6 NFL teams that could win their first Super Bowl in 2022
Two more potential first-time Super Bowl champions in 2022
4. Arizona Cardinals
Unfortunately for the Arizona Cardinals, I don’t see them as one of the true “contenders” in 2022. The way this team’s season ended in 2021 was so disappointing, and you can’t help but wonder if they are just going to be stuck in the “very good” category for the foreseeable future.
I think Kyler Murray, especially now that he’s got a new contract, needs to take the next step, whatever that looks like. I think they’re going to have a hard time replacing the production of Chandler Jones, but the jury’s out on that one. Maybe the biggest thing from the outside looking in at this Cardinals team is whether you can sense championship mettle.
I just don’t get that vibe from them. They look like they will be a very good regular season team yet again, but what have the Cardinals done in recent years to prove they will be Super Bowl contenders? Is the roster so substantially better in 2022 than last year or the year before? Again, a lot of it hinges on Kyler Murray, but for the time being, I’m still selling the Cardinals as Super Bowl contenders this year, though they certainly have a shot at it.
3. Los Angeles Chargers
Just like every year, this will be the year the Chargers break through, right? It feels like we have an annual conversation about how good this team is going to be, how so many people like the core players on the roster, and how they’re finally going to get over the hump in the AFC West.
And every year, the same things happen. The Chargers underachieve. They fail to even meet expectations, much less exceed them. This is another team that has been stuck in a miserable cycle for decades.
Will the 2022 season be any different? Justin Herbert has shown tremendous signs of growth since coming into the league. He’s truly one of the biggest difference makers in the game today. If the Chargers can just get to the playoffs, I have no doubt that Herbert gives them a fighting chance to win games in January.
The question is, will the rest of the team be able to support him? Last year, the offensive line and defense really let Herbert down. The Chargers have made improvements on paper, but will it be enough?