Welcome to day five of my 2022 NFL countdown. We are nearer to some playoff teams. I like this part of the countdown because we finally have some real playoff contenders. The teams are actually good, and that is fun to write about.

At number 16 I have the Arizona Cardinals. They signed Kyler Murray to a massive extension. They got their guy. He should be there for the next five seasons. I understand that he played not so great in their playoff game last year, but this dude is good. And it should be a relief to know who is going to be behind center for the next half decade. Kyler Murray will only get better. I think this is a good deal for both sides. James Conner still remains one of the most uplifting stories, and he is the starter now. He is a good, big bruising back. He will get the tough yards and score double digit touchdowns. DeAndre Hopkins is suspended, and I do not know the length of said suspension. But when he comes back, he is exceptional. I wish he would get vaccinated, but that is a topic for another day. Hopkins is an all pro for a reason. They traded for Hollywood Brown, and he is going to help stretch the passing attack. The guy is a great deep ball threat. They also have AJ Green, as their third receiver. I think people tend to forget how dominant he was for the Bengals. He is still a viable option. Their O line is solid. They open holes for the run game and give Murray more than enough time to throw the ball. The D is what concerns me here. JJ Watt is never healthy. Zaven Collins hasn't played well yet. Isaiah Simmons needs to step his game up. Budda Baker has kind of fallen off. They have the potential, but they have yet to reach it. They need to step up for this team to become a true Super Bowl threat. Until then the Cardinals look like another 10 win team and first round out in the playoffs.

At number 15 I have the Indianapolis Colts. They are still searching for their Andrew Luck replacement. They just cannot seem to find the guy yet. I do like the Matt Ryan acquisition, but he is old and not his usual self lately. At least he is better than Carson Wentz. Johnathan Taylor is one of the best running backs in the league. He carried this team last year. He did all he could, and more. He is incredible. The receiving corps is not great. TY Hilton is gone. And they've replaced him with guys like Michael Pittman Jr, Paris Campbell and Alec Pierce. I know almost nothing about those guys. The O line is stellar. They need more from the passing game. You cannot run on every play. The D is fine. Shaquille Leonard is top notch. They signed Stephon Gilmore. They also acquired Yannick Ngakoue. Kwity Paye showed flashes last year. They have the guys they just need to put it together. The D is not the issue here. The Colts offense needs to modernize if they want to be a true threat. Matt Ryan is old, Johnathan Taylor already carries a massive load and the receivers are unproven. With all that, this is still a 10 win team, with the potential to win 12 games.

At number 14 I have the Minnesota Vikings. I'm sorry to tell you Vikings fans, but Kirk Cousins is still your QB. He is still there and still making massive amounts of money. He is your cross to bear. Dalvin Cook is very good, if he can stay on the field. He has not been able to for his whole career. And I see all the offseason workout videos. That is all well and good if he can stay on the field. Justin Jefferson is incredible. He is such a good wideout. Adam Thielen can still produce. I like them going out and getting Jalen Nailor. The O line is fine. They do their jobs. The Vikings D is kind of blah. They signed Za'Darius Smith, who is a solid pass rusher. Danielle Hunter is serviceable. Eric Kendricks is an okay enough linebacker. But this D is not feared like it was a few seasons ago. They don't have that scare factor anymore. They seem to just go through the motions. The Vikings, on paper, are a solid 10 or 11 win team. But I just keep going back to Kirk Cousins. He has done nothing of note in the NFL, yet he remains one of the highest paid players at the QB position. That is not great. He is not great. He drags this team down in the mud and makes them a murky playoff threat.

The final team for the day, at number 13 I have the Miami Dolphins. They have a seemingly healthy Tua. He has been out there on the practice field participating all offseason. I feel like this is a make or break year for him. They went out and traded for Tyreek Hill. He is as fast as they come in the NFL, and the dude can catch and go. Chase Edmonds and Raheem Mostert is an underrated and solid backfield. Jaylen Waddle had an incredible rookie season. He should only get better. The O line seems to be gelling. The Dolphins have a very good, potentially explosive offense. Their defense looks good too. Christian Wilkins is a good interior lineman. Melvin Ingram III is a solid linebacker. Xavien Howard is one of the best corners in the league. Byron Jones is good. They have the guys to shut other teams down. And they have the offense to put up a ton of points. If this team can stay healthy and put it all together, they will win 12 games and their division. With ease.

That's it for today. I will see you all on Monday for the next four teams.

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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