Happy July everyone! Hope you’re all having a great summer. I took my “offseason” to focus on work and life. Now, I’m back and the first preseason game is approaching (Hall of Fame game between the Jaguars and Raiders on Aug. 4). Here’s a quick recap: the winners of the NFL draft were the Jets, the Georgia Bulldogs (15 draft picks), the Eagles with some astounding picks and AJ Brown acquired from the Titans, and college football receivers. The Browns may have screwed themselves in 2022 with Watson likely suspended but it doesn’t mean they aren’t playoff contenders. Baker Mayfield was traded from Cleveland to Carolina (about damn time!) The Rams receive their rings and it looks epic! Finally, Kyler Murray gets a hefty contract from Zona to keep him happy. Next up for one, Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, and Joe Burrow. Who could be the first half billionaire or billionaire quarterback (cough, cough. Maybe Arch Manning???).

I continue with the predictions on teams’ potential division standings in the 2022-2023 season. You’ll be surprised but the order isn’t done until before Week 1 of the NFL season.

NFC WEST

RAMS – Outside of Von Miller and Odell Beckham being off the roster, not much has changed. The Rams could win the division again in a very tough NFC West. Unless something changes, Los Angeles could likely battle for the Top 2 seeds and maybe lock the overall seed.

49ERS (TIED) – A source convinced me that Drake Jackson’s a good pick to be Nick Bosa’s flank when he’s double-teamed. I also believe Danny Gray is good insurance if Deebo’s chooses not to participate (understandably so), and Ray Ray McCloud is a key pick up for special teams. What I don’t understand is drafting Tyrion Davis-Price in such a deep back group, but injuries could be the reason. The Trey Lance story swirled since the offseason and the media’s criticisms were nothing but noise. I’m riding with Lance and listening to the locker room to see the progression for myself.

CARDINALS (TIED) – The Cardinals paid a hefty penny to keep Kyler Murray in Arizona and happy. A solid offseason may give the Cards a chance for a playoff return. If they manage a few games without D-Hop while AJ Green, Marquise Brown, Zach Ertz, and potentially rookie Trey McBride be the main targets, Arizona could claim a wild card spot and maybe challenge the Rams for the division title.

SEAHAWKS – Let’s face it, there’s no way Seattle will win the division. They’re too young with more than half unproven. Even with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett as the main offensive weapons, can you really trust Geno Smith and Drew Lock to carry the team for 17 games? Prepare for the 2023 Top 3 draft seabirds.

NFC EAST

EAGLES – Philly’s 2021 playoff path was a special one and it took the run game to get the motor running. Their offseason made huge waves which drastically changed the standings in the NFC East. Not only did they draft Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean, but they also received AJ Brown in a trade during the draft. That puts Philly in prime position for a playoff spot, division title and more. Their 2022 schedule is also manageable.

COWBOYS (TIED) – Dallas lost Amari Cooper to the Browns. That hurts the roster in my opinion because he was the reason Dak Prescott played long term. Maybe CeeDee Lamb and company could offset Dak’s loss with more targets to rely on. They also lose La’el Collins and replace him with Tyler Smith from the draft pick. However, Dallas struggled with penalties and Smith was prone to penalties during his time with Tulsa. I’m unsure if Dallas can repeat their stellar 2021 performance, but it comes down to how the offense copes without Cooper and Collins. Can their defense also stay healthy?

COMMANDERS (TIED) – I want to ride high on Washington’s playoff and possibly their division chances, but the offseason drama from their front office is a problem. Maybe it’s one of those facades to keep their eyes off the team and its potential. It’s still a concern when this team is becoming competitive in the NFC East. Let’s forget the noise and say they have a shot, but it’s up to Carson Wentz to make up for his dreadful 2021 performance from Indy and hope Chase Young stays healthy in 2022.

GIANTS – New York’s roster did absolutely nothing last season (hence not scoring 30 points at all last season). Saquon Barkley’s injury and Daniel Jones’s poor performance led to staff changes and then some. The schedule is manageable and puts the Giants on the fence for wins and losses in 2022. How they claim those W’s is up to Daniel Jones in his final year and Barkley’s overall health. Some players acquired from other teams last year must step up, and the offensive line and receivers must improve to give Jones a chance for redemption.

NFC NORTH

PACKERS – The Packers were shocked over Davante Adams trade to Vegas. But order was restored when they drafted Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Samori Toure. Rodgers will work with this young group to get them ready alongside Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, and Amari Rodgers. They beefed up their defense with two championed 1st round Georgia players, Devonte Wyatt and Quay Walker. They own the division and maybe the Top 2 seeds again, but it’s a Super Bowl-or-bust season for the cheese heads..again!

VIKINGS – This team is on the outside-looking-in for the playoffs. The offense will be one of the best in the league again and keeping Dalvin Cook healthy is a plus. However, the first part of the schedule going through November will be a tough stretch. December and beyond is more manageable, so winning early is key. What Minnesota wants to see is the defense’s overall improvement to make them a postseason threat.

