NFL Preview: 2019

Its that time of year again, and with a fairly busier than usual offseason, it will be interesting to see how things shape up this season.

As I always tend to state for the AFC East, the more things change, the more things stay the same. The Patriots may have a question mark at TE without Rob Gronkowski, but they still look like clear favorites in the East.

The question for the Bills will be how does Josh Allen look like in his 2nd year, and will he stay healthy?

And the same sort of question for the Jets in how will Sam Darnold look in his 2nd year.

And as for the Dolphins, riding with Fitzpatrick ahead of Josh Rosen, "fish-tank" is in full effect.

1) Patriots (12-4)
2) Bills (8-8)
3) Jets (7-9)
4) Dolphins (4-12)

This is where things could get interesting, with the revamped Browns and Odell Beckham Jr. There will certainly be a lot of expectations in Cleveland (for the first time in decades if we're being honest).

 The Steelers, finally free of lockeroom headaches Antonio Brown and Bell, will try to get back into their usual playoff position. The thing to watch for Pittsburgh will be their defense, Devin Bush in particular. A lot is riding on this 1st round draft pick to help shore up the middle of that defense and essentially take on the role that's been missing since Ryan Shazier.

The Ravens are looking to shake things up with Lamar Jackson in his first full year starting.

Despite a good-enough offense on paper, its very possible that the Bengals will be the basement dwellers of this division.

1) Steelers (12-4)
2) Browns (10-6)
3) Ravens (8-8)
4) Bengals (5-11)

Speaking of interesting divisions, the South got turned on its head with the sudden retirement of Andrew Luck (following a laundry list of injuries, and a calf/ankle injury he was trying to work back from). I don't think things are as bleak necessarily for the Colts as some think with Jacoby Brissett leading the team. Where the problem could come is what happens if Jacoby goes down.

But the division is certainly wide open, and the Texans seem to be going for it following a run of trades just before the start of the season, trading Clowney to the Seahawks for LB Barkevious Mingo. They also added WR Kenny Stills and T Laremy Tunsil from the Dolphins. They lost RB Lamar Miller for the season in preseason, and will look to replace him with the addition of Carlos Hyde. The Texans seem to be throwing a lot at this season in particular, and for Coach Bill O'Brien, its a boom or bust kind of season.

The Jaguars are looking to turn things around, moving on from QB Blake Bortles with Nick Foles. They saw a big drop-off on defense from 2017 to 2018, so can their defense get back on track?

And the consistent mediocre Titans will see what they can do with Marcus Mariota on the last year of his contract.

1) Jaguars (9-7)
2) Texans (9-7)
3) Colts (8-8)
4) Titans (6-10)

The Chiefs will see if they can repeat their success of last season into this year. Their main concern will be their defense, which was fairly spotty. They added Frank Clark from Seattle, so they'll hope to see more from their pass rush. The Chiefs made a very interesting move just prior to the season, adding RB LeSean McCoy (who was released from the Bills among roster cuts).

 The Chargers had a fairly strong 2018, and will be looking to carry things over. Who knows how big the window is with Philip Rivers?

The Broncos are rolling with yet another QB, Joe Flacco. John Elway has cycled through QB after QB since Peyton's retirement, and something tells me Flacco won't be the starter for long (whether via injury or lack of performance).

The "Hard Knocks" Raiders should be the bottom feeders of this division. Sure, they added and signed Antonio Brown, but if August is any indication, there's likely more drama to come for AB and the Raiders.

1) Chiefs (13-3)
2) Chargers (10-6)
3) Broncos (6-10)
4) Raiders (5-11)

Playoff Field:

1) Chiefs

2) Steelers

3) Patriots

4) Jaguars

5) Browns

6) Chargers

Will Carson Wentz have a healthy season, and lead the Eagles on a deep playoff run? That's what the expectation is following the extension that Wentz signed.

There's been plenty of August drama for the Cowboys with Ezekiel Elliott's holdout. He finally signed an extension just prior to the season. The Cowboys see their window as now, but its a tough conference and division with the Eagles being a cohesive group.

 As for Washington and the Giants, its almost the same question, when will we see the rookie QBs (Dwayne Haskins & Daniel Jones).

1) Eagles (12-4)
2) Cowboys (9-7)
3) Washington (5-11)
4) Giants (5-11)

Its a new era for the Packers with head coach Matt LaFleur. All eyes will be on how Aaron Rodgers works with his new coach.

There were high expectations for last year that weren't met with Kirk Cousins and the Vikings. The Bears' success in 2018 was largely created by their defense.

I think there's a chance we see the Bears' defense see a similar decline like what we saw with the Jaguars last season.

 The Lions have kind of been like the NFC's version of the Titans...though not as good. I sense the same kind of mediocrity this season.

1) Packers (11-5)
2) Vikings (9-7)
3) Bears (8-8)
4) Lions (7-9)

Following their controversial loss to the Rams in the NFC Championship Game, the Saints will be looking to hit the ground running this year.

The Panthers had a very up and down 2018. Success in 2019 depends on Cam Newton's health.

A couple years back it looked like the Falcons were going to go on a run, but they've been in a rut, despite solid play from Matt Ryan.

Time could be running out on Winston's tenure in Tampa Bay.

1) Saints (12-4)
2) Panthers (10-6)
3) Falcons (9-7)
4) Buccaneers (6-10)

Following a contract extension, Jared Goff will be looking to carry over and improve down the stretch this season. There are obvious questions at RB, specifically regarding the health of Todd Gurley.

The Seahawks had an interesting offseason, trading away Frank Clark at his peak value, and acquiring Clowney. Clowney will surely be looking to prove himself following his fallout with the Texans. An x-factor for Seattle on offense could be 1st rd draft pick D.K Metcalf.

As for the 49ers, eyes will be on QB Jimmy Garoppolo, returning from a season-ending knee injury.

The Cardinals were a garbage fire last year, but there's at least some sense of mystery this season with new QB Kyler Murray.

1) Rams (12-4)
2) Seahawks (10-6)
3) 49ers (6-10)
4) Cardinals (5-11)

Playoff Field
1) Eagles
2) Saints
3) Rams
4) Packers
5) Panthers
6) Seahawks

AFC Playoffs

WC: Chargers v. Patriots

        Browns v. Jaguars

Div: Browns v. Chiefs

        Patriots v. Steelers

Championship: Steelers v. Chiefs

The Chiefs were an overtime away from making it to the Super Bowl last season. And the fact that they were that close with how spotty their defense looked, I think they'll see improvement there in 2019. And I don't foresee any sort of significant drop-off from Mahomes, he's just too talented.

NFC Playoffs

WC: Seahawks v. Rams

         Panthers v. Packers

Div: Panthers v. Eagles

        Rams v. Saints

Championship: Saints v. Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles just look like such a complete team. I'm buying into the idea that Carson Wentz will have a complete and healthy season. He'll be motivated seeing the playoff runs that were led these last 2 years with Nick Foles down the stretch.

Kansas City Chiefs v. Philadelphia Eagles

I think Carson Wentz gets his super bowl, I'm calling it for the Eagles.