The 2022 NFL season kicks off Thursday evening, when the reigning Tremendous Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams host the Buffalo Bills (8:20 p.m., NBC). Each are among the many prime contenders to hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy on the conclusion of the season.

After a wild offseason, we’ll lastly have solutions to a few of this season’s greatest questions.

Can Russell Wilson take his new group, the Denver Broncos, to the playoffs? Will Derek Carr and Davante Adams dominate the passing sport for the Las Vegas Raiders? Will the Philadelphia Eagles win the NFC East?

Our NFL Nation reporters have you ever lined with intel and projections on all 32 groups forward of kickoff. ESPN analyst Matt Bowen additionally makes daring predictions on massive questions, together with: Will the New England Patriots miss the playoffs? And can Tony Pollard take over for Ezekiel Elliott in Dallas? As well as, we’ve got preseason power rankings, fantasy breakout gamers, over/beneath on wins, depth charts, schedules and rosters for each group.

That is every part it’s good to know for the beginning of the season, which can conclude in February at Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Arizona.

Let’s get began with the Arizona Cardinals and go in alphabetical order:

Soar to a group:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LV | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH

Preseason energy rating: No. 18

The season might be successful if … the Cardinals end the season robust.

It is one thing they have not carried out the final two years. However first, the group must climate receiver DeAndre Hopkins‘ absence through the first six video games whereas he serves a suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug coverage. If they will try this and keep away from a second-half swoon, this season might finish with a playoff look. — Josh Weinfuss

Influence newcomer: Marquise Brown, WR

The Cardinals traded for the receiver on the primary day of the NFL draft, reuniting him along with his faculty quarterback, Kyler Murray. Having that type of familiarity — Brown and Murray throw typically within the offseason — ought to assist Brown hit the bottom operating in Week 1. And he’ll be wanted with Hopkins out for the primary six video games. Then when Hopkins will get again, the Cardinals may have probably the greatest receiving duos within the NFL. — Weinfuss

Describe the QB state of affairs in three phrases: Time to win.

Murray is coming off signing a mega extension this offseason that’ll hold him in Arizona via the 2028 season, however it’s time for Murray to point out why he was price $230.5 million and win a playoff sport for the primary time in his profession. — Weinfuss

Fantasy breakout candidate: Rondale Moore, RB

Moore noticed 65 targets as a rookie, a quantity that ought to climb in 2022 with Hopkins suspended the primary six weeks. A participant with dynamic traits and open-field juice, Moore might be schemed manufactured touches in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense, along with what he brings as an inside route-runner with quarterback Murray. — Matt Bowen

Over or beneath 9 wins? Over.

Not the rosiest offseason, however they’ve a dynamic offense, and it is onerous to defend with only one week of preparation. I don’t see a dropping season, so I’ll take the over. — Doug Kezirian

Daring prediction for 2022: Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph might be one of many high head-coaching candidates subsequent offseason.

Joseph’s capacity to scheme and develop might be on show this season for a Cardinals protection that’s at the moment mendacity within the weeds. Search for Joseph to be one of many high candidates after his Arizona protection registers top-10 numbers this season. — Bowen

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

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Preseason energy rating: No. 32

Breakout participant: Kyle Pitts, TE

Can a breakout participant be a man who was a Professional Bowler final 12 months? If it is Pitts, then sure. He had probably the greatest rookie years ever for a decent finish (68 catches, 1,026 yards, one landing), however he has all of the instruments to develop into one of many NFL’s finest tight ends this season. His talent set permits him to interrupt away from defensive backs and linebackers, and his lack of touchdowns final season looks like an aberration. Do not be shocked if Pitts is pushing for the highest 5 — and perhaps larger — amongst tight ends this season. — Michael Rothstein

2 Associated

Describe the QB state of affairs in three phrases: Lengthy-term planning.

