Michael Thomas looking sharp in training camp prior to his much anticipated return this upcoming season. Photo courtesy of Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Chiefs over 10.5 wins (-115)
On the offensive side of the ball, the loss of Tyreek Hill is a big one, but I believe in the abilities of Patrick Mahomes and the creativity of Andy Reid to allow the offense to continue to be one of the best in the league. Travis Kelce is still a great weapon, and the wide receiver position includes new additions in JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Skyy Moore, which will allow Mahomes to spread the ball around, in which the offense will be able to maintain its efficiency. Defensively, it is not a spectacular unit, but it is not terrible either. Chris Jones leads the way up front, and Frank Clark and rookie George Karlaftis could be a solid duo. Justin Reid is a new addition in free agency and will help the secondary. The secondary is young and not great, but it should be able to hold up. The offense will still be dangerous and versatile, and the defense should play well enough where this team can earn 11 wins.
Minnesota Vikings over 9.5 wins (+105)
First year head coach Kevin O’Connell comes from working with Sean McVay and the Rams offense, so it is likely that he will implement a similar style. The offense will be much more creative than it has in the past and will utilize its weapons very well. Justin Jefferson could have a huge season, as he will play a similar role to Cooker Kupp in the 2021 Rams offense. The offensive line is solid and should hold up throughout the season. Defensively, the team has moved to A 3-4 look. Dalvin Tomlinson holds down the fort on the interior, and Za’Darius Smith and Danielle Hunter could be a dangerous pass rushing duo, granted both of them can stay healthy. Eric Kendricks remains one of the best linebackers in the league and should continue to play well. Harrison Smith and Patrick Peterson are veterans in the secondary who are expected to play well, and the team hopes that rookies Andrew Booth Jr. and Lewis Cine can contribute. The improved offensive scheme and additions to the defense should help this team reach at least 10 wins.
New Orleans Saints over 8.5 wins (+105)
This is one of my favorite futures I will place this season. The Saints are led by their new head coach, Dennis Allen, but he has been running the defense since 2015, and this season the defensive unit should be a dominant force. Starting in the secondary, Marshon Lattimore is capable of following every opponent’s #1 receiver, Paulson Adebo was a great pickup in the third round of last year’s draft and can start on the opposite side, and Bradley Roby and rookie Alontae Taylor will be solid depth at the position. Marcus Maye and Tyrann Mathieu are the new safety tandem and are a talented group. C.J Gardner-Johnson also plays a vital role for the defense as a nickelback/safety. Demario Davis is still a very good linebacker and Pete Werner should continue to develop in his 2nd season. The front four is led by Cameron Jordan, with tons of depth that will make for a quality rotation. Offensively, the receiving core has been bolstered with a healthy Michael Thomas back in the lineup, first round pick Chris Olave, and free agent acquisition Jarvis Landry. The offensive line struggled with run blocking last season, but rookie tackle Trevor Penning could help with that, as long as he maintains his discipline. The rest of the line is solid, but Cesar Ruiz has not developed as they expected him to, and the Saints will hope that changes. Alvin Kamara is a star and Mark Ingram is a solid backup at the running back spot. The biggest question remains Jameis Winston, who played alright last season, but no longer has Sean Payton to help him. Although, I am still confident in his abilities and the rest of the roster being talented enough for this team to win 9 games.
Tennessee Titans over 9.5 wins (+115)
The Titans are an interesting team heading into the 2022 season, with departures such as AJ Brown and Roger Saffold, but also brought in Robert Woods, Austin Hooper, and first round draft pick Treylon Burks. The offense still runs through Derrick Henry and he is back, healthy, and ready to dominate the league once again. The offensive line is a solid group and usually performs well, as they get to run block often. The new offseason additions, as previously mentioned, have the potential to be a good group. Defensively, Jeffery Simmons leads the way up front and has started to gain notoriety around the league because of his fantastic play. Bud Dupree and Harold Landry are an adequate pass rushing duo on the edge, and Zach Cunningham is a nice veteran linebacker on the inside, along with the promising young talent, David Long Jr., who the Titans believe can step into A starting role. The secondary has young pieces in Caleb Farley, Kristian Fulton, Elijah Molden, and Amani Hooker, who they hope can grow into prominent players, along with standout veteran safety Kevin Byard leading the way. Mike Vrabel always has a well-coached team and puts players in position to excel, and the AFC South is not a very strong division. All of these factors add up to the Titans being able to earn 10 or more wins on the season.
*All odds courtesy of FanDuel SportsBook as of August 16, 2022