Just a few weeks into the 2022 NFL season, it may seem entirely too soon to try and predict who will hold the Lombardi Trophy on Feb. 12, 2023. However, as fans, we can’t help but wonder where Super Bowl LVI runner Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals have been after a rough 0-2 start. So based on the very few games we’ve seen so far, here are five possible Super Bowl contenders.
Buffalo Bills
With stars on both sides of the ball, the Buffalo Bills have one of the most complete all around teams in the league. The Bills offensive duo of quarterback Josh Allens and Stefon Diggs makes for a long night for whoever they play. Throwing for over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns in the first three games, Allen continues to show why he is arguably the best quarterback in the NFL. The Bills added to their already menacing defense this offseason with the addition of former Super Bowl MVP outside linebacker Von Miller. The defensive efforts of stars like Miller and safety Jordan Poyer have been showcased in week one in which the Bills held the returning Super Bowl Champion Los Angeles Rams to just ten points. However, the Bills suffered the loss of All-Pro safety Michah Hyde in week two and will have to adjust for the remainder of the season. Combine these defensive efforts with Allen and Diggs’ offensive dominance, and the Bills Mafia have a recipe for success.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
45 year old Tom Brady put up a career high in passing yards last season, and with the addition of Julio Jones and Cole Beasley to one of the strongest receiving corps in the NFL, TB12 looks to add an 8th Super Bowl ring to his trophy case. Defensively, the Bucs have been a top defensive force in the league over the past few years. Their top tier blitzing and rush defense places them in the top five least yards allowed per game. Head coach Tom Bowles served as the team’s defensive coordinator for three years prior, and his defensive mind can be seen in the only 13 points allowed over the first two games. Between Brady’s offensive leadership and the Bucs defensive prowess, don’t be surprised if Tampa Bay makes a repeat of their 2021 Super Bowl win.
Miami Dolphins
The second Florida team on the list, the Dolphins, have been a mediocre franchise for the last eight years, but after making a blockbuster trade to add Tyreek Hill to their very young offensive core. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has received hate in his rookie and sophomore campaigns, even to the point the Dolphins almost cut him. This season however, he’s blossomed into one of the most exciting young stars in the league to watch. After week three, receiver duo Hill and Jaylen Waddle rank two and three in receiving yards with 342 and 317 yards respectively. An explosive offense may or may not sustain through a 17-week season, so defensive improvement is a necessity if Miami wants to make a playoff run.
Philadelphia Eagles
Perhaps the most surprising pick on the list, the Philadelphia Eagles impressive 2-0 start gives Eagles fans hope for a 2018 Super Bowl win. Year three quarterback Jalen Hurts started off the season with only throwing one interception through three weeks, and four touchdowns. Despite Hurt’s mediocre touchdown production, he’s thrown for over 900 yards and the Eagles rank first in total yards over the first three games. Defensively, Philadelphia ranks fifth, allowing 296 yards per game and 50 points. The loss of All-Pro offensive tackle Jason Peters may be a possible explanation for early season run struggle, but if the Eagles want to fly, developing a consistent run game will be necessary.
Los Angeles Rams
After winning the Super Bowl in their own stadium last season, the Rams lost star wide receiver Odell Becckham Jr., linebacker Von Miller and offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth within weeks for a variety of reasons ranging from injury to retirement. These losses were evident in week one’s loss to Von Miller and the Bills. This learning curve didn’t completely disappear after week one as the LA nearly gave up a 25 point lead to the Falcons in week two. However, Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford still remain an elite offensive duo as Kupp ranks top five in receiving yards, receptions and touchdowns. The Rams defense lost some key pieces, but still has the star power needed with cornerback Jalen Ramsey and defensive tackle Aaron Donald to remain a top defense in the league. Although a rocky start, if the Rams work out some kinks, they have a legitimate shot at another playoff run.
Super Bowl Prediction: Bills vs Eagles
You heard it here first, the Buffalo Bills will win Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles. It won’t be a particularly close game, but two of the most obnoxious fan bases in the NFL will make for one of the most memorable Super Bowls in recent years.
