The Cincinnati Bengals proved to be the ultimate dark horse in 2021. Despite starting the year 7-6, Joe Burrow and Co. rallied to win three out of their final four regular-season games to clinch the AFC North, and then won three straight playoff games to get to Super Bowl LVI, where they fell to the Los Angeles Rams. While the Bengals didn't hoist the Lombardi Trophy, their 2021 success is likely a sign of things to come.

The Bengals weren't the only team fans were surprised to see find success last year. The Tennessee Titans went 12-5 and clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC despite not having Derrick Henry for most of the season and having to play with what was a record-setting amount of different players. The New England Patriots made the playoffs with first-year quarterback Mac Jones and looked like a Super Bowl dark horse toward the end of the year and the Philadelphia Eagles overcame a 3-6 start to make the playoffs under first-year head coach Nick Sirianni.

Which teams are going to be better than most expect in 2022? Maybe there's a team like the Bengals that could make a Super Bowl run this upcoming season. Below, we will break down five potential dark-horse teams that may be better than you expect in 2022. We will also list their Over/Under win totals and odds to make the postseason if you're interested in making some money. 

Miami Dolphins

Over/Under win total: 8.5 (Over -135, Under +115)
Odds to make playoffs: Yes +140, No -160

If you asked anyone who the biggest addition the Dolphins made this offseason was, they would likely answer with Tyreek Hill. It makes sense; Hill has been one of the most effective wide receivers in the NFL over the past few years, and could help fast-track Tua Tagovailoa's development, but the splashiest addition may be head coach Mike McDaniel.

The offensive wunderkind played a major role in the San Francisco 49ers deciding to move Deebo Samuel around in the offense in 2021, and it was a successful strategy the 49ers capitalized on until they were ousted from the postseason in the NFC Championship Game. Despite serving as an offensive coordinator for just one season, McDaniel quickly found attention on the coaching carousel. He's someone who knows how to scheme to find success on the ground, which is why Miami has been stockpiling running backs in free agency, adding Chase Edmonds, Sony Michel and Raheem Mostert. 

Adding Hill and several running backs weren't all this front office did, as Miami signed wide receiver Ced Wilson from the Dallas Cowboys, signed a new left guard in Connor Williams and added one of the top players in this free agent class in former New Orleans Saints left tackle Terron Armstead.

I understand Tagovailoa is a big question mark and it's no sure thing McDaniel hits the ground running, but this Dolphins team may be the second-best club in the AFC East. General manager Chris Grier has said that his defense has already noticed a difference in the offense during their short time together.