Not every single game in the 2022 NFL season is must-watch TV for the average fan. There are a few games that might not be eye catching enough for the average casual fan.
The games below feature some of the games that a casual fan might want to stay away from and pick another game that week to watch on Sunday.
The 10 Worst Games
1. Jaguars vs Jets Week 16
Jacksonville Jaguars versus the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football in Week 16 will not draw in a crowd of fans to toon in. The sad thing is that this game had the potential to be good, but placing it on Thursday, as the only game on, late in the season when both teams are eliminated, is a tough pill to swallow.
The two teams selected quarterbacks with the first and second overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Seeing their two sophomore quarterbacks battle does help, but their season might be over by the time this game comes along. Having the teams meet earlier in the season, at least adds some value for the teams to come out and play hard. If this game was played earlier in the season, the hype of Trevor Lawrence versus Zach Wilson could have made this game a lot more interesting.
2. Texans vs Jaguars twice Week 5, Week 17
It’s sad to say, but we will have to see them face off twice this season because the Houston Texans and the Jaguars are in the same division. The teams with the first and third overall selections in the 2022 NFL Draft will likely be drafting in a similar position in the next draft.
Due to the lack of quarterbacks taken at the top of this year’s draft, there is no marquee offensive player to inspire viewership. Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker and Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. could both push for Defensive Rookie of the Year, but most casual fans don’t get their blood pumping over pass-rush moves or great man-coverage.
3. Jaguars vs Lions Week 13
The two teams with the top selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Jaguars, and the Detroit Lions, face off in Week 13. Even though the Lions seem to have more of a plan in place for the future, both teams are likely to repeat near the top of the draft next season.
Like with Jaguars versus the Texans, with no top-end quarterbacks taken with the top picks in the draft, both teams lack a star component to draw fans in. Walker and Aidan Hutchinson could look to outdo each other and have sack off, but defensive techniques don’t draw in most casual fans.
4. Bengals vs Jets Week 3
Last season, the Cincinnati Bengals lost to the Jets in Week 8, which was the Jets’ second win of the season. The Jets won two more games after that, against the two worst teams in the NFL. The Bengals made the playoffs, eventually losing in the Super Bowl.
This game might turn into a blowout rather quickly, the two teams are on opposite spectrums of the NFL, and the Bengals might be looking for revenge. The game does come early in the season, but the Bengals will not underestimate the Jets again as they head to repeat as AFC champions.
5. Falcons vs Panther Week 10
A prime-time game on Thursday night featuring the two quarterbacking skills of Sam Darnold of the Carolina Panthers and Marcus Mariota of the Atlanta Falcons, is nearly too much to refuse. Both teams will likely round out the bottom of the NFC South by the end of the season, as Darnold struggled last season for the Panthers, and Mariota rode the bench in Las Vegas.
After trading away, long-time starting quarterback Matt Ryan, the Falcons have officially entered into a complete rebuild. The Panthers are starting to get close to that edge but haven’t taken that final step, which could happen during this season.
The bright spot is that both teams did draft a quarterback in the draft, and by Week 10, both might be starting as the teams turn to the future.
6. Texans vs Giants Week 10
The Texans face off against the New York Giants in Week 10, a game that will leave fans wanting more. The Texans are smack dab in rebuilding after dealing with the Deshaun Watson lawsuits and trading him away to the Cleveland Browns. After firing their head coach and general manager, the Giants officially entered into another rebuild.
Last season, both teams had top five picks in the NFL Draft and might find themselves in a similar position come the next draft. The Giants did have the fifth and seventh overall pick, which could be a game-changer, along with new coaching staff. The Giants seem to be making the proper steps, while Texan fans hope they are.
7. Falcons vs Seahawks Week 3
After nearly three years of trade rumors, the Seattle Seahawks finally traded Russell Wilson away. They received Drew Lock from the Denver Broncos, who started three games last season. This offseason, the Falcons signed Mariota, who threw the ball just twice last season for four yards.
Neither team has their eyes set on their starting quarterback as a long-term starter, which could lead to low-scoring a game, despite their defenses ranking towards the bottom last season. The game will likely not feature many turnovers caused by the defense or much offense, leading to an excellent punter game.
8. Giants vs Jaguars Week 7
Both teams have gone through massive overhauls this offseason, hiring new head coaches. The teams might be settling into a grove under new coaching, but both rosters are built around young players in the recent drafts.
However, both teams seem to be trending in the right direction, with the Jaguars splashing the cash in free agency while the Giants had an excellent draft. This game could turn into a game where two not-so-great teams equal out, and they are evenly matched, or two inexperienced teams playing badly, leading to a sloppy game.
9. Seahawks vs Lions Week 4
While Jared Goff played for the Los Angeles Rams, he often faced Pete Carroll and the Seahawks. Goff is already not the best quarterback in the world, and facing a team that has experience against him will not help. On top of that, the Lions’ first-round pick in wide receiver Jameson Williams will still be recovering from his ACL injury, giving Goff one less option.
The Seahawks are in the first season of their rebuild and are short on overall talent on the roster. Both teams’ head coaches are defensive-minded, with underwhelming talent at quarterback, which might lead to another tremendous punting match.
10. Lions vs Jets Week 15
As both teams are in the middle of a rebuild, they are also nearing the end of those rebuilds. Both have ended with the second overall pick in the last two drafts, and both have made great selections. They have both constructed decent comprehensive rosters and hired defensive-minded head coaches who seem up to leading a team out of the bottom of the league.
Despite that, the Jets and Lions look like they are moving forward, but they still have a long way to go, which will be realized during the season. By Week 15, when the two are set to face off, they will be out of the playoffs, maybe not playing their hardest knowing they could get a better draft pick.
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