Projecting the most explosive NFL offenses in 2022, from first to worst

The 2021 Bills were one of the best teams in recent memory to not advance to the Super Bowl, and the offense could be even better this year. Superstar quarterback Josh Allen has more offensive line support with the addition of guard Rodger Saffold, along with a potential third-down back in James Cook. Gabriel Davis’ late-season surge shows he can handle a bigger role, and Stefon Diggs remains one of the truly elite wide receivers in the game.

Patrick Mahomes’ career numbers are awe-inspiring, though he’s had the assistance of Tyreek Hill for almost every game of his career. There will certainly be an adjustment period without the team’s deep threat, though the wideout room has far more depth now with JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and rookie Skyy Moore. Travis Kelce remains the best tight end in the world, and the running game could get another jolt as the young, powerful offensive line matures. Even with the changes, it would be an upset if the Chiefs don’t finish in the top five in points and yards again.

The Cowboys were an elite offense prior to Dak Prescott’s injury in 2020 and returned to the top of the heap when he was healthy last season. Unfortunately, it didn’t help by the time Dallas reached the playoffs, and the personnel has taken big hits in the offseason, including Amari Cooper and La’El Collins. There remains an embarrassment of riches with Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard, CeeDee Lamb, and Michael Gallup, but some regression is likely with all the losses.

He hasn’t made the playoffs yet, but Justin Herbert has already become a budding superstar in his two NFL seasons. The quarterback helped produce the fifth most prolific offense in the league last year after the Chargers shored up their offensive line. The line could be even better this year after spending their first-round pick on guard Zion Johnson. Bringing Mike Williams back was key, and new tight end Gerald Everett gives Herbert another weapon to go along with Williams, Keenan Allen, and dynamic running back Austin Ekeler.

The Bucs have finished top three in points in three consecutive seasons, though they do have to contend with the losses of head coach Bruce Arians and tight end Rob Gronkowski this time. Most importantly, Tom Brady is back under center after a very brief retirement, and he has a great trio of wide receivers with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Russell Gage, along with the return of running back Leonard Fournette.

The Super Bowl Champs got back on track after trading Jared Goff for Matthew Stafford prior to last season, ranking seventh in points. Cooper Kupp has quickly become the best wide receiver in the league, and he will be helped this season by Allen Robinson. A potential full season of Cam Akers makes the offense more of a threat, though the loss of left tackle Andrew Whitworth could sting.

Arizona took some hits in the offseason, losing Christian Kirk and Chase Edmonds, along with DeAndre Hopkins to a six-game suspension. However, newcomer Marquise Brown should be able to fill some of the void at wideout, and Kyler Murray remains one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks. The team has improved in points scored in three straight seasons and could continue to climb from 11th if Murray continues his ascent.

Baltimore is relieved to have Lamar Jackson, J.K. Dobbins, and Gus Edwards back after injury-plagued seasons, though the longstanding issues at wideout remain after the team traded Marquise Brown. Given the run-heavy offense, shoring up the offensive line was a bigger priority, and the Ravens have done that by adding Morgan Moses and rookie Tyler Linderbaum. The team has proven a couple of capable receiving options like Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman are enough when the dynamic Jackson is healthy, as they finished top seven in points in 2019 and 2020.

The Bengals’ offense made quite a jump last year, improving from 29th to seventh in points. They will be out to prove the jump wasn’t a fluke, and things look good on paper. Joe Burrow still has his elite weapons in Joe Mixon, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd. The biggest issue was Cincy’s offensive line, which has been addressed with La’El Collins, Ted Karras, and Alex Cappa. The biggest obstacle for the Bengals could be their much tougher schedule than last year.

Aaron Rodgers remains the best quarterback in the world at this moment with back-to-back MVP awards, but the challenge will be much bigger this year without Davante Adams or Marquez Valdes-Scantling. He will be forced to get comfortable with Christian Watson and Sammy Watkins quickly. Fortunately, a healthy David Bakhtiari at left tackle could make a difference, and the team also has an impressive running back duo with Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon.

For all the positive development we’ve seen from Derek Carr in recent years, the Raiders’ offense still only ranked 18th in points. That’s very likely to improve following the hiring of Josh McDaniels and the addition of superstar wideout Davante Adams, who has experience working with Carr in college. Other weapons like Josh Jacobs, Darren Waller, and Hunter Renfrow make this one of the most imposing offenses in the league, though a shaky offensive line could be their downfall.

The Broncos’ offense has been in the bottom half of the NFL every season since 2015, but that could be set to change with the hiring of Nathaniel Hackett and the addition of Russell Wilson. They have a lot to work with, including a two-headed monster at running back with Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon, along with an impressive wideout trio of Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick, and Jerry Jeudy. The biggest concern remains the offensive line, particularly on the right side.

