Seen on:
as known from New York Timesas known from USA Todayas known from yahoo!
VA

10 Bold Predictions for the AFC West in 2022

Publish Date: 08/31/2022
Fact checked by: Simon Briffa
COSTA MESA, CA - JULY 27: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers attempts a pass during training camp at Jack Hammett Sports Complex on July 27, 2022 in Costa Mesa, California. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

 Bold Predictions

The AFC West should be the toughest division in the NFL this season. The Raiders added Devante Adams to what was a playoff team last year, the Broncos added Russell Wilson, the Chiefs are still the Chiefs and the Chargers look to be loaded! Check out our top football betting strategies if you want to place a bet on NFL games this season.

10. The Chargers will win the West

The Chargers look to be the most well-rounded team in the division as the offense is stacked, and the defense could be dominant if they can stay healthy. This is an important year for Justin Herbert, as he has everything needed to make a deep playoff run.

Check out the top sportsbook bonuses for betting on the NFL

Bet365
1.
Favicon
4.6/5
Bet $5 Get $150 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
Go to Bet365
Get bonus now
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
BetMGM
2.
Favicon
4.6/5
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Min. Deposit: $10
Go to BetMGM
Get bonus now
T&Cs apply, 21+
FanDuel
3.
Favicon
4.5/5
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets if you win + 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Deposit, Min. Deposit: $10
Go to FanDuel
Get bonus now
T&Cs apply, 21+
Caesars
4.
Favicon
4.5/5
First bet back as a bonus bet up to $1000
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Deposit
Copy
Get bonus now
T&Cs apply, 21+
BetRivers.com
5.
Favicon
4.5/5
Second chance bet: Get up to $500 in Bonus Bets
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
Copy
Get bonus now
T&Cs apply, 21+

9. Skyy Moore is the Chiefs wide receiver in production

The Chiefs offense will have to play differently in 2022 because there is no Tyreek Hill. This will likely mean that the Chiefs offense will spread the ball more and continue last season’s trend to reduce big-play aggression.

Travis Kelce is their most prominent receiver. However, Moore has the best combination of skills to be their leading wideout. Moore is a great receiver with many release options, strong hands and the toughness to win in every area. Moore averaged 3.46 yards per route in college and racked up more than 1,200 yards and ten touchdowns.

8. George Karlaftas will outperform any Kansas City rookie season Frank Clark had.

Since they traded for Clark, Clark has disappointed the Chiefs. Clark had a huge veteran contract that was supposed to provide a source of pressure and production from the edge. But he hasn’t been producing at the level the Chiefs require. Keep that in mind, and you won’t be surprised to see rookie George Karlaftis surpass Clark’s Year 1 average. Karlaftis was an overlooked edge rusher in the draft. However, he was extremely productive in college, scoring over 50 pressures twice and finishing his last season with a 90.6 PFF pass-rushing grade. Karlaftis has the technical ability to make an immediate impact, even though he might have a ceiling in his play.

7. Pete Carroll was wrong

The idea that Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll was responsible for holding Russell Wilson back and putting a limit on his effectiveness as a quarterback was the foundation of the “let Russ Cook” movement. As Wilson assumes control of the Broncos’ offense, we will see for the first time how true this is. Wilson’s style of play may be innate and not due to Carroll or the Seahawks. While Denver may be more aggressive in passing, Wilson isn’t always following the same quick-game passing strategy. Wilson’s ability to make big, high-value, but low-efficiency plays downfield is what makes him so special. Although Wilson is a great football player, his style may not allow him to be the type of quarterback that others are.

6. KJ Hamler Breaks out

Last season, Hamler was barely seen in 88 snaps over three games. He is a rare receiver. Hamler, who is just 5’9 and 173 lbs, could be the perfect designated deep threat for the league’s best deep passer. Hamler averages 1.18 yards per route in the NFL but has had to deal with inept or conservative quarterback play. Wilson was familiar with taking advantage of these types of players even though they may not have the same skill set as Hamler in college.

5. Derek Carr’s highest PFF grade is his entire career

Adams was the NFL’s top receiver for several years. He led the league in PFF grades (93.1), and third in yards per run (2.82) over the past two seasons. Adams was also Carr’s favorite target in college, so they already have chemistry.

4. The Raiders have an offensive line that ranks in the bottom five

The offensive line is the only thing that could sink the Raiders this year. It ranks 29th going into the season. The offensive line is the core of the offense. The offensive line can make or break the Raiders’ ability to field a quarterback and other skill players. Alex Leatherwood was the only lineman to allow more pressures last season (67), while the Raiders were 24th in pass-blocking efficiency. To avoid problems, this group must be able to provide pleasant surprises. In the end, the lack of a high-quality offensive line will probably be the downfall of the Raiders.

Check out the top sportsbooks for betting on the NFL

Bet365
4.6/5
Bet365 Review
Bet $5 Get $150 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
Bet now
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
BetMGM
4.6/5
BetMGM Review
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
T&Cs apply, 21+
Bet now
FanDuel
4.5/5
FanDuel Review
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets if you win
T&Cs apply, 21+
Bet now

3. CB Nate Hobbs goes to the Pro Bowl

The Raiders’ rookie cornerback Nate Hobbs was a shining light last season. He was second in defense’s PFF grade to Maxx Crosby. Hobbs was primarily a slot cornerback and allowed only 8.5 yards per catch for the season. Hobbs may benefit from more coverage variety, even though the Raiders had a predictable defense. Hobbs is a talented slot corner and could be a Pro Bowler.

