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5 NFL sleeper teams that might change the playoff picture in 2022

By Loyal Ricks Jr

BEREA, OHIO - NOVEMBER 23: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns runs a drill during a practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 23, 2022 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
BEREA, OHIO - NOVEMBER 23: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns runs a drill during a practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 23, 2022 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 02: Kenneth Walker III #9 of the Seattle Seahawks runs the ball against Jeff Okudah #1 of the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 2, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

NFL Sleeper #3: Seattle Seahawks (6-5)

Two consecutive Seattle losses helped the 49ers to take the division from Pete Carol’s squad. Efforts from Tom Brady and Derek Carr closed the door on the Seahawks’ most recent late comeback efforts, dropping them one seed shy of a playoff berth. Reclaiming the division will be a task, but it is achievable.

A Thursday Night Football matchup between San Francisco and Seattle could be for rights to the division. Until then, Seattle must take each game one at a time. The Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets are the threats on the schedule. If Geno Smith and Kenneth Walker III produce in the clutch, Seattle could snatch a divisional title.

NFL Sleeper #2: Las Vegas Raiders (4-7)

It looked dark for Josh McDaniels’ staff in his first year as Head Coach. Many expected Las Vegas to become the front-runners. Instead, they became a doormat. Three consecutive losses early in the season caused concerns for the Raiders community. Acquiring Davante Adams in the off-season fed the fanbase hope, but Las Vegas’ performances filled analysts with doubt.

Wins against the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks shifted the narrative on a distorted season. Derek Carr and Davante Adams rekindled their college chemistry – connecting for 215 yards and two touchdowns. Josh Jacobs also makes the Raiders a threat during this last stretch of games. Las Vegas takes on the Chargers, Patriots, Steelers, 49ers, and Chiefs and will need all hands on deck.

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