Our editor fancies himself as an NFL know-it-all. The season has arrived, so here’s his Major Guide.
After another lengthy wait, the NFL season is here.
It shapes as another unique stride to the Super Bowl, with the NFC looking wide open and the AFC fairly stacked with genuine contenders and star quarterbacks.
Many fans have now done their fantasy drafts, so now it’s time to turn attention to the real stuff. Here’s your Major Guide to the 2022 NFL season.
In our brand new podcast, Phil Prior and Jo Healy address the new NFL season, plus heaps of other talking points in sport:
Biggest off-season moves to monitor
WILSON TRADE: Former Seattle QB Russell Wilson joining Denver is the major move of the off-season, which leaves the AFC West completely stacked. It’s feasible that the Broncos, Chiefs, Chargers and Raiders all make the playoffs; unlikely, but possible. The Colorado-based franchise has looked like a roster that’s only a quarterback away for a couple of seasons now, so navigating through a tough division could be the only thing holding them back from a huge post-season charge in January.
Embed from Getty ImagesRECEIVER TRADES: Three stud pass-catchers have new homes at playoff-worthy teams in offences with questions. It’s their job to fill what’s been missing. AJ Brown gives the Eagles and Jalen Hurts an alpha option down field, with Philly expected to take a step forward; Tyreek Hill’s worth gets put to the test going from Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas City to a speed-centric setup in Miami; and Derek Carr’s Las Vegas Raiders acquired the best receiver in football, Davante Adams. All three teams gave up first-rounders and their fans are expecting instant results.
And Allen Robinson joining champions the Rams is the other wide receiver transaction that moves the needle; finally the 29-year-old’s catching balls from an above-average quarterback.
HOLDING JIMMY G: It’s not exactly a ‘move’ but the 49ers bringing Jimmy Garoppolo back into the building was unexpected. Second-year QB Trey Lance is now the starter, so the NFC powerhouse was expected to send Jimmy G somewhere else. Instead, they’ve got high end insurance but a potential headache if Lance gets off to a bumpy start and the impatient fans start groaning.
THE COLTS: Of the lower-tier quarterback transactions, Matt Ryan to Indianapolis may be the sharpest. Opposing defences must now respect both run and pass, with the League’s best rusher Jonathan Taylor there for hand-offs and emerging receiving talent Michael Pittman ready to take advantage of Ryan’s facilitation through the air. Combined with their solid defensive group, Indy are a sneaky contender.
Keep an eye on…
THE RAVENS: Baltimore is coming off a shocker season marred by a boatload of injuries and while their luck has to shift for this campaign, star QB Lamar Jackson has been in a standoff over his contract status. Will the Ravens extend their main man to a ‘market-breaking’ deal comparable to the one AFC North neighbour Deshaun Watson just got at Cleveland, or will he roll the dice for a season and edge closer towards freedom and leverage next off-season?
THE BROWNS: Separating the ethically questionable aspects of Cleveland’s off season from its ability to win football games, the side has made a major upgrade at quarterback. Deshaun Watson has left a trail of destruction behind from his time in Houston, but the reality is he joins a team that’s ready to compete. The only thing is, Watson is suspended 11 games and returns after a bye in Week 13. Will Cleveland still be in the playoff hunt by then? There’s a large range of outcomes in northern Ohio.
NEW ENGLAND: Legendary coach Bill Belichick is a mad scientist, but this latest ploy is a head-scratcher. The Patriots head into the season with no defined offensive coordinator, after the departure of Josh McDaniels to the Raiders. Washed up former head coaches Joe Judge and Matt Patricia (also previously the Pats’ special teams and defensive coordinators respectively) are set to share duties, risking the development of second-year signal-caller Mac Jones.
PITTSBURGH: Are the Steelers really going to try and win games with Mitch Trubisky under centre, despite spending their first-rounder in April’s Draft on quarterback Kenny Pickett… who’s a far from flawless prospect, but an investment nonetheless?
WEEK 1 REVENGE GAMES: Former Seahawk Russell Wilson travels back to Seattle with his Broncos, Baker Mayfield’s first appearance as a Panther is against Cleveland, Bills Edge Von Miller’s first game since winning the Super Bowl with the Rams is back in LA and former Packers pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith is now with Green Bay’s division rival Minnesota.
NFC contenders
It’s the Super Bowl champions the LA Rams, bringing most key pieces back; the Green Bay Packers, who are now even more loaded on defence and Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay. But don’t discount San Francisco, if Trey Lance hits the ground running; and the Philadelphia Eagles are a popular smoky pick.
AFC contenders
This is going to be a fascinating watch, because there’s nearly ten teams with genuine AFC Championship aspirations. At the top of the bunch, though, it’s a healthier Baltimore, a beefed up Buffalo, a motivated Bengals and a ‘Charging‘ LA. But Denver and Kansas City are right in the reckoning, too.
Phil Prior’s awards predictions
MVP: Justin Herbert (Chargers)
Offensive POY: Justin Jefferson (Vikings)
Defensive POY: Rashan Gary (Packers)
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Chris Olave (Saints)
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Aidan Hutchinson (Lions)
Comeback Player of the Year: Brian Robinson (Washington)
Super Bowl: Packers to beat the Chargers 31-20
