The NFL season is kicking off and fans are anticipating the thrilling season ahead. After a brief preseason and the first two weeks in the books, here’s some insight into what we think may happen in the season to come.

Buffalo Bills
After winning 31-10 against the Los Angeles Rams, the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Bills have proved yet again that they are a force to be reckoned with. Acquiring eight time Pro Bowl linebacker Vonn Miller, the Bills have weapons both offensively and defensively. It’s clear that the Bills have arguably the most talented and athletic quarterback in the league, Josh Allen, who has a cannon for an arm and is extremely mobile even at six foot five inches. In the Bill’s first game of the season, Allen threw for 297 yards and three touchdown passes, as well having one rushing touchdown himself. Even though he had two interceptions, he had a high completion percentage at 83.9%.

Aside from Allen, the Bills have talent in other players like wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Isaiah McKenzie, tight end Dawson Knox, safety Jordan Poyer and running back Devin Singletary. Against the Rams, Diggs had one rushing touchdown and 122 yards while safety Poyer intercepted one of LA Ram’s quarterback Matthew Stafford’s passes. It’s safe to say that the Bills look unstoppable in the early weeks of the 2022-2023 season.

While it is too early in the season to know much, there is no doubt that the Bills will make it into the postseason. They have a young and versatile roster. If Allen can limit his interceptions and if the starting lineup can remain healthy, I see no reason why the Bills won’t be the AFC team in the 2023 Super Bowl. In its four consecutive appearances from 1990-1993 in the Super Bowl, the Bills went 0-4. The Bills have it, as long as they don’t crack under the pressure. Now, Bills Mafia, it might be the year when a Super Bowl rings makes its way to Buffalo, New York.

Minnesota Vikings 
In his three seasons with the Vikings, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has struggled. Cousins is an inconsistent quarterback when it comes to winning games. Despite going 10-6 in the 2019-2020 regular season, the Vikings went 7-9 during the 2020-2021 season and 8-9 during the 2021-2022 season, missing the playoffs during both seasons.

But, with an impressive 23-7 win over their NFC North rival the Green Bay Packers, the Vikings have started off their season strong. A win against an opponent like four time MVP recipient, Aaron Rodgers is exactly what the Vikings needed to begin their year with confidence. When facing Rodgers, Cousins threw for 277 yards and two touchdown passes.

Aside from Cousins, the Vikings have weapons on the field like wide receiver Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, running back Dalvin Cook, and linebacker Za’Darius Smith. In the past, the Vikings have been known for their defense, but their talent on the offensive line is a defining factor in the success of their team. In game one, Jefferson played lights out as he had 184 yards and two touchdowns. This is only the beginning for this team.

Like the Buffalo Bills, the Vikings are 0-4 in Super Bowl appearances and are yet to bring home a Super Bowl ring to Minneapolis, Minnesota. While it is too early to know anything, the Vikings season is sure to look up this year.

New England Patriots

Coming off a 20-7 loss to the Miami Dolphins, the Patriots have high hopes entering their week two game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Without a doubt, the Patriots have a lot to work on if they want a spot in the playoffs. The most prominent issues, in fact, did not involve Patriots quarterback Mac Jones.

Jones was sacked multiple times throughout the game and put in countless pinch situations because the offensive line was unable to pull through and protect. The Patriots will not have a winning record this year because they do not have strong offensive playmakers. Yet, it feels like every time we think they will do badly, they somehow end up pulling through. To the defense of the Patriots, they have always been more of a “winter football team,” starting off rocky and picking up speed as the season progresses. Based on the fact that they were able to get their act together a little more for the Steelers game, I predict that by the time they get to around week four or five, they will be back to being one of the better teams in the league, either making playoffs or just barely missing out.

New York Giants

Jumping back into the 2022 regular season, the New York Giants were not fan favorites for who would go far this season. They ended the 2021 season with a 4-13 record, leaving them as the underdogs for this season. In week one, they faced the Tennessee Titans, a dominant team with running back Derrick Henry. Having a 12-5 record in the 2021 regular season, it should have easily been a Titans win in week one of the season. Unfortunately for Titans fans, the Giants won the game 21-20, proving that they have been improving during the off season.

During the first half of the game, the Giants offensive line made us wary of their ability to defend their quarterback, Daniel Jones, as they gave him little time before collapsing in on themselves. However, at halftime, someone flipped a switch and all of a sudden everything about the team improved, leaving the Titans shocked at their quick comeback.

Without a doubt, the Giants number one weapon right now is running back Saquon Barkley. During week one, he had 164 rushing yards and a touchdown. Aside from Barkley, the Giants also gained a new head coach: Brian Daboll. Daboll has been an offensive coordinator and assistant coach for the New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, Alabama Crimson Tide and most recently for the Buffalo Bills. He has more than proved himself to know how to make smart decisions by driving the Bills to be one of the most productive offenses in the NFL, winning three consecutive playoff berths, two AFC East titles and an advance to the conference championship game in 2020. Sit back and get ready because I predict the Giants will be going far this season, earning a spot into the playoffs.

Concluding thoughts:

Emily: As we all know, much can change in an NFL season. However, I feel confident that the Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings and even the New York Giants will have successful seasons. As for the Patriots, I do not think they will deliver this season. It may be a hard year to be a Patriots fan, but at least football season is back.

Bella: I’m excited about the NFL season, and I can’t wait to see the crazy twists that occur. I’ll definitely be keeping my eyes out for the Patriots for when they surprise many fans and begin to win back to back. I’m positive that the Buffalo Bills will have yet another good season, maybe even making it to the Super Bowl. Ultimately, the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants will most likely both pull through and be solid contenders for making the playoffs and going reasonably far this season.