Here's how I see the NFL season:
AFC East
- Buffalo (10-7)
- NY Jets (9-8)
- Miami (8-9)
- New England (7-10)
The AFC East will probably be the most competitive division in the AFC. I wouldn't be surprised to see Miami or NY Jets win the division. I have a feeling this is Buffalo's final run until they have to do a rebuild. The Jets will benefit from having Aaron Rodgers but Miami will be right in there. I still think the Patriots are rebuilding.
AFC North
- Baltimore (11-6)
- Cincinnati (10-7)
- Pittsburgh (9-8)
- Cleveland (6-11)
The Baltimore Ravens rise up every few years from nowhere to surprise everyone. I think this could be that year for the Ravens. Even without a healthy Lamar Jackson they will be a top team in the AFC. Cincinnati may be taking a step back this year. I'm looking for a letdown year from them. The Steelers still need some work but they are improving and I wouldn't be surprised to see them move up in the North. Cleveland is not getting out of the cellar.
AFC South
- Tennessee (11-6)
- Jacksonville (10-7)
- Houston (7-10)
- Indianapolis (5-12)
People might have written off the Titans too soon. With the addition of Hopkins in the offseason, I think that will give Tanneyhill a weapon he hasn't had and this should open up the running game for Henry to have a monster year. The Jaguars will be in it and it will be a good division race as long as Trevor Lawrence stays healthy. The Texans will improve but not by much. The Colts have problems and I'm not sure they have found a quarterback.
AFC West
- Kansas City (12-5)
- LA Chargers (11-6)
- Denver (8-9)
- LA Raiders (5-12)
The Chiefs will still be the team to beat in the AFC but it won't be an easy one as the Chargers will make it close. The Broncos will improve with new head coach Sean Payton. If he can get Russell Wilson back to form, they could slide ahead of the Chargers for second place. The Raiders don't have their answer at quarterback and have other issues.
NFC East
- Philadelphia (11-6)
- Dallas (10-7)
- NY Giants (9-8)
- Washington (6-11)
The NFC East will be competitive, but I think the Eagles will be on top again. They still look strong to go the distance this year. The Cowboys will make things interesting but still not consistent enough to take the division. The Giants won't be the same team they were last season. The Redskins still need a quarterback.
NFC North
- Green Bay (10-7)
- Detroit (9-8)
- Minnesota (7-10)
- Chicago (5-12)
What? Green Bay winning the division without Rodgers? Yes, I think they will surprise people and show they were more than just a one-man team. The Lions will be much improved, but it is a long season which I'm not sure they can maintain consistency. The Vikings still have quarterback issues, and it will show as they drop down this year. The Bears won't be getting out of the bottom.
NFC South
- New Orleans (10-7)
- Carolina (9-8)
- Atlanta (8-9)
- Tampa Bay (6-11)
This division will be the most competitive division in the NFC. Except for the Buccaneers, the others are interchangeable. I think the Saints get the nod with Derek Carr as the best quarterback in the division and will find new life in New Orleans. If Bryce Young has success, the Panthers will challenge for the division title. The Falcons are still working things out on offense and often disappoint their fans at some point. They will either have a fast start or strong finish but nothing that will be consistent. The Buccaneers will come back down to earth after Brady's retirement.
NFC West
- San Francisco (11-6)
- LA Rams (10-7)
- Seattle (9-8)
- Arizona (4-13)
Everyone, it seems, are picking the 49ers to win the Super Bowl. I am not one of them. I still think they have issues at quarterback and on their defense. They will still be the class of the NFC and win the west. The Rams will bounce back with a healthy Stafford and if stays healthy they will challenge the 49ers for the West title. The Seahawks will drop back down a notch while the Cardinals are already on the clock.
My Super Bowl pick: Baltimore Ravens over the Philadelphia Eagles
