With the 2022 NFL season a few weeks away, bettors are making their wagers in futures markets. And what good is an NFL preview unless it covers every single team in the league? Here are my best bets for all 32 NFL teams in 2022.
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Arizona Cardinals Best Bet
To Miss The Playoffs -140, FanDuel
Being the third-best team in the NFC West makes it extremely difficult for the Cardinals to make the playoffs this season.
Two games against the Seahawks should help their record, but the Cardinals have two brutal stretches this season. That includes a three-game opening slate of Chiefs, Raiders, and Rams, while star WR Deandre Hopkins serves the first half of his six-game suspension.
But their end-of-season schedule is worse. The Cardinals have a six-week stretch that goes Rams, 49ers, Chargers, Patriots, Broncos, Bucs.
Yikes.
Atlanta Falcons Best Bet
Fewest Regular Season Wins +400, DraftKings
Falcons fans should prepare themselves for a tough season.
After struggling to a 7-10 record last year, the Falcons lost their two best players in QB Matt Ryan and WR Calvin Ridley this offseason. To make matters worse, the Falcons have one of the 10 toughest schedules in the NFL this season.
I like fading the Falcons across all markets, as the team will be taking a year off from competitive football. Under 4.5 wins isn’t a terrible option, but I prefer taking them at +400 to have the fewest regular-season wins in the league this season.
Baltimore Ravens Best Bets
OVER 9.5 wins -160, DraftKings
To Win AFC North +160, BetRivers
The Ravens were on pace to win the AFC North last season when they got absolutely crushed with injuries.
Not only did they lose Lamar Jackson down the stretch, but they started their season having lost not one, not two, but THREE running backs in the span of 12 days. They also lost their starting cornerback, left tackle, tight end…
It would be easier to list the players who stayed healthy.
In short, I’m predicting a bounceback Ravens season. When healthy, this squad is loaded with talent AND has one of the easiest schedules this season.
It’s a bit juicy, but I think the Ravens torch their win total number.
Buffalo Bills Best Bet
Most Regular Season Wins +450, DraftKings
Almost the entire Bills roster returns from an impressive 2021 campaign that saw the offensive juggernaut go 11-6, only to come up short in the playoffs.
Classic Buffalo Bills.
QB Josh Allen should put up awesome numbers with the targets at his disposal, and the Bills defense added 2x Super Bowl Champion Von Miller as a strong veteran presence.
The OVER 10.5 wins and Bills Super Bowl odds have been hammered, and for me, no longer show value. But, I love the Bills this season. I will take them at +450 to have the NFL’s best record this season.
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Carolina Panthers Best Bet
OVER 6.5 wins +105, BetRivers
Sam Darnold is done in Carolina. He finished dead last in QB rating last season, and the Panthers acquired two new quarterbacks during the offseason.
Looking to improve on last season’s 5-12 record, the Panthers will likely turn to QB Baker Mayfield. And if Christian McCaffrey stays healthy, we’ll see improvement in Carolina.
Each year, there’s a team that overperforms expectations by a few games. The Panthers might be that scrappy squad this season. I don’t think they make the playoffs, but they have a good shot to squeak out 7 wins to cash our over bet here.
Chicago Bears Best Bets
UNDER 5.5 wins +125, BetMGM
Fewest Regular Season Wins +1000, DraftKings
QB Justin Fields is the lone bright spot in an otherwise forgettable roster.
Bears management did him no favors by letting WR Allen Robinson just… leave? I guess they decided to let Fields play offense by himself?
To make matters worse, the Bears offensive line is the worst in the NFL. Probably even the CFL.
Oh, and the second-year quarterback will have to learn an entirely new offensive scheme under new head coach Matt Eberflus.
The Bears also have the fourth hardest schedule in the league.
I like the UNDER 5.5 wins, but LOVE worst NFL record at +1000.
Cincinnati Bengals Best Bet
OVER 9.5 Wins -125, BetRivers
What’s most impressive about the Bengals Super Bowl run last season was they did it with a lack of protection for QB Joe Burrow. Burrow routinely got smoked yet managed to find his targets downfield.
