The 2021-2022 NFL Season is set to begin on Thursday 9th September with the Superbowl, covid permitting, scheduled for the February in California. Last season Tom Brady pulled his Buccaneers through to claim victory over the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes, but can they do it again? Will the chiefs have redemption? Or we will see a new team stun everybody and claim the title?
Here is everything you need to know to bet on and win during the 2021-2022 NFL Season.
So many teams made big offseason pushes in hopes of hoisting up the trophy. The current Vegas favourites (as of the time of writing this) are the Kansas City Chiefs who are laying 6 to 1 odd. First let's look at each division and who we predict to win before moving onto the Superbowl.
AFC East - Bills to dominate
The Buffalo Bills are clear favourites to win the AFC East (-161) and for good reason. Josh Allen had a dominant 3rd season, leaping over many people's expectations.
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Josh Allen 2019-2020 Progression |
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2019 |
2020 |
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Completion Rate |
58.8% |
69.2% |
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Passing Yards |
3089 |
4544 |
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Passing TD’s |
20 |
37 |
Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images
Yes, Allen did take a big leap forward last year but some of these stats are the result of league leader in receptions and receiving yards, Stefon Diggs. Diggs caught 127 catches last year for 1,535 yards and was nothing short of amazing. One thing I really love about Diggs is his drive, some of you might remember the picture taken of Diggs as he stood and watched the Chiefs celebrate their victory over the Bills.
I expect Stefon Diggs to have another great season alongside Allen. The team is only facing the 23rd toughest schedule, expect them to take full advantage.
The only concern I have about the Bill's ability to win the AFC East is their defense. Although improved some work could still be done.
Photo by: James P. McCoy / Buffalo News
For now, their system depends heavily on strong corner backs, and a solid secondary. Notably they added two pass rushers in Gregory Rousseau and Carlos Basham Jr.
AFC North – It is Baker Time
For the AFC North I am backing the Cleveland Browns to finish on top. Baltimore is favoured in this division, but they concern me. The Raven’s entire offense, and for good reason, is tailored around Lamar Jackson. If he misses time, any games at all really, they will crumble. It is for this reason I am rolling with the Browns to win the division. The Raven’s also have the 2nd hardest schedule out of all teams.
The Browns have some serious upside, in fact they came the closest to beating the Chiefs in the playoffs last year (22-17). Baker Mayfield is decent, in fact he was ranked the 8th best QB in the NFL, and had the 1st ranked offensive line. The team will also welcome back superstar Odell Beckham Jr but we will have to wait and see how he looks post injury.
Photo by: Getty Images
In terms of offseason moves, general manager Andrew Berry managed to improve the team’s secondary line by the additions of John Johnson III and Try Hill, as well as drafting Greg Newsome III in the first round. Berry also made moves in the draft to acquire Notre Dame line-backer Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah who I think can make a good impact on this team.
AFC South – Henry for MVP?
When researching what Vegas has set the lines for divisional championships, I was shocked to see the Tennessee Titans are only slight favourite over the Colts, -110 and +137. Let’s be honest, the Colts are not going to be good this year, Carson Wentz is one of the worst QB’s in all the NFL nowadays.
Loosing offensive coordinator Arthur Smith does hurt the Titans, but they should have no issues winning this division. Ryan Tannehill will now be passing to A.J. Brown and Julio Jones which is a huge pickup. Their passing game is getting even better, and they have the best rusher in all of NFL, Derrick Henry. This one is simple to me, Tennessee got better and everyone else in the division got a lot worse.
Photo by: The NFL
AFC West – Mahomes is Still the Best QB in Football
The Chiefs are heavy favourites to win the AFC West (-330) and for good reason. They went 14-2 last year and have gone to back-to-back Superbowl’s under MVP Patrick Mahomes. In fact the Chiefs have dominated this division before Mahomes took over, and now that he is here, they will continue to dominate for a long time (60-2- in their last 5 years. The Chiefs have also made some key additions including Joe Thuney, Jerick McKinnon and Jarran Reed, they have improved their offense with additions to the running game.
Although some people have questioned their Defense, I like coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to use pieces like Chris Jones to slow down opposition teams enough. Besides no one is going to be able to score more than the chiefs. They still have huge offensive weapons like Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce.
One big issue in the Superbowl was their offensive line, they addressed this issue with the addition of left tackle Orland Brown Jr. Expect the Chiefs to dominate and have a serious shot at redemption in the Superbowl once again.
Photo By: Getting Images
NFC East – Not Sold on the Cowboys
This division is pretty week, and although the Dallas Cowboys are favourited, I see Washington coming out on top. The Football Team have one of the best defences in football, so it will have to carry them this season. Although Ryan Fitzpatrick isn’t who he used to be, he is still a good upgrade for this team.
He will have a good supporting cast including running back Antonio Gibson and receivers McLaurin and Samuel. Tight end Logan Thomas can even catch a ball.
Photo By: USA TODAY Sports
This team will continue to dominate with their front 7 and if Fitzpatrick can make some passes this team should be better than last year, and easily win the division.
NFC North – Last Dance
So much drama this offseason for the Green Bay Packers, but with reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers deciding to run it back once more, they should dominate the NFC North. The biggest problem for the Packers is head coach Matt LaFleur who is remembered for the costly decision to settle for a field goal in a loss to Tampa Bay last post-season.
This is the Packers last chance with Rodgers, and they have kept majority of their team either side of the ball. Not much to say here other than, they won’t be as good as last year, but still good enough to win the division.
NFC South – TB12’s legacy continues
Reigning Superbowl champions Tampa Bay are heavy favourites (-278) to win the NFC South. I mean the 43-year-old Tom Brady won a Superbowl, that’s just straight amazing. The Bucs retained all their Superbowl team and with nose tackle Vita Vea their run defense is almost impossible to penetrate. As well as their huge variety of possible receives, this group fits Brady well as he looks to throw long passes in his older age. They are a real chance to repeat, plus they have one of the easiest schedules so they should win this division easily.
NFC West – Rams vs 49ers
I am going with the Los Angeles Rams to win this division. The huge trade of Goff for Stafford makes this LA team even stronger. Stafford is huge upgrade; it is not even close. Goff was the worst quarterback of this division last year and Stafford is much more dynamic, has a better arm and has immense skill.
They have two challengers in this division (Seattle and San Francisco) but I personally see the 49ers being their biggest threat. The big downfall for them this year is the battle for QB. I do not think Trey Lance should be starting very much, if at all this year but I am unsure whether the team feels the same. Mixed messages coming from their camp, and I think coaching staff and management will be their undoing.
Superbowl Prediction – Rematch Time
There hasn’t been a rematch in the Superbowl in 28 years, but I expect this year to be different. Both teams are bigger, better, and stronger, with experience coaches, huge offensive weapons, and legendary quarterbacks. I expect Mahomes to take advantage this time, he will be more protected and make quick work of the Buccaneers defence. He is not going to lose the Superbowl back-to-back.
Prediction: Chiefs 31-17 over the Buccaneers
Other good future bets:
- Mac Jones for Offensive Rooke of the Year (+450)
- Baker Mayfield for Regular Season MVP (+2500)
- Derrick Henry Offensive Player of the Year (+1000)
- Derick Henry Rushing Yard Champion (+350)
- Patrick Mahomes Passing Yard Champion (+275)
- Indianapolis Colts to Make the Playoffs “NO” (-115)
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