Whereas the Falcons in fact wish to win in 2022, the quarterback spot between Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder comes down as to if both of them exhibits to be the succesful long-term starter past this season. If Mariota or Ridder — or, doubtlessly, each — present they will match the position for Atlanta, it leaves the Falcons with many extra draft choices in 2023. If they do not, Atlanta will understand it needs to be within the draft or free company quarterback market subsequent offseason. It is a solution we can’t know for a minimum of two months, if not the entire season. — Rothstein

Most necessary discovery at camp: Atlanta’s secondary could be actually gifted — and deep.

The defensive backs at all times appeared like one of the best group on the roster, however a robust preseason from Darren Hall, slated to be the highest backup at outdoors nook, and the emergence of Dee Alford, who can play inside or outdoors probably as a reserve, affords Atlanta extra depth behind starters A.J. Terrell and Casey Hayward. Richie Grant, the group’s second-round choose final 12 months, has proven enchancment at security, and there is a good mixture of expertise and expertise round him. It is a place group the Falcons can really feel actually good about. — Rothstein

Fantasy breakout candidate: Drake London, WR

With the 6-foot-4 body to play as a boundary X receiver or bump inside as an enormous slot goal, London is the choose right here, given the quantity he ought to see reverse tight finish Kyle Pitts. Stretch the seams, work the skin matchups and win within the crimson zone. Guess on traits and talent with the rookie right here. — Matt Bowen

Over or beneath 5 wins? Beneath.

It is a rebuild season. The Falcons swapped veteran Matt Ryan for Marcus Mariota, Calvin Ridley is suspended for the season, they’ve a frightening schedule and they’re anticipated to regress after going 7-2 in one-score video games final season. — Erin Dolan

Daring prediction for 2022: Rookie Desmond Ridder will change Marcus Mariota because the beginning QB in Week 6.

With the pocket poise and mechanics to supply in coach Arthur Smith’s offense, the rookie out of Cincinnati will get the nod a lot sooner than anticipated. Ridder is a straightforward reply for Smith’s play-action-based go sport, and it permits a rebuilding Falcons group to judge the place for the long run. — Bowen

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

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Preseason energy rating: No. 9

Breakout participant: Odafe Oweh, OLB

A primary-round choose from a 12 months in the past, Oweh was the Ravens’ finest defensive participant in coaching camp, utilizing his quickness to repeatedly get into the backfield. He’s coming off a rookie season during which he recorded 5 sacks in his first 11 video games earlier than a shoulder harm restricted his effectiveness. Oweh is primed to develop into the primary Ravens defender to file double-digit sacks since Terrell Suggs in 2017. — Jamison Hensley

Damage to look at: Ronnie Stanley, OT

Crucial comeback for Baltimore is Stanley, who was a first-team All-Professional left deal with in his final full season in 2019. He has missed 28 of the previous 29 video games because of an injured left ankle. When Lamar Jackson was the NFL MVP in 2019, he performed behind one of many league’s finest offensive strains. When Jackson threw a career-worst 13 interceptions final season, he obtained lackluster safety from his blockers up entrance. The success of the road hinges on Stanley, who was activated from the bodily unable to carry out checklist on Aug. 26. — Hensley

Describe the QB state of affairs in three phrases: Betting on himself.

It appears like Lamar Jackson will decline the Ravens’ affords for a contract extension and play out the ultimate 12 months of his rookie contract. Ten years in the past, Joe Flacco selected to not signal an extension with Baltimore coming into his fifth season, similar to Jackson. Flacco went on to win a Tremendous Bowl and parlayed that championship into changing into the NFL’s highest-paid participant. Might historical past repeat itself? — Hensley

Fantasy breakout candidate: Rashod Bateman, WR

I see Bateman as a first-rate candidate to make that second-year soar as the first extensive receiver for Jackson in Baltimore. As a rookie, Bateman dropped simply two of 68 targets, and he confirmed some upside over the ultimate month of the season, posting 100 receiving yards in a single contest, a landing and a sport with double-digit targets. He can get free on the second and third stage of the Ravens’ play-action passing sport too. — Matt Bowen

Over or beneath 9.5 wins? Over.

