NFL Week 10 Best Bets

I’m wedding-ed out. After 7 weddings in 15 months, I am #done for the year. Why does this matter to you? I won’t miss another weekly best bets column like I did last week for a (you guessed it) wedding. I will be better, and after a 3-1 Week 8, I’m on the right track. Here’s to a winning Week 10.

*Lines as of 11/13 at 11:30 AM ET on FanDuel

NFL Week 10 Best Bets

Eagles -6 1H vs. Commanders

I am going back to the well until further notice. The Eagles are 7-1 ATS in the 1st half. They average a league-best 20 points per game in the first half. Do you know who ranks 31st in 1st half scoring? The Washington Commanders with a measly average of 6.0 points. The Eagles have a problem with taking their foot off the gas in the second half, but that doesn’t matter for this bet. Expect a few Jalen Hurts TDs in the first half for the cover.

Raiders -4.5 vs. Colts

All of the signs say to bet on the Raiders. Jeff Saturday has never coached a game at the NFL or collegiate level. No one on that staff has ever called offensive plays. The Colts are starting a rookie QB. Once again, this should be easy money. But, the Raiders love to lose. Three blown leads of 17 points this season is no Bueno. I have no evidence to support this theory, but my guess is the entire NFL coaching community wants the Raiders to blow out the Colts because of the Saturday decision.

NFL Week 10 Underdog of the Week

Packers +3.5 vs. Cowboys

Full disclosure, I wrote a paragraph on why the Steelers should be the underdog of the week at +1.5 at home against the Saints. This was yesterday (Nov. 12). I woke up this morning and the line was -1 Steelers. Classic! So I’m calling an audible and trusting a team that should not be trusted, the Green Bay Packers. This is a kitchen sink game for the Packers. If you think they have a shot at the playoffs, they need to play well today. The Packers surprisingly allow the second-least amount of passing yards per game. In that same category, Dallas surrenders the fourth least. Expect a lot of runs and if Zeke Elliot can’t go, I’ll take the tandem of Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon over a lone Tony Pollard. This game should be close so I’m siding with Rodgers (for one final time) to cover.

NFL Week 10 Teaser of the Week

7 points: Chiefs -9.5 > -2.5, 49ers -7.5 > -.5

The Chiefs should be able to take care of the Jaguars at home. I would consider taking the 9.5 points because the Jaguars are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 road games. In the Bay area, the 49ers is my Super Bowl representative out of the NFC. After the CMC trade, I feel even more confident that they can win the NFC. Plus, they’re getting healthy again. Deebo Samuel, Kyle Juszczyk, and Elijah Mitchell should all be making their returns. For the Chargers, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams will both be out. I expect a close game, but all the 49ers have to do is win. I’ll take my chances.

2022 NFL Season So Far

Bets of the Week: 5-8-1

Underdog of the Week: 4-3

Teaser of the Week: 3-4

NFL Week 8 Best Bets

Last week, I did not bet on any games. I turned my attention toward my best friend’s wedding (not the movie). Therefore, I did not write up my best bets for Week 7.

After my 0-4 week in Week 6, maybe some time off will change my luck for Week 8.

Maybe not…

*Lines as of 10/29 at 2:00 PM ET on FanDuel

NFL Week 8 Best Bets

Falcons -4 vs. Panthers

I have something to get off my chest. Why does Arthur Smith hate Kyle Pitts and Drake London? Take this with a grain of salt because I’m a Pitts fantasy owner. It’s been a disaster, but Smith is doing nothing to get Pitts and London involved in the offense. I don’t want to hear how Smith is designing plays for his most talented pass-catchers. Enough! Find a way to get your best players the ball. Rant over.

Despite my hatred for Coach Smith’s strategy, the Falcons are tied for the best record ATS at 6-1. They run the ball on offense and stop the run on defense. (6th against the run in terms of yards per game.) I have no explanation for how the Panthers beat the Bucs. It will be an ugly game, but the Falcons should come out on top.