2. Chargers defense ranks among the top 10

The Chargers already had a lot of talent on defense and Staley’s defensive strategy was among the most innovative in the NFL. It was expected that he would make an immediate impact on this unit. However, it came in 24th place for EPA per play last season. The Chargers have added significant reinforcements to their offseason — Khalil Mack and Sebastian Joseph Day will all make a big difference in their ability to stop the run, while Mack will add real pressure. Check out the top football odds.

1. The Chargers defense will be ranked top-five in turnovers

The Chargers’ priority in acquiring ball hawks for their secondary will play a large part in the defense’s turnaround. Turnovers can be one of the most important plays in football and can help offset a lot of lost yardage. J.C. Jackson had 25 interceptions and 28 more pass breakups in his four seasons with the league. Asante Samuel Jr. had an underwhelming rookie year but still managed to score two interceptions and seven pass breakups. He is a skilled ball player with a knack for breaking the football. Derwin Jim is a great playmaker in the NFL. Nasir Aderley offers an elite range of free safety. The Chargers were not bad at turnovers last season, but they are among the best in the league this year.

Read Also
Esteban de Jesus, Roberto Duran y AIDS (1972-89)
Many of us dream of celebrity sports fame, but only cruel individuals ...
Oakland Raiders All-Time Team: Just Win Baby!
Narrowing down the Raiders elite seems nearly impossible. There are so many ...
Bet365 Promo
Superman vs. Muhammad Ali: How the Heavyweight Champ and the Man of Steel Saved the World in 1978
Training The Mego toy corporation, arguably best known for its line of ...
Stories You Should Know: Bill Russell in Game 7’s
Bill Russell: Winner The greatest winner in the history of professional team ...
The 10 Biggest Upsets in NFL Playoff History: Which Upset was the Greatest?
I did not include Super Bowls in this ranking. These games were ...
The Greatest College Basketball Team of All Time
Rating the greatest college basketball teams ever has been done many times ...
NFL Week 5 TNF Colts/Broncos: Odds, Tips and Predictions 10/6/22
📅 Date: Thursday, October, 6 🕚 Game Time: 8:20 ET 📺 How ...
Projecting the Top-20 NFL Wide Receivers before the 2022 NFL Season
The number one wide receiver is a quarterback's best friend. There are ...
Grading every NFL team’s picks from the 2021 NFL Draft
Quickly, click away if you’re going to get upset by reading draft ...
Sam Teets 2021 NFL three-round predictive mock draft 6.0
This is a predictive NFL mock draft and my final of the ...
Latest News
Preview and Picks for Navarrete vs. Valdez 2 & Espinoza vs. Ramirez 2 on ...
This Saturday night, a two-pack of rematches will ...
Top 15 Baseball Announcers of all-time: Who was the greatest?
This will have a heavy slant towards older ...
Top 17 Dirtiest College Basketball Coaches of all time
Today we will look at the biggest cheaters ...
Top Betting Sites
Top Betting Bonuses
Bet365
4.6/5
BetMGM
4.6/5
FanDuel
4.5/5
Caesars
4.5/5
BetRivers.com
BetRivers.com
BetRivers.com Review
4.5/5
Bet365
Bet365 Bonus
Bet $5 Get $150 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It's Never Ordinary at bet365. That's why if you sign up now you'll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
BetMGM
BetMGM Bonus
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
FanDuel
FanDuel Bonus
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets if you win
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Caesars
Caesars Bonus
First bet back as a bonus bet up to $1000
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
BetRivers.com
BetRivers.com Bonus
Second chance bet: Get up to $500 in Bonus Bets
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Our Team
Mike GoodpasterJosh SchwartzSimon BriffaMark LewisSamuel Teets
+8
Mike Goodpaster
Mike Goodpaster
Chief Editor
Josh Schwartz
Josh Schwartz
Editor
Simon Briffa
Simon Briffa
Sports Editor
Mark Lewis
Mark Lewis
Editor
Samuel Teets
Samuel Teets
US Sports Veteran
Author Icon
drjaygee
Editor
Find out what the legends have to say about sports this week....
Find out what the legends have to say about sports this week....

21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times.
Virginia Town HallCloudflareSSL
Close
Our Sports Pros recommend these awesome sports betting sites this week:
BetMGM
BetMGM Bonus
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
T&Cs apply, 21+
Promo Code:
Go to BetMGM
Get Bonus
FanDuel
FanDuel Bonus
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets if you win
+ 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass
T&Cs apply, 21+
Promo Code:
Go to FanDuel
Get Bonus
Bet365
Bet365 Bonus
Bet $5 Get $150 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
T&Cs apply, 21+
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It's Never Ordinary at bet365. That's why if you sign up now you'll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
Promo Code:
Go to Bet365
Go to Bet365
×
Your Promo Code:
The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. If not, you can open it also by clicking the following link:
Play now