This offseason, the Ravens improved their offensive line to additional defend Jackson and solidify their operating sport. Final season, Baltimore misplaced two extra time video games and 4 tilts by two factors or fewer. With favorable matchups towards the Giants, Panthers, Jaguars, Jets and Falcons, the Ravens might need higher luck in shut contests this season. — Eric Moody

Daring prediction for 2022: Lamar Jackson is not going to signal a brand new deal this season.

Jackson and the Ravens are my choose to win the AFC North, and I see Jackson enjoying his method into the MVP dialogue, however with out a new deal that each side can agree on, the Ravens finally will use the franchise tag on him this offseason. — Bowen

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

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Preseason energy rating: No. 1

Breakout participant: Isaiah McKenzie, WR

McKenzie is in line for an enormous season. The speedy wideout received the camp battle at slot receiver over Jamison Crowder, and the offense goes into the marketing campaign with an emphasis on bettering yards after catch (final within the league in YAC per reception in 2021), which might imply massive issues for McKenzie. — Alaina Getzenberg

Damage to look at: Tre’Davious White, CB

The 2019 All-Professional nook is making his method again from a torn ACL in his left knee suffered on Thanksgiving. He was positioned on the reserve/bodily unable to carry out checklist to start out the NFL season, and he’ll miss a minimum of the primary 4 video games. His timeline to return in unknown. — Getzenberg

The season might be successful if … the Payments win the Tremendous Bowl.

It is the best of bars to clear for a group with title expectations. This is likely one of the most necessary seasons in latest reminiscence due to the expertise the entrance workplace has put collectively. Making the Tremendous Bowl would definitely be a major step ahead and necessary, however the one true method for this season to be a real success is with the franchise’s first Lombardi trophy. — Getzenberg

Fantasy breakout candidate: WR Gabe Davis

With extra anticipated quantity in one of many league’s high offenses, Davis has critical breakout potential as a No. 2 goal for Josh Allen. A large receiver with vertical capacity and crimson zone chops, Davis caught 5 of his seven touchdowns final season contained in the 20-yard line. And his numbers from the divisional playoff loss to Kansas Metropolis — eight receptions, 201 yards receiving, 4 touchdowns — level to his upside within the Payments’ passing sport. — Matt Bowen

Over or beneath 11.5 wins? Over.

The Payments received even higher this offseason in free company and the draft (Von Miller, Kaiir Elam, James Cook). They’ve one of the best internet relaxation schedule benefit within the NFL. — Anita Marks

Daring prediction for 2022: The Payments will win Tremendous Bowl LVII.

With one of many league’s most explosive — and quarterback-centric — offenses, Allen and the Payments might be there in February. Nonetheless, it is the essentially sound protection — with three ranges of playmakers, together with new offseason addition Von Miller — that can shut out video games for Buffalo on the postseason stage. — Bowen

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

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Preseason energy rating: No. 29

The season might be successful if … QB Baker Mayfield turns into the participant the Browns thought he could be.

If the 2018 No. 1 total draft choose performs near his 2020 stage — when he had an 11-5 file and a playoff win — there’s sufficient expertise round him on offense and the protection is nice sufficient to make Carolina a playoff contender. — David Newton

Damage to look at: Christian McCaffrey, RB

He has missed 23 of the previous 33 video games because of accidents, which partially contributed to the Panthers’ inconsistencies at quarterback. (Sam Darnold was 3-0 with McCaffrey to start out 2021.) McCaffrey hopes a change in preparation he obtained, partially, from Marshall Faulk will hold him wholesome and assist him return to the extent he was in 2019, when he had 1,000 yards dashing and receiving. — Newton

Coach on the recent seat: Matt Rhule

Rhule has gone 5-11 and 5-12 his first two seasons. He has overhauled his workers so as to add extra expertise and strengthened the general roster. His subject has been dangerous decisions at quarterback. If he has made one other one with Mayfield, and the Panthers do not contend for the playoffs, group proprietor David Tepper won’t have the persistence to offer him a fourth 12 months. — Newton