Eagles -6 1H vs. Steelers

The Eagles are the best team in the NFC. They are 4th in points per game and give up the fourth least points per game. Jalen Hurts might win the MVP if he continues his production and leads Philly to a 1-seed. However, they have one glaring issue. The Eagles do not know how to score in the second half. It is an anomaly. The Eagles average 5.8 points in the second half, which is 30th in the NFL. On the flip side, the Eagles are the highest-scoring offense in the first half and it ain’t close. (21 first-half points per game. Second place is 16 points.) Philly is 6-0 ATS in the first half. Let’s hope that trend continues.

NFL Week 8 Underdog of the Week

Browns +3.5 vs. Bengals

If Ja’Maar Chase was playing, I would be staying away from this game. With Chase out, I’m back in on the Browns. Cleveland sneakily owns the Bengals as the Browns are winners of the past four matchups and seven of the last eight. Nick Chubb, the NFL’s leading rusher, should find success against an average Bengals rushing defense. Plus, I’ll take Myles Garrett against anyone on the average Bengals offensive line. Time to bark, Cleveland.

NFL Week 8 Teaser of the Week

7 points: Bills -10.5 > -3.5, Titans +1 > Titans +8

If the Bills want to win the Super Bowl, they need to take care of business at home and step on the Packers’ throats. The Packers are in disarray and Aaron Rodgers will be missing his top target, Allen Lazard. No excuse for Buffalo to have a letdown game. In Houston, I had to do a double-take at this line. Even with Ryan Tannehill out, why are the Texans a 1-point favorite against the first-place Titans? Someone explain to me how this makes sense? WHAT DOES VEGAS KNOW?! Don’t be scared, folks. Malik Willis might take this job and not give it up, Yup, I said it. The Titans have won four of the last five against Houston. They’ll make it five out of six.

2022 NFL Season So Far

Bets of the Week: 4-7-1

Underdog of the Week: 3-3

Teaser of the Week: 2-4

NFL Week 6 Best Bets

Oh, Daniel. Daniel Daniel Daniel Daniel, Daniel. What a HORRIBLE Week 5 for yours truly. Zero wins are unacceptable. You’re going to have bad weeks. I get that. However, Week 6 must be a winning week, or I’m going to have to take a long look in the mirror and question everything I know about football. (I will still bet in Week 7 no matter what.) We’re going to FanDuel for the Week 6 lines. Change up the mojo.

*Lines as of 10/15 at 2:00 PM ET on FanDuel

NFL Week 6 Bets of the Week

Seahawks vs. Cardinals Over 50.5

We’re switching things up this week. As much as I want to bet Seattle to not only cover the 2.5 but win outright, I am going with the safer* play. Geno Smith is a new man. Who had the highest passer rating in Week 5? Mr. Geno Smith. Who has Seattle at 7th in points per game (25.4) and eighth in yards per game (368.0)? Mr. Geno Smith. Arizona might have the worst first-quarter offense in the history of football with 0.0 points per game. However, the Cardinals did outgain the Eagles in yards last week, 363 to 357. Even with James Conner and Darrel Williams out, Arizona will find success on the ground as the Seahawks surrender the most rushing yards per game (170.2) and 2nd most points per game (30.8). It should be noted that Rashaad Penny is on IR for Seattle. Don’t let it spook you. I’m expecting a slow start, but an explosive second half full of scoring to hit the over.

*There are no safe bets in gambling.

Chargers -4.5 vs. Broncos

Broncos country, let’s (not) ride! What the hell is going on in Denver? Russell Wilson looks lost at QB. He refuses to run, and when he stays in the pocket, he’s missing too many throws. Plus, Nathaniel Hackett is trying to get fired with some of the decisions he’s made over the past five weeks. Speaking of coaches trying to get fired, Brandon Staley makes one WTF decision every week that makes you want to jump off a roof. Why did he go for it on fourth down from his team’s own 46 with 1:14 left up 2 points? The Chargers were lucky to escape Cleveland with a win. Stop being cute. Punt the ball! Anyway, I trust Justin Herbert a lot more than I do Wilson. After getting their asses kicked by the Jaguars, Herbert and the Chargers offense have accumulated 64 points and 884 yards of total offense over the last two weeks. The Denver offense won’t be able to match that. Take the Chargers.

