It is so close to the football season, and millions of people across the world can’t wait for the season to kick off. It will be interesting to see will the favorites reign supreme again? Or will there be a sleeper team that shocks everyone and makes a postseason run? This article will give my predictions on each team’s season, and also predict the winners of the NFL Honors Awards at the end of the season. It is almost time for action on Sunday’s and I for one cannot wait!
Division Predictions:
AFC (American Football Conference)
AFC East
1. New England Patriots: The defending champs have absolutely dominated the AFC East for years, and have been the king rulers of the NFL for a long time. I don’t see this changing, and I believe they will win the division easily again. The 41 year old Tom Brady, is still one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and has several running backs to lean on like James White and Sony Michel. They lost a few contributers on their defense, but still have a strong secondary with Devin McCourty and Stephon Gilmore. The Patriots do not have a real weakness, and will once again dominate the NFC East. It will be interesting to see if the retirement of pro bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski changes this teams ability to move the ball offensively.
2. Buffalo Bills: The Bills are a team on the rise in my opinion. They are led by developing QB Josh Allen, and made several solid additions this offseason. They still have a solid run game behind Devin Singletary, Frank Gore, and T.J. Yeldon. An improved their O-Line with Mitchell Morse and Ty Nsekhe. Their receiving core has also improved with the addition of slot receiver Cole Beasley and deep threat John Brown. Their defense has stayed together, and is primed to have another strong season. If Josh Allen can make major strides this season Buffalo could compete for a playoff spot.
3. New York Jets: The Jets spent some big time money in the offseason in order to fast track their rebuild. They brought in fantasy darling running back Le’Veon Bell, and he should put up big numbers in New York. They also improved their receiving core by adding slot receiver Jamison Crowder. Their defense got a face lift as well with the signing of former pro bowl linebacker C.J. Mosley. This team’s success hinges on the development of second year quarterback Sam Darnold. If he can make a jump this year, The Jets could be the sleeper no one is talking about. New head coach and quarterback guru Adam Gase may just be the missing piece.
4. Miami Dolphins: Brian Flores takes on a clearly rebuilding team in the Miami Dolphins. Their defense is below average, and they lack major impact players on offense. They have some talent in running back Kenyan Drake and wide receiver DeVante Parker, but are far behind their counterparts in the AFC East. The biggest question will be who will start at quarterback, the veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick or the young trade acquisition Josh Rosen? I expect a rough year for the Dolphins against the improved AFC East.
AFC North
1. Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers lose Le’Veon Bell and their star receiver Antonio Brown. I feel this will actually benefit the Steelers going into this season. They have moved on from players that cause off the field distractions, and can focus on their core this season. Ben Roethlisberger is still a top level quarterback, and running back James Conner proved he is more than ready for the spotlight. The biggest question will be how does wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster play without Antonio Brown in the picture? The defense for the Steelers is still solid, and is likely going to be the best defense in the AFC North. The Steelers rarely miss the playoffs two years in a row, and will be motivated to shut up the critics this season.
2. Cleveland Browns: The Browns on paper are better than the Steelers, and certainly have added fire power. However, they have a first year coach, and have a lot of new faces that do not know how to win yet. Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry give the Browns one of the best wide receiver duos in the league. Their offense is loaded with running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, and don’t forget future star tight end David Njoku. However, their defense is still a major question mark. Their secondary has talent led by Denzel Ward, but is inexperienced and lacks the depth of the Steelers. Their linebackers are below average, and the one strength of their defense is the defensive line. Olivier Vernon, Myles Garrett, Sheldon Richardon, and Larry Ogunjobi are going to have to pick up the slack for the rest of their defense. However, I see this team as a playoff contender behind second year gunslinger Baker Mayfield. Mayfield has moxy, and has the skills to take this team to the postseason.
3. Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens offense should be tough to deal with behind their solid offensive line. Quarterback Lamar Jackson is an unreal athlete, and is very dangerous with his legs. They also added the dependable veteran running back in Mark Ingram as well. The biggest question is will Lamar Jackson be able to control the game with his legs as he did last year? Their receivers are fast led by rookie Marquise Brown and Willie Snead IV. Their defense lost a lot of valuable contributors, and is likely to take a major step back. The Ravens are good, but I just feel the Browns and Steelers did more to improve their teams.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals are a mess, and will be led by rookie head coach Zac Taylor. Their defense is the worst in the division, and is unlikely to be effective this year. Their offense could suffer if star wide receiver A.J. Green can’t recover from injury in time for the season. Their offensive line is mediocre, and quarterback Andy Dalton is way too inconsistent to trust. The one strength of this team will be the running backs with Joe Mixon, Giovani Bernard, and rookie Trayveon Williams. The Bengals will be over matched by the rest of the division, and likely will pick at the top of the draft next year.