Fantasy breakout candidate: Robbie Anderson, WR

In 2020, Anderson’s first season with Rhule and the Panthers, he caught 95 passes and topped 1,000 yards receiving. Producing constant WR3 numbers in 2022 could be a stretch, however with Mayfield’s deep ball capacity, he ought to see a rise in quantity and alternative as a possible No. 3 possibility behind DJ Moore and McCaffrey. Regulate second-year wideout Terrace Marshall Jr. right here too. — Matt Bowen

Over or beneath 6.5 wins? Beneath.

The Panthers went 5-12 final season, they usually have gone beneath their preseason win complete in every year beneath Rhule. I have never purchased in on this group beneath Rhule regardless of the addition of Mayfield and McCaffrey returning to the sphere. — Erin Dolan

Daring prediction for 2022: Mayfield will signal a contract extension with Carolina in December.

The Panthers have mismanaged the quarterback place throughout Rhule’s time in cost. Search for the group to re-sign Mayfield to a multiple-year extension after the veteran jump-starts the offense this season. — Bowen

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

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Preseason energy rating: No. 25

Breakout participant: Cole Kmet, TE

Kmet greater than doubled his targets, catches and yards from his rookie season to 12 months 2. The chemistry he has constructed with Justin Fields has persistently been on show all through the offseason and solely initiatives to extend as he turns into one of many quarterback’s high weapons in 2022. With Jimmy Graham gone, the third-year tight finish can count on to inherit these crimson zone alternatives and cement himself as a foundational participant within the Bears’ offense. — Courtney Cronin

The season might be successful if … Justin Fields exhibits tangible indicators of enchancment.

The Bears have a whole lot of work to do in constructing across the former first-round choose, they usually will not really know whether or not he is their long-term possibility till the tip of this season. Chicago hasn’t put Fields in place to succeed but, but when he can show he’s the suitable participant to construct round, the Bears will take a step towards fixing their continual quarterback points. — Cronin

Influence newcomer: Kyler Gordon, CB

The Bears’ high draft choose is in line to start out at nickel nook in Week 1. The notoriously troublesome place is one Gordon assumed instantly in coaching camp, and he has proven off his unbelievable vary enjoying each inside and out of doors. Gordon supplies readability at a place that has been rife with uncertainty. The Bears might be leaning on his contributions to show round a secondary that struggled mightily final season. — Cronin

Fantasy breakout candidate: Justin Fields, QB

Fields has a chance to supply lower-end QB1 numbers this season in a brand new offensive system that can cater to his dual-threat traits. In 2021, Fields rushed for 420 yards — and two scores — in simply 12 video games performed. And with extra play-action and misdirection ideas, the Bears can set the desk for Fields on schemed throws to the second and third stage of the protection. — Matt Bowen

Over or beneath 6.5 wins? Beneath.

The Bears employed a first-time head coach (Matt Eberflus) and did not assist Fields by including playmakers or upgrading the offensive line. There might be few video games this season during which the Bears will not be underdogs. — Eric Moody

Daring prediction for 2022: Security Jaquan Brisker will lead all rookies in interceptions.

In Eberflus’ system, Brisker can play high down on the ball and create disruption in the course of the sphere. The second-round pick of Penn State brings a playmaking component to Chicago. — Bowen

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

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Preseason energy rating: No. 5

Breakout participant: Hayden Hurst, TE

Hurst is a fluid tight finish who ought to give the Bengals an important receiving possibility as groups look to cease Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase. Hurst is out to point out he could be a high quality starter within the league and might be a key participant for a Bengals group seeking to discipline probably the greatest offenses within the NFL. — Ben Child

Influence newcomer: Alex Cappa, OG

Anybody who watched the Bengals for 5 minutes final postseason knew the offensive line wanted to enhance its go blocking. Cappa was the marquee addition who earned practically as a lot in assured cash ($11 million) as the opposite two new starters on the offensive line — middle Ted Karras and proper deal with La’el Collins ($6 million every) — mixed. — Child