NFL Week 6 Underdog of the Week

Cowboys +6.5 vs. Eagles

Three weeks ago, I bet the Commanders to cover against the Eagles, which did not happen. Last week, I bet the Eagles to cover -5.5 against the Cardinals, which didn’t happen. Is the third time a charm for betting on an Eagles game? The Eagles are the best team in the NFC right now as they boast the second-ranked offense in terms of yards per game. But this third-ranked Dallas defense can neutralize Hurts. The Eagles should jump out to an early lead, but the Eagles offense stalls in the second half. They average only 5.8 points in the second half (third worst in NFL) as opposed to a league-best 21.2 points in the first half. I’m trusting Coope Rush to get the backdoor cover this weekend.

NFL Week 6 Teaser of the Week

Teaser: 7 points, Bucs -10>-3, Rams -10>-3

I’m pretty confident that the Bucs will be able to exploit a Steelers’ secondary that’s missing their three top corners and Minkah Fitzpatrick. However, I’m nervous about the Rams. It’s not an exaggeration to say the Rams have no threats on offense besides Cooper Kupp. As bad as the Panthers have been, all they need to do is triple-team Kupp, and the team will have a shot to keep it close. I believe in the “new coach, new quarterback” narrative to inject some life into the Panthers. PJ Walker is an upgrade over Mayfield, and no Matt Rhule is a win for the Panthers. Walker is 2-0 ATS and 2-0 SU as an NFL quarterback. Panthers +10 is a great underdog play, but Kupp will make enough plays to cover the 3 points in the tease.

2022 NFL Season So Far

Bets of the Week: 4-5-1

Underdog of the Week: 3-2

Teaser of the Week: 2-3

NFL Week 5 Best Bets

Trevor Lawrence throwing a pass.

In Week 4, the frisky Lions and Steelers let us down, but the Falcons, Chiefs, and Ravens did their thing to make it a 2-2 week. In Week 5, I’m trusting a cat, a bird, a JV offense, and Captain Kirk.

*Lines as of 10/9 at 12:30 PM ET on DraftKings

NFL Week 5 Bets of the Week

Jaguars -7 vs. Texans

Last week, I loved the Lions, but they let me down. This week, I’m staying in the cat family and backing the Jaguars. I’m not going to overreact to the Jaguars’ offense committing five turnovers last week against the Eagles. It was a monsoon! I’m well aware that the Texans own the Jaguars. (6-2 ATS, 8-0 SU in the last eight meetings.) The Jags are 4th in overall DVOA. Plus, Trevor Lawrence continues to improve in every statistical category from a season ago up to this point in the season. Lawrence had 12 passing TDs last season. This year, he has 8. Expect a few more as the Jaguars go on to win by 10.

Eagles -5.5 vs. Cardinals

The Eagles continue to be a thorn in my side. I’ve picked against them multiple times. What does Philly do? They go out and smack their opponents. Jalen Hurts has been a top 3 QB in the NFL through 4 weeks. Hurts, who has 8 total TDs and 2 INTs, is the catalyst of the NFL’s 2nd best offense in terms of yards per game with 435. The Cardinals are a chaotic mess. Arizona is averaging a league-worst 4 (!) points in the first half. Which team scores the most in the first half? The Philadelphia Eagles (23-point average first half), and it ain’t even close. Back the birds.

NFL Week 5 Underdog of the Week

Steelers +13.5 vs. Bills

The Bills are my Super Bowl pick. At times, they have looked like a juggernaut. Conversely, the Steelers have been a JV team on offense. Kenny Pickett should spark some life into the offense that is averaging a mediocre 18.5 points per game. So why am I backing the Steelers? Two words: Mike Tomlin. Coach T is 7-1 ATS as a 6-point underdog without Ben Roethlisberger as his QB. Let’s not forget that the Steelers went into Buffalo last year and upset the Bills. The Steelers will not win today’s game, but they will keep it close enough to cover.

