What's a good NFL season opening Sunday without some wayyy too early predictions for the season?
Written by: Chaim Cohen
10 September 2022
The 49ers represent NFC in this year's Super Bowl
In the last few months, the only headlines about the 49ers are only about the QB situation. Now we are at a point where we know the QB for them this year will START OFF as Trey Lance. The truth about the 49ers is that the QB situation doesn't matter. Unless Trey Lance is some generational talent, all he will be asked to do is put up 15-25 points. This Niners team takes a lot of pride in their defense and they should. When healthy they have the most proven defense in the entire NFL. This year I'm expecting the NFC to be quite open and the 49ers are the only team that I expect to do well this year that ALSO has past experience on their roster. While there are other teams in the NFC that may have more offensive talent, the 49ers will make up for it in defense and experience. Their hopes and pressure for them to win the NFC will fall onto the shoulder of the offensive line and their run game. While they don't have a superstar running back, Elijah Mitchell and Jeff Wilson are enough to hold it down. Also, I would say Deebo Samuel and George Kittle are each the most versatile in their respective positions. No matter who is under center this year I'm expecting the 49ers to be strong contenders.
Mahomes Showcases why he's the Best in the Business
In an offseason where the two best receivers in football were traded, I'm expecting one QB to fall off, but I'm expecting a great year from Patrick Mahomes. While there is no way to sugarcoat losing Tyreek Hill, if anyone can bounce back from that, it's Patrick Mahomes. In Mahomes' young career he is very accomplished but everyone has also acknowledged he has been on the most talented offense in the NFL with star players such as Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. Now that Hill is gone there will a lot more pressure on Mahomes to create for himself. Especially coming off the embarrassing loss to the Bengals in the AFC Championship I expect the Chiefs to go on a tear this year. Travis Kelce will carry the whole load on the receiving end and expect him to finish top 10 in receiving yards. For Mahomes, I'm expecting him to win his second MVP award and also for him to possibly lead the league in both passing yards and touchdowns. It's going to be a statement year for Andy Reid and the Chiefs and if Mahomes really wants to get his GOAT case rolling no year is better to show up than this year. With teams like the Bills and Bengals taking all the media's attention, Mahomes is going to make everyone regret they moved past the Chiefs.
Chargers Become Legit Contenders
One of the most dangerous teams to shock everyone this season is the Chargers. Last season Justin Herbert looked like a top 4 quarterback as he led the Chargers to the second-highest-scoring offense in the league. Their offense is electric with players like Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Austin Ekeler. Putting up points has never been the issue it's always been their defense selling them games away. The difference is that this year the defense should not give LA any problems. This offseason was historic for the Chargers as they added star corner, JC Jackson, as well as adding two major pieces to their defensive line in Khalil Mack and Sebastian Joseph-Day. With a roster like this, the only thing stopping them from greatness will be staying healthy and their tough division. Their defense should be great and my only critique of their offense is that they don't have any receivers with breakaway speed. Having slow receivers makes things a little harder on Herbert but I don't think that he will be affected by this because his "slow" receivers are still outstanding players. As crazy as it sounds I really don't know what the possible downfall for the Chargers could be beside the chance of injuries, especially on that SoFi turf. Taking their offseason and Herbert's growth into consideration I expect them to make a serious dent in the AFC this year.
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