Way too Early Week 1 NFL Takes (2022)

(Probably Overreactions but who cares)

AFC EAST:

• Bill Belichick looks senile and ripe for retirement. The Patriots are losing 10 games this year.
• The Bills are the best team in the league (not an overreaction).
• The Jets suck, and will suck forever (still not an overreaction).
• Tua & the Dolphins have something. I don’t know what it is; but it’s something

AFC NORTH:

• This will be the Steelers first losing season under Mike Tomlin. Obviously, I’m not convinced by the Week 1 win.
• Lamar Jackson will finish top 3 for the MVP award, and get franchised by the Ravens.
• The Browns will be the Browns (run the football well and lose tough games).
• The Bengals will win the division.

AFC SOUTH

• The Titans are back…to being trash.
• Brandin Cooks will post another 1,000 yard season. Texans are still going to suck though.
• Trevor Lawrence and Doug Pederson have too much stacked against them to win. Top 3 draft pick loading for the Jaguars.
• I’m not a Matt Ryan guy, but this is the weakest division in the AFC. The Colts defense and running game will get them a playoff berth.

AFC WEST

• Nathaniel Hackett coached the most passive game I’ve seen in years Week 1. The Bronco’s lack of aggression will keep them out of the playoffs.
• Derek Carr is not that guy, and the Raiders will miss the playoffs because of it.
• Justin Herbert and the Chargers are loaded. Pencil Khalil Mack in for the DPOY award.
• The Chiefs look way more complete as a team. Josh Allen steals the MVP from Mahomes, but the Lombardi goes to Kansas City.

NFL EAST

• The Eagles are the best team in this division. The close game with Detroit is a sign that the Lions are better than expected.
• Dallas is a disappointment. It’s time to put Dak in the Kirk Cousins/Derek Carr category (disappointing when you need ‘em’ most).
• Don’t be tricked by the Redskins and Carson Wentz; 6 wins max.
• Saquon is back! The Giants have a shot at the 7th seed.

NFC NORTH

• Justin Jefferson and the Vikings finally take the division crown from Aaron Rodgers.
• Aaron Rodgers and the Packers won’t hit their full stride until late in the season.
• The Lions will contend for the 7th seed.
• The Bears will be picking in the top 5 on draft day.

NFC SOUTH

• All Bark, No Bite Baker strikes again. The Panthers have talent but lack chemistry.
• Tom Brady beats father time again. The Bucs will win the division.
• The Saints have a defense and many weapons on offense. They will take a wildcard spot and make some noise in the playoffs.
• The Falcons have Marcus Mariota starting at QB. I’ll say less.

NFC WEST

• The Rams will bounce back, but the offensive line will keep them from repeating as champs.
• The Cardinals are flawed as a team; shiny on the outside and hollow on the inside.
• Geno is a starting caliber QB. The Seahawks will take a surprising step forward from last year.
• Kyle Shanahan is too smart for his own good. Trey Lance’s development doesn’t match the timeline for the 49ers as a whole.