With three new linemen to protect him (Alex Cappa, Ted Karras and La’el Collins), Burrow will only improve on an impressive season.
The Super Bowl hangover is a concern, but the AFC North is not in great shape. Two games each against the Browns and Steelers should help our cause.
It’s close, but I like the Bengals to win over 9.5 games.
Cleveland Browns Best Bet
Nope.
Not touching this dumpster fire.
Dallas Cowboys Best Bet
UNDER 10.5 wins -130, BetRivers
QB Dak Prescott lost one of his best targets in WR Amari Cooper, and WR Michael Gallop is recovering from an ACL injurty. There’s plenty of talent on the roster, between RB Ezekiel Elliott, WR CeeDee Lam, and a young receiving core, but there’s reason to be cautious, too.
His name is Mike McCarthy.
McCarthy is good for at least two game-losing decisions per season. Such was the case in Dallas’ loss to San Francisco in the NFC wild-card round last season and well, every game he’s ever coached.
Consider even if the Cowboys manage a solid 10-7 record, we still cash this ticket. I don’t see the Cowboys winning 11 games.
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Denver Broncos Best Bet
To Miss The Playoffs +125, BetMGM
The Broncos signed Russell Wilson and people are losing their minds. What is it, 2013?
Wilson is an improvement, sure, but the Broncos play in the AFC West, the NFL’s most competitive division. Two games apiece against the Chiefs, Chargers, and Raiders look like a 1-5, maybe 2-4 divisional record.
They get a chance to beat up the Jaguars and Texans, but will have tough matchups against the Colts, Rams, Cardinals, Ravens, and 49ers.
I’m not buying Russell Wilson as the Broncos’ savior. This feels like a good spot to fade the public. Grab the Denver Broncos to miss the playoffs.
Detroit Lions Best Bet
OVER 6.5 wins -125, FanDuel
The Lions played their fair share of close games but ultimately ended 2021 with a dismal 3-13-1 record.
As long as Jared Goff takes the snaps, this team is limited. You can’t make the playoffs with a terrible quarterback. But, on the other side of the ball, No. 2 pick Aiden Hutchison is a huge boost to a desperate Lions defense that finished 29th in NFL.
Another reason to be optimistic? The Lions go from a top-5 toughest schedule in 2021 to a top-5 easiest schedule this year.
I think the Lions improve this year. They won’t contend, but I’m making a small bet on Over 6.5 wins.
Green Bay Packers Best Bet
To Win NFC North -150, BetRivers
The Packers are favored to win the NFC North for the fourth year in a row. And with good reason.
Aaron Rodgers remains one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Losing WR Davante Adams is a huge blow to this offense, but Rodgers will have targets to throw to.
The Packers also have an impressive defense that gets overshadowed by the Rodgers circus. Newly drafted Georgia DE Devonte Wyatt with only boost production.
Most importantly? The rest of this division suuuuuuucks.
I like them to win the NFC North. You can’t bet against the Packers during the regular season.
Save that for the playoffs.
Houston Texans Best Bet
Lowest Scoring Team +550, DraftKings
The Houston Texans are not a good football team. Having lost their quarterback during the off-season and without many (any?) decent players, the Texans are the worst team in football.
Betting against the Texans is wildly popular. Under 4.5 total wins is heavily juiced to -150, and even the prop bet to finish dead last has gotten pounded down to +275.
The best way to fade the Texans is to be the lowest-scoring team in the NFL. You can get that bet at +550, exactly twice the payout as the worst NFL record bet.
Indianapolis Colts Best Bet
To Win AFC South -125, FanDuel
The AFC South is the weakest division in football. It’s not out of the question to think the Colts can go 6-0 against the Titans, Texans, and Jaguars.
Matt Ryan is not a great quarterback. He IS an upgrade from the also-not-great-but-actually-kinda-bad Carson Wentz. And Jonathan Taylor will continue to rack up yards, with his automatic 4-5 yard carries again and again.