AFC South
1. Jacksonville Jagaurs: The Jaguars are hard team to judge coming into this season. They went to the AFC Championship in 2017, but failed to make the playoffs in 2018. They feel they have solved the problem in signing free agent and super bowl champion quarterback Nick Foles. This will be Foles second chance to be the leader on a new team. His first attempt failed, and has yet to produce the same results outside of Philadelphia. They still have a borderline pro bowl running back in Leonard Fournette if he can stay healthy. They also have speedy receivers in Dede Westbrook and Marquise Lee. Jacksonville is likely to lean on their top level defense again as the offense works out the kinks with a new QB. Players like Yannick Ngakoue, Jalen Ramsey, and Myles Jack will be motivated to play well in order to secure their next big pay day.
2. Houston Texans: The Texans have more star power than the Colts, but aren’t as solid all the way around. Houston is still a mess when it comes to their offensive line, and are putting their star quarterback DeShaun Watson in danger. The lost running back Lamar Miller to injury. DeAndre Hopkins is still a high level receiver as well. They traded their star pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney who was holding out. They added Laremy Tunsil to help their O-Line, Kenny Stills as a playmaking receiver, and Carlos Hyde as the new running back. The Texans did little to improve their below average secondary, and are still too dependent on their D-Line. The Texans will be competitive, but in my opinion are unlikely to make the playoffs.
3. Indianapolis Colts: This division is truly a toss up, and I decided to put the Colts in third after Andrew Luck retired. The Colts have a underrated defense that flies to the football, and plays with discipline on the backend. Their offensive line is young, and is becoming one of the best units in football. Their offense is likely to run through weapons like T.Y. Hilton and Eric Ebron. However, running back Marlon Mack showed he is more than capable to contribute on the ground. The team’s biggest question going forward is can Jacoby Brissett really lead this team? Andrew Luck retiring was the news that sent shockwaves throughout Indianapolis. Luck dominated the AFC South when he was healthy, and the jury is still out to see if Brissett can do the same. Brissett has some experience as a starter with Indy and New England, but obviously does not have the attributes that Luck has. The Colts have gone from a borderline Super Bowl contender to a team unlikely to compete this season. I think their defense is good enough to finish at least third in this division.
4. Tennessee Titans: The Titans have taken a step back compared to the rest of their division. Their offense is average at best with a solid O-Line, but inconsistent running backs in Derrick Henry and Dion Lewis. I also do not trust Marcus Mariota who is yet to prove he can win at a high level in the NFL. Their defense is pretty solid, and have some real studs in Kevin Byard and Adoree Jackson. However, I feel Mike Vrabel’s team will struggle against the improved division and will likely be at best a 8-8 squad.
AFC West
1. Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs are primed to run the West yet again. Patrick Mahomes is a superstar, and has a chance to become the best quarterback in the league this year. Star wide receiver Tyreek Hill somehow avoided suspension, and tight end Travis Kelce is still a beast. Don’t forget about another deep threat at receiver in Sammy Watkins as well. The biggest questions for the Chiefs on offense is how do they replace former center Mitchell Morse, and will Damien Williams or Dawrin Thompson be the answer at running back? Their defense is improved with the signing on safety Tyrann Mathieu, and trading for pro bowl defensive end Frank Clark. If this Chiefs defense can live up to the hype we could be witnessing the next great dynasty in the NFL.
2. Los Angeles Chargers: The Chargers come into 2019 with a ton of talent on their team. Phillip Rivers is still an elite quarterback at the age of 37. They have insurance at running back with Austin Ekeler as starter Melvin Gordon holds out for a new deal. Their receiving core is underrated and dangerous in the form of Keenan Allen, Travis Benjamin, and Mike Williams. Tight end Hunter Henry is back from injury as well giving more offensive fire power. The defense is likely to be top notch once again being lead by pass rushers Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. However, they did lose All-Pro safety Derwin James that could drastically affect their secondary. The Chargers could win the division, and will be a real force this season.
