4 Things To Expect In The 2022 NFL Season
The National Football League (NFL) is home to one of the most popular professional sports in the world. Overall, most sports enthusiasts are more thrilled about American football than any other sport. However, most hype revolves around the sporting final, the Super Bowl, considered one of the most significant and much-loved sports events globally. According to statistics, the 2021 NFL regular season games drew about 18.29 million fans. These increased numbers were expected since many fans were looking to make up for the dormant 2020 season with many COVID-19 restrictions.
The 272-game regular season starts this September with the opening game scheduled on September 8 at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, between the LA Rams and Buffalo Bills hosts. The NFL preseason, which is expected to commence in August, is the opportunity for the teams to get the team ready as they await the official season. Now, as anticipation builds up for the 2022 NFL season, here are four things you can expect:
An eventful NFL betting season
After opposing sports betting for many years, the NFL now embraces it as an essential source of revenue. According to the Washington Post, the professional football league estimated revenue of $270 million from betting and gambling as of 2021. Many expect this to increase in the 2022 season as the NFL continues to grow its fan base.
In essence, gambling over a game can double the excitement among fans as they watch how the actual game unfolds. In that case, as the official season approaches, there are undoubtedly new expectations you have for your favorite team based on the previous season’s results and the playoffs. Aside from training during the break and other changes like new head coaches, teams are expected to rise, and those are projected to decline. Naturally, this will influence the team’s overall strength, and as a fan, you’ll need to find a better betting strategy.
You’d want to exploit relevant sporting platforms to view different games’ full NFL schedule and results for detailed analytics. This benchmark guides you on what to expect from teams this coming season and what counts as a safe bet. In addition, here are other betting tips to help you select the correct picks:
- Evaluate individual player quality: The whole team’s success depends on each player’s performance. The better the players, the higher the likelihood of a win.
- Assess the team balance and depth: It’s a good sign if the players are well distributed for the various positions with enough substitutes in case of an injury.
- Assess the strengths and weaknesses: Knowing the team’s quality in offense and defense is crucial when placing bets. In some instances, you’ll need to read the opposing team’s scouting reports to have a better chance at winning.
- Team unity: How well the players collaborate to positively influence the outcome of a game.
The electric opening game
The NFL 2022 season begins with a banger between two powerhouse teams. That is the Super Bowl champions, LA Rams and Buffalo Bills. Every NFL fan is on the edge of their seats for this opening matchup, which begins the quest for the Super Bowl.
Fans expect much effort and excellent results from the LA Rams as they’re out to defend their championship. It will be a challenging kickoff game, considering they’re playing against one of the top contenders. The Bills claimed the previous two AFC East titles and are one of the adequately coached teams with talented players. This team also has great potential, making this one unpredictable game.
The Los Angeles players will be awarded their Super Bowl rings, including Von Miller, who left the team to sign with their opponent, the Bills. Miller was one of the Rams’ key players, and this new signing might hurt the Rams’ side. On the other hand, the Bills have an edge because he’ll face the team he just left, whose tactics he understands well. However, the Rams will probably fill this gap with their high-profile signings, Allen Robinson and Bobby Wagner.
New head coaches for some teams
Some NFL teams have considered a rebuild by hiring new head coaches to bring some spark and transform their teams. Here are some of the highly ranked hires based on past track records:
- Brian Daboll: New York Giants
- Doug Pederson: Jacksonville Jaguars
- Josh McDaniels: Las Vegas Raiders
- Kevin O’Connell: Minnesota Vikings
- Nathaniel Hackett: Denver Broncos
Usually, the proper changes in coaching can result in exceptional performance. That’s because there are:
- a fresh feeling in the locker room with each player trying to learn new things from the new coach,
- a new beginning for the players who were underutilized or put in the wrong game plan, and
- a new scheme and coaching style foreign to other teams, thus providing an advantage during games.
Based on the impact these new coaches bring, expect to experience some adjustments in the general functioning of the teams. But generally, if your team did poorly last season, it probably can be competitive again with the right hire.
NFL in Germany
As part of its international aspirations, the NFL approved a plan to have a minimum of four international games each season. As a result, the 32 NFL teams will play overseas at least once every eight years. For that reason, the NFL is looking to host its first-ever regular game in Munich, Germany, this coming season. This marks their return to the country after the 1990’s preseason games.
Germany is considered a potential site since it’s one country with a huge NFL fan base, especially with the Super Bowl. This is highly likely because of the local popularity of the German teams that featured in the NFL between 1997–2007. Therefore, the NFL in Germany will certainly create more hype and a large attendance. Also, many fans from other countries are expected to make travel arrangements for the games. And with the fun-filled activities such as watch parties and fan fests, you’d not want to miss out on this experience.
Conclusion
The NFL is one of the world’s most high-profile, successful, and loved professional American football leagues. As the 2022 season approaches, you can expect to experience a hot opening match, changes in coaches, an eventful NFL betting season, and the return of the NFL to Germany. The list is not limited to this, as many more developments will happen this coming season. Generally, you can expect an exciting season with excellent play throughout the league.
References
Elbaba, Julia. “Important 2022 NFL Offseason Dates Fans Should Know.” NBC Sports, May 20, 2022. https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/commanders/here-are-important-2022-nfl-offseason-dates-fans-should-know.
Reimann, Nicholas. “Munich to Host NFL Game Next Season as Part of Four-Year Series in Germany.” Forbes, February 9, 2022. https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2022/02/09/munich-to-host-nfl-game-next-season-as-part-of-four-year-series-in-germany/?sh=216f41301b7a.
Statista. “National Football League Total Attendance at Regular Season Games 2008 to 2021.” March 2022. https://www.statista.com/statistics/193420/regular-season-attendance-in-the-nfl-since-2006/.
Strauss, Ben and Mark Maske. “The NFL Once Viewed Sports Betting as a Threat. Now the League Wants the Action.” The Washington Post, August 25, 2021. https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/08/25/nfl-sports-betting/.
