3 NFL Teams Who Could Surprise in 2022

It was a wild NFL offseason that saw a number of star players change teams and NFL playoff odds change almost daily during free agency.

With that being said, there were a few teams that made some under-the-radar moves and could be considered surprises for the upcoming season.

Here are three of them.

Minnesota Vikings

Super Bowl Odds: +4000
NFC North Division Odds: +280

Coming off a disappointing 8-9 record last season, the Minnesota Vikings, who have NFL odds of +4000 to win the Super Bowl, are poised to be the NFL’s most improved team in 2022.

Minnesota rightfully moved on from head coach Mike Zimmer in the offseason, replacing him with former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell. O’Connell inherits a highly-talented Vikings offense, one that features the likes of wideouts Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, running back Dalvin Cook, promising tight end Irv Smith Jr. and quarterback Kirk Cousins.

With reports expecting a greater shift towards the passing game, Minnesota’s offense could take a giant step forward under O’Connell’s watch.

Oh yeah, @JJettas2 is ready to play for Kevin O'Connell.

📺: https://t.co/ZfGzIJyfZS pic.twitter.com/OlU76kWz3x

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) March 12, 2022

However, the biggest improvement should come defensively, as general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah made several moves to address a unit that finished 30th last season.

Among the notable additions were the free-agent signings of linebackers Za’Darius Smith and Jordan Hicks, defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, and the drafting of 2022 first-round safety Lewis Cine. Minnesota also re-signed cornerback Patrick Peterson and should have a fully-healthy Danielle Hunter, who has appeared in just seven games the past two seasons due to injury.

The Vikings will still have to topple their nemesis Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North, but there is no denying the talent the team possesses on both sides of the ball.

New Orleans Saints

Super Bowl Odds: +4000
NFC South Division Odds: +380

Following the retirement of long-time head coach Sean Payton, the expectation was that the New Orleans Saints were headed towards a rebuild. However, the organization has made some notable moves this offseason that challenge that narrative.

Offensively, New Orleans re-signed quarterback Jameis Winston to once again serve as the club’s starter, while also inking free-agent wide receiver Jarvis Landry to a one-year deal. Landry joins a revamped receiving corps that includes first-round pick Chris Olave and three-time Pro Bowler Michael Thomas, who’s expected to return after missing all of last season with a nagging ankle injury.

One must also not forget the presence of superstar running back Alvin Kamara, who continues to be one of the most electrifying players in the game.

On the defensive side of the ball, New Orleans welcomed back one of its own, signing star safety and Louisiana native Tyrann Mathieu. Mathieu bolsters a Saints defense that finished seventh in 2021 in total yards and should once again rank amongst the league’s best units.

Coupled with the league’s ninth-easiest schedule, the Saints have the talent to be much more competitive than originally anticipated, especially if Winston can continue to make strides in the turnover department.

New York Giants

Super Bowl Odds: +8000
NFC East Division Odds: +700

The hiring of former Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll as head coach should do wonders for New York’s offense, particularly quarterback Daniel Jones. he had a major impact on Bills QB Josh Allen, and while Jones is nowhere near as talented, Daboll’s presence should at least provide the former sixth-overall pick with his best chance of finding success.

Offensively, the Giants are not exactly lacking talent, as players such as Kenny Golladay, Saquon Barkley, Kadarius Toney, Sterling Shepard, and Darius Slayton have all flashed at times during their NFL careers. Like Jones, all Giants skills players find themselves in a much better situation with Daboll at the helm.

New York also had one of the best first-round hauls in this year’s NFL Draft, selecting offensive tackle Evan Neal and edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, who should help a defense that finished last season ranked 21st in sacks.

Playing in a division that could potentially be one of the worst in football, the Giants have a realistic opportunity of going worst to first in 2022.