The enigmatic Kirk Cousins has made Vikings fans an even more pessimistic bunch, but the offense has finished in the top half of the league in three consecutive seasons with him under center. The addition of head coach Kevin O’Connell adds another potential boost, along with the return of tight end Irv Smith Jr. from injury. As usual, the offensive line is a bit of a concern, but the star power in the offense remains with Dalvin Cook, Justin Jefferson, and Adam Thielen.

The Eagles’ offense got a new identity at the midpoint of last season, as head coach Nick Sirianni adjusted to a run-heavy scheme. That well worked for Jalen Hurts and company, as the Eagles finished in the top half of the league in points and yards. The offensive line remains one of the best in the league after bringing back Jason Kelce, and the wide receiver room has elite talent with A.J. Brown joining DeVonta Smith. Dallas Goedert has become one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the league, and the running back committee that includes Miles Sanders, Kenneth Gainwell, and Boston Scott has plenty of potential. There’s so much to like if Hurts can continue developing as a passer.

No offense has improved more on paper during the offseason than Miami, with new head coach Mike McDaniel and significant personnel additions Chase Edmonds, Tyreek Hill, and Cedrick Wilson. It shouldn’t be lost that the Dolphins also fixed their offensive line with Terron Armstead and Connor Williams. The Dolphins have finished in the bottom 10 in yards in each of the last seven seasons, and that should change quickly if Tua Tagovailoa can show any sign of improvement with his new supporting cast.

Despite a quarterback musical chairs, Indy’s offense has quietly finished in the top 10 in points in three of Frank Reich’s four seasons as head coach. An easy AFC South has helped prop up those numbers, but there’s clearly elite talent on this unit, including guard Quenton Nelson, running back Jonathan Taylor, and wideout Michael Pittman Jr. The Colts’ offensive potential could be capped by the aged Matt Ryan at quarterback, though more stability in big moments could come as a relief compared to Carson Wentz. The Colts are helpful either Parris Campbell or rookie Alec Pierce could breakout.

The 49ers have a wealth of talent in several areas, with an uber-talented offensive line, brilliant wideout in Deebo Samuel, top tight end in George Kittle, and revolving door of productive running backs led by Elijah Mitchell. However, the big question heading into 2022 is quarterback, as former first-round pick Trey Lance will likely take the reins. He looked like a deer in headlights when he got an opportunity last season, but he adds a new dimension to the offense as a runner and has had a full year to get comfortable. Head coach Kyle Shanahan’s masterful scheming should provide more optimism.

It only took the Patriots one year to revamp their offense, finding their long-term Tom Brady replacement in Mac Jones. He helped lead the offense to the sixth most points last season, but the loss of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels stands out as a potential downfall for the team. New England did add to their two-headed running back monster by drafting speed Pierre Strong, and the wide receiver group looks slightly better with DeVante Parker. Still, the big-play weapons are lacking on the outside, and the rumors of Matt Patricia or Joe Judge as the new play-caller is hardly reason for optimism.

Carson Wentz is now with his third team in three seasons. For all his blemishes, he’s a clear upgrade for Washington over Taylor Heinicke, and he has a great selection of weapons with Antonio Gibson, J.D. McKissic, Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, Jahan Dotson, and Logan Thomas. Washington’s offensive line could be on shaky ground with two new guards, which is something to watch as they try to protect the oft-injured Wentz.

With Derrick Henry sidelined for much of last season, the Titans’ offense regressed from fourth in 2020 to 15th last season. Hopefully, Henry’s injury wasn’t a sign of things to come, but the Titans now have wideout issues after losing A.J. Brown and Julio Jones. They’re hopeful newcomers Robert Woods and Treylon Burks can fill the void, along with new tight end Austin Hooper. Ryan Tannehill’s shaky status in the middle tier of NFL quarterbacks will be tested even further this season.

It’s a whole new world in New Orleans without Sean Payton, but the Saints did make several notable moves to compensate. The wide receiver group is revamped with Jarvis Landry and Chris Olave, joining the hopefully healthy Michael Thomas. Of course, the possibility of a suspension for Alvin Kamara is another threat, and Jameis Winston’s history of turnovers won’t be helped by losing left tackle Terron Armstead.

