AFC:
#1. New England Patriots- PROJECTED RECORD: 13-3
Tom Brady and Co. will attempt to make it three straight AFC Championship victories and avenge last year's Super Bowl defeat. They will be without receiver Julian Edelman for the first four games of the season due to a failed PED test. That means that Rob Gronkowski, Chris Hogan, and Malcolm Mitchell will carry the load with Brandin Cooks being traded to the Rams in the offseason. The running game should be revitalized as Georgia product Sony Michel should be the lead back alongside James White and Rex Burkhead in supporting roles.
Defensively, the Patriots will be looking for a bounce back season from Dont’a Hightower who missed a large chunk of 2017 with a torn pectoral muscle. If the Patriots defense can play like they did in the second half of last year, allowing just 14.4 points per game through its final 14 games, the Patriots will have no trouble winning the AFC East once again with ease.
Biggest Win: Week 15 @ Pittsburgh
Most Surprising Loss: Week 14 @ Miami
Bold Prediction: Sony Michel beats out Saquon Barkley for ROY honors
#2. Houston Texans- PROJECTED RECORD: 11-5
The 2018 Texans could be a dark horse contender to reach Super Bowl 53. Yes, I completely understand the skepticism behind this assumption. They were a paltry 4-12 last season and still gave up a ton of points on defense even with Deshaun Watson at quarterback. In addition, the AFC South is the best it has ever been with Jacksonville reaching the AFC Championship Game, Tennessee making the Divisional Round and Indy getting Andrew Luck back.
However, Houston has made some serious improvements to their defense, most notably adding Tyrann Mathieu and Aaron Colvin via free agency. Watt and Clowney should be a killer combo and wreck passing attacks week in and week out. On offense, you have a rising star at quarterback, a top three receiver, and two dynamic running backs. What more could you want? Can the Texans follow the the way of the Astros and end their title drought?
Biggest Win: Week 17 vs Jacksonville
Most Surprising Loss: Week 11 @ Washington
Bold Prediction: Deshaun Watson wins NFL MVP honors
#3. Pittsburgh Steelers: PROJECTED RECORD: 11-5
The championship window won’t be open forever for the Steelers. Big Ben inches closer to retirement and Le’Veon Bell’s impending free agency in 2019 makes this year “Super Bowl or Bust” for Pittsburgh. While their offense is among the league’s best, the defense has much room for improvement. Their linebacking core is thin behind second year player T.J. Watt. Ryan Shazier will be out for all of 2018 which means they will need to fill a huge void.
The Steelers have been at least to the Divisional Round for the last three years. However, if they are to go further than that, they will need some of the secondary pieces like Artie Burns, Sean Davis, and rookie Terrell Edmonds to play at a high level to compete against the likes of the Patriots and Jaguars. Overall, the Steelers should be able to take advantage of a relatively weak division to take the AFC North crown once again.
Biggest Win: Week 16 @ Saints
Most Surprising Loss: Week 3 @ Buccaneers
Bold Prediction: Antonio Brown and Juju Smith-Schuster will combine for 3,000 total yards
#4. Los Angeles Chargers: PROJECTED RECORD: 10-6
The San Diego...I mean Los Angeles Chargers look ready for a run at the AFC. They missed out on the postseason in 2017 by a game but that is pretty impressive considering they started out the season at 0-4. Their defense is pretty underrated as players such as Melvin Ingram, Casey Hayward, Joey Bosa, and rookie Derwin James will lead this bunch. Phillip Rivers is probably the best veteran quarterback that has never made a Super Bowl and this may be his last chance to accomplish that goal.
For LA to make a run, they will first need to solve the Rubix Cube that is the AFC West. They continue to get beat up by the Chiefs and Broncos inside the division year after year. Otherwise, the Bolts’ schedule is pretty manageable so a 10-6 or 11-5 season isn’t out of the question. Assuming Hunter Henry’s season-ending injury doesn’t put a damper on this offense, expect Rivers, Gordon, Allen, and Co to make their first playoff appearance since 2013.