Contract-year participant: Tee Higgins, WR

The Bengals’ third-year extensive receiver might be up for a contract extension in 2023. He has had a robust begin to his profession and is coming off a 1,000-yard season. However Cincinnati additionally must pay Joe Burrow (2023) and Ja’Marr Chase (2024) in upcoming years too. The Bengals might be seeking to see how Higgins will match of their long-term future. — Child

Fantasy breakout candidate: Trent Taylor, WR

Taylor is hardly younger at 28, and the Bengals have three different wideouts clearly forward on the depth chart, but when one among them will get harm, maybe Taylor emerges. He had a robust preseason, and on this offense, everybody else has already damaged out. Alternative is every part. — Eric Karabell

Over or beneath 9.5 wins? Over.

There could be some trepidation amongst bettors when making predictions on the win totals of Tremendous Bowl losers. Contemplating that Joe Burrow has a excessive share of his offensive playmakers returning together with an improved offensive line, it is a modest complete. — Eric Moody

Daring prediction for 2022: Higgins will lead the group in landing catches.

Chase will discover the tip zone loads of instances this season given his explosive-play juice, however will probably be Higgins who will stretch the seams within the crimson zone and use his vertical matchup capacity to rack up touchdowns. — Bowen

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

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Preseason energy rating: No. 17

Breakout participant: Jordan Elliott, DT

The Browns are banking that the third-year defensive deal with is able to emerge. Defensive coordinator Joe Woods famous that Elliott confirmed as much as coaching camp weighing 320 kilos whereas trying like he solely weighs 280. If Elliott can rework right into a persistently disruptive drive inside, Cleveland’s line of defense that includes Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney might be all of the extra daunting for opposing QBs. — Jake Trotter

Contract-year participant: Kareem Hunt, RB

Hunt, who was a hold-in for 2 days of coaching camp, has demanded that the Browns both lengthen him or commerce him. Neither is more likely to occur at this level. Hunt is just too necessary to the Browns’ offense. However he is also in a crowded Cleveland backfield led by Professional Bowl rusher Nick Chubb. Finally, if Hunt desires an enormous contract subsequent offseason, both from the Browns or one other group, he’ll want to supply this season whereas staying comparatively wholesome. — Trotter

Describe the QB state of affairs in three phrases: Doubtlessly a multitude.

Deshaun Watson is suspended for 11 video games. Jimmy Garoppolo is staying in San Francisco, a minimum of for now. Meaning backup Jacoby Brissett must hold the Browns within the playoff image for lots longer than initially anticipated — and with a receiving corps that underwhelmed through the preseason. — Trotter

Fantasy breakout candidate: David Bell, WR

The third-round choose from Purdue enters a comparatively wide-open extensive receiver state of affairs with the talents to supply rapid assist in catches out of the slot. — Eric Karabell

Over or beneath 8.5 wins? Beneath.

It’s troublesome to be assured within the over with Watson out for 11 video games and Brissett anticipated to start out beneath middle for the Browns. With suboptimal quarterback play, Chubb, Hunt and Amari Cooper can accomplish solely a lot. — Eric Moody

Daring prediction for 2022: Myles Garrett will win Defensive Participant of the 12 months.

Garrett racked up 16 sacks final season, and he has 58.5 over simply 5 years. Because the league’s finest edge rusher, I count on Garrett to put up ridiculous numbers once more this season for a protection with playmaking expertise in any respect three ranges. — Bowen

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

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Preseason energy rating: No. 10

Describe the QB state of affairs in three phrases: Alright, alright, alright.

