Last year, I correctly predicted six of eight division winners, ten of the 12 playoff teams, and the Super Bowl runner-up.
It’s time to cast my lot and choose which teams will do what in the NFL’s 100th season. Mark my words, too. My picks won’t turn out perfectly, but they usually end up closer to the eventual finish than what you’ll get from most other pundits.
AFC NORTH
1. Pittsburgh (11-5) – Distractions are gone and defense has gotten better.
2. Baltimore (10-6) – It’s up to the offense to keep this team in contention.
3. Cleveland (6-10) – Rookie head coach and fragile egos lead to an implosion.
4. Cincinnati (5-11) – Offensive line is a major worry for a team in transition.
AFC EAST
1. New England (12-4) – Receiver corps got rebuilt. Rest should take care of itself.
2. NY Jets (8-8) – Raven-esque D and solid front office should help.
3. Buffalo (7-9) – They have a good D and Shady. But what else?.
4. Miami (4-12) – This could very well end up being the NFL’s worst team.
AFC SOUTH
1.Houston (10-6) – If Watson stays upright and D is healthy, they’re easily the top team.
2. Jacksonville (10-6) – Stellar D and clutch Nick Foles will get them close.
3. Tennessee (8-8) – Titans just aren’t consistent enough for a breakthrough.
4.Indianapolis (6-10) – A young roster is good, but Luck’s retirement hurts.
AFC WEST
1. Kansas City (11-5) – We know the offense is potent, but D has to be better. Right?
2. LA Chargers (10-6) – James’ injury and Gordon’s holdout is enough to deny them the title.
3. Denver (7-9) – Broncs are tough at home, but not good enough on the road.
4. Oakland (5-11) – Antonio Brown should provide the only real storylines.
AFC seeds: 1. New England 2. Kansas City 3. Pittsburgh 4. Houston 5. Baltimore 6. LA
Wild Card Weekend: Baltimore over Houston; Pittsburgh over LA Chargers
Divisional Round: New England over Baltimore; Kansas City over Pittsburgh
AFC Championship: New England over Kansas City
NFC NORTH
1. Chicago (11-5) – If they get a kicker, Bears will be a complete team.
2. Green Bay (10-6) – Overall health has to be better than it has been, but still….
3. Minnesota (8-8) – Kirk Cousins hasn’t lived up to the hype.
4. Detroit (5-11) – Lions are in a tough division and always have bad luck.
NFC EAST
1. Dallas (11-5) – Elliott will report, supplementing one of NFL’s best defenses.
2. Philadelphia (11-5) – D-line is excellent, secondary isn’t. Can Wentz stay healthy?
3. Washington (6-10) – Team is banged-up on O, spotty on D, and clueless in front office.
4. NY Giants (4-12) – Barkley will shine, but that won’t be enough.
NFC SOUTH
1. New Orleans (12-4) – Reports of Drew Brees’ demise are greatly exaggerated.
2. Atlanta (9-7) – Falcons are slightly better than average, but far from elite.
3. Carolina (7-9) – Team faded down the stretch in ’18. Newton’s injury won’t help mojo.
4. Tampa Bay (4-12) – Arians is a good coach, but he doesn’t have much to work with.
NFC WEST
1. LA Rams (10-6) – Super Bowl runners-up will be good, but will take a step back.
2. Seattle (9-7) – Pete Carroll always finds a way to stay relevant.
3. San Francisco (6-10) – 49ers have a few promising pieces, but SF isn’t a finished product.
4. Arizona (3-13) – Card will battle Miami for 2020’s top pick.
NFC seeds: 1. New Orleans 2. Dallas 3. Chicago 4. LA Rams 5. Philadelphia 6. Green Bay
Wild Card Weekend: Chicago over Green Bay; Philadelphia over LA Rams
Divisional Round: New Orleans over Philadelphia; Dallas over Chicago
NFC Championship: New Orleans over Dallas
SUPER BOWL 54
Feb. 2, 2020: Hard Rock Stadium; Miami Gardens, Florida (Fox)
New England over New Orleans