NFL Week 5 Teaser of the Week

Teaser: 7 points, Jaguars -7>PK, Vikings -8.5>-1.5

Read above for my Jaguars’ rationale. The Vikings play the Bears, and I believe the Bears are the worst team in the NFL. If the Steelers run a JV offense, the Bears’ offense belongs in Pop Warner. The Bears are last in the NFL in passing yards per game with 97 (!!!!!!), second-to-last in yards per game at 274, and third-to-last in points per game with 16. If the Vikings’ defense puts 11 players on the field, they have a good chance at stopping the Bears. Trust Captain Kirk at 1 PM. He’ll deliver, and so will the Vikings.

2022 NFL Season So Far

Bets of the Week: 4-3-1

Underdog of the Week: 3-1

Teaser of the Week: 2-2

NFL Week 4 Best Bets

Jared Goff throws a pass for the Detroit Lions.

My name is Dan Girolamo, and I will not trust Carson Wentz for the rest of the NFL season. I am a fool! They said the Eagles were 1-5 ATS in their last six division games. They said the line jumped three points to 6.5 after the Eagles trounced the Vikings. However, none of it mattered as Wentz stunk up the joint 24-8 loss. After a 1-3 record, let’s get back on track in Week 4.

*Lines as of 9/30 at 11:30 PM ET on DraftKings

NFL Week 4 Bets of the Week

Lions -4 vs. Seahawks

The frisky Lions continue to impress me. They’ve been in every game this year. Detroit was up 24-14 heading into the fourth quarter a week ago against the Viking before blowing it at the end to lose 28-24. Did you know that the Lions are 3-0 ATS in 2022? Now, they return home to pay the inferior Seahawks. Jared Goff with time is a good quarterback. With 7 TDs and 2 INTs, Goff leads a Lions offense that’s third in the NFL in yards per game at 409. Even though the Lions are the fifth-worst in total defense, Seattle’s offense is fifth-worst in yards per game at 296.3. I expect a close game at halftime, but expect Goff and the Lions to win by a touchdown once the Seahwawks’ offense disappears in the second half.

Update: I wrote this the morning of 9/30 before the Lions said they would be without Amon-Ra St. Brown and D’Andre Swift. Losing St. Brown is a devastating blow to this offense as Goff’s favorite target leads the team with 253 receiving yards and 3 TDs. However, no Swift means the Lions can turn Jamaal Williams into a bell-cow running back. Williams is third in the NFL in red zone opportunities so expect that number to increase on Sunday. I still love the Lions, and you should, too. Thank you to my good pal, and gambling savant, Bus, who reminded me to update this post.

Jared Goff throws a pass for the Detroit Lions.

Steelers -3 vs. Jets

If you want to see a Big 10 football game in the NFL, then tune into Steelers-Jets on Sunday. Boy, will this game be ugly. The big news comes from New York as Zach Wilson will suit up for the first time this season. He inherits a Jets offense that’s averaged 370 yards per game (ninth in the NFL). On the flip side, Mitchell Trubisky runs a lifeless Steelers offense that’s bottom five in both yards per game and passing yards per game. However, this is more about Wilson playing his first game of the season against a Steelers defense that will pin their ears back and make Wilson’s life a living hell. The Steelers’ turnover differential is +3 while the Jets sit at -4. Winning the turnover battle matters, and the Steelers will force them on their way to a 6-point victory.

NFL Week 4 Underdog of the Week

Falcons +1 vs. Browns

Just like the Lions, the Falcons are 3-0 ATS in 2022. Although the offensive numbers are middle of the pack, the Falcons are top 10 in scoring offense, and all three games have hit the over. Am I afraid that the NFL’s top rusher in terms of yards, Nick Chubb, and the top rushing offense in the NFL get to face the 22nd-ranked Falcons defense? I’m not afraid, but I am concerned. This basically comes down to Jacoby Brissett vs. the Falcons. I still don’t trust Brissett, and he’s facing an Atlanta defense that’s seventh in forcing turnovers. It’s a coin flip so I’ll take the home dogs.

