2022 NFL Playoffs: Preview and Predictions
Who will climb their way to reach Super Bowl LVII in Glendale? Plus, the 2022 NFL Season Awards Predictions.
The 2022 NFL Playoffs are guaranteed to be one that will be discussed for many years in the future. This season was full of many headlines that will carry into these playoffs.
The Eagles surge to the top of the NFL, The Bills rally behind injured teammate Damar Hamlin, The Chiefs dominate once again, Mr. Irrelevant leads San Francisco to a division title and the playoffs, and Jacksonville returns to the postseason after being the worst team in the league.
Those are just a few of the biggest headlines in this crazy season. These playoffs have many coaches' and players' futures in question. Coaches like Brandon Staley of the Chargers, Mike McCarthy of the Cowboys, and players like Tua Tagovailoa of the Dolphins and Tom Brady of Tampa Bay.
Let's move on to my predictions and analysis of each game from Super Wild Card Weekend to Super Bowl LVII.
Super Wild Card Weekend, January 14th–16th, 2023
Teams with First Round bye: (1) Kansas City Chiefs and (1) Philadelphia Eagles
(7) Seattle Seahawks vs. (2) San Francisco 49ers
Division rivals meet in the first round of the 2022 playoffs this year, and it will be a battle. Although the 49ers won both of their matchups this season, and 9.5 points favor San Francisco, don't count Seattle out.
The Seahawks were projected to be one of the league’s worst this year, having traded QB Russel Wilson last offseason. That was the best possible situation. Career backup QB Geno Smith led the team to the playoffs throwing for 4,282 yards, 30 TDs, and 11 INTs, while former Seattle QB Russell Wilson struggled with Denver, throwing for only 3,524 yards, 16 TDs, 11 INTs and missing the playoffs. Seattle kept key pieces like WRs DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett and added some key role players this year through the draft, like Keneth Walker III and CB Tariq Woolen, who led the league in INTs (with three other players) with 6.
San Francisco's season has probably been the craziest out of any team. They were projected to be a solid team out of the get, finally starting 1st round QB Trey Lance. When Lance went down in week 2 with a season-ending injury, Jimmy Garapolo led them to 7 wins but eventually was injured in week 13 vs. Miami. Their 3rd starting QB of the season comes, Mr. Irrelevant of the 2022 draft, Brock Purdy. Purdy led the team to 5 wins to close out the season and the nd overall seed in the NFC. What a ride at QB for the 49ers. This team is legit, they have one of the best defenses in the league, and their offense still looks stellar with a rookie, the last pick in the draft QB, at the helm.
WCW's Prediction: This game may be better than some think. Both teams are good in different ways, but the overall better team is the 49ers. The talent on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball gives them leverage always to have a side of the ball to hold them up if the other isn't playing well. I see the 49ers winning this in regulation 30–13.
(5) Los Angeles Chargers vs. (4) Jacksonville Chargers
These two teams met in the regular season in week 3. The Jaguars torched the Chargers in LA in that game, winning 38–10. The Jacksonville offense will need to be that explosive if wanting to win this time around, also being at home.
The Los Angeles Chargers are a team everyone expected to be right around this position. Some people had the possibility of them even winning the division of the Chiefs, but obviously, that didn't come to fruition. This team was riddled with injuries this year, with guys like Austin Ekler, Joey Bosa, and Mike Williams, to name a few. Now that they're healthy, they've been hot to finish the season. 3rd year QB Justin Herbert led them to 4 wins in the final five games, earning them the first non-division winner seed. While 5th may look bad, it's an improvement, as the Chargers finished 8th in the AFC the previous season.
The 2021 Jacksonville Jaguars: 3–14. The 2022 Jacksonville Jaguars: 9–8. Considered one of the best turnarounds for a single season in NFL history. A big piece to this total team turnaround is Trevor Lawrence. The 2nd year QB out of Clemson and dubbed "generational talent" has thrived under new HC Doug Pederson. This year he's thrown for 25 TDs, 4,113 Yards, and only 8 INTs. Travis Etienne, Marvin Jones Jr., and Evan Engram were other key contributors on the offensive side of the ball. The defensive side also played a big part in this team's turnaround. Rayshawn Jenkins and Josh Allen (LB, not QB) also had great seasons.