BEARS (TIED) – Chicago still needs time to develop their roster. Justin Fields was punished after taking over for Andy Dalton last season. He was hit and sacked a lot, his touchdown to interception ratio was subpar, and he literally carried the team on his back when he wasn’t prepared. Hopefully Fields improves in Year 2. Will we see the Georgia side or the Ohio State side of Justin Fields? Keep in mind that the NFL has yet to have a long-term quarterback that was drafted from Ohio State.

LIONS (TIED) – I never knew who Dan Campbell was. But his nickname “The Dude” as referenced from the movie, The Big Lebowski, has caught my attention enough to find out more. Last season, he used a quote that involved biting off kneecaps. The Lions had another losing season, but they didn’t go down without a fight (9 losses by 10 points or less). His quote had some clarity and maybe they did bite off a couple of team’s kneecaps: the Steelers for a tie and the Vikings for the Lions’ first win of the season. Detroit drafted some good, blue collar players but they won’t do any better than maybe third in the division. Let’s hope for more of those bite of the kneecaps (metaphorically speaking).

NFC SOUTH

BUCCANEERS (TIED) – Tampa Bay shored up spots and depth on defense and hope they solidified the O-Line for Tom Brady’s protection. Tampa is favored to win the division again, but they are tied with New Orleans because Tom Brady is 0-4 against them since joining Tampa. Pass protection is heavily important against good pass rushing units and boy do they have plenty on their schedule.

SAINTS (TIED) – Saints have good defense, Alvin Kamara, and a decent offensive line. Jarvis Landry and Tyrann Mathieu return home to New Orleans to hopefully beef up the roster. The receiving corp upgraded with Chris Olave from the draft. If Michael Thomas comes off PUP and commits to the team, all they need is Jameis Winston to stay healthy. All of that makes them a dangerous Saints team that coach Dennis Allen can command. Tom Brady’s Bucs have yet to beat New Orleans in the regular season. Their continued failures will be the Saints gains for a division title.

PANTHERS – The Panthers are interesting. All the players they drafted are interesting, including Ikem Ekwonu, Amare Barno, and Cade Mays. What’s even more interesting is Carolina trading for Baker Mayfield when they already drafted Matt Corral after losing trust in Sam Darnold. The Panthers will be the most interesting and maybe fun team to watch. This is either a playoff team or a disappointing 2022 team.

FALCONS – I’m keeping my eye on Atlanta. Signs point to their rebuilding process moving a little faster than some would assume. I liked the players they drafted and picked up during the offseason. Drake London, Bryan Edwards, Marcus Mariota, and Desmond Ridder were highlights. What I must see is their offensive line and defense improving this season.

NFC PLAYOFF STANDINGS

1) RAMS

2) PACKERS

3) EAGLES

4) SAINTS

5) BUCS

6) 49ERS

7) COWBOYS

AFC WEST

CHARGERS – This L.A. team looks lethal on offense after a couple of additions from the draft. Defense should be better and as long as their coach doesn’t call anymore YOLO plays (fourth downs or 2-point conversions), they will be in the playoffs, can win the division, and potentially fight for the top seed.

RAIDERS (TIED) – Vegas is searching for an advantage in the AFC West. Adding Davante Adams, Chandler Jones, and Rock Ya-Sin helps. Their next step is overcoming one of their toughest schedules of the season. Accomplishing that in coach Josh McDaniels’ first year as a Raider could make them a dark horse playoff team.

CHIEFS (TIED) – KC lost some key pieces in Tyreek Hill and Tyrann Mathieu that commanded their respective sides of the field. The Chiefs replaced them with JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Justin Reid. Couple that with Trent McDuffie, George Karlaftis, Skyy Moore, Bryan Cook and Leonal Chenal in the first 3 rounds of the draft, KC still has a chance for a playoff spot at least after enough reps together.

BRONCOS (TIED) – Denver was hyped for Russell Wilson’s appearance after a disappointing 2021 season with par to subpar quarterback play. It was the only position that hindered their opportunity. They should be more convincing as a playoff team and more, but with the amount of sacks Wilson took over his career in Seattle, he expects better protection from Denver. Also, the running backs and the receivers must play a big role for the offense to dominate the Chiefs’, Raiders’ and Chargers’ skeptic defense.

AFC EAST

BILLS – The Bills drafted Georgia back James Cook for depth in the running back position and give Josh Allen a break from running the ball. After that, the players picked up are added for depth. Drafting CB Kaiir Elam and Terrel Bernard on defense also helps after failing to stop the Chiefs’ offensive onslaught in the playoffs. Unless Allen gets hurt, they are Super Bowl contenders.

