The past season was interesting for football. Read our article for the biggest topics and predictions surrounding the upcoming 2022/23 season.
From injuries to upsets, the 2021/22 NFL season had no shortage of surprises. In any given week, it was extremely tough to predict winners and losers. Looking at the betting trends is a good way to keep track of the NFL odds, but using multiple sources of information will always be the best option. We’ve put together a brief outlook of everything the 2021/22 season has taught us and some predictions for the upcoming season.
Analytics aren’t everything
Whether we’re talking about NFC or AFC, predictability has been a major factor in the outcome of most matches. Teams that have prioritized analytic knowledge over situational adaptability are struggling to remain ahead of the competition. For example, the top teams in each division clinched a minimum of one winning streak, but that alone does not cement success for the upcoming season.
Last season, the Pittsburgh Steelers clinched the wild card in AFC North with a two-game winning streak, but the team has since faced a major upset. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger announced his retirement with many questioning who will now take up the position. What does this mean for the team? Will Ben’s notable absence sway the team in a new direction or will they continue to take down team after team as they did with the Ravens? In an interview, last season, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin went on record to say that the Ravens’ aggressive pursuit of analytics-based strategies made them a predictable opponent, one that could be countered easily and compared to a more adaptable team. Will coach Mike have the same sentiments this year? Watch this space!
NFC vs AFC
NFC keeps its status as the heavyweight conference, with relatively few upsets and a return to form for the majority of top-flight teams. Compared to their NFC counterparts, however, most AFC teams have arguably performed a lot better when it comes to inter-conference matchups in the previous season.
Not all teams are equal in this regard, and there are certainly exceptions to the observation. The Jacksonville Jaguars, for example, lost 14 and won only 4 games last season. Until recently, the Detroit Lions were in the same boat, winning their first game in December last year after a year-long losing streak. The team also ended the season with a win, but it came a little too late. We are eagerly awaiting what both teams have up their sleeves for the new season, as both teams showed up during the later stages of the season to bag some wins.
Predictions for the new season
At this point, it is difficult to predict how the new season is going to play out, but if last season is anything to go by, we are in for a real treat. Here are some of our predictions for the 2022/2023 season.
AFC West Champions: Kansas City Chiefs
This division is going to see interesting things play out. Two teams, Las Vegas Raiders, and Denver Broncos have had major management changes in terms of new head coaches. The Broncos also traded quarterback Russell Wilson which is a great thing for the team. Then we have one of the best quarterbacks in the game who plays for the Los Angeles Chargers, Justin Herbert.
AFC North Champions: Cincinnati Bengals
It is no secret that the Bengals proved why they are contenders for next season’s Super Bowl. The team’s connection between Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase was top class in the regular season, as well as the playoff fun. Because of the impressive last season, we see this team heading into the new season with a revised sense of play with the odds in their favor.
AFC South Champions: Tennessee Titans
Most teams struggle in this division, except for the Titans of course. Most teams in the South have lost nearly all of their games in the past season. Even with the aggressive style of play from Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill in the last season, which has had many question marks in the division, the Titans are the only team who can follow through and who will yield favorable results in the upcoming season.
AFC East Champions: Buffalo Bills
Last season was not an easy one for the Buffalo Bills, in fact, it was extremely tough. But Josh Allen got the team to the top of the East division and it looks like with the addition of Von Miller and adding Rodger Saffold and Tim Settle in free agency, the Buffalo Bills are a favorite for the Super Bowl in 2023.
AFC Wild cards:
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Denver Broncos
- Las Vegas Raiders
What we think the NFC is going to look like
- NFC West Champions: Los Angeles Rams
- NFC North Champions: Green Bay Packers
- NFC South Champions: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- NFC East Champions: Dallas Cowboys
NFC Wild cards:
- San Francisco 49ers
- Minnesota Vikings
- Philadelphia Eagles
Who will win the Super Bowl?