WCW's Prediction: This game may also be one of the better ones of this round, but the Chargers will handle the Jaguars in regulation, winning 24–10.
(7) Miami Dolphins vs. (2) Buffalo Bills
Yes, this was an actual play this season. Dubbed the "butt punt," this play was crucial in Miami's Week 3 win over Buffalo. The Dolphins ended up winning this game by two, finishing just inside the space of the mark to beat. After this game, Buffalo cruised comfortably to a 13–3 record and the AFC East crown.
The Miami Dolphins season can be summed up in 2 words: A Rollercoaster. They started 3–0 and then lost 3, to sit at 3–3 after week 6. They then win 5 in a row, now atop the AFC at 8–3, heading into the bye week. In came an awful five-game stretch, where they proceeded to lose 5 in a row and head into week 18 8–8. The Dolphins made the playoffs by the skin of their teeth, winning a week 18 matchup against the already-eliminated New York Jets. Their starting QB Tua Tagovailoa suffered two concussions this season and remained sidelined for this game. Many have speculated that Miami may move on from him after this season, considering his constant health problems. Backup Skyler Thompson looks set to start for them in the Wild Card game, and it seems like the sun may not be shining so bright in Miami right now.
Buffalo was never doubted in how good they were. Their season opened with a massive win over the defending champion Rams, and they never slowed down. They suffered a two-game losing streak in weeks 9 and 10 but finished the season with seven straight wins. Of course, everyone knows by now Damar Hamlin was injured in week 17 on MNF against the Bengals, but that game never finished. Even if the Bills had lost on that eventful night, their resume would still stand very strong. They have an MVP candidate QB in Josh Allen, a great receiving core with Diggs and Davis, and a deep defense with Tre'Davious White, Jordan Poyer, and Micah Hyde. This team can take down any team in the AFC and beyond.
WCW's Prediction: With Tua still not cleared to play and officially ruled out of the game, I see the Bills efficiently handling the Dolphins in the game. Miami showed what happened when they went to Buffalo the last time, with Tua playing. Give me Buffalo 35–14.
(6) New York Giants vs. (3) Minnesota Vikings
These two teams met on New Year's eve and played one of the better Regular season games this year. The Vikings won on a last-second field goal by kicker Greg Joseph. Both teams exceeded preseason expectations this season, so this one should be a great game.
The New York Giants came into this season with many questions to take care of after this season. Continue with Daniel Jones under center? Keep Saquon? What pieces do they need to add to contend? However, a couple of these questions have been answered after this regular season. Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley look like critical pieces to the future of this franchise, and first-year head coach Brian Daboll looks like the best hire of this past season's coaching carousel. This team still has some holes to fill, but they have some great pieces to build off, like the players I mentioned before, and rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux, who they took with the five picks in this season's draft.
Minnesota was pegged as a team good enough to win the NFC North this year, but many had them winning anywhere between 10–12 wins. They exceeded many people's expectations and ended up winning 13 games, winning their division, and grabbing the number 3 overall seed in a competitive NFC. This team has a high-powered offense, with Justin Jefferson, Dalvin Cook, Adam Thelin, and even Kirk Cousins. Minnesota is also solid on the defensive side of the ball. Za'Darius Smith, veteran Patrick Peterson, and Harrison Smith have all played significant parts in their success on the defensive side of the ball. First-year head coach Kevin O'Connell has the chance to give the Vikings their first playoff win since 2019.
WCW's Prediction: This game will be tight, but I see the Giants rolling into Minneapolis and taking the dub in OT. It's their revenge game for week 16. I see the New York offense rising to the occasion for this week and the Giants locking down Jefferson. We saw how much Green Bay was able to win when they locked Jefferson up. Final in overtime, Giants 31, Vikings 28.
