Get your flame throwers ready, some of this will be pretty standard but I got a few torchers in here.
The division winners
AFC East, The New York Jets. Yeah, I know, the BIlls and Dolphins will be good this year. The patriots will still be competitive as they hand the ball off 60 times a game. But the Jets have a real shot of doing something big this year, and as a fan I can't pick against them.
AFC North, The Baltimore Ravens. Everyone is hyped about the AFC East this year, but this may be the best division at the end of the season. The Browns are Stacked. The Bengals are still very good. The steelers are going to compete. But at the end of the day I think the new look Ravens that will be throwing the ball all over the field is one of the scariest teams going into the season. Their defense is still good, and if no one is open LJ can still take off. And as long as he keeps the mindset of pass first and stays healthy as a result, I think they are contending for the superbowl at the end of the year.
AFC South, The Tennesse Titans. Maybe they prove me wrong, but I think the Jaguars are the no 1 contender to take a step back this year. The titans are not an exciting team, but a solid defense with two proven playmakers (even if they are getting a bit old at this point) and a respectable qb in tannenhill is a good formula to win more than they lose. And I think thats all it will take to win the AFC South.
AFC West. The San Die...Just kidding, its Mahomes world and everyone else in the league are just guests at this point. The Kansas City chiefs will be one of the premier teams in the league by the end of the season, as everyone expects. I think the chargers will be good again, and the broncos will definitely be better than last year. I just think they need to move on from Russ, but I'd be happy to see him prove me wrong.
NFC East. The Eagles are a no brainer here again. Cowboys will be fine until the playoffs where they inevitably blow it again, the giants will probably make the playoffs too. But the Eagles are just too good barring any major injuries.
NFC North. The Lions, but I'm holding my nose as I make this pick. I'm just not sold on the hype. The offense will probably be even better this year, but defensively I'm not sold. Hutchenson will be a beast for sure, and a game wrecker like that can mask a below average defense from time to time. But ultimately, I think if they were in a tougher division they wouldn't stand a chance at winning it. Vikings will be alright, but last year was a bit flukey. The packers could be good if jordan love is good, they have a talented roster, but thats a big if. So yeah, nose held, here come the Lions.
NFC South. The Saints. Hate Carr all you want, but he can play some football at a high level. This will be the most talented defense he has ever played with, and I think the Saints will be in the conversation at the end of the season as a superbowl contender. No one else in the NFC South is anywhere near that. 2024 and beyond though? I think this is the Panthers spot.
NFC West. The trendy pick is the Seahawks. Hell, I'm high on the Seahawks this year. But I'm going with the San Francisco 49ers, because trendy picks are stupid.
The wild card teams.
AFC, Bills, Dolphins, and Browns. Yes, that leaves both Burrow and Herbert watching from home. Yes, I know that sounds crazy.
NFC, Cowboys, Seahawks, Giants. Less Crazy.
The Championship games.
Jets beat the Chiefs, 49ers beat the Eagles.
The Superbowl!
Jets over the 49ers. I go back to my logic for picking the jets to win the AFC East. They have a shot, so I have to pick them to win as a fan.
The Awards. I don't know why I am bothering to predict these, no one can at this point, but here goes anyways.
MVP, Lamar Jackson.
Defensive player of the year, Miles Garret.
Comeback player of the year, Jamal Addams. This could very well be a steal from Deshuan Watson, but he's not getting any awards from the NFL for a few years to come.
Rookies Bryce Young and Will Mcdonald.
Random hot takes, some that were mentioned already.
-Joe Burrow will miss the playoffs this year.
-Sam Darnald will be the starting qb for the 49ers by the middle of the season. It may start as an injury but will finish as a choice. The best games of his career so far were with Christian McCaffery behind him, and guess who's back there for the 49ers. He also is the most talented qb on the roster. Sorry Lance, you look like doodoo. Prove me wrong!
-The Seahawks are going to make the statement that the NFC is not all about the Eagles and the 9ers, becoming one of the elite teams this year and likely taking the west by next year.
-both Dalvin Cook and Breece Hall will have over 1000 yards rushing.
-the amount of run plays the patriots will utilize will come close to 70% of their total offense. And they will be successful at it, breaking a lot of hearts along the way.
-The Jets are going to win the Superbowl!
Like I mentioned in the opener, feel free to flame me for my picks both here and on discord in the NFL discussion. Some people get mad when you disagree with them, but at least when it comes to football, I don't see the point in making predictions if people aren't going to tell you you're wrong. Enjoy the season!
