AFC EAST
New York Jets
Believe it or not, despite getting some of the worst QB you’ve ever seen from an NFL team, the Jets still won seven games last year. Aaron Rodgers is now a year removed from that first-drive Achilles tear and can help led Gang Green to the playoffs. Health is a concern across the board, but it should be enough.
Prediction: 11-6
Buffalo Bills
As long as Josh Allen is leading the way, you have to have some faith in the Bills. Losing Stefon Diggs this off-season might actually help chemistry keep the offence balanced. Matt Milano’s absence will be felt again, but the Bills still did fine without him last year.
Prediction: 10-7*
Miami Dolphins
With speed to burn on offence, the Dolphins should have no problem putting up points. But the defence lost some key pieces and this is a team that struggles both in poor weather and against tougher teams. In a tough division and conference, that will make a difference.
Prediction: 9-8
New England Patriots
A new head coach, a tough schedule and a real lack of talent should add up to one awful season for this once-proud franchise. This should be the first part of a long rebuild for the Pats.
Prediction: 5-12
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens
While adding Derrick Henry to the Ravens run game is a frightening thought, there’s a big brain drain on defence with several coaches leaving and some holes in the lineup as well. We do have faith that John Harbaugh will be able to ride the offence to another strong season, though.
Prediction: 11-6
Cincinnati Bengals
Finishing last in their division due to some key injuries last season is to the benefit of Cincinnati this year. This team could easily ride a weak schedule to one of the top spots in the AFC North if Joe Burrow and Co. can stay healthy and the defence holds up.
Prediction: 11-6*
Cleveland Browns
Can Kevin Stefanski finally make Deshaun Watson look like the QB that the Browns so heavily invested in? It’s dicey as Watson is the biggest factor holding back the Browns, it seems. Throw in a tough schedule and we’d bet against a return to the playoffs.
Prediction: 9-8
Pittsburgh Steelers
This is it: The year that Mike Tomlin finally finished below .500. While many have predicted it for years now, the combination of having the league’s toughest schedule and an unsettled QB battle between two castoffs should sink this ship, even if the defence remains strong.
Prediction: 7-10
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans
After hitting a home run with CJ Stroud and coach Demeco Ryans, the Texans can build off that success this season and look to make a deep run into the playoffs. We wouldn’t be surprised if they compete for the top spot in the AFC.
Prediction: 12-5
Indianapolis Colts
This is a big bet on the raw Anthony Richardson, who has a chance to become a stud under coach Shane Steichen like Jalen Hurts in Philly. The team brought back its key pieces and there’s less drama this time around. If Richardson can stay on the field and develop, the playoffs are within reach for Indy.
Prediction: 10-7
Jacksonville Jaguars
Are we sure that Doug Pederson is still a good coach? This team has done well, but then produces big letdowns as the season wears on. Trevor Lawrence continually gets hurt which has prevented him from reaching the heights many have expected of him.
Prediction: 8-9
Tennessee Titans
Mike Vrabel, who probably coached a couple of extra wins per season out of this franchise for the past few years, is out – which is reason enough to discount the Titans. The offensive line is poor and the defence added a bunch of expensive castoffs, but will they fit together?
Prediction: 4-13
AFC WEST
Kansas City Chiefs
The two-time defending champs had no shortage of drama in the off-season, but much of it won’t carry over once thing kick off. In soft division, K.C. doesn’t have to go full speed the way through and proved last year it doesn’t necessarily need the bye – it just needs to finish strong and use the momentum. We’ve learned our lesson about betting against Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid.
Prediction: 12-5
L.A. Chargers
With so much having gone wrong for the Chargers last year, it was time for a reboot and they surely got it. Jim Harbaugh is a massive upgrade at head coach over Brandon Staley and should help bring Justin Herbert and Co. back to the playoffs ahead of schedule.
Prediction: 10-7*
Denver Broncos
Coach Sean Payton got his man with rookie QB Bo Nix and is throwing him straight into the fire. While a solid offensive line should help, the team is a but light on weapons which should pose a big learning curve. This is just one step along a rebuild in Denver.
Prediction: 6-11
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders came alive after firing Josh McDaniels last year, but will a vibes-based coach like Antonio Pierce keep the good times rolling into Season 2? Going into the year with Gardner Minshew at QB doesn’t inspire confidence and we’d bet that Davante Adams starts looking for a trade within a month or so.
Prediction: 3-14