Dak Prescott is wholesome. The surgically repaired proper ankle just isn’t a difficulty. The shoulder pressure that saved him off the observe discipline final summer season is 100%. So is the calf pressure that restricted his motion from the center of final season and the left shoulder harm that required minor surgical procedure within the offseason. Whereas Prescott is ok, will his offensive line be tremendous? Will his receiving corps be tremendous? The Cowboys are asking a whole lot of Prescott, however that’s what’s anticipated of a $40 million quarterback. Bodily and mentally, he seems prepared for no matter comes his method in 2022. — Todd Archer

Contract-year participant: Ezekiel Elliott, RB

Technically, he is not in a contract 12 months; however in actuality, he’s. There isn’t any extra assured cash in his deal past this season, which might make it simpler for the Cowboys to maneuver on from him in 2023. However what if Elliott has a terrific season? He was on tempo for greater than 1,500 yards final season, earlier than {a partially} torn posterior cruciate ligament in his proper knee took away his burst. He appeared as fast and easy as he ever has this summer season, and with left deal with Tyron Smith‘s harm, the Cowboys will lean on the run. If Elliott lights it up, the Cowboys might look to transform his contract equally to what they did with DeMarcus Lawrence this offseason. — Archer

Damage to look at: Tyron Smith, OT

Smith is out till a minimum of early December due to surgical procedure to reattach his left hamstring to his knee. The timing is dreadful, as a result of it’s so near the beginning of the common season, and the Cowboys do not have a ready-made alternative at left deal with. First-round choose Tyler Smith was mentioned to be the left deal with of the long run as he competed for the left guard spot. The longer term appears prefer it begins now. The Cowboys’ hope is they’re within the playoff chase when Tyron Smith is ready to return. Keep in mind: The Cowboys have six regular-season video games in December and January. — Archer

Fantasy breakout candidate: Tony Pollard, RB

The environment friendly Pollard enters his fourth marketing campaign with an opportunity to push Elliott for a bigger share of touches and maybe his first 1,000-yard dashing season. — Eric Karabell

Over or beneath 10.5 wins? Beneath.

The Cowboys’ offensive line takes a step again this season with Tyron Smith’s harm and the departure of Connor Williams and La’el Collins. Prescott and Elliott will battle in an offense that might be lacking Amari Cooper. — Anita Marks

Daring prediction for 2022: Pollard will change Elliott because the Cowboys’ lead again.

Elliott’s diminishing pace and manufacturing will drive the Cowboys to show to Pollard by the tip of October. A dual-threat participant with house run capacity, Pollard will emerge within the Dallas offense. — Bowen

Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart

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Preseason energy rating: No. 12

Breakout participant: Jerry Jeudy, WR

Courtland Sutton has a 1,000-yard season and Professional Bowl journey on his résumé and appears just like the Broncos’ WR1. However in case you are in search of a man primed for an enormous soar, that is Jeudy. Quarterback Russell Wilson has spent loads of time getting in sync with Jeudy, who has been a daily within the quarterback conferences to attempt to pace up that course of. Jeudy is just too good a route runner, and few issues symbolized the quagmire of the Broncos’ offense final season greater than the very fact Jeudy completed a season with out a landing. — Jeff Legwold

Describe the QB state of affairs in three phrases: Entire lot higher.

The Broncos’ stumble via the quarterback wilderness over the previous six seasons has been an enormous a part of their playoff drought. Wilson’s arrival modified every part, and if he performs close to a Professional Bowl stage, a whole lot of people are going to say the 5 picks and three gamers the Broncos gave as much as commerce for Wilson aren’t going to look like that massive a price ticket. Even with wideout Tim Patrick‘s season-ending knee harm, the Broncos have sufficient playmakers to make all of it go. They need to hold Wilson out of hurt’s method, and he needs to be keen to get the ball out extra rapidly than he has at instances beforehand in his profession. — Legwold

Contract-year participant: Bradley Chubb, OLB

Chubb was the Broncos’ No. 5 total choose in 2018, and he’s within the closing 12 months of his rookie deal. Chubb hasn’t actually had every part go his method since his rookie 12 months — when he completed with 12 sacks — because of numerous accidents. He is been wholesome this offseason, and new defensive coordinator