Biggest Win: Week 11 vs Broncos
Most Surprising Loss: Week 10 @ Raiders
Bold Prediction: Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram will combine for 30 sacks (including playoffs)
#5. Jacksonville Jaguars: PROJECTED RECORD: 10-6
“Sacksonville” is back for another season. This is one of the few rosters with little weaknesses on them. Telvin Smith, Malik Jackson, Jalen Ramsey, Calais Campbell, Yannick Ngakoue, Myles Jack, Barry Church. Forget anyone? From top to bottom, the Jaguars have a roster to compete for the long run. The big key to a Super Bowl run falls in the hands of Blake Bortles. The much maligned star out of UCF actually had his most impressive season yet in 2017, leading his team to the AFC Championship Game.
The Patriots, Broncos, and Steelers may have dominated this conference for the last decade but I believe the AFC South is about to take their turn on the throne. Jacksonville was about ten minutes away from playing in the franchise’s first Super Bowl. This team may be able to follow the path of the 06’ Bears. Brian Urlacher to Telvin Smith. Rex Grossman to Blake Bortles. Charles Tillman to Jalen Ramsey. I can easily see the similarities. If Bortles can play like he did last year against Pittsburgh in the playoffs, against Seattle, or versus the Ravens in London, expect the Jags to repeat their unexpected success from 2017 and maybe much more.
Biggest Win: Week 2 vs Patriots
Most Surprising Loss: Week 12 @ Bills
Bold Prediction: Yannick Ngakoue leads the AFC in sacks
#6. Denver Broncos: PROJECTED RECORD: 9-7
This is my “surprise” team to make the postseason. It really shouldn’t be though. The Broncos don’t have many losing seasons. Last season, was only the fourth season since John Elway’s retirement in 98’ where Denver finished under .500. They started out the season hot at 3-1 before losing eight straight games and knocking them out of playoff contention.
The Broncos have bolstered up the front seven with the addition of first-round draft pick Bradley Chubb out of NC State. Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders are some of the best in the business. The running back competition should be intriguing as well as Devontae Booker will attempt to hold off the former Oregon Duck in Royce Freeman.
Sure, the Chiefs may have the better team inside the division but I’m gonna take the veteran gunslinger in Case Keenum. If he can play like he did in Minnesota, the Broncos will no longer have to ride the QB carousel of Trevor Siemian and disappointing first-rounder Paxton Lynch. Ironically enough, Siemian is the backup of Minnesota, Keenum’s former team. Ultimately, the Broncos will be right back in the playoff hunt in 2018.
Biggest Win: Week 12 vs Steelers
Most Surprising Loss: Week 5 @ Jets
Bold Prediction: Case Keenum makes the Pro Bowl
AFC Playoff Picture:
#1 Seed: New England Patriots (13-3)
#2 Seed: Houston Texans (11-5)
#3 Seed: Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)
#4 Seed: Los Angeles Chargers (10-6)
#5 Seed: Jacksonville Jaguars (10-6)
#6 Seed: Denver Broncos (9-7)
Missed the cut:
#7. Chiefs- PROJECTED RECORD: 8-8
Remember when the Chiefs looked like the best team in the AFC. Remember when the Chiefs looked like they were going to miss the playoffs. Yeah me too. Last season, the Chiefs morphed from their ho-hum checkdown offense into an actually potent one. The only difference is that Alex Smith’s trade to Washington will give way to the electric Patrick Mahomes II in 2018.
Tyreek Hill and Kareem Hunt carried the load for large chunks of the year. Now they may have a young gunslinger that can carry his share as well. The Chiefs offense has the potential to be scary good with forgotten running back Spencer Ware back to lead a two-headed back attack. If Mahomes II is a quick learner, the Chiefs will be a top four seed in the AFC. However, he was basically was redshirted in his rookie year so I’m going to give him a development year before he takes off. Unfortunately, this means that Kansas City misses the postseason.
