2022 NFL Season Preview: Best Futures Bets
Is there really a better time of the year? The NFL offseason is officially over and training camps have begun! This is a time where the fans of all teams have hope again. Bills fans have new life after inexplicably blowing a lead to the Chiefs with 15 seconds left in the AFC Divisional Round last season. The Steelers have to start a season without Big Ben for the 1st time since 2004, while we all still wait to see how this Deshaun Watson news unfolds after the NFL’s appeal of the 6 game suspension. The NFL never lacks storylines, and this year is no different. With all that said, lets dive into some of my best bets and bold predictions for the 2022 NFL Season:
Divisional Winners
1. Saints to win NFC South +360
In this post-Payton era in New Orleans, Dennis Allen is now the guy in charge of leading this team back to their glory days. I know that the Bucs are the huge favorites to win this division, but they are going through their own offseason issues. Is it fun to doubt Brady? Not at all, but they have lost some key pieces along their offensive line and Brady did show some cracks last year, especially in the playoffs. Chris Godwin will be out the first part of the year still recovering from his ACL injury, while Brady’s safety blanket and best buddy Gronk has retired.
The Saints get a premier WR back in Michael Thomas, while adding the smooth rookie WR, Chris Olave. Their defense is always stout, and that shouldn’t change with the defensive-minded Allen as coach. Adding the honey badger and safety Marcus Maye will only help their cause. The big question mark is Mr. Winston. As long as he doesn’t revert back to the 30 for 30 Winston we saw in Tampa, then they have a good shot at winning some football games this year. At +360, I love these odds for them to make a run at the GOAT!
2. Ravens to win AFC North +160
The Ravens were destroyed by injuries on both sides of the ball last season, which was just too hard for them to overcome. With some good additions and a healthy roster again, this could be their year to take back the division. Their only real competition this season will be the Bengals in my opinion. Deshaun’s looming suspension is enough to eliminate the Browns, while the Steelers adjust to life without Big Ben.
Yes, the Bengals made their magical run to the Super Bowl last season, but we all know how hard it is to repeat that success after being so close to a championship. Don’t get me wrong, the Bengals have made great moves along their offensive line to help keep Burrow upright for once, but I just think the Super Bowl hangover will affect them long enough for the Ravens to win this division.
3. Vikings to win NFC North at +285
Most people only think of the Packers when it comes to the NFC North and for good reason. The Packers have won this division 7 of the last 11 seasons, including the last 3 years. I cant explain how much the loss of Davante Adams will effect this Packers team. I watched games where it looked like he was the only receiver Rodgers ever targeted. They now have to depend on guys like Allen Lazard and Sammy Watkins to fill those big shoes.
Last year was supposed to be the year the Vikings made a run at them, but instead finished with a disappointing 8-9 record due to injuries and a weaker than usual defense. With Zimmer out now, they bring in a more creative offensive mind in Kevin O’Connell, who came over from the Rams as their offensive coordinator. Under Zimmer, they were very run heavy. That looks to be a thing of the past based on the news we are hearing out of Minnesota, which is great news when you have one of the best young WR’s in the league with Jefferson. They also made some moves to help improve their roster, including stealing Za’Darius Smith away from Green Bay to help rush the passer.
The Lions are an up and coming team, but they are still a year or two away from really competing for this division. That 1st episode of Hard Knocks did get me a little pumped up about their future though! The only other team in this division is Da Bears. I won’t waste too much time talking about them. I will just say that they could easily be one of the worst teams in the league this season. They did nothing to help out their young QB Justin Fields including losing Allen Robinson, while Roquan Smith is now demanding a trade. With all of that said, I love these odds on a good Vikings team to make a run and end Rodgers and the Packers’ 3 year division winning streak!
2022 NFL MVP
1. Josh Allen at +660
I know what you’re thinking… Wow, this guy really goes out on a limb betting the favorite Josh Allen to win MVP! Just hear me out… Allen plays for maybe the best team in football, has been improving every season, and Mahomes/Rodgers both lost their best weapon. Allen had 42 total TD’s last season and I wouldn’t be surprised to see that number go up. Another option is to wait a few games into the season to see if these odds have gotten better, then jump on it. He does start against the vaunted Rams defense so odds could get better after week 1.
2. Justin Herbert at +940
Herbert’s ceiling keeps going up and up every season. I think his chances could drastically improve if the Chargers can figure out how to win more close games that they always seem to be involved in. MVP isn’t usually won by teams that don’t make the playoffs. His division is tough, but this guy can sling it! At odds of +960, I like his chances.
3. Lamar Jackson at +2000
This guy just won the MVP recently and his odds are this high? I wouldn’t count him out as long as he can find a way to stay healthy this season. He will have to keep improving in the passing game, which may be harder with Hollywood Brown off the team now, but at +2000 odds, it’s too hard to pass up!
SUPER BOWL CHAMPION BETS
1. Bills at +600
Ok, I think you are seeing a theme with a couple of my bets. I am expecting good things from Josh Allen and the Bills this season. If it wasn’t for a mental breakdown in the Chiefs game, we could easily be talking about them being the AFC or Super Bowl Champion last season. They added depth along both the offensive and defensive lines through free agency, while adding Von Miller to help lead and anchor that defense. I know the Bills aren’t exactly known for winning big games, but I think this Allen kid is built differently, and will bounce back.. This is a well-coached team that is hungry to bring home that Lombardi trophy. This is another situation where you could wait to see if they get off to a slow start since they start with the defending champions. I’m not sure if their odds would change much with 1 loss though.
2. Los Angeles Chargers at +1425
As you can see, my MVP and Super Bowl bets are related. The theme is young QB’s who keep improving and are close to taking that next step. This is more of a longshot obviously, and my biggest worry is the difficulty of their division. You could see any of the 4 teams winning it this season, especially with the additions of Russell Wilson and Davante Adams to the AFC West. With all that said, they must improve their rush defense this season and learn how to close out games. I think they will do more of that this season, so this could be a nice sleeper team if they can fight through the AFC West gauntlet.
3. Indianapolis Colts at +2500
After giving you the favorite Bills as my Super Bowl team, I had to give you 1 longshot bet. The Colts had a rough end to their season with a home loss to the Jaguars with the playoffs on the line, but this year could be different. The biggest change they made was at QB. They go from the inconsistent Carson Wentz (Who is now on his 3rd team in 3 years) to the steady, veteran Matt Ryan. Ryan isn’t in his prime anymore, but he is still a major upgrade over Wentz. This may be one of the best offensive lines that Ryan has played behind as well. Pair that with one of the best running backs in the league and this offense could take a step up this season. The big question mark on offense is their young receivers. One or two of them will have to really step up if this team wants to get to the promised land.
Their defense has always been solid. The additions of pass rusher Ngakoue from the Raiders along with the 2019 Defensive player of the year Stephon Gilmore will really help improve that somewhat leaky pass defense from a year ago. The Colts have only won 1 playoff game since 2015, but this year could finally be different!