NFL 2022: 3 bold predictions for the AFC in the 2022 season

Three bold predictions for the AFC in 2022 NFL season

3. The conference features a 2,000-yard rusher and receiver

The last bold prediction in the AFC is that we’ll see a player eclipse 2,000 rushing yards and a player eclipse 2,000 receiving yards.

There has never been a 2,000-yard receiver in the NFL before,  Calvin Johnson has the record with 1,964 yards.

There have been eight instances of a rusher hitting 2,000 yards, most recently done by Derrick Henry in 2020.

So, the two most obvious choices for a 2,000-yard season are Derrick Henry and Jonathan Taylor.

I think now that the Titans dealt AJ Brown to the Eagles, they will have to rely even more on Derrick Henry, especially since Ryan Tannehill wasn’t exactly that good in 2021.

As for Jonathan Taylor, he rushed for over 1,800 yards this year, so he was very close to hitting 2,000 yards.

This may just come down to how many carries he’d get.  I think his workload would be about the same in 2022 as 2021 since the Colts didn’t really upgrade much at quarterback.

Plus, Taylor looks poised to hit the prime of his career in year three and beyond, and he doesn’t have a ton of NFL miles on his body.

As for the receiver, Cooper Kupp led the way last year with over 1,900 receiving yards.

I think there are a few candidates in the AFC who could hit this mark, including Davante Adams, Ja’Marr Chase, and Stefon Diggs.

Being that I think we’ll see a much heavier passing attack from the AFC and that a quarterback will throw for more than 55 touchdowns, I think a 2,000-yard receiver can follow.

All three players mentioned are at different points in their careers and have the talent to take on such a workload. The 2,000-yard rusher has proven to be easier, but I think a 2,000 receiver is in reach.