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2022 NFL Projections: Which AFC teams could win their division?

By Loyal Ricks Jr

NFL Schedule 2022 - Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws a pass in the first quarter of Super Bowl 56 between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022. The Rams came back in the final minutes of the game to win 23-20 on their home field.Super Bowl 56 Cincinnati Bengals Vs La Rams
NFL Schedule 2022 - Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws a pass in the first quarter of Super Bowl 56 between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022. The Rams came back in the final minutes of the game to win 23-20 on their home field.Super Bowl 56 Cincinnati Bengals Vs La Rams /
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2022 NFL
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) gets set before a snap in the first quarter during Super Bowl 56 against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.Nfl Super Bowl 56 Los Angeles Rams Vs Cincinnati Bengals Feb 13 2022 0526 /

ESPN’s Power Football Index has helped fans and analysts understand what teams could have a promising year. Which teams in the AFC will prevail as the best?

The NFL Draft is in the rear-view mirror and teams have shifted their focus to the regular season. While players start off-season workouts, analysts spend their time evaluating the strength of each team.

Offensive effectiveness, defensive strength, and strength of schedule all play a role in the league’s pre-season rankings.

Competition in the league has increased over the last few years. Teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Denver Broncos have made great strides in becoming dominant teams.

As owners and coaches push for progression this off-season, I couldn’t help but wonder who could clinch a playoff spot in the AFC? In a league where anything is possible, here is what I’ve come to terms with.

Will Cincinnati hold onto the AFC North in the 2022 NFL season?

Winning the AFC North is a tough task. Cincinnati’s Owner Mike Brown understands this all too well.

Since 2015, the Bengals have only secured two divisional titles. With both titles more than five years apart, last season’s berth came as a surprise.

Usually, a battle between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens decides who advances to the playoffs, but the tide has changed.

A new addition at quarterback has taken the Bengals from worst to first. Joe Burrow’s leadership and performances on the field make Cincinnati the team to beat. Burrow finished last season ranked sixth in passing yards and eighth in touchdowns.

His 4,611 yards passing helped Cincinnati reach the Super Bowl in Burrow’s second year behind center.

Having explosive receivers can make throwing touchdown passes easier. Weapons like second-year receiver Ja’Marr Chase Bengals a team to watch this upcoming season.

Chase recorded 1,455 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns, ranking him in the top five receivers in both categories. Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins also benefit from Burrow’s talents, making Cincinnati’s offense one of the most dangerous in the league.

With the help of veteran rusher Joe Mixon, the Bengals have a chance of repeating their AFC North title.

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