2022 NFL Rankings: Russell Wilson, Tyreek Hill Among Players to Watch on New Teams

Neil Parker

Last Updated: May 10, 2022 8:11 AM EDT • 3 min 20 sec read. Twitter link Google News Link

ENGLEWOOD, CO - MARCH 16: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos poses with his jersey after speaking to the media at UCHealth Training Center on March 16, 2022 in Englewood, Colorado. Justin Edmonds/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Justin Edmonds / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

There’s a bit of an offseason lull in the NFL following the excitement of the 2022 NFL Draft. Here’s a peek at five players to watch who will be playing for a different team this season, their Super Bowl MVP odds, and how they’ve impacted the betting odds for their new organizations (odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook).

Five Players to Watch on New Teams

1. Russell Wilson, QB, Denver Broncos (+1400)

The recent Denver quarterback carousel ended with the acquisition of Wilson in March, and the nine-time Pro Bowler is coming off one of his worst seasons in the league. Wilson had a losing record for the first time in his career, and he also missed three games — the 33-year-old veteran had started all 144 contests through the previous nine seasons.

Denver allowed the third-fewest points and eighth fewest yards per game last year, and the Broncos receiving corps is talented with Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, and Tim Patrick. Additionally, fantasy football pundits have already proclaimed running back Javonte Williams the second coming of LaDainian Tomlinson.

The Broncos are +1600 to win Super Bowl LVII, and +260 to win the loaded AFC West, and Wilson has a lot to do with those short odds. Denver was +2200 to win the Super Bowl before acquiring Wilson, after all.

2. Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins (+15000)

While the speedster is coming off a career-high 111 receptions last season and has scored 43 touchdowns over the past four years, it’s fair to question how much the production was driven by the Kansas City Chiefs offense and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

It probably won’t take long for the downgrade in quarterback play from Mahomes to Miami signal caller Tua Tagovailoa to show. After all, Mahomes has the second shortest odds to win the NFL Regular Season MVP Award at +900, and Tagovailoa is well down the list at +4000.

Still, it’s unlikely Hill doesn’t make a huge impact for the Dolphins, and he projects to pair nicely with sophomore wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to give opposing defensive coordinators matchup nightmares. The Dolphins were +5500 to win the Super Bowl before acquiring Hill, and they’re now +3500. Miami is also +350 to finish first in the AFC East.

3. Davante Adams, WR, Las Vegas Raiders (+8000)

Speaking of downgrades in quarterback play following an offseason trade, Adams goes from Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers to Raiders quarterback Derek Carr. Of course, Rodgers has won the Regular Season MVP Award four times, including each of the past two years.

Carr and Adams were teammates at Fresno State for two years, though, and the 31-year-old quarterback is coming off arguably the best season of his career with 4,804 passing yards and a 68.4 completion percentage.

First-year head coach Josh McDaniels should also prove to be an upgrade for the Las Vegas offense, which projects to keep Adams heavily involved in the passing attack. The Raiders immediately went from +5000 to win the Super Bowl to +4000 after adding Adams, and they’re now at +3500 to win it all.

4. Allen Robinson, WR, Los Angeles Rams (+50000)

Not only is Robinson set to run routes in the best offense of his eight-year career, but he’s also going to be targeted by the most established and talented quarterback to date, too. While fellow wide receiver Cooper Kupp is the clear top threat in Los Angeles for signal caller Matthew Stafford, there will still be all kinds of targets left over for Robinson.

Over the course of his career, Robinson’s produced three seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards and also caught 14 touchdowns in 2015 despite his starter being Blake Bortles.

Robinson will be 29 when the 2022 season begins, and playing for a contender should pave the way for a rebound from his underwhelming 2021 showing. The Rams have the shortest odds to win the NFC West (+125), and Los Angeles is also tied for the third lowest odds to repeat as Super Bowl Champions (+1000).

Check out the latest comprehensive and most trusted Sportsbook Reviews by SBR here.

5. A.J. Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles (+30000)

Rarely will a wide receiver have a significant impact on the futures markets, but Philadelphia’s Super Bowl odds took a notable dive when the organization added Brown during the 2022 NFL Draft. Philly was +4500 to win Super Bowl LVII before the draft, and now the Eagles are +3500.

The Eagles promptly inked Brown to a four-year contract extension, and quarterback Jalen Hurts played a key role in the team acquiring his friend. Hurt’s Regular Season MVP odds have also dipped all the way down to +1800, which is no coincidence following the trade.

Brown is a prototypical No. 1 receiver with the size-speed combination to be a big-play threat on every snap. Philadelphia also now boasts an admirable one-two punch for Hurts with Brown and second-year wide receiver DeVonta Smith at his disposal.

Make sure to keep an eye on our Live Odds page throughout the week to get the best lines possible and connect with others in the SBR community on our popular sports betting forum.

Written By:
Neil Parker

A lifelong Cowboys, Cubs, Maple Leafs and Gators supporter, Neil has been covering sports in print and online since 2011. His past stops include USA TODAY, theScore, DraftKings Playbook and RotoWire among others. He's a graduate of St. Thomas University and Acadia University and spends ample time at KenWo Golf Club.