The AFC: teams, draft picks and draft predictions
With the arrival of Russell Wilson, Khalil Mack, Matt Ryan, Davante Adams, to name just a few, the AFC has been something of a vacuum for talent during the offseason, but despite an influx of fresh faces a number of AFC teams will still be looking to add to their roster at the upcoming NFL draft in Last Vegas.
For the second year in a row the Jacksonville Jaguars will be making the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. After picking franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence in 2021, the Jags' pick in 2022 is wide open and there are some excellent NFL Draft betting odds available for a number of players who might hear their name called first.
OnlineBetting.com's staff of football experts and analysts have broken down each team in the AFC to give you the full information and the best NFL Draft bets you need to get involved with the NFL Draft.
Baltimore Ravens
2022 Draft Picks
Round 1: No. 14
Round 2: No. 45
Round 3: Nos. 76, 100
Round 4: Nos. 110 (from Giants), 119, 128 (from Cardinals), 139, 141
Round 6: No. 196 (from Dolphins)
Notable Free Agents In/Out
In: Morgan Moses (FA), Marcus Williams (FA)
Out: Devonta Foreman, Latavius Murray, Miles Boykin, Sammy Watkins, Justin Houston, Pernell McPhee
2021-22 Record: 8-9
Head Coach: John Harbaugh
General Manager: Terry Fontenot
The Ravens addressed needs on the offensive line and in the defensive secondary in free agency, but they may double down on the OL to better protect dynamo QB Lamar Jackson. Baltimore’s greatest need, center, is not a premium draft position, so they may trade back to later in the first round where they could still take the best center on the board, Tyler Linderbaum. While Jon Harbaugh’s side are consistently in the hunt for a playoff spot, the dynamic of the AFC North changed dramatically over the last 12 months. The surge of the Bengals all the way to a Superbowl berth and the Browns upgrading at QB with the trade for Deshaun Watson sees sportsbooks place them at +200 for the division, third behind the Ohio pair.
Our NFL Draft pick: The Ravens to win the AFC North, +200
https://twitter.com/Ravens/status/1518689910961680385
Buffalo Bills
2022 Draft Picks
Round 1: No. 25
Round 2: No. 57
Round 3: No. 89
Round 4: No. 130
Round 5: No. 168
Round 6: Nos. 185 (from Panthers), 203
Round 7: Nos. 231 (from Falcons)
Notable Free Agents In/Out
In: Von Miller (FA), Shaq Lawson (FA), Case Keenum (Trade from Browns), Jamison Crowder (FA), Rodger Saffold (FA)
Out: Mitchell Trubisky, Matt Breida, Cole Beesley, Emmanuel Sanders, Jerry Hughes, Efe Obada, Star Lotulelei, Levi Wallace
2021-22 Record: 11-6
Head Coach: Sean McDermott
General Manager: Brandon Beane
The current favorites to win the Superbowl next season (+650), the Bills quietly added pieces around Josh Allen and solidified the long term future of their passing game by extending Stefon Diggs. In an AFC East lacking the previously overwhelming Brady era-Patriots, another division win and a place in the playoffs are almost assured (-175). Look for them to add a cornerback early in the NFL Draft who can contribute quickly opposite Tre’Davius White, and a running back later in the draft after losing out on JD McKissic in free agency.
Our NFL Draft pick: The Bills to win the Super Bowl, +650
Cincinnati Bengals
2022 Draft Picks
Round 1: No. 31 overall
Round 2: No. 63
Round 3: No. 95
Round 4: No. 136
Round 5: No. 174
Round 6: No. 209
Round 7: Nos. 226 (from Giants), 252
Notable Free Agents In/Out
In: Hayden Hurst (FA), Ted Karras (FA), La’el Collins (FA)
Out: Auden Tate, CJ Ozumah, Riley Reiff, Vernon Hargreaves III, Ricardo Allen
2021-22 Record: 10-7
Head Coach: Zac Taylor
General Manager: Mike Brown (Owner)
The Cinderella story of the 2021-22 season. Joe Burrow, Jamar Chase and the rest of the Bengals laid down a marker for the future – we can expect to see them in playoff contention for the next few seasons. In an offseason where the lost relatively few key pieces and signed quality starters like Hayden Hurst and La’el Collins in free agency, the Bengals can solidify their offensive line and then look to fill their roster with quality depth for the future.