#8. Ravens- PROJECTED RECORD: 8-8
It’s put up or shut up time for Flacco’s Ravens. After this season, it may not even be his team anymore. Defensively, the Ravens were up and down. T-Sizzle and C.J. Mosley lead the front seven but I’m more concerned about how the secondary will hold up. The offense is improved with Willie Snead, Michael Crabtree, and rookie Hayden Hurst’s arrivals.
Mr. Elite has enough weapons in his arsenal to get into the playoffs. In fact, I see that as the ultimatum. Make the playoffs and earn another decent contract. However, if he misses the playoffs, he’ll be taking the Metro out of Maryland. I expect Jim Harbaugh to give Flacco the reins until Baltimore falls out of contention. Then, Lamar Jackson will see the field for some needed experience in the professionals as a new era will commence.
#9. Titans- PROJECTED RECORD: 7-9
Personally, I wasn’t too impressed with the Titans last season. They started the season 6-3 and fell off late in the year. Give credit to Mariota for a gutsy performance against the Jaguars in Week 17 and Chiefs in the Wild Card round. Tennessee’s offense was not very potent in 2017 and against Deshaun Watson, Andrew Luck, and Blake Bortles, they will need to be. WR Corey Davis and new RB Dion Lewis will be the key if Tennessee wants a shot at back-to-back playoff appearances.
Others:
#11. Bengals- PROJECTED RECORD: 5-11
Please win a playoff game. Marvin Lewis isn’t a bad coach but how he continues to stick around is beyond me. The Bengals have enough talent to make a run at a Wild Card spot with Joe Mixon, A.J. Green, Giovani Bernard, and Tyler Eifert on offense with Geno Atkins and Vontaze Burfict on defense. They get a tough inter-conference schedule with the NFC South on the docket in addition to the Chiefs, Chargers, and two games against the Steelers. Cincinnati could exceed expectations but I can’t see a viable path to the playoffs at this time.
#12. Colts- PROJECTED RECORD: 5-11
Andrew Luck, T.Y. Hilton, and who else? If the Colts make this playoffs, I would honestly be stunned. They did help protect their biggest investment by drafting first-round linemen in two of the last three drafts in Ryan Kelly and Quenton Nelson. What is sad is that I’m having trouble trying to name defensive players for Indy. Jabaal Sheard and Malik Hooker are the only ones that come to mind. Not good. They have a long way to go before they will be in the playoffs.
#13. Dolphins- PROJECTED RECORD: 5-11
The definition of mediocrity. Jay Cutler pretty much embodied Miami’s identity in the last ten years. I’m not really sure what the Dolphins are trying to do. It seems as if Miami is endlessly on rebuild mode. I thought they had something going in 2016 with Matt Moore leading the Dolphins back into the playoffs. Since then, it has been ugly. Jay Ajayi and Jarvis Landry were two of their biggest contributors on offense and now they are gone. If Miami is to become relevant, I believe the defense will be key. We can talk about QB Ryan Tannehill all day but the Dolphins have some solid pieces to build on defensively. Xavien Howard had a breakout season after some early struggles, Cameron Wake is still playing at an elite level at 36 years old, and rookie Minkah Fitzpatrick looks solid. Maybe they’re waiting for Brady to retire before making their move…
#14. Jets- PROJECTED RECORD: 5-11
Somewhat of a harsh record for Gang Green. McCown is a much better baller than most seem to believe. While Darnold’s time will come in the Big Apple, the right call is with the vet. He has played for TEN NFL teams. That’s gotta be some type of record. Anyway, the Jets were potent in just about every game last year and although they didn’t win a bunch, putting in the effort is half the battle for Todd Bowles squad. Hopefully, they can continue to develop some of their 2017 draft picks with RB Elijah McGuire and a rising safety tandem in Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye to help flex their muscles in the AFC East.