The Colts’ ground-and-pound offense makes it extremely difficult for teams that fall behind early. And with Indianapolis having the sixth easiest overall schedule, there’s good reason to back the Colts to win the AFC South.
Jacksonville Jaguars Best Bet
OVER 6.5 wins +110, BetMGM
It’s hard to give Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars TOO much heat for their terrible 2021 campaign. Urban Meyer was a disaster.
With a full season under his belt, I like Lawrence to come out more confident in his second year with the Jaguars. New head coach Doug Pederson and a few new veterans will only help Lawrence navigate things on offense.
Pederson feels like the type of guy who can get the most out of his players (see 2017 Super Bowl Champions Philadelphia Eagles). And honestly? Anyone is an improvement from Urban Meyer. The Jaguars will be playing with a lot more enthusiasm this season.
I think the Jaguars have a blueprint for seven wins. I’m grabbing the OVER.
Kansas City Chiefs Best Bets
UNDER 10.5 wins -105, DraftKings
It might be too dramatic to suggest the Chiefs are a shell of their former selves, but the hole left by Tyreek Hill’s departure looms large for Kansas City.
Patrick Mahomes remains an elite QB, and TE Travis Kelce is a top-tier talent. Bu the Chiefs face the fifth toughest schedule in the NFL.
The front office signed some decent ball catchers in WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling and JuJu Smith-Schuster, but can they replace a one-of-a-kind talent like Hill? Maybe.
It’s possible Mahomes puts the team on his back for another deep playoff run, but +110 on the UNDER 10.5 wins is too much value for me.
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Las Vegas Raiders Best Bets
UNDER 8.5 wins +110, DraftKings
Trapped in the NFL’s toughest division, the Raiders remain the fourth-best team in the AFC West.
See what I did there?
Two games apiece against the Chiefs, Chargers, and improved Broncos squad will be tough. Add games against the Rams, Cardinals, Colts, and 49ers and the Raiders will be fighting for a .500 season.
Snagging WR Davante Adams from the Packers is a huge boost for QB Derek Carr, but the Raiders defense remains a major problem. Despite their winning record in 2021, the Raiders had a point differential of -65! That’s an NFL record for a team above .500.
At least one team from the AFC West will struggle. I think it’s the Raiders.
Los Angeles Chargers Best Bet
NFL Highest Scoring Team +800, DraftKings
The Chargers offense will be one of the best in the league, with QB Justin Herbert a deep threat every time he drops back. And head coach Brandon Staley LOVES going for it on fourth downs.
What’s more, the Chargers defense is vastly improved. Defensive studs Khalil Mack and J.C. Jackson join the team and will help keep opposing offenses off the field.
This is a recipe for a team that will score a TON of points.
I love the Chargers to be the NFL’s Highest Scoring Team at +800.
Los Angeles Rams Best Bet
UNDER 10.5 wins -105, BetRivers
No Super Bowl Champion has repeated since the Patriots did it in 2003-04. In fact, Super Bowl winners, on average, win about two games fewer the next season.
The Rams are a team built around star players. The quartet of QB Matt Stafford, WR Cooper Kupp, DT Aaron Donald, and CB Jalen Ramsey are the most impressive in the NFL. Without question.
But what happens if one of them gets injured? It’s a cliff-drop of production between the first and second string.
AND! The Rams have the most difficult schedule in the NFL. They play the Bills, 49ers (twice), Cowboys, Bucs, Saints, Chiefs, Packers, Broncos, and Chargers.
Damn.
Eleven wins is a lot to ask for a team due for regression.
Miami Dolphins Best Bet
To Make The Playoffs +150, BetRivers
The Dolphins had a productive offseason. They added new coach Mike McDaniel and the NFL’s most electric offensive star in Tyreek Hill. They have the pieces they need to shock some people this season.
With an improved offensive line, second-year QB Tua Tagovailoa should have a crucial extra half-second per play. That might be just enough time to get the ball into the hands of Hill and let him do his thing.