(6) Baltimore Ravens vs. (3) Cincinnati Bengals
Another division matchup….but in this Wild Card Round. This game was played in week 18, and I don't see the result being much different. Cincinnati is a tough place to play, to begin with, and the Bengals are 6–1 at home this season.
The Raven's season started rocky, with being unable to re-sign Lamar Jackson to a longer-term deal and the possibility of him walking in free agency. That didn't stop them from going on to win a lot of games. Baltimore won 10 games and claimed the 6th seed in a STACKED AFC. They also traded for a critical guy on their defense, Roquan Smith. Their defensive ranks have skyrocketed upward since his addition to the team. As I pen this article, Lamar Jackson is expected out on their Sunday game vs. the Bengals. That means 3rd string QB Anthony Brown will be their starter.
Cincinnati came within 3 points of a Super Bowl win last year, and because of that, many pegged them as a front-runner for the title this season. Although they started 0–2, they quickly returned to playoff form, won 11 games, and took home the division. Joe Burrow had the best year of his young career yet, being a definite MVP candidate. Their offensive firepower hasn't slowed down, and they have a real chance of going deep into these playoffs.
WCW's Prediction: With Raven's one and 2-string QBs out with injuries, it would take a miracle for Baltimore to pull this one out. I see the Bengals winning 24–6.
(5) Dallas Cowboys vs. (4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
A rematch of Week 1 this season and week one the prior season. The Dallas offense scored a field goal on their opening drive but proceeded to stall the rest of the game. QB Dak Prescott went down with an injury and had to be replaced by Cooper Rush. Tampa's win had some thinking Brady and Co. were due for another title. But since then, it could have been more pretty.
The Dallas Cowboys lost their starting QB in week one but proceeded to win the next four while he was injured. After the disappointing end to the 2021 season, the Boys were hopeful this season could be different, and overall they've been great. They went 12–5, got second in their division to the best team in football right now, and got a rematch with a team they've lost to 2 years in a row. Dallas' rising RB duo should be something to watch in this game. The dynamic duo of Tony Pollard and Zeke Elliot have punished some of the best defenses in the league. Their defense has also stood its ground, as they give up the 5th least amount of points in the entire NFL. Their reason is also not full of nobodies; last year's INT winner Trevon Diggs and starting DE DeMarcus Lawrence lead this team defensively.
Tampa Bay is a team you would expect to be content coming into the season; however, this was not the case. They lost HC Bruce Arians in the offseason due to retirement and promoted DC Todd Bowles to be the head man. Their first season under a new head coach could have been smoother but not awful. 45-year-old QB Tom Brady has played well, considering his age, throwing for 4,694 yards, 25 TDs, and only 9 INTs. However, there are a few other bright spots. Their Offense and Defense rank middle of the pack in all the major categories, and they struggle with consistency season. They finished with an 8–9 record and took home the NFC's worst division title to make the playoffs as the four seed.
WCW's Prediction: Considering one team has trended up, and the other has trended downward since week 1, I'm basing it on what I've seen since then. Give me Dallas 30–25 Tampa Bay in a close one.
Divisional Round, January 21st–22nd, 2023
(5) Dallas Cowboys vs. (2) San Francisco 49ers
WCW's Prediction: Game 1 of the Divisional Round is a rematch of last year's wild-card round. Two very competitive teams with stars on each side of the ball. However, the 9ers offense will light up Dak and the Boy's defense in San Francisco. The 49ers win 35–10.
(3) Cincinnati Bengals vs. (2) Buffalo Bills
WCW's Prediction: This game was supposed to be week 17's bright spot. Instead, it was the most horrific scene on a football field in the NFL's history. Since then, S Damar Hamlin has been doing much better, and both teams have since recovered enough to play in week 18. This game should be a THRILLER, and I see Cincinnati coming into Buffalo and winning on a last-second field goal. Bengals 27, Bills 24.