#15. Bills- PROJECTED RECORD: 3-13
Even with their first playoff appearance in the 21st Century, the Bills have hit rebuild mode. However, if Josh Allen can one day become an efficient starter, Buffalo can be in contention sooner rather than later. The LeSean McCoy situation is something I will not go in-depth on but it certainly doesn’t look good. On the bright side, the defensive side of the ball looks promising with Jordan Poyer, Micah Hyde, Star Lotulelei, Tre'Davious White, and rookie Tremaine Edmunds leading the troops.
#16. Browns- PROJECTED RECORD: 3-13
This is the best Cleveland has looked in quite some time. No, seriously. Jarvis Landry and Josh Gordon is a lethal tandem at receiver, something that Tyrod Taylor never had in Buffalo. It will still be challenging for the Dawg Pound to win many games but winning in any capacity is a step in the right direction. If not, the 0-16 parade is looking for a sequel.
Wild Card:
I believe that Jacksonville will be a much better team than their record indicates. Both defenses in this game should play well and it may come down to the bitter end. Expect the Jags defense to come through in a nail-biter.
Jacksonville Jaguars 17, Los Angeles Chargers 13
This will be a rematch of a Week 12 contest in which I project the Broncos to upset the Steelers in Mile High. The Heinz Faithful know this may be their last run at a Lombardi. In Round 2, it is the Killer B’s who run the show in an easy win.
Pittsburgh Steelers 27, Denver Broncos 17
Divisional:
This is a pretty bold prediction considering that the last time the Patriots were absent from the AFC Championship Game was the 2010 season. That being said, New England’s reign atop the AFC will come to a crashing halt as Jacksonville’s young defense takes over Foxborough in a surprising blowout.
Jacksonville Jaguars 31, New England Patriots 16
Houston will be this year’s breakout team. Deshaun Watson’s MVP campaign will be on full display in this one as he and fellow Clemson alum DeAndre Hopkins thrash the Steelers secondary for only their fourth playoff win in franchise history.
Houston Texans 35, Pittsburgh Steelers 27
AFC Championship:
The first all-AFC South championship game goes the way of the Jags as they avenge last year’s AFC Championship defeat to New England and head to the franchises first Super Bowl.
Jacksonville Jaguars 27, Houston Texans 24
AFC Champions: Jacksonville Jaguars
NFC:
#1. Los Angeles Rams- PROJECTED RECORD: 13-3
The Rams are “all-in” for the 2018 season. This offseason, they were able to acquire two defensive stars in cornerback Aqib Talib and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. Last season, Jared Goff was a huge surprise in my mind. He looked like a bust in his rookie season but I’ll admit I was completely wrong about the third year pro out of California. The Rams hadn’t been relevant since the early 2000s but they’ve made a statement to the league: Los Angeles is back!
Assuming Sean McVay’s Rams take another step forward, this is their division for the taking. Seattle and Arizona are in rebuild mode. The 49ers could prove to be a challenge but the Rams have a much better roster and that will show as the season progresses. Todd Gurley is good on his own but add Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, and Cooper Kupp to the mix and you have a recipe for success.
Biggest Win: Week 4 vs Vikings
Most Surprising Loss: Week 5 @ Seahawks
Bold Prediction: “The Greatest Show on Turf” will return as the Rams will have the #1 offense in the NFL.
#2. Philadelphia Eagles- PROJECTED RECORD: 12-4
The “no ring” jokes have vanished. What will Doug Pederson’s squad do for an encore? The Eagles shouldn’t get too comfortable though. The NFC volatility has been incredible the last few years and although I do not have much changing atop the standings, don’t be shocked if a team like Dallas takes the NFC East this year. Philly will undoubtedly be getting Carson Wentz back from a torn ACL although it probably will not make too much of a difference either way.
