One month into the 2022 league year, the NFL pecking order has received a facelift.
Big spenders converged in free agency and major moves via trade shifted the axis of power in the AFC, where the West could be a collection of the conference’s best with All-Pro-level additions of Russell Wilson (Denver Broncos), Khalil Mack and J.C. Jackson (Los Angeles Chargers) and Davante Adams (Las Vegas Raiders).
DraftKings lists the Buffalo Bills, who landed pass rusher Von Miller and upgraded the offensive line, at +600 to win the Super Bowl, just ahead of unretired Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+700).
DK doesn’t think quite as highly of the reigning AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals (+1800), and we think too much of Joe Burrow’s gang to drop them into the sleepers category.
FrontPageBets breaks down the new-look NFL heading into next season.
AFC contenders
Buffalo Bills (+600)
Only stopped in their January playoff run by a coinflip in Kansas City, the Bills are here in part for their success in the draft. If the roster needs, including a playmaking safety or game-changing running back, are met, there’s every reason to believe Josh Allen gets a chance to flex in the big game to end this season.
Kansas City Chiefs (+1000)
Tyreek Hill replaceable? Not likely by one player this season. Still, the coach-GM combination of Andy Reid and Brett Veach know the gears that spin the offensive machine and won’t leave the WR spot untended in the draft. With JuJu Smith-Schuster in the fold and better depth, Patrick Mahomes might just be better equipped to pick apart the Cover 2 schemes that befuddled the team in 2021. If there’s a reason to doubt, it’s a defense thin at cornerback and without safety Tyrann Mathieu.
Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos (+1600)
Ready the Justin Herbert MVP campaign. Back along with his full complement of weapons, the Chargers could be downright lethal if they draft a playmaking tight end to draw attention away from Mike Williams (re-signed to a three-year deal) and Keenan Allen. Dynamic pass catcher Austin Ekeler also appears primed for big things behind an underrated and nasty offensive line.
The big reason for the bump with the Bolts is the addition of difference makers at every level of the defense. Khalil Mack opposite Joey Bosa and a seriously stacked secondary means head coach Brandon Staley no longer must play nice with opposing quarterbacks in a soft shell zone.
One of those QBs is Russell Wilson, and he’s on new team, in a new offense, behind a brand new – less than spectacular – offensive line as the Broncos hand him the keys to Nathaniel Hackett’s offense. To be blunt: Wilson is an MVP candidate under Hackett. His numbers are headed for chart-topper territory. Jerry Jeudy becomes a household name. Question is, can anyone trust Denver’s defense?
AFC sleepers
Indianapolis Colts (+2200)
Fact: Matt Ryan is the sixth starting quarterback in six seasons for the Colts. He’s also the best pure passer the team has had since Andrew Luck and shares the backfield with MVP candidate Jonathan Taylor. Buy now.
Las Vegas Raiders (+3500)
We hear you, naysayers, on the Josh McDaniels might get in his own way theories. There are weapons everywhere with the addition of Davante Adams, reunited with college QB Derek Carr, and don’t forget Josh Jacobs is still around to bring a Dallas Cowboys triplets feel to this club. A playoff team in 2021, only defensive improvement is left to prove.
NFC contenders
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+700)
Tom Brady’s 28-day retirement fling was pure entertainment. When Brady’s U-turn happened, most of his former teammates grabbed on to the Lombardi Trophy magnet, too. Underselling the upgrades at safety and Jason Licht’s ability to stick first- and second-day draft picks has some thinking the Bucs won’t dance again but consider this: Who else is going to stand up in the milquetoast NFC South? Todd Bowles takes over for Bruce Arians as head coach.
Green Bay Packers (+1000)
Let’s huddle for a moment of thanks that the NFL offseason went to high gear so quickly that we almost forgot Aaron Rodgers’ diva days and flirtation with doing his own research in retirement. The odds here are more reflective of the number of fans blindly backing the Pack before seeing how the roster is shaped around the MVP and in particular what happens to an offense with all of its weapons in the backfield.
Los Angeles Rams (+1000)
Les is more in LA. GM Les Snead punts draft picks for splash moves and perhaps rubs some of his peers the wrong way with the pocket Joker mentality to roster building. Another trade or two will happen by midseason – virtually guaranteed – that will not only open eyes but keep the veteran-heavy Rams atop the NFC heap.
NFC sleepers
Arizona Cardinals (+2500)
Kyler Murray’s contract isn’t an issue – yet – but the window might be closing on the Cardinals more rapidly than some expect. That because Murray’s deal is right around the corner and the salary cap will soon require a youthful supporting cast for a team without the ammunition to provide it.
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