NFL
NFL Preview: Jason Bell casts his eye over the AFC
The 2022/23 NFL season is days away. Who will make it all the way to Super Bowl LVII?
From 2013 to 2020, six of the eight Super Bowl winners were from the AFC. However, the last two years have seen the NFC champions lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Will the AFC get back on top this season? Jason Bell takes a look at each side in the four divisions:
AFC East – “There’s a new team on top and it is the Buffalo Bills.”
The Buffalo Bills have a lot of pressure this year being the favourites to win the AFC East Division. 🏈@JasonBell33 gives his thoughts ahead of the new NFL season…
— William Hill (@WilliamHill) August 26, 2022
Buffalo Bills (4/9 to win the AFC East)
This team has a lot of pressure this year because they are the favourites to the AFC East. And their quarter-back, Josh Allen, he’s an MVP candidate. The Bills have their first chance to go on a Super Bowl run since 1993/94.
Miami Dolphins (4/1 to win the AFC East)
They have a new head coach, Mike McDaniel, and new stars, led by wide receiver Tyreek Hill. This could the fastest, [most] skilled position group on offense in the NFL. Let’s see what they look like with Tua Tagovailoa.
New England Patriots (9/2 to win the AFC East)
Can Mac Jones, the quarterback, build on his impressive rookie season after he lost his offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels? Can Bill Belichick find a way to get this team back to the top of this division? You never know.
New York Jets (20/1 to win the AFC East)
Now the question is, when will Zach Wilson be able to come back from the injury he had on his knee in the pre-season? That is the key for them. Head coach Robert Saleh has to improve this defense, that was worst in scoring in the NFL [last year].
Get 6/1 on the Bills to win Super Bowl LVII and 7/1 on Josh Allen to be named regular-season MVP.
AFC North – “This is going to be very competitive”
‘’It’s all about avoiding the Superbowl hangover for the Bengals’’ 🏈@JasonBell33 takes a look at the AFC North Division ahead of the new NFL season…
— William Hill (@WilliamHill) August 25, 2022
Cincinnati Bengals (17/10 to win the AFC North)
It’s all about avoiding the Super Bowl hangover. Let’s see if this improved offensive line can help quarterback Joe Burrow continue his superstar ascension.
Cleveland Browns (7/2 to win the AFC North)
The major storyline is the outcome of Deshaun Watson’s disciplinary action. But, can their running game and top defense carry this team regardless of who’s playing quarterback?
Baltimore Ravens (7/5 to win the AFC North)
The Ravens are the favourite to win this division and that will depend on Lamar Jackson’s ability to return to MVP form after his injuries last year. The key for them is just to stay healthy.
Pittsburgh Steelers (8/1 to win the AFC North)
The Steelers’ defense, led by defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt, need to continue to dominate, because there’s uncertainty with their new quarterback. Running back Najee Harris is going to have to have a big year, carrying the load for that offense.
Lamar Jackson is 16/1 to be named regular-season MVP, while it’s 7/1 that T.J. Watt wins back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year Awards.
AFC South – “Change could be coming.”
Change could be coming in the AFC South ahead of the new NFL season. 🏈@JasonBell33 gives his preview on the division…
— William Hill (@WilliamHill) August 27, 2022
Indianapolis Colts (5/6 to win the AFC South)
They are favourites to win the division this year and that could be because of the addition of Matt Ryan, who might finally be head coach Frank Reich’s answer to the quarterback position.
Jacksonville Jaguars (7/1 to win the AFC South)
You have a new head coach, Doug Pederson, in the building and they need to unlock Trevor Lawrence’s potential, hopefully turning him into a franchise quarterback.
Houston Texans (28/1 to win the AFC South)
They have a new head coach in Lovie Smith and they need to find a way to turn things around. They will have to see if their quarterback, Davis Mills, proves he’s a long-term answer at that position.
Tennessee Titans (13/8 to win the AFC South)
Derrick Henry’s health is the key for this team to have any chance of winning a third straight AFC South title. Their quarterback Ryan Tannehill has to bounce back from last year’s playoff performance and lead this team, if they’re going to have any chance of getting back on top of this division.
Back the Titans to reach their second Super Bowl and first since 2000 at 33/1. Matt Ryan is 66/1 to be named MVP in his debut season at the Colts.
AFC West – “The best division in football”
.@JasonBell33 would like to introduce you to the best division in football this year, the AFC West!
Which team comes out on top?
— William Hill (@WilliamHill) August 28, 2022
Denver Broncos (5/2 to win the AFC West)
Denver has a new quarterback [Russell Wilson] and new ownership [led by Rob Walton]. Expectations are high for this team, this year.
Los Angeles Chargers (9/4 to win the AFC West)
Quarterback Justin Herbert has a chance to become an MVP candidate this year. And with the additions the Chargers have made, they could have a Super Bowl calibre defense.
Kansas City Chiefs (8/5 to win the AFC West)
The Chiefs are the favourites to win this competitive division. And, as great as quarterback Patrick Mahomes is, how will he look without his superstar receiver Tyreek Hill?
Las Vegas Raiders (6/1 to win the AFC West)
The new-look Raiders have a new general manager [Dave Ziegler], a new head coach in Josh McDaniels and a new wide receiver in Davante Adams. Can all these changes take the Raiders and quarterback Derek Carr to the promised land?
The Raiders are 28/1 to win the Super Bowl next February. And, you can get 10/1 on Justin Herbert being named MVP.
Check out all the latest NFL betting offers at William Hill.