Our NFL Draft pick: Ja’Marr Chase to record most regular season receiving yards, +1200
Cleveland Browns
2022 Draft Picks
Round 2: No. 44 overall
Round 3: Nos. 78, 99
Round 4: No. 118
Round 6: No. 202 (from Cowboys)
Round 7: Nos. 223 (from Lions), 246 (from Bills)
Notable Free Agents In/Out
In: Deshaun Watson (trade from Texans), Jacoby Brissett (FA), Amari Cooper (trade from Cowboys), Chase Winovich (trade from Patriots)
Out: Case Keenum, Rashard Higgins, Austin Hooper, Jadeveon Clowney, Tak McKinley, Malik Jackson, Mack Wilson
2021-22 Record: 8-9
Head Coach: Kevin Stefanski
General Manager: Andrew Berry
It’s certainly controversial, but the Deshaun Watson trade is the draft storyline for the Browns for the next three seasons, with the Texans taking the first round picks from Cleveland until 2024. Amari Cooper’s arrival from Dallas solidifies the WR position ¬ now the Browns can concentrate on adding reinforcements to a defense where Myles Garrett has done most of the heavy lifting since he was drafted in 2017. Expect them to use their first pick in round two on an edge rusher to play opposite Garrett before filling their defensive roster with young depth.
Our NFL Draft pick: Deshaun Watson to win Comeback Player of the Year, +700
Denver Broncos
2022 Draft Picks:
Round 2: No. 64 overall (from Rams)
Round 3: Nos. 75, 96 (from Rams)
Round 4: Nos. 115, 116 (from Seahawks)
Round 5: No. 152
Round 6: No. 206 (from Bucs through Jets and Eagles)
Round 7: Nos. 232, 234 (from Browns through Lions)
Notable Free Agents In/Out
In: Russell Wilson (trade from Seahawks), Billy Turner (FA), Randy Gregory (FA), Kareem Jackson (FA)
Out: Teddy Bridgewater, Drew Lock, Melvin Gordon, Noah Fant, Bobby Massie, Bryce Callahan, Kyle Fuller
2021-22 Record: 7-10
Head Coach: Nathaniel Hackett
General Manager: George Paton
Denver changed the narrative of the AFC West when they traded the farm to the Seahawks for Russell Wilson. They have gaps to fill still but they’ve signed a perennial Pro Bowler at the most important position in sport. Denver can now concentrate on adding offensive line depth, edge rushers and a tight end to replace Noah Fant when they join the 2022 draft party on day two.
Our NFL Draft pick: Russell Wilson to win Regular Season MVP, +1400
Houston Texans
2022 Draft Picks
Round 1: Nos. 3, 13 (from Browns) overall
Round 2: No. 37
Round 3: Nos. 68, 80 (from Saints)
Round 4: Nos. 107 (from Lions through Browns), 108
Round 6: Nos. 183, 205 (from Packers), 207 (from 49ers through Jets)
Round 7: No. 245 (from Cowboys)
Notable Free Agents In/Out
In: Kyle Allen (FA), Marlon Mack (FA), Pharaoh Brown (FA), Steven Nelson (FA)
Out: Tyrod Taylor, Deshaun Watson, David Johnson, Justin Reid
2021-22 Record: 4-13
Head Coach: Lovie Smith
General Manager: Nick Caserio
The 2021-22 season will be one for the Texans and their fans to forget, with Deshaun Watson sitting for the entire season in legal purgatory and franchise legend JJ Watt playing in Arizona. With Watson now on the Browns roster and pile of picks at their disposal, Lovie Smith and GM Nick Caserio can go to work in rebuilding and improving a roster that has needs at nearly every position. With so many needs it is hard to telegraph where the Texans will prioritise, but with faith being shown in sophomore QB, Davis Mills look for them to take a franchise offensive tackle and a reliable wide receiver early in a deep WR class.