NFL Week 4 Teaser of the Week

Teaser: 6 points, Chiefs +1>+7 / Ravens +3>+9

Last week, my teaser consisted of a good team (Bucs) and a bad team (Commanders). Why did I torture myself? How about I put two good teams in the teaser of the week? Both the Chiefs and the Ravens are two Super Bowl caliber teams who find themselves as underdogs. When will that happen again? The Chiefs special teams were atrocious a week ago in the loss to the Colts. The lack of a deep threat concerns me for the Chiefs, but Patrick Mahomes is 6-0-1 ATS as a road underdog and 10-3 SU following a loss. Plus, Brady is still trying to figure out the receiving situation so give me the Chiefs at +7 to cover. In Baltimore, Lamar Jackson is the runaway MVP favorite as of today. Jackson’s 10 passing TDs and 2 rushing TDs anchor the highest-scoring offense in the NFL through three games. The Bills are good, but they won’t blow out the Ravens in Baltimore.

2022 NFL Season So Far

Bets of the Week: 4-2

Underdog of the Week: 2-1

Teaser of the Week: 1-2

NFL Week 3 Best Bets

Carson Wentz fist pumping for the Commanders.

After a mediocre first week, my NFL bets kicked ass in Week 2 as they went a perfect 4-0. Now, I wish I only bet 4 games and those 4 games only. But hey, I needed some action elsewhere, and I lost those bets. It happens. Regardless, the ones I wrote about all won so I hope you took advantage of the opportunity. Looking at the Week 3 slate, I spy with my little eye, a pack of barking dogs. Vegas is begging you to take the home underdogs in Indy, Miami, New England, DC, and NY so they can clean up when the favorites win.

What will I do? Let’s talk it out.

*Lines as of 9/23 at 3:00 PM ET on DraftKings

NFL Week 3 Bets of the Week

Raiders -2 vs. Titans

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s the kitchen sink game. With the Raiders and Titans at 0-2, both teams will do everything in their power to win this game. Fake punts, flea flickers, and reverses will be on the table. At the very least, the Raiders should be 1-1. Blowing a 20-point lead to a lifeless Cardinals team is inexcusable. On the flip side, the Titans gift-wrapped the Giants a Week 1 victory before being trounced by the Bills. Something has to give for one of these teams. The Raiders offense has been mediocre with an average of 322 yards per game. But it’s not as bad as the 273 yards per game from the Titans offense. Plus, the Titans will be missing one of their best pass blockers and pass rushers. Don’t let us down, Carr. This is your game to win.

Bengals -6 vs. Jets

What happened to the Bengals? Truth be told, the Bengals aren’t as big of a mess as the media says. If Evan McPherson makes a field goal in Week 1 and the defense makes a 4th quarter stop in Week 2, Cincy could be 2-0. But, they’re winless and must face a Jets teams with a ton of confidence after pulling a rabbit out of a hat in their win vs. the Browns. Burrow can’t get sacked 13 times in two games, but the offensive line isn’t that bad. They just need to put some points on the board. As long as Burrow doesn’t throw Sauce Gardner’s way, they should be able to attack the Jets in the middle of the field and win by 7.

NFL Week 3 Underdog of the Week

Commanders +6.5 vs. Eagles

Carson Wentz fist pumping for the Commanders.

Before I hit you with a “but,” I will say that Jalen Hurts is off to a fantastic start this NFL season. I have my doubts about him as a pocket passer, but if he’s accumulating over 700 total yards in 2 games while sitting in the Top 10 for QBR, who the hell cares about the pocket? The Eagles look like the clear NFC East champions through two weeks. BUT, this line is an overreaction to the beatdown that took place against the Vikings. Say what you want about the Commies, they’re a division rival at home, and Philly is 1-5 ATS in their last six games against division opponents. If Carson Wentz takes care of the football (huge “if”) better than Kirk Cousins, then the Commies should be able to exploit an Eagles defense that surrendered 35 points to the Lions in Week 1. Philly may win, but the Commanders get the cover.

NFL Week 3 Teaser of the Week

Teaser: 7 points, Commanders +6.5>+13.5 / Bucs -1 > +6

I don’t have the balls to tease the Colts even though I want to do just that. Instead, I’ll tease the Bucs at home vs. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. The Bucs have arguably the best defense in the NFL right now, surrendering an impressive 6.5 points per game. For the Packers, Rodgers’s healthy receiver right now is rookie Romeo Doubs. The under is the better play in this game, but for teasing purposes, let’s give Brady the 6 points at home.