The Steelers’ offense stagnated over the last two seasons with Ben Roethlisberger losing arm strength and mobility, along with a huge loss of talent on the offensive line. Still, the weapons in Pittsburgh have been excellent, with the young duo of Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool now joined by high-upside rookies George Pickens and Calvin Austin. The team also found keepers in Najee Harris and Pat Freiermuth in last year’s draft class. The offensive line looks better now that the team has added James Daniels and Mason Cole. Of course, the elephant in the room is the quarterback situation, as rookie first-rounder Kenny Pickett battles Mitchell Trubisky for snaps, but the play at that position couldn’t be much worse than what Big Ben showed in 2021.

Cleveland took a giant risk in acquiring Deshaun Watson during the offseason, and there remains a good possibility that risk will haunt them. The fall to second-string quarterback Jacoby Brissett is significant, even as the team had a strong offseason elsewhere by adding Amari Cooper and third-round pick David Bell at wideout. Once again, it’s likely the team will lean on their running game between Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.

The Seahawks head into training camp with a quarterback competition between Drew Lock and Geno Smith, with speculation that Baker Mayfield remains in play. Ultimately, the Russell Wilson replacement will have some nice weapons to work with, including a talented running back room with Rashaad Penny and rookie Kenneth Walker. The wide receiver duo of D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett is among the best in the league, and new tight end Noah Fant adds another exciting receiving option. Rookie left tackle Charles Cross will be a key factor in an offensive line that has some major turnover.

Jared Goff received criticism in the 25th highest-scoring offense in the league last year, though his lack of weapons was notable. That’s changed in a big way after the team added D.J. Chark and Jameson Williams to join D’Andre Swift, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and T.J. Hockenson. With an above-average offensive line remaining in place, the Lions’ offense could be set for a nice leap forward to the middle of the pack.

The Jags have been a team in shambles for the bulk of the last decade and took it to new heights last season with the Urban Meyer debacle. They did spend the offseason finding some help for Trevor Lawrence, including Christian Kirk and a revamped offensive line. The return of Travis Etienne from a foot injury should also help, but no addition will be more significant than new head coach Doug Pederson. He’s capable of getting Lawrence on the right track in Year 2.

The Giants have seen five consecutive losing seasons, and enter what could be Daniel Jones’ final chance to show he’s a starting quarterback. Whether the addition of a new coaching staff led by Brian Daboll leads to a turnaround remains to be seen, but it couldn’t be worse than the prior regime. The Giants have an uber-talented wide receiver group that has done a lot of nothing lately, led by free-agent bust Kenny Golladay, while Saquon Barkley hasn’t been the same since his rookie season due to injuries. 

Carolina’s trade for Sam Darnold prior to last season could go down as one of the worst personnel moves of this era, effectively handicapping the franchise for multiple seasons. The Panthers head into training camp in a rough situation with Darnold still the starter, and third-round pick Matt Corral trailing him. Of course, better health from Christian McCaffrey would help, and the team did address their offensive line woes. The wideout trio of D.J. Moore, Robbie Anderson, and Terrace Marshall is capable if the team can make a late addition of Jimmy Garoppolo or Baker Mayfield to complement them.

Zach Wilson’s rookie season was ugly, to say the least, but it’s still too soon to draw conclusions about the young quarterback. The talent around has improved over last season, with a new interior offensive line and rookie weapons Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson. The Jets also liked what they saw from wideouts Elijah Moore and Corey Davis last year, and C.J. Uzomah is potentially a nice addition at tight end. Ultimately, Wilson’s progress will determine if the offense can improve from 28th in points.

Like last year, Houston’s offense has some problems. The team is still figuring out what they have in 2021 third-round pick Davis Mills at quarterback, and running back is anyone’s guess with the likes of Marlon Mack, Rex Burkhead, and rookie Dameon Pierce. Fortunately, Brandin Cooks is back, and the offensive line is a strength with rookie guard Keyon Green joining bookends Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard. The receivers beyond Cooks show potential with Nico Collins and rookie John Metchie, but the talent deficiencies remain from an offense that finished with the third-fewest points and fewest yards last season.

The Falcons’ offense will look different without Matt Ryan under center, though there isn’t much optimism with Marcus Mariota and rookie Desmond Ridder. There are some interesting weapons, with Kyle Pitts and Cordarrelle Patterson joined by rookie Drake London, but the talent in Atlanta is still lacking after last year’s blow-up. Head coach Arthur Smith will really have to work some magic to improve an offense that finished 26th in points and 29th in yards last year.

The Bears fired head coach Matt Nagy after last season, but the offensive issues go well beyond him. Chicago finished 27th in points scored and has actually lost significant talent in the offseason on the offensive line and at wide receiver. Quarterback Justin Fields could be set up to fail with an offensive line that will likely continue struggling to protect him, and little in the way of weapons beyond David Montgomery and Darnell Mooney.