The 2022 NFL season has flown by, and boy has it been anything but predictable. Upsets are happening left and right and the current standings are completely different from what many analysts predicted they would be like at this point. There have been some surprises, but also quite a few teams that have been complete letdowns so far. With the Super Bowl a little over two months away, we will see who can keep it together until February.
The Surprises
I don’t think anyone had the Giants, Jets, or Seahawks as playoff contenders before the season started. The Giants have not had a winning season since 2016 and when they failed to do much in the offseason, it looked like this would continue. But with a change of management and coaching staff, they look like they have a real shot at making the playoffs this year. The Jets similarly were doubted in the offseason. With second-year quarterback Zach Wilson having a subpar rookie season, things didn’t look promising for them. However, the Jets shocked the world, after the massive upset caused by their game against the Bills in Week 9. Lastly, the Seahawks. After trading star quarterback Russell Wilson in March, and declaring Geno Smith as their starter, nobody had high hopes for Seattle. However, a stacked draft class featuring running back Kenneth Walker III and a breakout season from Smith changed people’s minds quickly. All of these teams currently hold playoff spots but will any of them successfully hold on?
The Letdowns
On the other side of the spectrum, teams such as the Packers, Raiders, and Broncos have completely disappointed their fans. Despite the Packers losing star wideout Davante Adams in the offseason, many figured that back-to-back MVP Aaron Rodgers could still lead them to victories. This has not been the case as they had an abysmal five-game stretch losing to teams such as the Lions and Commanders. The Raiders, who signed Adams, have been doing even worse. The team seems to be struggling even during the “easier” parts of their schedule; with injuries piling on, it will only get harder for the Raiders to win games. Another team that people were high on in the offseason was the Broncos. They traded for Russell Wilson and it looked like things were finally coming together. The issue is they just can’t seem to consistently put points on the board; the Broncos have only scored over 20 points twice in eleven games. Can any of these teams get it together and make a run at the playoffs?
AFC Prediction
There is one team that I think will represent the AFC in the Super Bowl: the Buffalo Bills. Despite close losses to the Jets and Vikings a few weeks ago, the Bills have shown that they are more than capable of handling tough teams. They have defeated three division leaders in the Ravens, Chiefs, and Titans. Their roster contains one of the best quarterbacks in the league, Josh Allen; as well as star wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Defensively, they are led by veteran linebacker Von Miller who is a key offseason pickup, and safety Jordan Poyer. My only concern for the Bills is their recent playoff success. They have been able to make it their four out of the last five years but never made it past the AFC Championship game in that stretch. However, I do think they have what it takes to break this streak and make it to the Super Bowl.
NFC Prediction
On the NFC side, I think that the Philadelphia Eagles will make it to the Super Bowl. The Eagles have only lost one game so far and currently sit atop the NFC East. Ahead of the draft in April, they traded for top wide receiver AJ Brown to bolster the weapons available for third-year quarterback Jalen Hurts to throw to. It is safe to say that this has worked out just how the Eagles wanted. Brown has been outstanding alongside other offensive players Devonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and Miles Sanders. Their defense has also been incredible, leading the league in interceptions with twelve. Other offseason acquisitions, CJ Gardner-Johnson and James Bradberry have been key to their success, having six and three interceptions respectively. If the Eagles continue what they’ve been doing, I can see an easy path to the Super Bowl for them.
The Final Verdict
Between the Bills and the Eagles, my final prediction to win the Super Bowl this year is…the Eagles! Their whole team has been playing outstandingly, and it looks like they will be a difficult team to stop. Although I think the Bills would put up a fight and make it a close game, I ultimately think the Eagles will be too tough of a matchup for them. Once this happens, it will be no surprise when mayhem breaks out in Philadelphia after the Eagles capture their second Super Bowl in just six years.
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