Our NFL Draft pick: the Texans to record under 3.5 regular season wins, +125
https://twitter.com/nflnetwork/status/1518387843994988546
Indianapolis Colts
2022 Draft Picks
Round 2: No. 42 overall (from Commanders)
Round 3: No. 73 (from Commanders)
Round 4: No. 122
Round 5: Nos. 159, 179
Round 6: No. 216
Round 7: No. 239
Notable Free Agents In/Out
In: Matt Ryan (trade from Falcons), Yannick Ngakoue (trade from Raiders), Stephon Gilmore (FA), Rodney McLeod (FA)
Out: Carson Wentz, Marlon Mack, TY Hilton, Zach Pascal, Jack Doyle, Eric Fisher, Xavier Rhodes, Rock Ya-Sin, George Odum
2021-22 Record: 9-8
Head Coach: Frank Reich
General Manager: Chris Ballard
In an offseason of upheaval in Indianapolis, the Colts appear to have come out of it stronger with tested veteran and former league MVP, Matt Ryan now under center. With the Carson Wentz experience short-lived and the former Eagle now plying his trade for the Washington Commanders, the Colts move in to the favorite spot to win the AFC South (+135).
Despite solidifying their quarterback position, the Colts have question marks at many spots across their roster, with the offensive line seemingly remaining unfixed since Peyton Manning threw passes in blue and white. Look for the Colts to address the OL and cornerback spots when they start their draft weekend in round 2.
Our NFL Draft pick: Jonathan Taylor to record most regular season rushing yards, +600
Jacksonville Jaguars
2022 Draft Picks
Round 1: No. 1 overall
Round 2: No. 33
Round 3: Nos. 65, 70 (from Panthers)
Round 4: No. 106
Round 5: No. 157 (from Vikings)
Round 6: Nos. 180, 188 (from Seahawks), 197 (from Eagles), 198 (from Steelers)
Round 7: Nos. 222, 235 (from Ravens)
Notable Free Agents In/Out
In: Zay Jones (FA), Christian Kirk (FA), Laquon Treadwell (FA), Evan Engram (FA), Brandon Scherff (FA), Arden Key (FA)
Out: Carlos Hyde, DJ Chark, Andrew Norwell, Myles Jack
2021-22 Record: 3-14
Head Coach: Doug Pederson
General Manager: Trent Baalke
In what is sure to be a surprise to many Jags fans, they aren’t the team with the worst odds for a Superbowl win in 2023. They are, however, still a long shot to have an impact in the 2022-23 campaign. A busy offseason with some head-scratching moves (spending very big on wide receivers when they had a reasonable young core and far greater needs was a wild choice), they made additions everywhere and certainly increased their quality. With openings on the roster for a premium edge rusher or offensive tackle: the market for who they will take with the first overall pick is wide open with Aidan Hutchinson (-280) and Ikem Ekwonu (+1200) among the highly fancied picks.
Our NFL Draft pick: The Jaguars to draft Aidan Hutchinson with number one overall pick: -333
https://twitter.com/NFL_Podcasts/status/1518717162319319041
Kansas City Chiefs
2022 Draft Picks
Round 1: Nos. 29 (from 49ers through Dolphins), 30 overall
Round 2: Nos. 50 (from Dolphins), 62
Round 3: Nos. 94, 103
Round 4: Nos. 121 (from Dolphins), 135
Round 7: Nos. 233 (from Vikings), 243 (from Raiders through Patriots), 251, 259
Notable Free Agents In/Out
In: Ronald Jones (FA), JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Justin Reid (FA)
Out: Jerick McKinnon, Tyreek Hill, Byron Pringle, Demarcus Robinson, Kyle Long, Alex Okafor, Jarran Reed, Melvin Ingram, Tyrann Mathieu, Daniel Sorenson
2021-22 Record: 12-5
Head Coach: Andy Reid
General Manager: Brett Veach
After starting the season poorly, regaining confidence, before losing the AFC championship to the underdog Bengals, Kansas City can be forgiven for taking stock and looking at re-tooling for an AFC that presents a very different challenge to years’ past. Gone is the fastest man in football, Tyreek Hill, and a host of other high-profile veterans. In their place are younger, very different talents who, when combined with five picks in the top 100, could see a very different Chiefs team in 2022-23. With two consecutive picks at the back end of the first round, look for Andy Reid and Brett Veach to either trade out of one of those spots or combine them to move up for a defensive back or edge rusher to add some bite to their defense.
