After the Los Angeles Rams won the Super Bowl in February, who’s next? Well, that question is about to get answered as the 2022-2023 NFL Season is getting underway. On September 8, the Buffalo Bills and the Los Angeles Rams (last season’s Super Bowl winners) faced off in the first game of this season. Additionally, there are many more exciting matchups between exceptional teams to look forward to throughout the rest of the season, which football fans across the nation are incredibly excited for. This football season is bound to be among the best in football history, with tons of superstars around the league competing for the ultimate Super Bowl trophy.
The break between the Super Bowl and the start of the next season is known as the offseason, where players typically rest, recover, and prepare for the upcoming season with occasional player trades between teams However, this year’s offseason was highlighted by these trades and player movement between multiple organizations. Star players at every position, such as Davante Adams and Russell Wilson jumped from team to team in this typically boring 5-month span, boosting the chances of many teams and turning them into championship contenders. The most thrilling part of the season was arguably this shifting of players, allowing fans to view and analyze how each player fits in their new team. The start of the season will show which new players/teams overachieve or underachieve and who has a real shot at winning the Super Bowl.
The new season brings many popular and exciting teams. Even though some of these teams may not perform the best, they have younger players who can put up a fantastic show for the fans. In my opinion, two of the most exciting teams have the youngest stars, such as the 49ers and the Lions. The Lions are not a great team, but have a young roster that will be spectacular in the future. The 49ers, on the other hand, have lots of veterans as well as young stars who can perform at a high level consistently. . I love watching all of the 49ers’ games and their stars’ performances because they are our home team. This season, there is no guarantee as to how far any team can go or how well any individual player will perform It will be incredibly difficult to accurately predict the entire season at this early stage, but here are my thoughts so far:
NFL MVP
Josh Allen - Allen is debatably the best quarterback in the NFL right now, and with an improved team, he’s likely to have a stellar season. Competitors like Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers each lost key wide receivers (stars like Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams respectively signed with new teams) this offseason, so Allen’s path to the MVP is pretty clear.
NFL Offensive Player of the Year
Jonathan Taylor - Last year, Taylor had one of the best running back seasons ever, but it was overshadowed by Cooper Kupp’s insane receiving season. I believe he can replicate that success and show that he’s the best running back in the league.
NFL Defensive Player of the Year
Micah Parsons - Parsons had an impressive rookie debut last year, winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. With his pass-rushing ability and instincts, he’s poised to have a breakout season.
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
Kenny Pickett - Pickett was the only QB drafted highly in this NFL Draft. The Steelers know that he is their future and drafted him with these expectations. Despite him not starting in Week 1, I think they will incline towards him starting a little later in the year, giving him prime position to succeed.
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
Aidan Hutchinson - Hutchinson was the 2nd pick in this draft, and the Lions picked him seeking his athletic ability and skill he showed in college.. He’s one of the stars in a subpar Lions defense, and was projected to go 1st overall by many this year. These factors put him in a strong position for this award.
NFL Comeback Player of the Year
Derrick Henry - Henry is currently the best running back in the league, but was riddled by injuries last year, making him unable to play for most of the season. Given injuries don’t find him again, he is almost guaranteed to have an incredible season, especially with the struggling Titans offense.
NFL Super Bowl Champions
Buffalo Bills - Led by the NFL MVP Josh Allen and the league’s best defense, the Bills have all the weapons necessary to win the Super Bowl. They were so close last year, but additions at their key weaknesses will push them over the edge.