One Bold Prediction for Each NFC Team Entering 2022

Green Bay Packers

Team Ranks as the Best Defense in the League

The Green Bay Packers stuck to their M.O. by relenting on the option of going wide receiver in round one of the 2022 NFL Draft. Instead, they used both of their first-round picks on a couple of Georgia Bulldog defenders. Much like the Eagles did with Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean, the Packers paired linebacker Quay Walker with interior defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt. These two should help vault the already great unit to the top of the NFL. Cornerback Jaire Alexander is as good as any at the position and leads a strong secondary, while nose tackle Kenny Clark and linebacker De’Vondre Campbell man the middle of the field. This has the makings to be one of the best defenses that Aaron Rodgers has ever had if the two rookies can step in and produce immediately. Walker looks to be a day one starter, while Wyatt will have to earn his reps on a stacked d-line.

Minnesota Vikings

Justin Jefferson Becomes the 6th Player in NFL History to Eclipse 1800 Receiving Yards in a Single Season

Only five different players have reached the 1800-yard mark as a wide receiver. The list consists of legends like Calvin Johnson and Jerry Rice, as well as current players Julio Jones and Cooper Kupp. Antonio Brown is the fifth and final name of that group, which should paint the picture of what type of talent it takes to reach such high numbers. Justin Jefferson is ready to add his name to the list. After starting his career with one of the best two-year runs in the history of the sport, he is set up for his best season yet in 2022. New head coach, Kevin O’Connell, comes over from the Los Angeles Rams after helping Cooper Kupp put together an all-time campaign last season. Kirk Cousins is coming off of the best season of his career, as well. Assuming Jefferson takes that next step in development, he might run away with the No. 1 wide receiver mantle in the NFL by the time we reach the end of the season.

Detroit Lions

Aidan Hutchinson Records the Most Sacks as a Rookie in Franchise History

The Detroit Lions record for single-season sacks by a rookie is held by Ndamukong Suh. The bulldozing defensive lineman recorded 10 sacks as a rookie back in 2013, but his franchise record is in jeopardy of being passed up in 2022. The No. 2 overall pick, Aidan Hutchinson, is positioned as the top pass rusher on the roster, and for good reason. “Hutch” is a naturally gifted athlete and he uses this and a near-perfect technique to disrupt the pocket as a pass rusher. He exploded in 2021 as he led the Michigan Wolverines with 13 sacks, en route to a runner-up finish in the Heisman race. There will likely be a lot of attention sent Hutchinson’s way, but he will handle it because that’s just who he is. Predicting 10.5 sacks might not be bold enough, he may challenge the Lions franchise record for sacks by any player. Robert Porcher and his 15 sacks better watch out, because they are not safe!

Chicago Bears

The Bears Becomes the 2nd Team in NFL History to Lose Every Game

I am sorry Bears fans, I know that you are a passionate group of fans and want nothing more than a winning product on the field. Unfortunately, I am here to say that you are in for a very, very long season in 2022. As much as I want to be excited for Justin Fields, Darnell Mooney, Jaylon Johnson, and a few other young studs, there is too much going wrong for the team right now. Arguably the best player on their roster, linebacker Roquan Smith, recently requested a trade from the franchise, citing a disconnect with the new regime as the primary reason. Add in the fact that they traded away Khalil Mack earlier in the offseason and you can see where the direction is that they are headed. It’s mean to predict a team to go winless, but the recipe is there in Chicago.