Our NFL Draft pick: The Chiefs to win the AFC, +500
Las Vegas Raiders
2022 Draft Picks
Round 3: No. 86
Round 4: No. 126
Round 5: Nos. 164 (from Patriots), 165
Round 7: No. 227 (from Panthers)
Notable Free Agents In/Out
In: Ameer Abdullah (FA), Davante Adams (trade from Packers), Chandler Jones (FA), Rock Ya-Sin (trade from Colts), Duron Harmon (FA)
Out: Marcus Mariota, Desean Jackson, Zay Jones, Carl Nassib, Yannick Ngakoue, Gerald McCoy, Solomon Thomas, Cory Littleton, Casey Hayward
2021-22 Record: 10-7
Head Coach: Josh McDaniels
General Manager: Dave Ziegler
The Raiders look keen to make a splash and take the AFC West race to the Chiefs with an aggressive offseason that saw them pick up the best WR in football, Davante Adams, a top tier edge rusher in Chandler Jones and a starting quality cornerback in Rock Ya-Sin. Their busy offseason has left them short of early draft picks so watch for them looking for value picks in the mid rounds to bolster an ageing offensive line.
Our NFL Draft pick: The Raiders to win the AFC West, +700
Los Angeles Chargers
2022 Draft Picks
Round 1: No. 17 overall
Round 3: No. 79
Round 4: No. 123
Round 5: No. 160
Round 6: Nos. 195, 214
Round 7: Nos. 236, 254, 255, 260
Notable Free Agents In/Out
In: DeAndre Carter (FA), Gerald Everett (FA), Khalil Mack (trade from Bears), JC Jackson (FA)
Out: Jared Cook, Andre Roberts, Bryan Bulaga, Linval Joseph, Kyzir White, Chris Harris
2021-22 Record: 9-8
Head Coach: Brandon Staley
General Manager: Tom Telesco
After a hard-fought first season for Brandon Staley’s staff, the Chargers took the same approach as the Las Vegas Raiders and hit free agency hard – filling a major need at cornerback and grabbing Khalil Mack from the Bears to pair with Joey Bosa in one of the fiercest 1-2 pass rushing punches in football. Throughout all this, they managed to retain their high draft picks, putting them in a good position to add some talent to a patchy offensive line.
Our NFL Draft pick: Brandon Staley to win Coach of the Year, +1400
Miami Dolphins
2022 Draft Picks
Round 3: No. 102 (from 49ers) overall
Round 4: No. 125 (from Steelers)
Round 7: Nos. 224 (from Texans through Patriots and Ravens), 247 (from Titans)
Notable Free Agents In/Out
In: Teddy Bridgewater (FA), Chase Edmonds (FA), Tyreek Hill (Trade from Chiefs), Terron Armstead (FA), Connor Williams (FA)
Out: Jacoby Brissett, Malcolm Brown, Phillip Lindsay, Will Fuller, Devante Parker, Jason McCourty
2021-22 Record: 9-8
Head Coach: Mike McDaniels
General Manager: Chris Grier
The Dolphins always seem to be big players in free agency, and this year was no different. Tyreek Hill’s move to south Florida where he’ll pair with Jaylen Waddle will give Miami one of the fastest WR duos in football and combined they will tear the back end out of most coverage units.
The trade was costly in terms of draft capital – they won’t start their draft weekend until pick 102 in the third. The Dolphins have spent the last twenty years playing in a one-team division under the oppression of the Patriots dynasty, and that leadership role has now been assumed by the Buffalo Bills, meaning the Dolphins are +350 to win the division, good for second favorite in the bookmakers’ odds.
