20 NFL bold predictions after the 2022 NFL Draft
By Randy Gurzi
2. Joe Burrow wins the NFL MVP Award after securing No. 1 seed
Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase connect for the best season by a wide receiver in NFL history as Chase tops 2,000-yards. Burrow also hits 5,000-yards passing and 40 touchdowns.
These are two predictions that have already been made and the reason so much can be expected from Burrow this season is the improvement of his team’s offensive line.
Cincinnati had an atrocious line in 2021 and the second-year signal-caller still had 4,611 yards and 34 touchdowns while completing 70.4 percent of his throws.
He also sat out the final game of the season, meaning he could have approached the 5,000-yard mark had he played a full 17-game campaign with the line that couldn’t hold the blocks for more than a couple of seconds.
Now with La’el Collins at right tackle, Alex Cappa at right guard, and Ted Karras at center, Burrow will have even more time to throw. With him being afforded more time, he’s going to pick defenses apart as the Bengals will not only win their division again but also secure the No. 1 seed becoming the only AFC team with a bye week in the postseason.
Taking this franchise from the cellar to No. 1 in the conference — after nearly winning a Super Bowl in 2021 — will be enough to earn him his first NFL MVP award.
And with his talent, this won’t be the final time he gets honored with the trophy.