DOLPHINS – Miami could be a happy place this season. Not only because the Hurricanes acquired Mario Cristobal, but the Dolphins also have a new coach from San Francisco, Mike McDaniel, and add Tyreek Hill and Raheem Mostert to the offensive lineup. This season could be promising, but how fast will McDaniel get this offense up to speed? Is it finally “Tua Time”? Or will they need a new quarterback? (ie, Jimmy Garappolo)

PATRIOTS – New England was criticized after the NFL draft and it sounds like their offseason was anything but good. They may surprise us again or New England will be what the media assumed them to be: a down year, Belichick being questioned, and the offense falling apart without Josh McDaniels. It’s a mystery, but as long as they have their defense and a good run game, they’re still wild card contenders.

JETS – This New York team had the best draft of 2022 and were this close to acquiring Tyreek Hill over their counterpart Dolphins. I mentioned last season that I would run through a wall for Robert Salah if I could play football. No they probably won’t make the playoffs and yes they have a tough schedule this season, but their roster should improve overall and competition should be better with a couple of surprising wins.

AFC NORTH

RAVENS – Here’s the hypothetical situation if everyone’s healthy. Baltimore’s first part of the schedule is manageable until their road meeting with Tom Brady’s Bucs and New Orleans. After the bye, it beefs up. There’s no glaring issues that I can think of except Lamar Jackson, the running backs, and defensive backs staying healthy, and how this offense moves on without Marquise Brown. If they overcome it, they are a deep playoff threat.

BENGALS – Cincinnati was a series away from winning their first Super Bowl in team history. Unfortunately, the offensive line failed to stop Aaron Donald. They went out of their way to pick up Ted Karras, Alex Cappa, and La’el Collins to protect Joe Burrow. On defense, the whole Eli Apple being a “muck up” probably influenced the organization to draft Daxton Hill and Cam Taylor-Britt to manage this situation. Those were glaring issues that cost Cincy a ring, but it’s time to move on and handle a tough schedule and hope last season wasn’t a fluke.

STEELERS – It was difficult to watch Pittsburgh last season with an aging Ben Roethlisberger running the show. What’s worse is that the offensive line failed to give him more time to throw consistently. It was a great ride watching him for years, but Pittsburgh moves on with a new quarterback (and new stadium name…). Defense is a threat with T.J. Watt leading the front lines, but what will the new era offense look like and can they come through when their defense struggles?

BROWNS – Nearly everyone (except me) thought Cleveland was a playoff/Super Bowl contender this season after Deshaun Watson was traded to them. Again, Cleveland fails to see the reality, and that is Watson’s year-long investigation that’ll lead to his suspension. How long? It’s still unclear. The Browns added pieces in the offseason and the draft to put their roster in playoff position, but if Watson is suspended and their backup quarterbacks fail to come through, the whole city will suffer in 2022.

AFC SOUTH

COLTS – Matt Ryan is an upgrade after Carson Wentz’s 2021 performance. Ryan should have protection and a running back crew led by Jonathan Taylor. Defense should be solid but they are without Rock Ya-Sin (he’s with the Raiders). With a fairly easy schedule and the Titans likely taking a step back this season, the Colts should have a chance to win the AFC South and the seeding could be pretty high.

TITANS (TIED) – Tennessee has a viable roster to be a wild card team. Defense finally stepped up after the bye week and played their best football despite losing to the eventual AFC champ Bengals. Ryan Tannehill was responsible for the Titans’ loss with three interceptions in that game. It’s probably why the organization drafted Malik Willis. Whether Ryan apologized or not, it’s out there and change is inevitable. Derrick Henry’s injury affected the run game just enough for opponents to pick up on Tennessee last year. If he’s injured again and his back ups fail to step up, Tennessee will struggle with no playoff appearance and change will come.

JAGUARS (TIED) – Losing Travis Etienne before the 2021 season was already a bad start to Trevor Lawrence’s rookie year. Add on to Urban Meyer’s drama, and it felt like a wasted season for the Jags. The team can only go up from there, especially when you defeat your division rival, Colts, boot them out of the playoffs and keep your overall draft pick. That was a great day to be a Jaguar. The Jags drafted some decent players and Etienne returns from his injury before this season. Their schedule says they’re probably out of the playoffs, but competition should improve. Defense could be better, but let’s hope the offense improves and provides help for Trevor Lawrence in Year 2.

TEXANS – Houston’s probably going nowhere and they’re probably in the Top 3 for the 2023 NFL Draft. There’s too many unknowns about their overall performance. However, the team seems committed on quarterback Davis Mills this season and the draft provides potential for this team’s future. Drafting Derek Stingley Jr., Kenyon Green, Jalen Pitre, John Metchie III, Christian Harris, Dameon Pierce, and Thomas Booker could be building blocks for Houston’s future.

AFC PLAYOFF STANDINGS

1) BILLS

2) COLTS

3) CHARGERS

4) RAVENS

5) CHIEFS

6) BENGALS

7) RAIDERS