It’s not out of the question to think Hill on his own could steal a game or two, and a much improved Dolphins squad could have a solid season. One AFC team outside the top six will sneak into a wild card spot.
Why not the Dolphins?
Minnesota Vikings Best Bet
UNDER 9.5 wins +110, FanDuel
Another team with a new coaching staff is the Minnesota Vikings, who have finally moved on from Mike Zimmer.
Finally! The Vikings can move away from their conservative game plan and let their star quarterback make some damn plays!
Unfortunately, their quarterback is Kirk Cousins. A man with the excitement of a dentist appointment, destined to end his NFL career exactly one game under .500.
The Vikings aren’t going to blow anyone out of the water this year, and they’re just good enough to be better than the worst NFL tier. I see them ending the season either 8-9 or 9-8, so I’m comfortable taking the Under 9.5 wins here.
New England Patriots Best Bet
To Miss The Playoffs -165, BetMGM
The Patriots outperformed expectations last season against a soft schedule. They managed a 10-7 record in 2021, but only two of those wins came against teams with a winning record. Their schedule this year is much tougher.
With the AFC being the tougher of the conferences, there won’t be enough playoff spots to go around. While it’s not usually wise to bet against Bill Belichick, the Patriots are due for regression this season.
Their win total is 9.5, and that looks about right, so I don’t see an actionable bet there. I prefer to bet the Patriots to miss the playoffs.
New Orleans Saints Best Bet
OVER 8.5 wins -105, DraftKings
The Saints managed to scrape together a 9-8 season in 2021 despite a season-ending injury to QB Jameis Winston. They were on pace for a playoff berth before Winston got hurt.
The Saints roster is solid, if not impressive. A trio of reliable targets are available for Winston in WR Michael Thomas, rookie Chris Olave, and off-season pickup Jarvis Landry. RB Alvin Kamara remains a question mark as a suspension looms.
Overall, this line feels about one number too low. If everyone remains healthy, there’s no reason the Saints can’t improve on last season, or match it with nine wins. That’s all we need to cash this one.
New York Giants Best Bet
OVER 6.5 wins -135, BetMGM
Giants fans are desperate for a winning season.
A coaching change should bolster confidence, as Brian Daboll starts his tenure as Giants coach, and Wink Martindale joins him as the new defensive coordinator.
What’s more, the Giants are slated with the easiest schedule of any NFL team this season — by a wide margin. The Giants play the Bears, Jets, Jaguars, Texans, Seahawks, Lions, and the Commanders (twice) in a truly soft slate.
Even their toughest matchup — the Green Bay Packers — is being played in London on a neutral field.
It’s not unreasonable to think the Giants put up seven wins this season. It’s one of my favorite bets on the board.
New York Jets Best Bet
UNDER 5.5 wins +145, DraftKings
For the optimists, the Jets added a TON of young talent during the 2022 NFL Draft. First-round picks CB Ahmed “Sauce” Gardner, WR Garrett Wilson, and DE Jermaine Johnson II should make an immediate impact, and RB Breece Hall was a steal in the second round.
An impressive quartet of picks.
The problem? Zach Wilson remains their quarterback. And he’s hurt.
Wilson was last in most measurable stats for starting quarterbacks in 2021, and finished 39th out of 40 in QB rating for the season.
Look for the Jets to struggle, again.
Philadelphia Eagles Best Bets
To Win NFC East +175, BetMGM
OVER 9.5 wins -125, FanDuel
The Eagles are one of the most well-rounded teams in the NFL.
They won’t blow anyone away, but they aren’t lacking in any areas, either. With reliable guys covering every position, the Eagles have a shot to win the division.
The one question mark is QB Jalen Hurts, but an impressive Eagles offensive line should give him the time he needs to make plays. Newly acquired WR A.J. Brown and rookie WR Devonta Smith should afford Hurts plenty of chances to get the ball downfield.
Also, the Eagles have the NFL’s second easiest schedule, with games against the Lions, Jaguars, Steelers, Texans, Commanders (twice), and Bears.