3. Oakland Raiders: The Raiders added some big time playmakers this off season, and if everything clicks could make some noise. The biggest splash was adding one of the best receivers in the game in Antonio Brown. They also found their answer at running back in versatile rookie Josh Jacobs. They also improved their offensive line by signing dependable right tackle Trent Brown. My biggest concern is the defense that was one of the worst in the NFL last season. They drafted pass rusher Clelin Ferrell, safety Jonathan Abram, and signed the controversial linebacker Vontaze Burflict. However, these moves are not good enough to turn this defense around right away. The Raiders will be interesting, but are unlikely to compete this year. I also am not sold on quarterback Derek Carr who is very inconsistent, and has a ton of pressure on his shoulders this season.
4. Denver Broncos: The Broncos are unlikely to be competitive this year, and are caught in the middle of trying to contend or rebuild. They made a desperate move in trading for former super bowl champion quarterback Joe Flacco. Flacco is on the decline is likely just a place holder until rookie Drew Lock is ready to shine. Their best offensive threat is second year running back Phillip Lindsay, and have a couple of solid receivers in Courtland Sutton and Emmanuel Sanders. They overpaid Juwan James in an effort to bolster their offensive line. Their defense is good, but no longer can claim elite status they had in previous years. They have some nice pieces on defense like Von Miller, Bradley Chubb, and Chris Harris Jr. The defense as a whole is dependable, but are unlikely to carry the slack as their offense struggles this year.
NFC
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles: You could make an argument that the Eagles have the best team on paper. Their offensive line is experienced, healthy, and dominant in most facets. Carson Wentz is a premium talent, but has been injury prone and his health is a big factor this year. Their receiving core should be dangerous with a core of Alshon Jeffery, Nelson Agholor, and the returning DeSean Jackson. They also improved the running game by trading for Jordan Howard and drafted Miles Sanders. Don’t forget about perennial pro bowl tight end Zach Ertz, who will likely be a hall of famer one day. Their defensive line is full of work horses, and has a ton of talent. The secondary is finally healthy, and is led by veteran Malcolm Jenkins. The biggest question is the linebacking core, and how will they fare against the run? This team is loaded, and if they stay healthy should win the NFC East.
2. Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys finished 2018 strong, and won their first playoff game since 2014. They lost to the Rams in the next round, but took a step forward in becoming a contender. The offensive line should be great with pro bowl center Travis Frederick returning after a battle with Guillain-Barre syndrome. Dak Prescott is still a capable quarterback looking to earn a big pay day. Their receiving core is solid with Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, and the addition of veteran Randall Cobb. They also brought back future hall of famer Jason Witten to go with their young tight end core. The biggest question is how long does their most important offensive weapon Ezekiel Elliott hold out? Can the fill in running backs like Tony Pollard, Jordan Chunn, and Alfred Morris produce if his absence trickles into the season? Their defense should be one of the best in the NFL. They are led by recently extended defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, and newcomer Robert Quinn. Their linebacking core is fantastic with Sean Lee, Jaylon Smith, and Leighton Vander Esch. The secondary is headlined by Byron Jones, Chidobe Awuzie, and Jourdan Lewis. The Cowboys have a tough schedule, but should compete for a playoff spot this year.
3. Washington Redskins: The Redskins took a major hit when starting QB Alex Smith suffered a gruesome injury that will keep him out of action for 2019. The biggest battle at training camp will be between veterans Case Keenum, Colt McCoy, and rookie Dwayne Haskins for the starting quarterback start. Their running game should improve with the return of Derrius Guice and ageless wonder Adrian Peterson. Their receiving core is thin, and have only one big time weapon in tight end Jordan Reed. Their offensive line is mediocre, and things could get worse if disgruntled left tackle Trent Williams is traded. The defense is experienced, and should be solid with the addition of safety Landon Collins. Washington simply has too many question marks to be a real contender next season.
4. New York Giants: The Giants are far from the super bowl contender they used to be. Eli Manning is declining, and will likely be used as a mentor for top pick Daniel Jones before Manning decides to retire. They traded star receiver Odell Beckham Jr., and have already had two top receivers in Sterling Shepard and Corey Coleman go down with injuries. Free agent signing Golden Tate was hit with four game suspension as well. The one bright point for their offense is phenom running back Saquon Barkley, but even he will struggle with a aging offensive line. Tight end Evan Engram has to stay healthy or Eli will have no one to throw to. The Giants defense is young, and will likely lean on the few veterans like corner back Janoris Jenkins and safety Antoine Bethea. The Giants are unlikely to be competitive, and will probably be picking at the top of the 2020 NFL Draft.
