The NFL seems closer than ever to achieving true parity.
A wide-open 2021 campaign—the first 17-game season in league history—saw a massive number of teams remain in contention until the final weeks. It also saw several clubs execute major turnarounds, such as the Cincinnati Bengals going from the AFC North basement in 2020 to conference champions in 2021.
The gulf between contenders and pretenders should continue to narrow in 2022. Several squads that missed the playoffs last year have made significant strides by signing key free agents, swinging blockbuster trades or picking impact prospects in the draft.