Despite being the defending Super Bowl Champions, I see even more room for growth. Last year, I predicted the Eagles to go 9-7 as a surprise team in the Wild Card Round so I’ve always been pretty high on Philadelphia. Although it is tough to repeat as Super Bowl or even NFC Champions, Philly is built for the long haul and should be right in the mix to hoist the Lombardi Trophy once again.
Biggest Win: Week 11 vs Broncos
Most Surprising Loss: Week 10 @ Raiders
Bold Prediction: Zach Ertz leads all TE’s for receiving yards and touchdown receptions
#3. Minnesota Vikings- PROJECTED RECORD: 11-5
Can Kirk Cousins get the Vikings over the top or will it be more heartbreak for Minnesota? Now, the Vikings will sport the best supporting cast that Cousins has ever had on the field. Dalvin Cook will be returning from a torn ACL and looks to continue after his torrid pace through the early part of Minnesota’s hot start. Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen, and tight end Kyle Rudolph will be more than enough for the Vikings to be a top three squad in the NFC.
I like the their first-round selection in CB Mike Hughes who is a swiss-army knife. In addition to playing on the outside, he can return kicks as well, something he might do as a backup in Year One. He’ll push Mackenzie Alexander and Trae Waynes but probably won’t crash the starting rotation. The NFC North is the best that it has ever been with every team having at least a puncher’s chance at the playoffs. The Vikings will probably take a step back record-wise just because of Rams, Eagles, Saints, and Patriots on their first-place schedule. Will playoff futility end and can Minnesota skol’ their way to the big game? We’ll find out...
Biggest Win: Week 13 @ Patriots
Most Surprising Loss: Week 6 vs Cardinals
Bold Prediction: Andrew Sendejo will lead Minnesota in interceptions
#4. Carolina Panthers- PROJECTED RECORD: 11-5
Ron Rivera still thinks he’s playing in the 80s. In a league with high octane passing attacks, Rivera focuses on defense and grinding out the run game. When Carolina is at their best, they are among the league leaders in those categories. C.J. Anderson and Christian McCaffrey will headline the Panthers dynamic rushing attack. For the aerial attack, Cam Newton has his main target back in TE Greg Olsen along with two new pieces in D.J. Moore, acquired in the NFL Draft, and speedster receiver Torrey Smith via a trade with Philadelphia.
The NFC is no joke this year so whoever lands in the playoffs should be battle tested. In the Panthers own division are two Super Bowl contenders in the Falcons and Saints. Carolina could easily miss the playoffs...or wind up in the Super Bowl.
Biggest Win: Week 15 vs Saints
Most Surprising Loss: Week 12 vs Seahawks
Bold Prediction: Christian McCaffrey leads Panthers in receiving yards
#5. Green Bay Packers- PROJECTED RECORD: 10-6
An injury-riddled season for Titletown put the Packers out of the playoffs for the first time since the 2008 season. Sure, Aaron Rodgers has a Super Bowl championship under his belt but with one of the most talented stars of our generation, I’m sure he isn’t just content with just one ring. The defensive side of the ball has been the Packers weakness for a long while now. LB Blake Martinez had a great season for Green Bay, recording 144 tackles last year. However, their chances may lie in the hands of a trio of young cornerbacks in Jaire Alexander, Josh Jackson, second-year pro Kevin King.
The Packers weapons have fluctuated this season as out goes fan favorite Jordy Nelson and in goes red-zone threat Jimmy Graham. The running game showed promise as well as Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery will lead things in Week 1. Overall, expect Rodgers and Co to be right back in the mix. They shouldn’t waltz into the playoff picture with some deficiencies on the defensive side and an improved NFC North division. However, the Packers have more than enough talent to sneak back into contention in the NFC.
Biggest Win: Week 8 @ LA Rams
Most Surprising Loss: Week 15 @ Chicago
Bold Prediction: Randall Cobb will have a career year in TD receptions and total yards
#6. Atlanta Falcons- PROJECTED RECORD: 10-6
For the second straight year, the Falcons squeak into the postseason. Atlanta sports one of the best overall rosters in the league with Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Vic Beasley Jr, Desmond Trufant, and Devonta Freeman leading the way. This team was plagued with inconsistency as some weeks they looked unstoppable and other weeks where they looked lost. Rookie Calvin Ridley should be a solid addition to an already star-studded lineup at receiver.
