The 'National Parity League' really keeps fans on their toes. I made up that term, and I still love it — like the old saw: ‘NFL: Not For Long.’  

The Bucs lost Rob Gronkowski to retirement. They had already lost another big TE, OJ Howard, to free agency. They appear unwilling to pay big ‘Bucs’ for defensive star Ndomakung Suh. So, I think the Bucs are no longer a lock to win their division.

Davante Adams left the Packers to play with Derrick Carr in Vegas. Russell Wilson is leading the horse team in Mile High. Matt Ryan is now riding with the Colts, echoing Matt Stafford's lion leap last year. The Chiefs now face an entire division of playoff teams, the Titans are no longer a lock to win the AFC South, and the Cowboys are no longer the ‘lone star’ in their division. That, football fans, is just a smattering of the news.

About 20 of the NFL’s 32 teams have playoff potential. Good luck predicting which teams will be red hot in December — with injuries and a longer season. But I get paid to make predictions, so here goes. This compilation may displease fans in New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Massachusetts, but let's pretend I'm from Missouri — and so far, some teams just haven't 'shown me.'

The 2022 season opener (Rams-Bills) is a blockbuster, but I actually get more juiced awaiting the clash of the Titans and Bills on Sep. 19. I'm thrilled to see Josh Allen go head-to-head versus Joe Burrow on Jan. 2! Gotta wait a long time for that one.

Several games are likely to be nationally televised (NT), even though they do not occupy prime programming spots — like SNF. And some of the games not marked "NT" could have their start times changed by the NFL, pushing them into the 4:00 p.m. Eastern slot — so, they could become available nationally.

Here is my revised list of the 17 best NFL games of 2022.

       Away            @ Home                       Day      Date              (Featured)
1.    Bills                  Rams                         Thu.,     Sep. 8             (TNF)
2.    Bucs                 Saints                        Sun.,     Sep. 18.          
3.    Titans              Bills                            Mon.,     Sep. 19           (MNF)
4.    Packers            Bucs                           Sun.,     Sep. 25           (NT)
5.    Bengals           Ravens                        Sun.,     Oct. 9.             (SNF)
6.    Cowboys          Eagles                         Sun.,     Oct. 16           (SNF)
7.    Bills                 Chiefs                         Sun.,     Oct. 16            (NT)
8.    Packers            Bills                            Sun.,     Oct. 30            (SNF)
9.    Rams               Bucs                           Sun.,     Nov. 6             (NT)
10. Broncos           Titans                         Sun.,      Nov. 13          
11. Bengals           Titans                          Sun.,     Nov. 27          
12. Rams               Chiefs                         Sun.,     Nov. 27            (NT)
13. Broncos           Ravens                        Sun.,     Dec. 4             
14. Chiefs              Bengals                       Sun.,     Dec. 4             (NT)
15. Raiders            Rams                          Thur.,   Dec. 8             (TNF)
16. Chargers          Colts                          Mon.,     Dec. 26             (MNF)   
17. Bills                 Bengals                       Mon.,    Jan. 2               (MNF)

Mark your calendars!