(5) Los Angeles Chargers vs. (1) Kansas City Chiefs
Another divisional matchup and this one won't be short of any excitement either. These two teams met twice in the regular season, with the Chiefs winning. However, the Chiefs only won both games by 3 points. The winner of this game could represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.
The Chiefs traded star wideout Tyreek Hill and draft picks to the Miami Dolphins this past offseason in exchange for a first-rounder, a second-rounder, two-fourths, and a sixth. Some speculated the Chiefs may still need to bring home their division title this year after losing a pivotal piece to their offense. However, those predictions could have been correct. Kansas City is currently the best offense in the NFL and has the number-one seed in the AFC. They scored through the draft to replace Hills producing, getting a guy like Isiah Pacheco at RB, doing damage in free agency by signing WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, and trading for Kadarius Toney. When you add solid pieces around a QB like Patrick Mahomes, it's almost destined to work out.
WCW's Prediction: The Chiefs high powered offense will stump the LA defense like other times earlier in the season. KC 33, LA 13.
(6) New York Giants vs. (1) Philadelphia Eagles
The last matchup in the second round of the playoffs will be a good one. These two teams are rivals, and both teams come up. They're both stacked with offensive and defensive firepower.
The Philadelphia Eagles' offense was a wild ride. Trading for WR AJ Brown, and CB CJ Gardner-Johnson, signing Hasson Reddick, and drafting critical pieces for their defense like Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean. They came out as a force to be reckoned with this season, starting 8–0 before their first loss in week 10. Almost every guy on the offensive side of the ball has had a career year. Jalen Hurts is a serious MVP contender, having a stat line of 3,701 yards, 22 TDs, and only 6 INTs. His WR1 AJ Brown also had an incredible year, catching 88 receptions for 1,496 yards and 11 TDs. The defensive side of the ball hasn't been short of bright spots, either. Hasson Reddick and Darius Slay were named to the NFC's Pro Bowl Roster this year. This is one dangerous team this postseason.
WCW's Prediction: The Eagles won both regular season games this season and will win a third. Hurts and Brown will go off, and the defense should end the remarkable year for the Giants. The Eagles win 24–13.
AFC Championship Game
(3) Cincinnati Bengals vs. (1) Kansas City Chiefs
WCW's Prediction: A Rematch of last year's AFC title game, the Bengals and Chiefs meet for a chance to go to Super Bowl LVII! I see the Cincinnati defense withstanding the Chiefs' high-powered offense and winning the AFC for the second straight year. Cincinnati 30- Kansas City 23.
NFC Championship Game
(2) San Francisco 49ers vs. (1) Philadelphia Eagles
WCW's Prediction: Hurts vs. Mr. Irrelevant. Two great offensive lines and strong defenses. This game will come down to coaching and what team will make the first mistake. The tenured veteran HC Kyle Shanahan will lead his team to a second Super Bowl under his watch. 49ers 38, Eagles 35.
Super Bowl LVII, February 12th, 2023, Glendale Arizona
Super Bowl LVII
(2) San Francisco 49ers vs. (3) Cincinnati Bengals
WCW's Prediction: And we are HERE! Super Bowl LVII! Purdy vs. Burrow should be a show for all! This will be one of the better Super Bowls in the past few years because Cincinnati has come up with the revenge! Cincy's offense will out dual the excellent 49er's defense in a true slugfest. Cincinnati wins 31–21.
Super Bowl MVP: Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals: 313 Yards, 3 TDs, 0 INT
That concludes WCW's 2022 NFL Playoff Predictions. Now I will predict my award for this season:
2022 NFL Award Predictions
MVP: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
OPOY: Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
DPOY: Nick Bosa, EDGE, San Francisco 49ers
OROY: Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks
DROY: Tariq Woolen, CB, Seattle Seahawks
CBPOY: Geno Smith, QB, Seattle Seahawks
COY: Kyle Shanahan, HC, San Francisco 49ers
That concludes my Playoff and Award Predictions for the 2022 NFL Season! Thanks for reading, and until next time!
-WCW