The Super Bowl hangover didn’t seem to stop Dan Quinn’s team as they had another solid season and even won a playoff game. It’s not crazy to say that three NFC South teams will make the playoffs again. All four teams have improved even though Tampa is a step behind. The Dirty Birds would love to play the Super Bowl in their own stadium and I could easily see it happening. It’s tough for a Wild Card team to make the Super Bowl but the Falcons have the blueprint to stun teams and make a run at redemption for 28-3.
Biggest Win: Week 17 @ Buccaneers
Most Surprising Loss: Week 11 vs Dallas
Bold Prediction: Falcons knock Saints out of the playoffs with Week 17 win over TB
NFC Playoff Picture:
#1 Seed: Los Angeles Rams (13-3)
#2 Seed: Philadelphia Eagles (12-4)
#3 Seed: Minnesota Vikings (11-5)
#4 Seed: Carolina Panthers (11-5)
#5 Seed: Green Bay Packers (10-6)
#6 Seed: Atlanta Falcons (10-6)
Missed the cut:
#7. Cowboys: PROJECTED RECORD: 9-7
It’s no secret that the Cowboys are a much better team when Ezekiel Elliott is running the show. With no Dez Bryant or Jason Witten, expect things to be rocky early on. They get the NFC South as well as the Jaguars, Texans, and Eagles twice. If they make it to the playoffs, they would’ve definitely earned it. I believe the Cowboys will be right on the verge of the playoffs...until the Giants play the role of spoiler again and knocking them out of the postseason again.
#8. Saints- PROJECTED RECORD: 9-7
This prediction has nothing to do with New Orleans but more the competition of the NFC. Some may believe that the Saints are the best in the NFC. There is no doubt that they will have another great season but remember that the NFC South has the most parody of any division in football. Secondly, the Saints will be handed a first-place schedule. That means they get to face off against the likes of the Rams, Vikings, Eagles, Steelers, as well as the Falcons and the Panthers twice. Not an easy road back.
#9. 49ers- PROJECTED RECORD: 9-7
Everyone needs to slow down on the San Francisco hype train. Yes, Jimmy Garoppolo is the best quarterback they’ve had since Alex Smith but is the rest of their roster ready to compete in the NFC? The 49ers defense is steadily growing back into what it was during the Colin Kaepernick era and their battles with Seattle. Richard Sherman, if healthy, should be a huge addition. Defensive ends DeForest Buckner and Solomon Thomas should continue to ascend into quality components to build around. Offensively, I’m not sold on if Jerick McKinnon, Pierre Garcon, and Marquise Goodwin are enough to get them through the NFC.
Others:
#10. Lions- PROJECTED RECORD: 8-8
Detroit constantly gets disrespected year after year. The Lions seem to be right in the mix every year but can’t seem to get over the hump. Last season, they were robbed of a win against Atlanta at Ford Field which would’ve catapulted them into the playoffs. Matthew Stafford continues to be the king of the comeback. He will need to find a way to beat some of the marquee teams in the league to take the next step. They get some of their tougher games at home (Patriots, Rams, Panthers, Seahawks) so maybe that will help them win more games than expected.
#11. Bears- PROJECTED RECORD: 8-8
Chicago looks like they could do some serious damage this year. In fact, they are my dark horse to get into the playoffs. Their draft was a personal favorite of mine, as GM Ryan Pace acquired pieces like a future Pro Bowl LB in Roquan Smith, a solid piece for the the o-line in James Daniels, and a dynamic playmaker in Anthony Miller. On offense, Allen Robinson, Jordan Howard, Trey Burton and Tarik Cohen will be the focal points for Mitchell Trubisky. On defense, a pair a safeties in Amos and Jackson will hope to have another productive season alongside an underrated front seven consisting of Akiem Hicks and Leonard Floyd. The Windy City should be excited about what their future holds.
