Bold Predictions For Second Half of 2022 NFL Season
From the Raiders' unexpected 2-5 record after trading for Davante Adams, to Brian Daboll's success in his first season as Giants head coach, it seems anything can happen during an NFL season. With unpredictable twists and turns lying ahead over the rest of 2022 campaign, here are some bold predictions that could come true by year’s end.
Derek Carr Will Be Benched
Despite signing a lucrative three-year extension, Derek Carr and the Las Vegas Raiders have been having a rough time this season. With major additions on offense like Josh McDaniels as head coach and Davante Adams, it had looked promising heading into the year - yet they have gone 2-5 with 0 wins in one score games. Last week was their lowest of lows when they were shut out 24-0 by New Orleans Saints; Carr's stats being just over 101 yards and no touchdowns along with an interception while taking 3 sacks made for quite the dismal performance.
Kliff Kingsbury Will Be Fired Before End of Season
Despite promising 4-7 finish to the 2021 season and an 11-6 overall record that resulted in a playoff appearance, Steve Keim isn't hesitating to hit the reset button. The Cardinals are squandering their 3-5 start as they struggle through much of 2022, resulting in Matt Rhule being dismissed from his head coaching role within weeks; Kliff Kingsbury may not be far behind him. With Kyler Murray locked into a contract extension worth $230 million until 2028 however, management doesn't have many options on how to shake up this declining atmosphere anytime soon.
Tyreek Hill Will Become First 2,000-Yard Receiver
The Miami Dolphins' acquisition of wide receiver Tyreek Hill has paid off tremendously. With an impressive 69 receptions and 961 receiving yards, the former Kansas City Chief is leading the league in both categories - on track to break Calvin Johnson's single season record for most receiving yards (1,964) from 2012. His chemistry with fellow teammate Jaylen Waddle puts them both at No. 1 & 2 respectively when it comes to catches made over 10+ yard throws according PFF stats - making their combination a force not easily reckoned with this season!
Green Bay Packers Will Make the Playoffs
Despite making back-to-back NFC Championship appearances and winning 13 games in three straight regular seasons, the Green Bay Packers sit at a below average 3-5 record with just a 17 percent chance of making the playoffs. It appears that times may be turning sour for Matt LaFleur's team as their losing streak has now reached four - yet amidst this slump there is still hope to be found from an unlikely source: their most recent 27-17 defeat against Buffalo Bills.
Baltimore Ravens Will Be Only AFC North Team with Winning Record
The AFC North has been a surprising letdown this season, especially considering the Cincinnati Bengals were expected to build on their Super Bowl appearance from last year. However, struggles in running the ball and taking too many sacks have contributed to an underwhelming performance for Cincinnati - compounded by Ja'Marr Chase's hip injury that could keep him out of action indefinitely. The Browns showed no mercy in Monday Night Football despite being mired in a four-game losing streak; holding Cincinnatti's offense down with just 12 points scored while they themselves took home another victory.
Dallas Cowboys Will Win the NFC
The Philadelphia Eagles may have the edge in the NFC East currently, but it is looking like Dallas' resilience will see them through as they power their way to a strong playoff finish. Despite losing numerous key players over this season - Amari Cooper and Randy Gregory among others - injuries from Dak Prescott to Michael Gallup, Tyron Smith and Ezekiel Elliott weren't enough for Dallas to lose steam; instead with an impressive record of 6-2 teams should take note of how resilient Cowboys ownership has been despite these trying times.