2022 NFL Season So Far

Bets of the Week: 3-1

Underdog of the Week: 2-0

Teaser of the Week: 1-1

NFL Week 2 Best Bets

Aaron Rodgers Green Bay Packers

Last week, we opened up the NFL season with a 2-2 split. Lamar Jackson and Justin Jefferson did their thing, but Trey Lance and the 49ers forgot to hold up their end of the bargain. Have no fear, we’re at it again in Week 2.

Despite a decent week, we’re switching up the book for Week 2 as these lines come from Draftkings. Switching up the juju will ensure us a winning week.

Packers -10 vs. Bears

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers got their asses kicked by the Vikings in Week 1. From dropped passes to blown coverages, it was a rough day at the office for a team expected to challenge for the one seed. Remember last season when the Packers lost 38-3 in Week 1 against the Saints? In Week 2, they went to Lambeau and righted the ship on their way to a 35-17 victory over the Lions.

I’m expecting history to repeat itself. Rodgers owns a 22-5 record against the Bears with an impressive 61 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. I still believe the Bears are one of the three worst teams in the league. Besides the toughness of Justin Fields, I learned nothing about the Bears in a torrential downpour victory against the 49ers. The Bears haven’t won in Green Bay since 2015. They’ll have to try again next year because it ain’t happening on Sunday night.

Lions +1 vs. Commanders

I don’t like the Lions. I love the Lions. Detroit is a frisky bunch that usually finds a way to cover. They were 10-7 ATS in 2021. Carson Wentz threw for 313 yards, 4 (!!!) TDs, and 2 INTs a week ago against the Jaguars. Do you think that will happen again? Honestly, no! Dan Campbell gets to celebrate with a nice bite out of a kneecap.

Underdog of the Week: Steelers +3 vs. Patriots

The Patriots are favored only because of this phrase: “Bill Belichick won’t start 0-2.” Belichick owns Tomlin, having won 6 of the last 7 matchups. However, Tom Brady no longer plays QB for the Pats. Why would anyone trust the Patriots offense after putting up 291 yards and 7 points a week ago? I understand Najee Harris (health) and Mitch Trubisky (skills) are limited, and T.J. Watt is out. But, I like the Steelers defense to make life a living hell for Mac Jones as Pittsburgh goes on to win by a field goal.

Teaser: 7 points, Packers -10>-3, Bills -10>-3

Unlike the Packers who are in a bounce back mode, the Bills are looking to keep their foot on the throttle after the Week 1 blowout victory against the Rams. The Titans beat the Bills last year by a field goal, but after their performance against the Giants in Week 1, why would anyone trust this offense? Volume king Derrick Henry had 20 carries for 82 yards against the Giants. The Bills will stack the box and make Ryan Tannehill beat them. Good luck, Tanny, because you won’t outduel Josh Allen.

Good luck.

2022 NFL Season So Far

Regular Bets: 1-1

Underdog of the Week: 1-0

Teaser of the Week: 0-1

2022 NFL Season Predictions And Week 1 Bets

Matthew Stafford pointing in a Rams game.

We did it, everyone! After an excruciating offseason full of contract disputes, suspension predictions, and hand size measurements, the NFL finally returns tonight with a top-notch game, Bills vs. Rams. This also marks my return to Unafraid Show after a short hiatus. Sometimes, you need to recharge the batteries, and that’s exactly what I did. But I’m ready to go, so buckle up and enjoy my NFL season predictions and bets for Week 1.

2022 NFL Season Thoughts

The Bills Are Awesome, But Everyone Likes Them

I’ve known my Super Bowl pick since March. The Bills are going to win the Super Bowl. Josh Allen knows he must do two things: choose heads and secure home-field advantage. Adding Von Miller will help bolster a unit that finished 11th in sacks last season. Gabe Davis and Isaiah McKenzie are prime candidates for breakout seasons. The only thing that scares me is the media’s infatuation with the Bills. Everyone likes the Bills, you say? What could go wrong?

