Storyline: Recovery from injuries, a suspension, youth, and consistent coaching factor into my picks for AFC Division winners.
The NFL season is underway! Here are my AFC division picks.
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AFC North, Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens are coming off an injury-riddled 5-11 season. Joe Flacco, Steve Smith and Breshard Perriman are healthy and they come back to an offensive group with a lot of depth. The addition of Eric Weddle and the return of T-Sizzle should help the Ravens return to top 5 defensive form. On special teams they have arguably the best P/K duo in the league with Sam Koch and Justin Tucker.
AFC East, Miami Dolphins: This pick might shock some, but the division is wide open with the suspension of Tom Brady. Adam Gase should help Ryan Tannehill. If Arian Foster returns to form, he’ll definitely be the steal of free agency. With Jarvis Landry and DeVante Parker on the outside this group is a threat on offense. I expect Suh to return to form under DC Vance Joseph, a guy who was on a staff that developed Geno Atkins into the player he is. The secondary has some questions, but if Byron Maxwell returns to being himself, that group will be ok.
AFC South, Houston Texans: This was probably the hardest division to pick. Teams are young and on the rise. The Texans jut look to be a team that’s ready to take the next step. I like the decision to re-tool rather than rebuild. Brock Osweiler gives the offense the stability it has lacked and JJ Watt will be a staple on defense.
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AFC West, Kansas City Chiefs: This team is the model of consistency. With Andy Reid as HC KC hasn’t had a losing season. Alex Smith is a solid game manager. With a running game that features Jammal Charles, Charkandrick West, and Spencer Ware, this offense shouldn’t have a problem outscoring teams. The defense is led by second year CB, Marcus Peters, who in my mind is the next Darell Revis. Tamba Hali should return to his typical form. The sleeper on defense is Dontari Poe, who’s a solid run-stuffer.
