AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen took a big step last year and this team could move into Super Bowl contention this season after addressing its pass rush in the draft. It’s not out of the question that the Bills could be the top team in the AFC.
Prediction: 13-4
New England Patriots
After making a lot of moves in the off-season and getting some key figures back after opting out last season, the Pats look set to return to the playoffs. Rookie QB Mac Jones takes over for Cam Newton and should bring a lot more to the passing game than the former MVP provided.
Prediction: 11-6
Miami Dolphins
After a very rocky rookie season, it might already be make-or-break time for Tua Tagovailoa. But it’s not all on the sophomore QB. This is a roster that certainly has some talent, but it’s a matter of putting it all together in what should be a tough division.
Prediction: 9-8
New York Jets
The rebuild begins for the Jets, but there will definitely be some growing pains with this roster that still has many holes in it.
Prediction: 5-12
AFC NORTH
Cleveland Browns
Once the laughingstock of the league, the Browns have actually put together one of the best rosters in the league and have a top coach guiding them. Cleveland could seriously be a Super Bowl contender this season.
Prediction: 12-5
Baltimore Ravens
The biggest question mark for the Ravens is Lamar Jackson. The former MVP is the key to the team’s whole offence and, with Jackson reportedly unvaccinated despite already testing positive twice, he could submarine his team’s playoff hopes. The good news is that this team has a great structure and look otherwise solid.
Prediction: 10-7
Pittsburgh Steelers
The clock looked like it struck midnight for Big Ben last season, but he’s back under centre for the Steelers and hoping for a little late-career revival with a lot of offensive weapons around him. The defence and offensive line lost a lot of key players, which could be Pittsburgh’s downfall this season.
Prediction: 10-7
Cincinnati Bengals
By opting to draft Ja’Marr Chase and basically coming back with the same offensive line as last year, the Bengals are really rolling the dice this season. Joe Burrow is already coming off a blown-out knee and having him under constant pressure probably isn’t the best idea.
Prediction: 5-12
AFC SOUTH
Tennessee Titans
The addition of Julio Jones should help offset the loss of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, but the real question is about Derrick Henry and his durability. The league’s best runner has been an absolute workhorse and after racking up as many carries as he has the past two years, he might be due for some injury woes.
Prediction: 11-6
Indianapolis Colts
There is a lot of hope tied to the addition of Carson Wentz, but that also a lot of concern. Since his dynamite rookie season, Wentz has been one of the worst starting QBs in the league. While this is an easy division and the defence should keep Indy in games, counting on the former Eagle might be their downfall – especially with COVID concerns.
Prediction: 8-9
Jacksonville Jaguars
After winning just one game last season and sealing the rights to Trevor Lawrence, it shouldn’t be that hard for the Jags to look better this year. It also helps having the trainwreck that is the Texans in their division.
Prediction: 3-14
Houston Texans
What a mess. Just a bunch of outcasts playing for a coach that probably doesn’t even deserve the job. And we’re not even going to touch on the Deshaun Watson situation. There’s a real chance this team goes winless.
Prediction: 1-16
AFC WEST
Kansas City Chiefs
Unless the Chiefs have injuries pile up on their star players, it’s hard to see them take a step back from Super Bowl contender. While there is a real threat of the Super Bowl losers’ curse, there’s enough dynamic talent on offence to repeat as division champs.
Prediction: 13-4
Los Angeles Chargers
After being thrust into the spotlight last season, Justin Herbert looked every bit the part of franchise QB for the Chargers. Now, they just have to get over the incredibly amount of bad luck this franchise has had. With even just a marginal amount of good fortune, this should be a playoff team.
Prediction: 11-6
Denver Broncos
The Broncos have some playmakers on offence, a very solid defence but adding Teddy Bridgewater to run the show just ain’t going to cut it. Bridgewater is as conservative as they come and isn’t going to lead this team to the playoffs without making some big plays.
Prediction: 8-9
Las Vegas Raiders
It’s time to really start questioning Jon Gruden’s tenure with this team. He still has several years left on his big contract, but is it ever going to get better? The defence remains sketchy and they tore apart a good O-line for no real reason.
Prediction: 6-11
AFC EAST: Buffalo Bills
AFC NORTH: Cleveland Browns
AFC SOUTH: Tennessee Titans
AFC WEST: Kansas City Chiefs
AFC WILD-CARDS: New England Patriots, L.A. Chargers, Baltimore Ravens
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP: Cleveland Browns over New England Patriots