Written by Thaddeus Lloyd @crimeofcritique
AFC
East
1. New York Jets
Predicted record: 12-5
Last year: 7-10, 3rd in division
Hopefully this time with a healthy Aaron Rodgers, this team will have a shot at winning the division. They were good enough to win seven games last season with some of the worst quarterback play in the league. Even with Rodgers coming off a torn Achilles, it should be better,with a still amazing defense.
2. Miami Dolphins
Predicted record: 11-6
Last year: 11-6, 2nd in division
Now that they have paid Tua Tagovailoa the big bucks, it’s now up to him to show he was worth the money. They still have a top three skill group offensively, but this year the defense is a little more susceptible, with the loss of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and superstar defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.
3. Buffalo Bills
Predicted record: 11-6
Last year: 11-6, 1st in division
This year the Bills might be even more reliant of Josh Allen. They lost multiple starters on defense, and one key offensive component in Stephon Diggs. James Cook might be in for a breakout season, and highly drafting a receiver might help, but it might not be enough this year.
4. New England Patriots
Predicted record: 2-15
Last year: 4-13, 4th in division
After a disappointing last season with Bill Belichick, the Patriots are looking to rebuild with new head coach Gerard Mayo and first round quarterback Drake Maye. The defense still has a lot of talent, but the offense is bottom five. This might not be pretty.
North
1. Baltimore Ravens
Predicted record: 13-4
Last year: 13-4, 1st in division
It should be another great year in Baltimore. The defense might not be as good as last year with the departure of defensive coordinator Mike McDonald, but the offense gained one of the best running backs in Derrick Henry. The combo of Jackson and Henry should be lethal.
2. Cincinnati Bengals
Predicted record: 12-5
Last year: 9-8, 4th in division
The only question with the Bengals is if Joe Burrow can be healthy for an entire season. If he is healthy, they are Superbowl contenders.
3. Cleveland Browns
Predicted record: 11-6
Last year: 11-6, 2nd in division
Even if Deshaun Watson isn’t that good, the defense is still elite. The big question is if Nick Chubb can be anywhere of what he was before his devastating knee injury from last season.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
Predicted Record: 8-9
Last year: 10-7, 3rd in division
A Mike Tomlin losing season? This might be in the cards if both quarterbacks don’t work out. The defense is still great, and the Steelers always find a way to make a game close. But if they want to have a good record, this offense will need to show up more than it did last year.
South
1. Houston Texans
Predicted record: 12-5
Last year: 10-7, 1st in division
This franchise is looking fantastic, with one of the best rookie seasons from a quarterback and head coach. Will they be able to build on it? Or will there be a sophomore slump? They had a great free agency with additions such as Joe Mixon and Stephon Diggs, so they might even be better, even if the league is on notice after last year.
2. Indianapolis Colts
Predicted record: 10-7
Last year: 9-8, 3rd in division
Anthony Richardson was looking like Cam Newton in the couple games that he played, but was also injured like Newton as well, as he missed most of last season. The team outside of him also performed slightly above expectations, so they are looking to improve and make it to the playoffs after barely missing out previously.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
Predicted record: 6-11
Last year: 9-8, 2nd in division
Trevor Lawrence has not made the leap that many expected him to, and instead has had similar career numbers to Daniel Jones. Now with a massive contract, it won’t look good for the Jaguars if Lawrence and the team don’t improve.
4. Tennessee Titans
Predicted record: 1-16
Last year: 6-11. 4th in division
With a new head coach and a “prove it” season for quarterback Will Levis, the team should be in rebuilding mode. A porous offensive line, a middling defense, and a lot of unknowns, it’s not looking optimistic for this team heading into the season.
West
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Predicted record: 14-3
Last year: 11-6, 1st in division
The two-time defending Superbowl champs are looking for a three-peat, and it’ll always be possible with the unanimous best quarterback in the league. Mostly the same roster, with maybe even a little better at receiver, which was their weakness last year. They could reach the Superbowl easily for the fifth time in seven years.
2. Las Vegas Raiders
Predicted record: 9-8
Last year: 8-9, 2nd in division
Despite the ongoing situation at quarterback, this team isstill better than what people think. They’re solid on both sides of the ball, and last year they showed they could bring the fight to anyone. Mark Davis made the right decision this time to keep head coach Antonio Pearce, and now he can start building off from last season’s success.
3. Los Angeles Chargers
Predicted record: 6-11
Last year: 5-12, 4th in division
New but proven head coach Jim Harbaugh will definitely elevate this team. However, questions still linger for the receiving corps, which might look to be the weakest in the league. Year one of this Harbaugh era might be rough considering new expectations.