NFC North
1. Green Bay Packers: I think many people across the league are forgetting how good Aaron Rodgers is. I expect the star quarterback to be motivated to dominate after playing injured all of last season. Their offense has weapons in the form of running back Aaron Jones, receiver Davante Adams, and tight end Jimmy Graham. The offensive line is underrated, and health will be a big factor next season. The defense is much improved with the additions of safety Adrian Amos, linebackers Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith. The Packers also have some studs in the secondary in cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Kevin King. The Packers will play a less competitive schedule after a tough year, and we will see how first year coach Matt LaFleur can handle his team.
2. Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings have a roster full of talent, and their success hinges on quarterback Kirk Cousins. The running game is strong with a healthy Dalvin Cook, and a improved offensive line. They have major playmakers as well with receivers Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen. Their tight ends are amongst the best in the league with Kyle Rudolph and rookie Irv Smith Jr. Their defense is still very good, and is headlined by veterans like Anthony Barr, Harrison Smith, and Xavier Rhodes. If Kirk Cousins can become a more consistent quarterback there is no reason this team shouldn’t compete for a playoff spot.
3. Chicago Bears: I see the Bears taking a step back this season against a tougher schedule. Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky has promise, but is still not developed enough to take over games when he needs to. I also think they have put Tarik Cohen and David Montgomery in a tough position by forcing them into a bigger role instead of a gadget type players. The Bears do have weapons in receivers Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel as well as tight end Trey Burton. Their offensive line is pretty solid, and will have to work overtime to protect their young backfield. The defense is amongst the best in the league with a feroucious defensive front led by Khalil Mack, Akeem Hicks, and Leonard Floyd. Their secondary could take a step back however after losing Bryce Callahan and Adrian Amos. The success of the Bears depends on how well Trubisky can play with real expectations on his back this season.
4. Detroit Lions: The Lions shelled out a lot of money this offseason, but have the misfortune of playing in a deep division. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is still solid, but isn’t good enough to hide the short comings of his team. Their running game should be solid with impressive second year running back Kerryon Johnson returning. They improved their receiving core around Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr. With the additions of rookie tight end T.J. Hockenson and veteran Danny Amendola. The defense should improve with the signing of pass rusher Trey Flowers. They have other solid played like defensive tackle Damon Harrison, cornerback Darius Slay, and safety Quandre Diggs. The Lions will be improved, but in my opinion aren’t as deep as their rivals in the NFC North.
AFC South
1. New Orleans Saints: The Saints are loaded, and have a real chance of winning the title this season. Drew Brees has aged like a fine wine, and they have a dynamic running back in Alvin Kamara. They also locked up their start wide receiver in Michael Thomas, and added Jared Cook at tight end. The biggest offensive question is how does the offensive line shape up after center Max Unger retires? Their defense should be solid from top to bottom yet again. They are led by playmakers like Cameron Jordan, Marshon Lattimore, and A.J. Klein. The Saints are a stacked roster from top to bottom, and should be title contenders barring injuries.
2. Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons are finally healthy, and look to bounce back after a rough 2018. Matt Ryan is still a high level quarterback, Devonta Freeman is healthy, and Julio Jones is still the best receiver in the game. They have other weapons like Mohamed Sanu, Calvin Ridley, and Austin Hooper as well. Their offensive line should be one of the best in the division this season. If their defense can stay healthy, The Falcons should compete for a playoff spot. They have a multitude of versatile weapons on defense like Grady Jarrett, Vic Beasley Jr., Takkarist McKinley, Deion Jones, and Keanu Neal. The Falcons will be a team to watch out for in 2019.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bruce Arians era begins, and we will see how the Bucs respond. Offensively the Buccaneers are challenged to say the least. Quarterback Jameis Winston is yet to prove he deserves to call the shots for a team. Peyton Barber is a decent running back, but isn’t a high level difference maker. Their best weapons are receiver Mike Evans, tight end O.J. Howard, and receiver Chris Godwin. If Winston doesn’t improve, this team could be in store for another long year. Defensively, the Buccaneers should be better than last season. They added stud rookie linebacker Devin White, proven vet defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, and linebacker Shaquil Barrett. I expect Bruce to improve Tampa, but they simply don’t have the tools to beat New Orleans or Atlanta.
4. Carolina Panthers: Carolina has not added any significant weapons for quarterback Cam Newton to work with. Christian McCaffrey is one of the few bright spots on this mediocre offense. Their offensive line is below par, and their most proven playmaker is tight end Greg Olsen. The Panthers have one of the worst offenses in the division on paper. Their defense has talent especially in terms of the defensive front. Their secondary is unproven besides veteran safety Eric Reid, and will be forced to cover for a low level offense. The Panthers have taken a step back unlike the rest of their division, and are unlikely to compete for a division crown.
