With the 2022 NFL season just around the corner, this seems like a good time to assess which teams are likely to win their respective divisions. Let’s kick things off with AFC West.
AFC West
The latest NFL odds suggest the winner of this season’s Super Bowl may well come from AFC West, with the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos all prominent in the betting.
The Chiefs topped this division last season with a 12-5 record and it would be no surprise to see them repeat the feat with quarterback Patrick Mahomes in their ranks.
However, it would be foolish to write off their rivals given that all three have strengthened their respective rosters during the off-season.
AFC East
The Buffalo Bills are the bookmakers’ favorites to end their long wait to win the Super Bowl and their talented roster could be tough to stop this term.
Quarterback Josh Allen is a genuine rival to Mahomes in the superstar stakes, while the team’s wide receivers and defensive unit are also formidable.
The Miami Dolphins may challenge New England Patriots for second place, but the Bills should win this division without too much difficulty.
AFC North
There was little to choose between the four teams in AFC North last season and it is likely to be a similar story this time around.
The Cincinnati Bengals were the surprise package last year, progressing to the Super Bowl where the narrowly lost to the Los Angeles Rams.
They may struggle to repeat that effort this time around, particularly with the much-improved Baltimore Ravens looking a good bet to top this division.
AFC South
With the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars likely to struggle again, AFC South is destined to be a two-way fight between the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts.
New quarterback Matt Ryan should improve the Colt’s offensive unit, but that is unlikely to be enough to stop the Titans coming out on top.
The Titans are one of the NFL's most physical teams and could emerge as serious Super Bowl contenders if things fall into place this season.
NFC West
The Rams unexpectedly claimed the NFL title last season, but it would be a major shock if they went back-to-back given the fitness concerns over quarterback Matthew Stafford.
His ongoing elbow issue could open the door for the Arizona Cardinals to win NFC West, especially if Kyler Murray lives up to expectations.
The quarterback signed a new long-term contract during July and the Cardinals will undoubtedly expect a return on their huge investment.
NFC East
The Dallas Cowboys dominated NFC East last season, but may come under pressure from a Philadelphia Eagles team that has made significant improvements.
Cowboys’ coach Mike McCarthy is yet to convince that he possesses the necessary tools to lead the team to glory and the Eagles may take advantage.
If quarterback Jalen Hurts can mix his renowned running ability with better passing, the Eagles could be a force to be reckoned with this season.
NFC North
The Green Bay Packers bagged an impressive 13-4 record during the regular season in 2021 and a similar result is likely this year.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers remains one of the best in this business despite his advancing years, and the Packers are impossible to oppose in this section.
The Minnesota Vikings could be in contention for a wild-card berth, but the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions look set for another tough season.
NFC South
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are nailed on to win NFC South and could be in the Super Bowl mix with quarterback Tom Brady still defying the sands of time.
Brady has some hugely useful attacking weapons at his disposal, while the Buccaneers defensive unit remains one of the best in the NFL.
New Orleans Saints should finish second behind the Buccaneers, with the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers expected to fill the final two spots.
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