Our NFL Draft pick: Tyreek Hill to record most regular season receiving yards, +1600
New England Patriots
2022 Draft Picks
Round 1: No. 21 overall
Round 2: No. 54
Round 3: No. 85
Round 4: No. 127
Round 5: Nos. 158 (from Dolphins), 170 (from Buccaneers)
Round 6: Nos. 200, 210 (from Rams)
Notable Free Agents In/Out
In: Ty Montgomery (FA), Devante Parker (Trade from Dolphins), Mack Wilson (Trade from Browns), Malcolm Butler (FA), Jabrill Peppers (FA)
Out: Shaq Mason, Ted Karras, Chase Winovich, Jamie Collins, Kyle Van Noy, JC Jackson
2021-22 Record: 10-7
Head Coach: Bill Bellichick
General Manager: Bill Bellichick
The loss of JC Jackson in free agency is a blow to a defense that has traditionally worked on the strategy of removing an offense’s single greatest strength – without a premier cornerback you can’t eliminate a premier wide receiver. Malcolm Butler is back after years away from New England but he’s on the back half of his career so picking up an heir apparent to the CB1 position must be a priority.
With an ageing roster that peaked while Tom Brady was still wearing blue every Sunday, this is a team that needs to draft with quantity as well as quantity.
Our NFL Draft pick: The Patriots to not make the Playoffs, -188
New York Jets
2022 Draft Picks
Round 1: Nos. 4, 10 (from Seahawks) overall
Round 2: Nos. 35, 38 (from Panthers)
Round 3: No. 69
Round 4: Nos. 111 (from Panthers), 117 (from Vikings)
Round 5: Nos. 146, 163 (from Steelers)
Notable Free Agents In/Out
In: Laken Tomlinson (FA), Solomon Thomas (FA), Greg Zuerlein (FA), Tyler Conklin (FA)
Out: Keelan Cole, Jamison Crowder, Morgan Moses, Shaq Lawson, Jarrad Davis, Marcus Maye
2021-22 Record: 4-13
Head Coach: Robert Saleh
General Manager: Joe Douglas
Is there an NFL city harder done by than New York? The NY Jets (+2500 to win the AFC East) remain one of the worst teams in football and didn’t do a huge amount in free agency to correct that. Zach Wilson may have been the worst of the rookie signal callers in 2021-22 but he does deserves another crack before they start thinking about his successor, so look for them to give him a proper chance and build around him. They should address the defensive line and wide receiver corps early in the draft by taking one of the top edge rushers on the board followed by a top-three WR.
Our NFL Draft pick: The Jets to record under 5.5 regular season wins, -115
https://twitter.com/OptimisticJets/status/1517236833062690821
Pittsburgh Steelers
2022 Draft Picks
Round 1: No. 20 overall
Round 2: No. 52
Round 3: No. 84
Round 4: No. 138
Round 6: No. 208 (from Chiefs)
Round 7: No. 225 (from Jets), 241
Notable Free Agents In/Out
In: Dwayne Haskins (FA), Mitchell Trubisky (FA), James Daniels (FA), Myles Jack (FA), Miles Killebrew (FA)
Out: Ben Roethlisberger, Ray-Ray McCloud, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Eric Ebron, Trai Turner, Taco Charlton, Joe Haden, Terrell Edmunds
2021-22 Record: 9-7-1
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
General Manager: Kevin Colbert
For the first time since 2005 the Steelers will take the field to start the 2022 season without Big Ben under center. What does this team look like in the post-Roethlisberger era? With a roster turnover at many spots and Mitchell Trubisky the presumptive starter at QB after the tragic death of Dwayne Haskins, where do Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin begin? Look for them to take a project QB if they like one of the options available, or trade back and take one in the second round while accumulating draft capital. The Steelers are by no means out of contention in the feisty and hyper-competitive AFC North, but at +800 they are Vegas’ longest shot to win it in 2022-23 as they look to consolidate and build for the future.