The AFC West Conundrum

On paper, the AFC West is the strongest division in the NFL. There’s a world where all four teams make the playoffs. There’s also a world where one team makes the playoffs. It’s unlikely the latter scenario happens, but it’s possible if all four teams beat up each other throughout the season. The Chiefs and Chargers are the standout teams behind MVP candidates Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert. The Raiders brought in Josh McDaniels and Davante Adams while the Broncos opted for Nathaniel Hackett and Russell Wilson. However, the player that will decide which of these two teams will make the playoffs is Derek Carr. If Carr clicks with McDaniels and Adams, the Raiders will return to the postseason. If they struggle, Mr. Unlimited will ride Denver to the postseason.

New Teams To Make The Playoffs

By now, you’ve seen the stat where four to six teams new teams will make the playoffs. As easy as it would be to include all the team’s from the 2022 postseason and slot them in the 2023 postseason, that wouldn’t be smart. A team will likely go from worst to first* and vice versa. The tough part is deciding who’s in and who’s out.

* It’s an expression. It might not be “worst to first,” but it will be “worst to the playoffs.” I excluded that phrasing because it doesn’t roll off the tongue.

Who’s In: Vikings, Colts, Ravens, Chargers, Broncos

Who’s Out: Steelers, Cowboys, Titans, Patriots, Raiders

2022 NFL Season Predictions

AFC

  1. Bills
  2. Chiefs
  3. Ravens
  4. Colts
  5. Chargers
  6. Bengals
  7. Broncos

AFC Championship: Bills over Chiefs

NFC

  1. Packers
  2. Bucs
  3. 49ers
  4. Eagles
  5. Vikings
  6. Rams
  7. Cardinals

NFC Championship: 49ers over Packers

Super Bowl: Bills over 49ers

2022 NFL Awards

  • MVP – Justin Herbert
  • Offensive Player of the Year – Christian McCaffrey
  • Defensive Player of the Year – Nick Bosa
  • Offensive Rookie of the Year – Dameon Pierce
  • Defensive Rookie of the Year – Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner
  • Comeback Player of the Year – Christian McCaffrey
  • Coach of the Year – Sean McDermott

Week 1 Bets

I figured I would take this time to sprinkle in some of my favorite bets for Week 1. Unfortunately, I’m addicted to teasers, which is not the right path to pursue, but it makes me happy, so who cares. I’m not sponsored by a sportsbook so I’ll shop around for the best lines. I’ll be using FanDuel for this article, but I’m not afraid to mix it up with DraftKings. My DMs are open if any sportsbook would like to sponsor me.

*Lines from FanDuel as of 9/8

Ravens -6.5 vs. Jets

  • The Ravens had the worst injury luck imaginable a season ago. Lamar Jackson may not be playing under a new contract (please hire an agent), but when he’s healthy, Jackson is one of the league’s best weapons. The Jets will be missing Zach Wilson. That’s not saying much, but “Cool” Joe Flacco is a downgrade from Wilson. Last season, the Jets defense allowed the fourth most rushing yards per game with 138, and the Ravens rushed for the third most yards per game with 145. Don’t overthink this. Bet the Ravens.

49ers -6.5 vs. Bears

  • Name one receiver on the Bears offense outside Darnell Mooney. Also, the Bears have the worst-ranked offensive line heading into 2022 according to Sharp Football Analysis. Justin Fields will be running for his life on Sunday with no lifeline in sight. The 49ers offense will experience growing pains under Trey Lance, but they should win by at least two touchdowns.

Underdog of the Week: Vikings +1.5 vs. Packers

  • Skol! I’m a Kirk Cousins defender. Over the last two seasons, Captain Kirk has thrown for over 8000 yards and 65 TDs. Now with Mike Zimmer out, the Vikings will throw even more. The Packers will probably win 13 games again, but Rodgers still needs time to figure out who to trust at WR. I’m not expecting another 38-3 Week 1 loss, but the Packers will be rusty on offense, and the Vikings will light up the scoreboard.

Teaser of the Week: 6 points – Ravens -.5, 49ers -.5

  • For the reasons outlined above.

Here’s to a great year of losing money and yelling at your TV!

What are your NFL predictions? Leave them in the comments below or tweet at @danny_giro.