4. Denver Broncos
Predicted record: 2-15
Last year: 8-9, 3rd in division
Has Sean Payton been good the last couple years? Probably not, and now he’s getting a rookie quarterback. As for most rookies, it might be a big struggle this season. The team itself is fine, but a tough schedule awaits them.
NFC
East
1. Dallas Cowboys
Predicted record: 13-4
Last year: 12-5, 1st in division
With not many moves in the offseason, the Cowboys seem primed for another solid regular season, and can perhaps be the first repeat NFC East champs since the 2001-2004 Philadelphia Eagles.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
Predicted record: 12-5
Last year: 11-6, 2nd in division
With new coordinators that seem to have better track records than last year’s, maybe this team won’t have a second half season collapse. While they did lose a couple key pieces, this team is more than enough to go to the Superbowl.
3. New York Giants
Predicted record: 4-13
Last year: 6-11, 3rd in division
It’s confusing that they gave Daniel Jones a big contract, and with the loss of Saquon Barkley, things are not looking optimistic. The defense still might play tough, but this offense projects to not do very well at all.
4. Washington Commanders
Predicted record: 3-14
Last year: 4-13, 4th in division
Another new head coach and rookie quarterback franchise. Dan Quinn does not give a lot of optimism, and the roster isn’t up to even middling standards. This definitely will be a rebuilding year.
North
1. Green Bay Packers
Predicted record: 14-3
Last year: 9-8, 2nd in division
If the trend keeps going, it looks like the Packers will have their third Hall of Fame quarterback. Even though it was half of last season, this team was developing at an extraordinary pace. This is a dangerous team loaded with young talent.
2. Detroit Lions
Predicted record: 14-3
Last year: 12-5, 1st in division
One of the best stories last year, the Lions will continue to build momentum toward getting their first Superbowl appearance. The weakness last year was the secondary, and that was at addressed this offseason.
3. Chicago Bears
Predicted record: 5-12
Last year: 7-10, 4th in division
The number one pick in the draft is coming into a good situation in Chicago, with a solid defense and a good number of weapons. This team’ success depends on Williams and the head coach Matt Eberflus most importantly.
4. Minnesota Vikings
Predicted Record: 3-14
Last year: 7-10, 3rd in division
A rookie quarterback and a shaky defense doesn’t look like to be a recipe for success. Head coach Kevin O’Connell will have his hands full this season.
South
1. Atlanta Falcons
Predicted record: 12-5
Last year: 7-10, 3rd in division
Kirk Cousins got the bag, but on a good team loaded with offensive weapons. The defense is also sneaky good. If new head coach Raheem Morris doesn’t mess with the offense, this team will immediately be better.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Predicted record: 10-7
Last year: 9-8, 1st in division
Almost everyone returns, including Mike Evens. Look for more of the same from last year.
3. Carolina Panthers
Predicted record: 4-13
Last year: 2-15, 4th in division
New head coach Dave Canales looks to bring success to quarterback Bryce Young. They also got some new pieces from both sides of the ball, which should equal more wins.
4. New Orleans Saints
Predicted record: 2-15
Last year: 9-8, 2nd in division
Dennis Allen has not inspired as of late since taking over for Sean Payton. This team seems to be old and on the decline in multiple positions. The schedule is not favorable either.
West
1. San Fransisco 49ers
Predicted record: 14-3
Last year: 12-5, 1st in division
The Niners are looking to get back to the Superbowl with a loaded roster yet again, and this time with no question at quarterback. The only concerns with this team is when Brandon Aiyuk will be traded, and health across the roster.
2. Los Angeles Rams
Predicted record: 10-7
Last year: 10-7, 2nd in division
Matthew Stafford is still slinging it despite injuries, and the offensive weapons are explosive with key rookie performances from Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams. It will be hard to replace future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald,however.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Predicted record: 8-9
Last year: 4-13, 4th in division
Now with a little more stability in the second year of head coach Jonathan Gannon, the Cardinals will look to push for the playoffs. Kyler Murray might be underrated, but the team looked a whole lot better when he played.
4. Seattle Seahawks
Predicted record: 4-13
Last year: 9-8, 3rd in division
The Pete Carroll era is over, and they (kind of) begin anew with Mike McDonald. Can he transform this defense, which was one of the worst last year? They might not be bad on both sides of the ball but a rough schedule awaits them.
Playoff seeding
Seed #
AFC
NFC
1
Chiefs
49ers
2
Ravens
Packers
3
Texans
Cowboys
4
Jets
Falcons
5
Bengals
Lions
6
Browns
Eagles
7
Dolphins
Buccaneers