NFC West
1. Los Angeles Rams: The Rams are by far the most talented team in this division. Quarterback Jared Goff is a budding superstar, and will have to play big for this team to succeed. Their running game is a question mark with Todd Gurley dealing with major knee issues. However, they have a dangerous three receiver combo in Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, and Cooper Kupp. If Gurley can stay healthy, the Rams should be a favorite to make it back to the super bowl. Defensively the Rams are full of stand out playmakers. Members like Aaron Donald, Dante Fowler Jr., Aquib Talib, and Michael Brockers. The defense could have more responsibility with Gurley’s health in question. However, this unit is solid, and is likely good enough to carry the team to a division title.
2. San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers success hinges on the health of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Jimmy G was lighting up the football world at the end 2017 and has star quality. However, he has been very injury prone, and the 49ers do not have a real backup behind him. The running game should be better with Matt Breida and free agent signing Tevin Coleman. The biggest question is who will step up as a weapon besides tight end George Kittle? Marquis Goodwin, Dante Pettis, and Jalen Hurd have to contribute or else the 49ers will miss the playoffs again. Their defense is solid up front, but lacks depth in the secondary. Their linebacking core should be improved after the addition of the atheltic Kwon Alexander. I expect the 49ers to be improved, but will struggle to compete against high level opponents.
3. Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks made a major commitment to quarterback Russell Wilson, and in turn hurt their overall team depth. Offensively this team will use a running back by committee approach. Their offensive line should be better than previous years as well. Their defense is a real problem going forward. They traded their top pass rusher in Frank Clark, and their secondary is weaker than the days of “The Legion of Boom”. The one pro bowl talent on their defense is Bobby Wagner, but even he is unlikely to carry Seattle back to the playoffs. However, they did add All-Pro pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney to bolster their front seven in a trade.
4. Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray is going to be must see T.V., but the rest of his team is a mess. The Cardinals have a great running back in David Johnson, and have solid receivers in Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk. Their offensive line is well below average, and that puts a ton of pressure on QB Kyler Murray. Their defense is led by pro bowl defensive end Chandler Jones, and besides Patrick Peterson there is not much to like about this defense. Kyler Murray will play well, but his team is too bad to make a playoff run. Rookie head coach Kliff Kingbury is going to have to prove he can coach both sides of the ball instead of focusing solely on offense.
Preseason Playoff Predictions
AFC Wild Card Teams
1. Los Angeles Chargers
2. Cleveland Browns
NFC Wild Card Teams
1. Dallas Cowboys
2. Atlanta Falcons
AFC Wild Card Round
6 Cleveland Browns vs 3 Indianapolis Colts: Browns Win
5 Los Angeles Chargers vs 4 Pittsburgh Steelers: Chargers Win
AFC Divisional Round
6 Cleveland Browns vs 1 New England Patriots: Patriots Win
5 Los Angeles Chargers vs 2 Kansas City Chiefs: Chiefs Win
AFC Championship Round
2 Kansas City Chiefs vs 1 New England Patriots: Patriots Win
NFC Wild Card Round
6 Atlanta Falcons vs 3 New Orleans Saints: Saints Win
5 Dallas Cowboys vs 4 Green Bay Packers: Packers Win
NFC Divisional Round
4 Green Bay Packers vs 1 Philadelphia Eagles: Eagles Win
3 New Orleans Saints vs 2 Los Angeles Rams: Saints Win
NFC Championship Round
3 New Orleans Saints vs 1 Philadelphia Eagles: Saints Win
Super Bowl
3 New Orleans Saints vs 1 New England Patriots: Saints Win
Super Bowl MVP: Drew Brees
NFL Players Award Predictions
AP MVP: Drew Brees, Quarterback, New Orleans Saints
AP Coach of the Year: Bill Belichick, Coach, New England Patriots
AP Offensive Player of the Year: Alvin Kamara, Running Back, New Orleans Saints
AP Defensive Player of the Year: Joey Bosa, Defensive End, Los Angeles Chargers
AP Offensive Rookie of the Year: Kyler Murray, Quarterback, Arizona Cardinals
AP Defensive Player of the Year: Devin White, Linebacker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
AP Comeback Player of the Year: Jimmy Garoppolo, Quarterback, San Francisco 49ers
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