pierce in the running game, which could help lift the passing burden off of Mills’ shoulders based upon the thought that the Texans could be trailing often early in games. Yet Houston still has one of the game’s most underrated players in wide receiver Brandin Cooks, who will be the primary pass catcher for this offense next to Nico Collins and Chris Conley. Those three will be as key to this offense as any players next to the young Mills, signaling that this year could be all about preparing for which pieces will remain in place over the next several seasons in the Space City.
Even though the offense has plenty of warranted uncertainty, it is nothing in comparison to one of the league’s worst defenses. The Texans are swallowed out at basically every area on defense, but one would have to imagine that fans will especially be focusing on the play of rookie cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. in the secondary. The former LSU standout will get a chance to start right away on this defense, and he will be called upon to deliver in a big way next to other starters such as Steven Nelson, Jalen Pitre, and Jonathan Owens. On top of that, Coach Smith will turn toward an uncertain front seven without a lot of big names outside of Jerry Hughes, who leads a defensive line alongside Maliek Collins and Roy Lopez. While this unit may struggle to get after the passer with consistency, it will be interesting to see how the linebackers on this defense perform against top rushing attacks found in the division. Middle linebacker Christian Kirksey remains a steady presence in the middle of the field for the Texans, while Kamu Grugier-Hill and Kevin Pierre-Louis take over the other two starting spots. In nearly every aspect of this defense, uncertainty remains high and doubt remains through the roof. That seems to be the common trend for a dysfunctional organization that is struggling to stay afloat in the AFC, especially as the rest of the teams in the division continue to grow and emerge as potential contenders in the conference.
Record: 3-14
Biggest Story to Watch: Will Mills emerge as the future in Houston?
Offensive MVP: Cooks
Defensive MVP: Stingley Jr.
AFC East
1. Buffalo Bills
After a heartbreaking defeat in last year’s AFC Divisional Round, Josh Allen and the Bills will look to improve and take another step forward toward a Super Bowl (via WKBW).
Despite a devastating overtime loss in last year’s playoffs to the Kansas City Chiefs, there might not be a team with higher expectations entering this season than the mighty Buffalo Bills. Behind the coattails of a star quarterback who is creating his own legacy week in and week out, the Bills look poised for a huge year that could potentially even end with them appearing in their first Super Bowl in over two decades.
The easiest path toward success in the NFL is having one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL on your roster, and that’s exactly what the Bills have in the form of Josh Allen. The do-it-all quarterback is the leader of this team and is as good as any quarterback in the league right now, which could pave the way for a MVP-type season from the former Wyoming product. Yet Allen has plenty of help. With the sensational Stefon Diggs standing out as one of the game’s top receivers next to reliable pass catchers such as Gabriel Davis, Jamison Crowder and tight end Dawson Knox, Allen has plenty of weapons at his disposal that makes life easy for the Bills’ offense. Buffalo’s biggest concern on offense (albeit it is not really much of a problem) is their lack of a star running back, although Devin Singletary will share reps next to rookie running back James Cook and will surely contribute in plenty of ways. Those two will get the ball rolling behind a decent offensive line that features players such as Dion Dawkins, Mitch Morse, Rodger Saffold and Ryan Bates, helping to buy time for Allen to make his trademark plays outside of the pocket by stretching the ball down the field. These Bills look eerily reminiscent of the Peyton Manning-led Colts’ teams of the 2000s, which could be a big sign for members of Bills Mafia who are starving for a return to the Super Bowl.
Buffalo was also the league’s best defense in 2021, which helped smooth out some of the offense’s inconsistencies at times from a year ago. In 2022, the Bills return many of those same players who made a difference in the starting lineup, with the addition of some new faces. Chief among them is future Hall of Famer Von Miller, who gives the defense a premier pass rusher that has stepped up in huge playoff moments throughout his career. Next to other studs on the defensive line such as Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones and Greg Rousseau, Miller should help to create plenty of pressure on opposing passers who often light up many defenses throughout the AFC. This is complimented by a strong secondary still led by safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, who will help to carry some of the slack led by the absence of Tre’Davious White in the secondary for the first few weeks of the season until the elite cornerback is ready to return from an ACL injury. On top of that, head coach Sean McDermott will turn toward some steady production once again from linebackers Tremaine Edmunds, Matt Milano and Tyrel Dodson, who figure to be more than effective at the second level for the Bills. From top to bottom, Buffalo might have the single best roster on both sides of the ball in the AFC, which is only elevated even further by the fact that their quarterback remains an offensive Goliath. This means that the Bills are all-in on powering through the conference this season, and anything short of a Super Bowl appearance will be considered a resounding failure.
Record: 13-4
Biggest Story to Watch: Can the Bills take the next step and get to the Super Bowl?
Offensive MVP: Allen
Defensive MVP: Miller
2. Miami Dolphins
With a new head coach and some new additions, Miami looks poised for their best season in several years (via The Phinsider).
Many candidates can present a case, but the Miami Dolphins certainly had the wackiest and most turbulent offseason of any ballclub in the NFL. Front office and ownership investigations, superstar trades, a legal dispute with a former head coach and the consistent vouching for Miami’s current quarterback were only half of what transpired in the past six months in South Beach, setting the tone for plenty of fireworks from now until January.
If that is how things are going to go this season for the Dolphins, head coach Mike McDaniel is in for a wild ride. But for now, Miami just has to figure out some of the on-the-field issues that have plagued their team for several years, especially as it relates to the quarterback position. Yet Tua Tagovailoa is coming off his best training camp so far in Miami, which could be a huge sign for the organization moving forward. The former Alabama quarterback also has a new weapon in Miami in the form of the ever-so-speedy Tyreek Hill, who stands out as the most dynamic player on this offense. Next to another speedster in Jaylen Waddle will help make life a lot easier for the accurate Tagovailoa, who enters a make-or-break season with a solid cast of supporting help such as tight end Mike Gesicki, reliable receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. and shifty running back Chase Edmonds. All these things point toward a lot of success for a Miami offense with plenty of big-name talent, but the Dolphins’ most important piece to the puzzle will be solving an offensive line that has been putrid in recent years. Although Terron Armstead is solid at left tackle, the Dolphins will need much better production this year from players such as Austin Jackson, Connor Williams and Robert Hunt in order to give Tagovailoa the best chance to succeed on offense.
Although Miami continues to be a trendy playoff pick entering the new year, their defensive outlook remains questionable at best. Nevertheless, the Dolphins do not have to answer many questions in their secondary, where shutdown cornerback Xavien Howard roams alongside fellow top-end corner Byron Jones. Those two may form the best cornerback duo in football, while they receive a fair share of reliable help from safeties Brandon Jones and Jevon Holland. Yet the Dolphins’ questions come from the front seven, where a shaky group of linebackers could be a future cause for concern. Although Jaelan Phillips, Elandon Roberts and Jerome Baker start in the middle of the field at the linebacker positions for the Dolphins, the defense may struggle to stop the run throughout the season in a division with some top-end rushing schemes. In addition, although Miami has some solid depth on the defensive line, there seems to be a lack of star power for a team without any premier pass rushers. Raekwon Davis, Emmanuel Ogbah, Melvin Ingram III and Christian Wilkins are all capable starters up front and will generate plenty of sacks, but Miami was often torched by the best offenses in the league last season and may struggle once again against quick-passing attacks that get the ball into the hands of their playmakers. All of these signs point toward a successful season for the Dolphins, but one that may end just a bit short of the playoffs. Although players such as Hill and Waddle should be able to put up numbers all season long, it is hard to imagine Miami rising through the AFC ranks and becoming an immediate contender in a conference full of elite offenses complimented by some of the best signal callers in the league.
Record: 9-8
Biggest Story to Watch: Can Tagovailoa prove he is the official answer?
Offensive MVP: Hill
Defensive MVP: Howard
3. New York Jets
A young and talented New York roster could lead the way toward a promising year for Jets’ fans (via New York Jets).
The Jets have continuously been the laughingstock of the league for the past five seasons, but after two straight years of intriguing free agency pickups and promising draft picks, stocks are trending upward in the Big Apple. That is key for a team that needs some type of hope in a very difficult division, especially with all eyes in the organization set on getting this squad at least near .500 to accelerate a rebuild that has dragged on for years and years.
Things got off to a shaky start in this year’s preseason when promising young quarterback Zach Wilson went down with a knee injury, which means that veteran quarterback Joe Flacco will take over for the near future. However, upon Wilson’s return, New York may be able to put together their best offensive season in several years. This starts with a two-headed rushing attack led by rookie Breece Hall and second-year player Michael Carter, both of whom will see plenty of touches this season. Although those running backs play behind an offensive line that was already dealt a tough blow with the loss of Mekhi Becton, the Jets will turn toward several solid lineman such as Alijah Vera-Tucker, Connor McGovern and the aging Duane Brown, which will be a focus in their pursuit to keep their quarterbacks upright and set the tempo through the run game. Yet what makes New York’s offense so promising entering the year is the cast of pass catchers being set up for Wilson, which could create plenty of big-plays this season. After signing tight end CJ Uzomah in free agency, the Jets took it a step further by drafting Garrett Wilson to play next to Elijah Moore, Braxton Berrios and Corey Davis in the New York lineup, creating a very good core of receivers that are all excellent with the ball in their hands. This entire crew has been molded by general manager Joe Douglas, who has given Wilson plenty of tools heading into 2022 and can only expect good things from an offense that has been lackluster at best for the better part of the last decade.
Head coach Robert Saleh was a defensive wizard during his time in San Francisco, and faces pressure to turn things around on defense for a New York group that struggled many times last year in his inaugural season. Luckily, the Jets have some talent at some key spots, especially on the defensive front. A ragtag group that has suddenly become a strength is the story for the Jets’ defensive line, which will turn toward steady players such as Quinnen Williams, Solomon Thomas, John Franklin-Myers and Carl Lawson to create havoc up front. This should make life easier for a decent linebacking core led by the often-injured CJ Mosley, who will start in the middle next to Quincy Williams and Marcell Harris. Yet New York’s most interesting position group comes from the defensive backs, where rookie cornerback Sauce Gardner will look to make an immediate impact on a secondary that was one of the worst in all of football last year. Next to Lamarcus Joyner, DJ Reed and Jordan Whitehead, Gardner should slot in as the Jets’ top cornerback and make an immediate Day 1 impact as the catalyst of a position group that faces some tough challenges in a division shared with Tyreek Hill and Stefon Diggs. In any case, it looks like the Jets should be able to take a step forward from the tough times of last season, even in a packed AFC East. It is hard to say that the Jets will be anything more than a six or a seven win team with the status of Wilson up in the air, but look for a fun year for New York fans who are craving some type of organizational jolt on both sides of the ball.
Record: 6-11
Biggest Story to Watch: Can Wilson emerge as a franchise quarterback?
Offensive MVP: Moore
Defensive MVP: Q. Williams
4. New England Patriots
Mac Jones is coming off an awesome rookie season, but may be expected to carry the load more on offense in 2022 (via From Pats Pulpit).
Even though they surprised many doubters and ended up making the playoffs last season before being demolished by the Buffalo Bills over Wild Card Weekend, the Patriots have dealt with a lot of noise in the past several months. When you are at the very top of your craft for so long, the only direction is down, and with an improved AFC East around them, it looks like the Patriots are about to plummet in the conference standings with some talented rosters on their 2022 schedule.
It was a frustrating offseason for the Patriots, especially when it came down to the tough departure of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Without the longtime playcaller in Boston any longer, pressure now grows even greater for Bill Belichick and the Pats to find some type of consistency and production from a young offense without a ton of talent. However, New England can at least take comfort in knowing that second-year signal caller Mac Jones returns and is healthy once again, which is a major starting point after an offseason that saw the former Alabama quarterback add a lot of strength and muscle. Jones still plays behind one of the league’s best offensive lines featuring studs such as Trent Brown, Isaiah Wynn and David Andrews, which could be a major factor for an offense that will rely heavily on the play-action that is created through the running game with Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson. Yet the pressure that this offense faces comes from the league’s single worst receiving department. Although tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith are reliable pass catchers with steady hands, the Patriots lack any weapons on the outside that strike any fear into the heart of a defense. DeVante Parker, Jakobi Meyers and Kendrick Bourne look like the favorites to see a heavy dosage of targets from Jones, but after a rough training camp that has seen the passing game really struggle, it is hard to imagine any type of down-the-field success from one of the NFL’s least explosive units.
Luckily, with Belichick still in town, the Patriots will run out a solid defense. While the talent is not quite what it has been at other times in the past, New England still has plenty of key names that will contribute in a big way in 2022. This starts with a secondary that still is led by free safety Devin McCourty, who will help guide a young, solid group of promising defensive backs such as Kyle Dugger, Terrance Mitchell and Jalen Mills. The back end of the defense remains very solid across the board and should be able to at least contain some of the best passing attacks in the AFC, while a solid defensive line should be able to apply a decent amount of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. This area of the defense is led by Matthew Judon after an exceptional 2021 season, while other contributors such as Lawrence Guy, Davon Godchaux and Deatrich Wise Jr. will hope to get after the passer in a hurry each weekend. The weakest spot of this 4-3 defense remains the linebacker position, where the Patriots seem thin at best. With the trio of Josh Uche, Ja’Whaun Bentley and Mack Wilson filling out the middle of the field, New England will face a lot of pressure to stop the run and contain many of the intermediate crossing routes that are becoming increasingly popular around the league. Even if this defense remains a surefire top-ten unit, there is plenty of doubt in Boston when it comes to this squad. A lot of that has to do with an offense that looks as threatening as a throw pillow, and if Belichick and the Patriots can not find a way to solve the explosiveness issues on offense, it could be an extremely long year in Massachusetts.
Record: 6-11
Biggest Story to Watch: Which offensive playmaker will step up alongside Jones?
Offensive MVP: Jones
Defensive MVP: Judon
AFC North
1. Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens were torn apart by injuries last year, but they seem like ideal bounce-back candidates in 2022 (via Baltimore Sun).
Being bitten by the injury bug in nearly every section of their team stopped the Ravens from ever reaching their potential last season, even despite some key wins over some very good opponents. Yet the Ravens return a loaded roster on both sides of the ball that should be able to compete in the AFC, especially with their star quarterback set up for a huge season amid a contract year.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson built up some strength in the offseason after a season full of injuries in 2021, which could be a huge sign moving forward for Baltimore fans. Jackson remains one of the most dynamic offensive stars in the league when healthy, and even though he lacks some of the passing prowess of quarterbacks like Mahomes and Allen, the former Ravens’ MVP is certainly a franchise player. Building his unique skillset next to a solid group of running backs such as JK Dobbins, Gus Edwards and Mike Davis is key for this offense to reach their full potential, especially behind a very good offensive line featuring Ronnie Stanley, Kevin Zietler, Ben Powers and Tyler Linderbaum. While their rushing attack should rank right near the top of the league once again, Baltimore will need better production from their receiving core after trading away Marquise Brown. Second-year wideout Rashod Bateman could be a potential breakout candidate next to Devin Duvernay, but superstar tight end Mark Andrews is the primary pass catcher in this offense and certainly one of the best offensive weapons in the sport. The Ravens are an unconventional offense compared to many other trends in the NFL, and have the NFL’s greatest secret weapon in Justin Tucker, but their ability to be tough up front and complement the skills of their star quarterback makes them one of the hardest units to defend in the league.
Baltimore, despite some very good players on their roster, was often torched last season on defense, yet many of their top players were missing throughout the year. That begins and ends with a secondary that was decimated last season, but will return with top cornerbacks in Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters. Those two form one of the most aggressive defensive back duos in football when healthy, and with Marcus Williams and Chuck Clark set to join them in the secondary for 2022, the Ravens should be able to play well against opposing passing attacks in the upcoming year. Baltimore, notably, also runs a dynamic 3-4 scheme, placing heavy emphasis on the linebacking level under head coach John Harbuagh. Luckily, the Ravens have a ton of depth at the position, especially with a potential star in Odafe Oweh sitting next to names such as Patrick Queen, Justin Houston, Tyus Bowser and Josh Bynes. This strong group has a chance to get Baltimore’s defense back on track while complimented by a decent defensive line still featuring Calais Campbell and Michael Pierce. If healthy, the Ravens’ defense should be able to cause mayhem once again for other teams in the AFC North, even with above average skill position players flooding the division. And even though the Bengals, Browns and Steelers will present an incredibly strong challenge, scheduling advantages and the return of injured stars should guide the Ravens to a very strong regular season.
Record: 12-5
Biggest Story to Watch: Can Jackson return to his prior MVP level?
Offensive MVP: Jackson
Defensive MVP: Humphrey
2. Cincinnati Bengals
Ja’Marr Chase quickly emerged as one of the best receivers in football last season, even despite his rookie status (via A to Z Sports).
It was a year to remember for Bengals’ fans in 2021 despite falling just short of a title, as their surprise run toward the Super Bowl paved the way for an underdog story for the ages. But with big-time expectations now placed upon their growing shoulders, Cincinnati faces a new challenge ahead of them: recapturing last year’s glory and finishing the season with just one more win than last year.
Although there is certainly some concern about a potential Super Bowl hangover and a sub-sequential falloff, the Bengals made some nice additions to help out quarterback Joe Burrow. Despite coming off an ACL injury the prior season, Burrow was sensational in 2021, guiding the Bengals all the way to the Super Bowl with some masterful performances along the way. Yet he did all of that behind a very bad offensive line, which Cincinnati made sure to address in the offseason. The group looks all new and should be much better; names such as La’el Collins, Alex Cappa, Ted Karras, and Jonah Williams should be able to produce and at least be in the middle of the pack in pass protection in 2022. Yet what makes the Bengals so special on offense is their magnificent skill position players, which might be the best in the league. Workhorse running back Joe Mixon leads the way for one of the game’s best rushing attacks, while the best receiving group in football features superstar Ja’Marr Chase, rock-solid Tee Higgins and the steady Tyler Boyd. This group makes life easy for Burrow under Zac Taylor’s high-powered scheme, which once again should rank near the best in the NFL over the course of the 2022 regular season.
Although the Bengals’ offense devoured many of the headlines last season, the Cincinnati defense was actually one of the more underrated groups in the NFL. This begins and starts with an exceptional defensive line group, led by the pass rushing talents of Trey Hendrickson. The elite edge player helped take a group featuring Sam Hubbard, BJ Hill and DJ Reader to the next level last season, giving the Bengals a major advantage late in games when teams were forced to throw in order to keep up with their offense (see: last year’s AFC Championship Game versus Kansas City). This group makes life a little easier on a mediocre linebacking level that struggled at times against the run last season, which features names such as Logan Wilson, Germaine Pratt and Akeem Davis-Gaither. Yet the Bengals’ defensive success could come down to the play of their secondary, which still features the All-Pro talents of Jessie Bates III. The elite free safety helps smooth out the edges on a defense next to Vonn Bell and Chidobe Awuzie, but other starting cornerback Eli Apple will need to be better this season in order to keep his job. The Bengals have a very solid defensive group that will keep them in games all year long, which is key for a team that is still continuing to grow. Cincy will certainly face even more challenges than they did a year ago with a tougher schedule and with a target on their backs, but with Burrow and the offense looking very similar to how they did a year ago, they will remain one of the most dangerous Super Bowl contenders in the AFC.
Record: 11-6
Biggest Story to Watch: Can the revamped offensive line protect Burrow all season long?
Offensive MVP: Burrow
Defensive MVP: Humphrey
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers may not have as much talent as they have had in prior years, but they will still be a looming threat in the AFC North (via Behind the Steel Curtain).
It was an offseason of pure transition for the Steelers, as they dealt with a looming retirement to their cherished quarterback and brought in a new signal caller via the draft to eventually replace him in the starting lineup. But with a loaded division full of playoff-caliber teams, Mike Tomlin and the Steelers will need to figure things out in a hurry in order to stay afloat in the middle of the AFC playoff race all season long.
The biggest camp battle in the AFC comes from Pittsburgh: which quarterback will take the first snaps in Week 1? While Mitchell Trubisky was brought in to start and Mason Rudolph has been in the organization for several years, there is a sense that rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett is quickly gaining ground in the competition. Whatever the case may be, the starting signal caller will be helped out by a great group of wide receivers, which features young and upcoming players such as Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and training camp standout George Pickens. With those three set in place as the starters next to tight end Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh will be able to deploy a very nice passing attack that works well next to the rushing talents of running back Najee Harris. The former Alabama star was outstanding in his first season as a Steeler last year, and even though he may see less passes in his direction, he is still probably the best overall player on this offense. Doubt remains about the offensive line blocking for him though. With a ragtag group of linemen such as Kevin Dotson, Dan Moore Jr., and James Daniels, the Steelers may have one of the worst offensive lines in football, which could be a major issue for Harris and whatever quarterback winds up under center. That is a major story to watch as this season unfolds, especially with the long-time leadership talents of Ben Roethlisberger now sitting at home in retirement.
Turning toward a defense that took a major step back in 2021 leads to even more concern. The Steelers were the worst rushing defense in the NFL last season, and will turn toward a new name in the middle in order to clean up that issue. Linebacker Myles Jack was brought on board next to Devin Bush and Alex Highsmith in the middle of the field to stop the run, and even though he is not what he used to be, Jack should help this defense improve in a big way. In addition, Pittsburgh turns toward a solid secondary led by the sensational talents of safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who leads the way in the back end. The Steelers will also start Levi Wallace, Cam Sutton and Terrell Edmunds once again to help stop the pass, and they appear to be more than capable of doing so. Yet the Steelers’ biggest strength remains on the defensive front with TJ Watt and Cameron Heyward. While Larry Ogunjobi chips in as well, Watt is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and is as untouchable as any player in the sport, while Heyward remains a steady and dominant presence for this defensive group. The Steelers have too much talent on defense to be as bad as they were a year ago, and they will truly need to be a lot better in order to cover for some growing pains on offense. Pittsburgh may be a hard team to project heading into the new year, but it looks like they will sit right in the middle of the conference in 2022 amid so much turnover from the prior season.
Record: 8-9
Biggest Story to Watch: Will their offensive line be able to pass protect at all?
Offensive MVP: Harris
Defensive MVP: Watt
4. Cleveland Browns
Nick Chubb was already the catalyst of the Cleveland offense, but might see even more touches this season (via Yardbarker).
It has been another offseason full of pure chaos for the Cleveland Browns, but oftentimes in the worst ways. A sticky situation surrounding their potential starting quarterback has cast a dark cloud above the shores of FirstEnergy Stadium, and while the Browns still have a very solid roster on both sides of the ball, plenty of serious questions have yet to be answered.
It’s the question that has floated around all season: how much time will Deshaun Watson miss? The verdict is officially set at 11 games, and while Jacoby Brissett is a capable backup who should be able to perform at least decently, there is no doubt that he is not near Watson in terms of on-the-field impact. Yet Watson’s absence will be felt all season long, especially as question remain regarding his situation and even in terms of his actual ability when he returns to the lineup. Luckily, running back Nick Chubb remains the leader of this offense and could take the burden off the shoulders of head coach Kevin Stefanski, while Kareem Hunt will still see occasional looks unless his trade demand is met. This all takes place behind a very good offensive line led by Wyatt Teller, Joel Bitonio, Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wills Jr., who will make life very easy for whichever quarterback is under center. Yet the Browns have questions on the outside: with Amari Cooper set to join a group of pass catchers such as Donovan Peoples-Jones and David Bell, how often will they be able to stretch the field? The fantasy outlook for this passing group looks shaky at best with or without Watson, which could signal a long season for Cleveland fans.
If the Browns have any hope this season, it is in a defense that continues to improve. The Browns’ face of the franchise is easily defensive end Myles Garrett, who returns again this season and is arguably the best defensive player in the sport outside of Aaron Donald. Garrett gets after the passer in a hurry next to Jadeveon Clowney and Taven Bryan, while Cleveland deploys a fairly solid linebacking core featuring Anthony Walker Jr., Sione Takitaki and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah that was decent against the run last year. In the back end, the Browns turn toward cornerback Denzel Ward to once again lock it down as their top defensive back, while Greg Newsome II is slotted in as the second starting corner. Grant Delpit and John Johnson III round out one of the better secondaries in the AFC, which could be a very dependable factor when the season starts to wind down and teams start to air it out more and more. In general, the Browns figure to have one of the better defenses in the conference, which could help to cover up some of their issues on offense. Yet the turmoil surrounding this team is too much to handle, and it would be a major surprise if this ballclub finished anywhere above third-place in the ultra-competitive AFC North.
Record: 7-10
Biggest Story to Watch: Will the Browns be able to go at least .500 until Watson returns?
Offensive MVP: Chubb
Defensive MVP: Garrett
AFC Playoff Picture
Buffalo Bills (13-4)
Denver Broncos (12-5)
Baltimore Ravens (12-5)
Indianapolis Colts (10-7)
Los Angeles Chargers (12-5)
Cincinnati Bengals (11-6)
Kansas City Chiefs (10-7)
Las Vegas Raiders (9-8)
Miami Dolphins (9-8)
Pittsburgh Steelers (8-9)
Jacksonville Jaguars (7-10)
Cleveland Browns (7-10)
Tennessee Titans (6-11)
New York Jets (6-11)
New England Patriots (6-11)
Houston Texans (4-13)
Season Awards and AFC Playoff Predictions
Finding postseason success seems to be the next step in the superstar growth of quarterback Justin Herbert (via Reuters).
MVP: Quarterback Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Coach of the Year: Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings
Offensive Player of the Year: Wide Receiver Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
Defensive Player of the Year: Defensive End Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Wide Receiver Garrett Wilson, New York Jets
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Defensive End Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions
Comeback Player of the Year: Quarterback Jameis Winston, New Orleans Saints
Wild Card Weekend
#1 Buffalo Bills: BYE
#2 Denver Broncos over #7 Kansas City Chiefs
#6 Cincinnati Bengals over #3 Baltimore Ravens
#5 Los Angeles Chargers over #4 Indianapolis Colts
Divisional Round
#1 Buffalo Bills over #6 Cincinnati Bengals
#5 Los Angeles Chargers over #2 Denver Broncos
AFC Championship Game
#5 Los Angeles Chargers over #1 Buffalo Bills
Super Bowl LVII
#3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers over #5 Los Angeles Chargers