I like the Eagles to compete and will be playing them in most markets.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Best Bets
UNDER 7.5 wins -110, BetMGM
Mike Tomlin’s coaching record at Pittsburgh is at risk this season. In his 15 years as Steelers coach, Tomlin has never had a losing season.
The Steelers enter their first year without QB Ben Roethlisberger. A trio of less-than-good options are fighting over the starting job, as Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, and Mason Rudolph remain in the running for the starting job.
The rest of their roster doesn’t matter. If those are your three best options behind center, you’re going to have a losing record.
Fade the Steelers.
San Francisco 49ers Best Bets
OVER 10 wins -110, DraftKings
To Win NFC West +200, BetMGM
Kyle Shanahan finally has his mobile QB in San Francisco. And if Trey Lance lives up to half the hype, I think the 49ers have a chance to be the best team in the NFC.
But! The Trey Lance experiment could fail, which makes San Francisco a true boom-or-bust team this season.
Assuming Lance is an upgrade from Jimmy G, and with offensive talent like TE George Kittle, WRs Deebo Samuel, and Brandon Ayiuk, the 49ers are in for a banger of a season.
With the Rams dealing with a Super Bowl hangover, and the Seahawks fielding their worst starting roster in franchise history, I like the 49ers to shine this year.
I’m backing their OVER 10 win total and grabbing them at +200 to win the NFC West.
Seattle Seahawks Best Bets
Fewest Regular Season Wins +750, DraftKings
Oof.
Bad roster? Check. The Seahawks lost their two best players in QB Russell Wilson and defensive leader Bobby Wagner.
Bad coach? Check. Pete Carroll is not-so-gracefully riding off into the sunset as this run-happy coach refuses to adapt to a pass-first system that’s required in today’s NFL. Without Russell Wilson to bail him out, Carroll’s terrible play calling will be exposed.
Losing on purpose? Check. The Seahawks could (and should) try and finish as far down the standings as possible in order to book a favourable draft spot. They’ve certainly written off 2022 as a rebuild.
The under 5.5 wins is available at +150, which is a great bet. I’m also adding them to have the fewest regular-season wins at +550.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Bets Bets
Wait until Week 5
According to sportsbooks, the Buccaneers are the team to beat in the NFC. They’re a whopping -700 to make the playoffs, and -300 to win the NFC South.
And while the Bucs are good and Brady is … well, Brady … there’s cause for concern in Tampa Bay. Brady’s favorite target Rob Gronkowski retired, and the offensive line lost a key piece in Ali Mapert. I do think the Bucs remain a Super Bowl contender in 2022, but I’m not touching their pre-season futures.
The best bet here is to wait until Week 5. Tampa Bay opens its season with a tough four-game stretch against the Cowboys, Saints, Packers, and Chiefs. A good start shouldn’t change much, but a slow start would lengthen their odds. That’s a good time to buy in on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Tennessee Titans Best Bet
To Miss The Playoffs -110, BetRivers
The Titans over-performed on just about every metric available in 2021, firing off 12 wins and clinchinch firsr place in the AFC.
That won’t happen again.
The Titans traded away WR A.J. Brown, which puts tremendous pressure on their one-trick pony offense. With a run-heavy scheme, if Derrick Henry gets injured again, they’ll be relying on a shaky quarterback in Ryan Tannehill with limited targets.
Their defense should keep them competitive, but I don’t see the Titans repeating last year’s success.
Washington Commanders Best Bet
UNDER 7.5 wins +110, BetRivers
When you have trouble on both sides of the ball, that isn’t a recipe for football success.
The Commanders finished 27th in defense last season and won’t fare much better to begin 2022. Defensive star Chase Young is injured. Already ruled out of the season opener, he could miss significant time beyond that.
Also, the Commanders were the big winner in the Carson Wentz sweepstakes! Management grossly overpaid for a below-average quarterback in what continues to be a trend for the organization.
Well done, everyone.
They’re the worst team in the NFC East, and while Under 8 wins has been heavily juiced, I’m taking a crack on the alternate line, UNDER 7.5 wins +110.
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