#12. Seahawks- PROJECTED RECORD: 7-9
It looks like the Legion of Boom is all but over. Seattle’s hopes of winning another Super Bowl seem to have vanished for the near future as well. If there is one team that I am ranking relatively low that could sneak in as a sixth-seed, the Seahawks could be the one. Russell Wilson is still a top five quarterback but the running game will need to be revitalized with first-round pick Rashaad Penny for the Hawks to have a chance to return to the playoffs.
#13. Redskins- PROJECTED RECORD: 6-10
Is Alex Smith that much better than Kirk Cousins? A better decision maker? Sure. Other than that, I’m not so sure. Ultimately, the Redskins did not see enough in Cousins where they believed that he would be the guy to lead them to the promised land. That comes with a big risk as Smith probably will not be the long term answer for the next five to seven years. That being said, the offense has top ten potential. Derrius Guice was an absolute steal and should complement change-of-pace back in Chris Thompson. Although the Skins’ secondary concerns me, the front seven is looking pretty solid with Preston Smith, Ryan Kerrigan, Da’Ron Payne, and Jonathan Allen getting ready to terrorize opposing offenses.
#14. Giants- PROJECTED RECORD: 5-11
I don’t know why but this “seems like” a 9-7 Giants miracle run to the Big Game. In a division where they are projected to do poorly, the team is revitalized with new addition Saquon Barkley. If he can provide the same type of spark that Ezekiel Elliott did with Dallas, we could truly be seeing something special. Of course, the Giants haven’t had a decent run game in years and that could be partially due to the performance of their offensive line. TE Evan Engram excites me as well. He will be a 1,000 yard receiver as long as OC Mike Shula is able to correctly implement him into his new system.
#15. Cardinals- PROJECTED RECORD: 4-12
The Josh Rosen era has arrived in the desert. When, not if, Sam Bradford gets injured, Rosen will be able to show why he was the most polished quarterback in the draft. While I don’t see Arizona being a playoff team, they could surprise some unsuspecting teams early in the year. WR Christian Kirk will be able to complement the ageless wonder Larry Fitzgerald for what could be the latter’s final season. After choosing to forgo re-signing star safety Tyrann Mathieu, they have a big void that could end up being detrimental for their chances to compete for the postseason in 2018.
#16. Buccaneers- PROJECTED RECORD: 4-12
The Bucs can’t seem to get it right. Worst team in the NFC doesn’t seem accurate for Tampa Bay. They have so much talent on both sides of the ball. Mike Evans, Gerald McCoy, OJ Howard, DeSean Jackson, and Lavonte David to name a few. In addition, their draft was built around stopping the rushing attacks of the NFC South with six scary backs they will need to stop. Vita Vea is a great pickup that will help clog up the interior and defensive backs M.J. Stewart and Carlton Davis should give them a boost in the secondary alongside Brent Grimes. That being said, Winston’s antics may be a sign of things to come that the Bucs won’t be eating many “W’s” in 2018.
Wild Card Round:
Kirk Cousins has played in two playoff games in his career. The first one was his rookie year vs Seattle as he was inserted in the second half following RGIII’s career-altering ACL tear. In the 2015 Season, the Skins’ fell victim to Green Bay in a tough defeat. As I look at this potential game, it is definitely a tough draw for the Vikings. This game ultimately will come down to experience and composure. 28-3 vs The Ghost of Blair Walsh. Tough one. On a coin flip, I’ll go Atlanta.
Atlanta Falcons 26, Minnesota Vikings 23
Carolina and Green Bay have played in some epic showdowns in the last couple of seasons (2015, 2017). In this postseason game, expect more of the same. The Panthers have a stout defense headlined by Luke Kuechly and Kawann Short. The Packers have Aaron Rodgers which is enough on its own. In a high-scoring barnburner, SuperCam’s home-field advantage proves to be the difference in crunch-time. Carolina “Keeps Pounding” into the Divisional.