Our NFL Draft pick: T.J Watt to win Defensive Player of the Year, +700
Tennessee Titans
2022 Draft Picks
Round 1: No. 26 overall
Round 3: No. 90
Round 4: Nos. 131, 143
Round 5: No. 169
Round 6: Nos. 204, 219
Notable Free Agents In/Out
In: Robert Woods (trade from Titans), Austin Hooper (FA)
Out: D’Onta Foreman, Julio Jones, David Quessenbery, Rodger Saffold, Jayon Brown, Rashaan Evans, Jackrabbit Jenkins
2021-22 Record: 12-5
Head Coach: Mike Vrabel
General Manager: Jon Robinson
The Titans did the remarkable last year and proved they weren’t a one-man team when Derrick Henry was injured and missed significant time. Built differently to many NFL teams with an extreme focus on the run and play-action passing game, they continue to be a force in the AFC South where half the teams are among the worst teams in football. Matt Ryan’s trade to the Colts knocks Tennessee into second place in the bookmakers’ eyes but Mike Vrabel’s team can never be counted out. The addition of Robert Woods from the Rams gives them an impressive WR duo when paired with AJ Brown, provided Brown gets the new contract he is seeking. Look for the Titans to further reinforce their passing game with a shifty WR to play in the slot, or improve their defense with a difference-maker at the linebacker spot.
Our NFL Draft pick: Derrick Henry to win Comeback Player of the Year, +350
The NFL is blessed with plenty of data, but it’s important to know what is vital to future wins and what is just noise...
Raw passing yardage is less important than passing the ball efficiently. The former may be a by-product of a losing side being allowed garbage time success, while the latter is more indicative of a side moving the chains.
Wins are obviously key, but large numbers of narrow victories are often driven by good fortune, rather than good play. Similarly: match-ups are often neglected. A team that cannot stop the run may have difficulty against a ground based attack and strength of schedule can vary greatly, especially early in a season. Teams can often rack up wins against bad teams and struggle against playoff contenders: an indicator of short term success and weak playoff prospects.
Weather conditions should be intelligently factored in. High winds make passing difficult and scoring may be low, but wet weather can encourage turnovers, often in threatening areas of the field.
Shop around for best prices and don’t leave potential winnings behind by taking poorer odds - our NFL expert picks will help to sift the essential from the trivial.
What is the NFL moneyline?
In an NFL moneyline pick you need to find the winning team. Overtime counts, but if a regular season game ultimately remains tied, the wager is a push and stakes are returned.
In the AFC Championship game, strongly favored Kansas City were -322 and the underdog Bengals were +263. A $100 wager on KC returns $31.06 of profit, compared to $263 profit if, as happened, Cincinnati caused the upset.
Deciding on the favorite is often easy, but our handicappers at OnlineBetting.com will help to quantify that superiority, using repeatable team performance metrics and scheduling situations to avoid poor value bets and develop a long-term return.
NFL picks against the spread
A spread bet gives the underdog an advantage to manufacture a near 50/50 bet.
Kansas City were given a -7 start and were priced at -106, resulting in a $94.36 profit to a $100 stake if successful, compared to the Bengals slightly shorter price of -112, which returned $89.29.
Again, overtime and a possible push comes into play.
Small rule changes and aggressive 4th down play have altered the spread betting landscape but grow your knowledge with expert advice on key winning margin numbers, how coaches react in-game when winning or losing and home field advantage with us.
What are over/under bets?
Another near 50/50 bet which is decided after overtime if needed, where you choose if the total points scored by both sides will fall over or under a number.
KC and Cincinnati had a total that was set at 54.5 points and odds of -109 for both the under and the over. A push wasn’t possible because on this occasion there was a half point in the spread and a winning wager returned $91.74 of profit to a $100 stake.
Often a volatile, weather and team selection dependent market that’s built around the scoring rates of the offense and the concession rates of the defense, find out more about the Over/Under with OnlineBetting.com.
...and what is a parlay bet?
A parlay bet takes two or more wagers and combines them in an accumulator. Each leg of the bet must be successful (or at least be a push) and the winnings from one leg is rolled onto the next leg.
It is very likely that parlay bets will have a long-term negative expected value, but they can result in large payouts on relatively small stakes.
A two-fold accumulator with each separate bet priced as a coin toss at 100 would return $30 of profit to a $10 stake or $150 if four legs were included.
Same game parlays , which combine events from a single event are now common place, but the cumulative odds are often reduced to reflect the correlated nature of such wagers. Essentially a fun bet, but to get the sharpest wagers for each leg follow our expert advice.
Best NFL offers 2022
Loading