Next to the NFC West, the AFC North could be the most competitive division this season. Right out of the gate, the Ravens are seeing a rash of injuries hit their team, with now both running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards looking doubtful this season, along with CB Marcus Peters. They'll be tested early to see if they can respond.
The Browns finally made a run of it following seasons of "winning on paper". Now with hopefully a healthy Odell Beckham, can they repeat and made a deep run?
The Steelers biggest question mark will be the offensive line, and how does Ben Roethlisberger hold up throughout the year? Hopefully with rookie RB Najee Harris, the running game can finally reach where its expected to be in Pittsburgh.
As for the Bengals, can Joe Burrow rebound from his knee injury last year and survive behind that offensive line?
1) Browns 11-6
2) Steelers 9-8
3) Ravens 9-8
4) Bengals 4-13
Its a new era in New England, as Mac Jones takes over at QB. The Patriots will be looking to return to the playoffs with the number of defensive players returning after sitting out last season.
The Bills are coming in hot, with Josh Allen having a breakout season. He'll have even more weapons this time around, with Emmanuel Sanders joining the Bills' receiver corp. Their biggest question will be the consistency of the running game.
The Dolphins opted to stick with Tua at QB, now can he put any first-year hiccups behind him?
The Jets will start yet another era with Zach Wilson at QB. Can the Jets finally get out of the basement?
1) Bills 13-4
2) Patriots 10-7
3) Dolphins 7-10
4) Jets 6-11
It'll be interesting to see how the Jaguars look with Urban Meyer and QB Trevor Lawrence taking over. It feels like a long road for Jacksonville to get back to where they were a few years ago.
The biggest question for the Colts regards the health of new QB Carson Wentz.
The Titans feel like the most consistent team in this division, with the offensive trio of Ryan Tannehill, A.J Brown and Derrick Henry.
The Texans are just a mess, no other way to put it.
1)Titans 12-5
2) Colts 8-9
3) Jaguars 5-12
4) Texans 3-14
The Broncos will be rolling yet another new QB with Teddy Bridgewater winning the job over Drew Lock. Can he provide Denver with some stability?
The Chiefs found out in last year's super bowl just how dire their offensive line situation was with a few injuries. They looked to address that, bringing in veteran guards Kyle Long and Joe Thuney.
The Chargers enter year 2 with Justin Herbert, who statistically had a very impressive year. Can things finally come together now for the Chargers?
Is Gruden on the hot seat with the Raiders? We'll see.
1) Chiefs 15-2
2) Chargers 11-6
3) Raiders 9-8
4) Broncos 7-10
Playoff Field:
1) Chiefs
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2) Bills
3) Titans
4) Browns
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5) Chargers
6) Patriots
7) Steelers
Wildcard Round:
Steelers v. Bills
Patriots v. Titans
Chargers v. Browns
Division Round:
Chargers v. Chiefs
Titans v. Bills
AFC Championship:
Bills v. Chiefs
Is the Kirk Cousins era in Minnesota starting to wear out? It might if the Vikings continue merely treading water.
Just how long until the Bears turn to Justin Fields at QB?
Being that this seems to be Aaron Rodgers' last year in Green Bay, will his tenure end with a title?
The Lions are in total rebuild mode.
1) Packers 13-4
2) Vikings 8-9
3) Bears 6-11
4) Lions 3-14
How will Jalen Hurts to with a full year to start in Philadelphia? The Eagles could be an x-factor in this division.
With Dak Prescott, just how high are the expectations in Dallas?
Washington is rolling with Ryan Fitzpatrick, can he keep Washington in contention?
As for the Giants, can they expect a full year from RB Saquon Barkley?
1) Cowboys 9-8
2) Eagles 8-9
3) Washington 7-10
4) Giants 6-11
Can Sam Darnold work it out in Carolina?
The Buccaneers really started to click towards the back half of last season resulting in their blowout Super Bowl win. Returning all of their starters, can the Bucs and Tom Brady keep it rolling?
The Falcons seem to be in-between rebuilding and contending. Is this Matt Ryan's last year in Atlanta?
The Saints are moving on from Drew Brees, and are going with Jameis Winston as their week 1 starter. Can he improve on his turnover problems from his Tampa Bay days?
1) Buccaneers 14-3
2) Saints 10-7
3) Falcons 7-10
4) Panthers 5-12
As I mentioned up top, the NFC West looks to be the most competitive division this season. That starts with the Rams, who are moving forward with QB Matthew Stafford.
The 49ers have a choice before them with QBs Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance.
Entering year 3 with Kyler Murray, the Cardinals are hoping to be contenders.
Like with the Packers, the Seahawks found themselves in some offseason drama with Russell Wilson. Can they move forwards?
1) Seahawks 12-5
2) Rams 11-6
3) Cardinals 10-7
4) 49ers 9-8
Playoff Field:
1) Buccaneers
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2) Packers
3) Seahawks
4) Cowboys
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5) Rams
6) Saints
7) Cardinals
Wildcard Round:
Cardinals v. Packers
Saints v. Seahawks
Rams v. Cowboys
Divisional Round:
Saints v. Buccaneers
Rams v. Packers
NFC Championship:
Rams v. Buccaneers
A possible matchup from last year, what a sight it would be to see the Bills face their longtime foe and divisional roadblock Tom Brady. These two teams would seem to match-up well against each other. Being how difficult its been lately for team to repeat, I think the Buffalo Bills get that long awaited championship.
