2022 NFL Schedule: Top 3 games for every AFC team in the regular season
The entire 2022 NFL schedule was officially released on Thursday night, May 12. As usual, it's loaded with a ton of exciting matchups to look forward to during the 18-week regular season. Here are the three best games for each AFC team during the 2022 NFL season based on intrigue, as well as importance.
Best games for each AFC team during the 2022 NFL season
Buffalo Bills
#3 - Week 1 vs. Los Angeles Rams
The Buffalo Bills will feature in the opening game of the 2022 NFL season when they face off against the Los Angeles Rams, the defending Super Bowl champions. It's an exciting way to kick off the season, as both teams are expected to be Super Bowl contenders this year.
#2 - Week 17 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Josh Allen and Joe Burrow are two young quarterbacks who have each emerged among the elites in recent years. They will face off in Cincinnati in a matchup that should be crucial for the AFC playoff picture.
#1 - Week 6 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
The Buffalo Bills will travel to Arrowhead Stadium in Week 6 to play the Kansas City Chiefs. The last time these two teams met was in the playoffs last year. The shootout between Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes was one of the most thrilling games in NFL history.
New England Patriots
#3 - Week 4 vs. Green Bay Packers
Second-year quarterback Mac Jones will get his first opportunity to play a game at Lambeau Field, one of the most iconic NFL stadiums. He will also face off against Aaron Rodgers, the defending NFL MVP of the last two seasons. It's a big test early in the 2022 season.
#2 - Week 3 vs. Baltimore Ravens
The New England Patriots have built a reputation under Bill Belichick as one of the most consistently dominant defensive teams in the league. They will be up to the challenge of slowing down Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens' dynamic rushing attack.
#1 - Week 13 vs. Buffalo Bills
The Patriots were slaughtered by the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs last season. They will get their first opportunity to avenge that loss in Week 13 when they host the Bills.
Miami Dolphins
#3 - Week 4 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
The Miami Dolphins get their first prime-time game of the 2022 season in Week 4 on Thursday Night Football against the Cincinnati Bengals. Tua Tagovailoa and Joe Burrow will meet for the second time in the NFL after facing off in their college days in the SEC conference.
#2 - Week 14 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
The Dolphins had to make a choice in the 2020 NFL Draft when selecting a quarterback. They ultimately decided to go with Tua Tagovailoa, rather than Justin Herbert, who was later selected by the Los Angeles Chargers. The two quarterbacks will face off in Week 14.
#1 - Week 13 vs. San Francisco 49ers
The Dolphins hired Mike McDaniel to take over as their new head coach for the 2022 NFL season. Formerly, he was an assistant coach for the San Francisco 49ers, so the road game is a homecoming for McDaniel.
Our first look at Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel during any sort of practice — Miami opened rookie camp Friday https://t.co/rIw287ao3u
New York Jets
#3 - Week 1 vs. Baltimore Ravens
September 11th will always be an important date in American history, especially in New York. The New York Jets get the honor of hosting a home game on that date this year, which is always a special occasion.
#2 - Week 16 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jets will face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16 on Thursday Night Football. It will be the Jets' only prime-time game of the season, featuring Zach Wilson and Trevor Lawrence, the top two picks from the 2021 NFL Draft.
#1 - Week 12 vs. Chicago Bears
The Jets passed on the opportunity to select Justin Fields in the 2021 NFL Draft, opting for Zach Wilson instead. The two young quarterbacks will meet in Week 12.