So with Training camps around the NFL about to pick up, I thought it'd be fun to put out some predictions for how the year is going to go. I'll go first.
AFC EAST: This is still the Patriots division, but I do feel like New England is losing ground and there's light at the end of the tunnel for the other three teams as a breakup of the dynasty seems imminent. I think the Pats (11-5) slip a little in the record, and even will have to play through the wild card round this year. The big faller will be the Bills (7-9), going from Tyrod Taylor to McCarron/Peterman/Allen is a definite step backwards at the most important position in sports. The big riser in the division should be the Jets (7-9), I love what they are doing right now and should approach a winning record in 2018.
AFC NORTH: Pittsburgh (13-3) should have a stranglehold on the division this year as Cleveland is finally trending uphill after tearing the team to shreds the last two seasons, but have a long way to go and with Josh Gordon's renewed unreliability they should have an incomplete receiving corps again. Baltimore and Cincy are both entering re-build mode as well. The big riser will be the Browns (4-12), while the big faller will be the Ravens (7-9)
AFC SOUTH: No division is more intriguing as this one. Jacksonville is a real threat to make the Super Bowl and figuring out where the rest of the teams fall in line is a total mystery. I think all four of these teams win more games than they did last season. The Jaguars (12-4) should win the division and get a first round bye, meanwhile, I think Mariota takes the next step and the Titans (10-6) get a wildcard. The big question is how quickly can Deshaun Watson get back to full strength if at all. The Texans (6-10) should be better than last year, but so many injury risks makes them hard to buy. Ditto for Colts (5-11), who are a mess even if Andrew Luck bounces back.
AFC WEST: This is the division of extreme mediocrity, and then the Broncos. I think the Raiders (9-7) bounce back with Gruden at the helm for one big glory season before leaving for Las Vegas - I think this team will have the spirit to go strong this year. The Raiders will also be the big riser of the division, meanwhile, the Chiefs will learn quickly how to regret giving up on what you have when Patrick Mahomes starts turning the ball over and Kansas City (8-8) loses their formula for winning. The Chiefs will lose out on the wild card race to the Chargers (8-8) in the final week of the season.
AFC Playoffs: Steelers top the Patriots to advance to the Super Bowl.
NFC EAST: I think the Eagles suffer a bit of a Super Bowl hangover, they lost a fair bit of talent off of that balanced team, add in that Carson Wentz won't likely be 100% for a good portion of the season and I think Philly (9-7) slips a bit. And I think Dallas (10-6) bounces back and wins the division with a lot less drama surrounding the team this season. Washington (5-11) will be the big faller in the division, finding out that life without Kirk Cousins isn't actually better.
NFC NORTH: I'm fully on board with the Vikings this season, the lessons they learned from last season and in the playoffs should carry them far. Plus, the upgrade at QB will only help them. Minnesota (14-2) will take the best record in the NFL this season. Green Bay (11-5) will rebound with a healthy Aaron Rodgers and take the top wild card spot behind the Vikings. The Lions (10-6) should be in the playoff race all season, while Chicago (7-9) starts moving in the right direction with Mitch Trubisky leading the team.
NFC SOUTH: Repeat champions are rare for this division, but I think the Saints (12-4) have this one in the bag. Carolina (10-6) should also make the playoffs with Cam Newton having a strong season and the coaching staff finally figuring out the best ways to use the weapons they have on hand. Atlanta (9-7) will be just a beat off the pace, while Tampa (3-13) completely falls apart en route to the re-build.
NFC WEST: The Niners (8-8) will be the big risers of the division, but finish comfortably behind the loaded Rams (11-5) in the division race and miss the playoffs. The door has officially closed on the Seahawks (7-9), who will be the big fallers in the division this year. Arizona (7-9) will continue to just kind of exist.
NFC Playoffs: Vikings top the Rams to advance to and win the Super Bowl.
TOP 5 Draft teams:
1. NY Giants
2. Buccaneers
3. Broncos
4. Browns
5. Dolphins
NFL MVP: Drew Brees