Hello everyone, thanks for taking time to check out my NFL early predictions. This is not a set prediction as things will change as the season gets close. Things may change depending on who’s playing, who’s cut, who’s hurt, who’s added, etc. I will keep you all updated on the next post on any changes for these teams.

DIVISION WINNERS

1) CHIEFS – No question they’re a Super Bowl contender again. At first they took a step back after losing tackles Mitchell Schwartz and Eric Fisher, they gain two Oklahoma offensive linemen (tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and rookie Creed Humphrey), add Joe Thuney, and return Laurent Duvernay-Tardiff after opting out last season to help with the pandemic situation.

2) RAVENS – