2022 NFL Season Predictions

After a long wait, the NFL is back! This past offseason was as unpredictable as ever, leading to many league-changing acquisitions. There is so much to look forward to this upcoming season, so let’s take a look at SFUSA’s predictions for 2022.

Most Valuable Player (MVP) – Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals (+1300)

The Joe Burrow – Ja’Marr Chase duo will become better year in and year out. In their first year together, Chase caught for over 1,400 receiving yards and 13 TD’s. In Burrow’s first full season (Missed last game of season) with the Bengals and with the league’s worst offensive line, Burrow managed to throw for 4,611 yards and 34 TD’s. Let’s not forget the Bengals appeared Super Bowl for the first time since 1988. With a revamped O-Line this season, I wouldn’t be surprised if Burrow threw for 5,000 yards and 45 TD’s. Alex Cappa, Ted Karras, and La’el Collins are massive upgrades over last year’s starters. Overall, the Bengals have 4 new starters on this year’s offensive line. The Bengals have a top RB in Joe Moxin and arguably the best WR corp in the league with Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd. Cincy also signed TE Hayden Hurst who is another respectable weapon to add to their already stacked arsenal. The Bengals will be the most explosive offense in the league next season led by the league’s MVP.

Offensive Player of the Year (OPOY) – Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts. (+900)

Jonathan Taylor had quite the breakout season last year and could’ve won OPOY had it not been for Cooper Kupp’s record-breaking season. I don’t think Kupp will be replicating that again this year. JT had 1,811 rushing yards and 18 TD’s. Taylor nearly carried the Colts to the playoffs but the Colts choked the last game of the season in an embarrassing fashion against the Jaguars. Indy now has Matt Ryan under the helm at QB instead of Carson Wentz, which puts the defense more on edge as Ryan is a much better passer. Can JT break 2,000 rushing yards this year? I think so.

Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) – Micah Parsons, LB, Dallas Cowboys. (+1000)

Micah Parsons won last year’s Defensive Rookie of the Year Award and it was not even close. He was even in the DPOY award discussion as a rookie. He placed second in DPOY voting behind Steelers DE TJ Watt. Watt tied Michael Strahan’s record for most sacks in a single season with 22.5. Parsons had 84 tackles, 13 sacks, and 47 QB pressures in his first NFL season. I can only imagine how much he will improve over the years. 13 sacks as a rookie linebacker is extremely impressive and I wouldn’t be surprised if he notches 20 sacks in a season soon.

Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY) – Dameon Pierce, RB, Houston Texans. (+1400)

The Texans found themselves a steal with pick #107 in Round 4 of this past year’s NFL Draft. The RB out of the University of Florida will open some eyes in his first NFL season in the Texans run-heavy attack. Pierce was stuck in a backfield that split carries in college, which drove Gators fans crazy that Pierce wasn’t getting more than 10 touches a game. Pierce had a 92.4 PFF grade this preseason which is actually the best preseason PFF grade by any RB since 2006. Pierce had 11 attempts for 86 yards and a TD. When asked about his running style, Pierce responded with “I like to fight for my yards. I like to punish the defense. I don’t like taking hits. I like giving hits.” Nick Caserio and the Texans scouting department did a great job with this pick.

Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY) – Sauce Gardner, CB, New York Jets. (+1000)

Sauce Gardner is simply that guy. This was a great pick at #4 overall for the Jets in the 2022 Draft. The Jets surprisingly had a great draft, something the Jets haven’t accomplished in some time. Sauce Gardner didn’t allow a single TD against him in his college career at the University of Cincinnati. In 3 preseason NFL games, Sauce Gardner played 24 snaps and was not targeted a single time. Sauce is giving me some serious Darrelle Revis vibes in the Big Apple.

Comeback Player of the Year – Christian McCaffrey, RB, Carolina Panthers. (+900)

In 2019, Christian McCaffrey signed a 4-year $64 million contract extension with the Panthers. Since then he has missed 23 of a possible 33 games. That is not exactly what Carolina and McCaffrey hoped for. I expect McCaffrey to get back on track this season, if he does indeed get injured again that would be brutal. When healthy McCaffrey is a Top 10 player and a 1,000-yard rushing & receiving type of guy which is unheard of. The Panthers will be a much more competitive than people expect.

Coach of the Year – Nick Sirianni, Philadelphia Eagles. (+1800)

In his first season coaching the Eagles, Sirianni led them to a playoff berth under a rookie QB. The Eagles have upgraded their roster quite substantially compared to last year’s team. AJ Brown will be a big reason why Jalen Hurts takes the next step this season. Philly has a splendid offensive line and a solid defense. They are favorited to win in 11 games this season and according to Vegas, have the most bets placed to finish the season with the league’s best record.

AFC East:

1. Buffalo Bills (12-5)

2. New England Patriots (9-8)

3. Miami Dolphins (9-8)

4. New York Jets (5-12)

AFC North:

1. Cincinnati Bengals (13-4)

2. Baltimore Ravens (11-6)

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-11)

4. Cleveland Browns (6-11)

AFC South:

1. Indianapolis Colts (11-6)

2. Tennessee Titans (10-7)

3. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-12)

4. Houston Texans (4-13)

AFC West:

1. Kansas City Chiefs (12-5)

2. Denver Broncos (11-6)

3. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)

4. Las Vegas Raiders (10-7)

NFC East:

1. Philadelphia Eagles (13-4)

2. Dallas Cowboys (11-6)

3. Washington Commanders (8-9)

4. New York Giants (6-11)

NFC North:

1. Green Bay Packers (13-4)

2. Minnesota Vikings (10-7)

3. Detroit Lions (7-10)

4. Chicago Bears (6-11)

NFC South:

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (15-2)

2. New Orleans Saints (11-6)

3. Carolina Panthers (7-10)

4. Atlanta Falcons (5-12)

NFC West:

1. Los Angeles Rams (13-4)

2. San Francisco 49ers (10-7)

3. Arizona Cardinals (9-8)

4. Seattle Seahawks (4-13)

Super Bowl LVII Prediction:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeat Denver Broncos 28-21.

Super Bowl MVP: Tom Brady