Carolina Panthers 38, Green Bay Packers 34
Divisional Round:
In the past few years, there has seemingly been one NFC team that is clearly better than the rest. This season, it will be the Los Angeles Rams. While the Falcons are one of the most gifted teams in the league, the Rams can match them at pretty much every position on the field. Factor in the motivation that Los Angeles will have since their season in the Wild Card Round last year. I don’t see this game being close as Atlanta will be playing their fourth-straight road game if you include the regular season. LA advances to the NFC Championship Game.
Los Angeles Rams 41, Atlanta Falcons 17
There is always one upset that most people don’t see coming. The defending Super Bowl Champions off a bye against the Panthers. This is a game where I believe running the football will be necessary. Corey Clement, Darren Sproles, Christian McCaffrey, and C.J. Anderson will headline in a most likely frigid game. In the upset of the playoffs, Philadelphia goes one and done as Carolina edges out Wentz’ Eagles.
Carolina Panthers 17, Philadelphia Eagles 16
NFC Championship:
A cross-country trip from Charlotte to Los Angeles for the biggest game of the season? Not good for the Panthers. Todd Gurley vs Carolina’s defensive line will be a big factor to watch. Even if the Panthers shut down Gurley, Goff will be able to expose Carolina’s sub-par secondary downfield with Brandin Cooks, Cooper Kupp, and Robert Woods through the air. This game should be domination in favor of “The Greatest Show on Turf” for yet another NFC Championship blowout.
Los Angeles Rams 34, Carolina Panthers 16
NFC Champion: Los Angeles Rams
Super Bowl 53: Jacksonville Jaguars vs Los Angeles Rams
Defense wins championships. What happens when both teams have a top ranked D? This game could go either way. The matchups across the board are amazing. Todd Gurley and Leonard Fournette are two top ten running backs. Jared Goff and Blake Bortles are two solid, underrated quarterbacks. Both teams have great secondaries with Jalen Ramsey, A.J. Bouye for Jacksonville and Aqib Talib and Trumaine Johnson for LA.
Offensively, I give the edge to the Rams. We still don’t know about the Jaguars weapons quite yet. Guys like Jaydon Mickens, Keelan Cole, and Marquise Lee make plays but personally, I’d rather have a more polished receiver like Brandin Cooks or Robert Woods. Defensively, I’ll split hairs and say Jacksonville. HC Doug Marrone can always count on the Jags producing enough takeaways or sacks to give their much maligned offense a better chance at success.
This game is so hard to pick. They seem evenly matched as are most Super Bowls these days. At the end of the day, Jacksonville will do just enough to edge Los Angeles for the franchise’s first Lombardi Trophy.
Final: Jaguars 24, Rams 20
Super Bowl MVP: Telvin Smith, JAX; 11 tackles, 1 INT for TD
NFL Honors:
League MVP: Deshaun Watson, HOU
OPOY: Todd Gurley III, LAR
DPOY: Luke Kuechly, CAR
OROY: Sony Michel, NE
DROY: Bradley Chubb, DEN
Coach: Bill O’Brien, HOU
CPOY: Aaron Rodgers, GB
Fantasy: Antonio Brown, PIT
Haters Gonna Hate (an imaginary award for a criticized player that ends up proving people wrong): Case Keenum, DEN
Most Improved: Houston Texans
Best Offense: Los Angeles Rams
Best Defense: Jacksonville Jaguars
Biggest Surprise: Houston Texans to AFC Championship
Biggest Disappointment: Tennessee Titans
Team on the Rise: Chicago Bears
Biggest Spoiler: Seattle Seahawks
Game of the Year: Eagles vs Jaguars in London
Upset of the Year: Buccaneers over Steelers
Thanks for reading and enjoy the 2018 NFL Season!
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