2022 Xavier Cromartie Faux/Computer Simulated Season 1.0 (AFC Wild Card Playoffs)

INTRO:

(Same intro everyday) Four analysts are running their own early models of the 2022 NFL season, as we know it today – looking at the current teams/rosters/starters/depth mixed with the schedule layout.

We will release the simulation results and short commentaries three weeks at a time (Weeks 1-3, 4-6, etc.) by each analyst daily -- and then each analyst will simulate their playoffs all the way up to crowning their early Super Bowl champ. This is pre-work looking for/searching and sharing possible great Over/Under win total bets ahead of the crowd.

The analysts have not seen each other’s simulations…they’ll be seeing them for the first time as the report’s release daily for the next 12 days.

Your 2022 Faux 1.0 Analyst Lineup:

Ross Jacobs, FFM analyst (every 8am ET for the entire series)

Xavier Cromartie, long-time contributor/NFL Draft guru (every noonET)

Chris Bilello, Bet the Close Podcast (every 4pmET)

RC Fischer, FFM analyst (every 8pmET)

Hope you enjoy this two-week daily series…it’s all the analyst’s favorite project – one that totally consumes them and drives them mad working on it all, trying to predict the unpredictable…then a major injury will hit in July and/or August and blow all the theories and models all up. But for now, here’s what the analysts are seeing…

AFC Wild Card:

1. Cincinnati Bengals bye

2. Buffalo Bills v 7. Kansas City Chiefs

It's the rematch everyone wants to see. But these aren't your dad's Chiefs. The Chiefs barely made the playoffs. They aren't the same without Tyreek Hill. They will struggle against the Bills' #1 defense. The Bills are better all-around, and they have the home advantage. I'm going to pretend the Chiefs led 21-3 at halftime.

Bills 28, Chiefs 21

3. Los Angeles Chargers v 6. New England Patriots

The days of Philip Rivers' losing to Tom Brady are gone. Mac Jones does a pretty good job leading the Patriots' offense. But Justin Herbert has become one of the top QBs in the league. They've built a strong team around him, particularly on offense. Belichick is exposed again... That's not even his real last name (Bilicic).

Chargers 27, Patriots 23

4. Tennessee Titans v 5. Cleveland Browns

This game has the greatest upset potential since the Titans are the 4 seed only because they won their division. Both teams have equally strong defenses. Deshaun Watson leads a better offense than Ryan Tannehill. But, since the game is in Tennessee, the Titans win. There's no happy ending for Watson.

Titans 24, Browns 23