The 2021 NFL season got here to a conclusion Sunday night time with the Rams‘ Tremendous Bowl LVI victory over the Bengals. However the season’s culminating sport ought to function inspiration for the remainder of the league getting into 2022, contemplating how the ultimate two groups bought there. Cincinnati rose rapidly from the ashes, using younger playmakers to an sudden title bid. Los Angeles spent massive on confirmed veterans, securing a Lombardi Trophy by going daring. In different phrases, there are a number of methods to contend in a rush.

With that in thoughts, which groups are poised to make an enormous leap in 2022? Listed here are 5 that come to thoughts:

2021 document: 8-9

If Aaron Rodgers stays in Inexperienced Bay, they nonetheless have a ceiling within the NFC North. And there’ll absolutely be hiccups with Kevin O’Connell, 36, instituting a brand new regime. However the protection cannot be way more porous than it was through the ultimate levels of Mike Zimmer’s run, and most significantly, O’Connell is aware of offense. The Kirk Cousins-Dalvin Cook dinner-Justin Jefferson contingent was already underrated. Assuming they delay a quarterback reevaluation till 2023, they will nonetheless be a playmaking wild card crew.

2021 document: 7-10

That is assuming they really improve at QB. An addition like Jimmy Garoppolo would elevate the ground from Teddy Bridgewater, however solely barely. A rookie like Malik Willis or Kenny Pickett would elevate the ceiling. However a veteran like Rodgers or Russell Wilson or Deshaun Watson would change the entire image. They play in a tricky division, however the Raiders may very well be due for regression as they transition staffs, and Denver — chock-full of money — already boasts a stable run sport, receiving corps and protection.

2021 document: 9-8

Just like the Broncos, they do not profit from enjoying within the AFC West. However Brandon Staley has a yr below his belt, 5 of their eight losses in 2021 had been one-score video games, with two going to time beyond regulation. Better of all, they’ve an rising MVP sort in Justin Herbert, who’s already one of many sport’s best passers. With a ton of cap area, they’ve an opportunity to observe the Payments‘ latest mannequin, figuring out and grooming a star signal-caller, then placing all their cash to make use of to prop him up.

2021 document: 8-9

No crew was mauled by accidents in 2021 greater than the Ravens, who misplaced one starter after one other to the battle of attrition. Lamar Jackson must be smarter at QB, however he may be enjoying for a brand new deal in 2022. Alongside a more healthy line and ability group, to not point out along with his personal arm and legs rested up, he feels primed to re-stake a declare on the AFC North with the Steelers getting into uncharted waters post-Ben Roethlisberger. The protection will likely be in transition, however John Harbaugh could be trusted to proper the ship.

2021 document: 3-14

They prime the checklist as a result of, frankly, they had been so unhealthy in 2021. Even ending beneath .500, at 7-10 or 8-9, would represent a significant step ahead for a franchise that may’t get out of its personal method. New coach Doug Pederson was the suitable option to revive the tradition after the failed City Meyer experiment, and his personable presence alone ought to bode properly for Trevor Lawrence, who can seemingly solely go up from right here. Whereas their entrance workplace is a query mark, they’ve additionally bought premium cap area and draft picks to bolster the lineup round their younger QB. It’s going to be exhausting for them to not be higher.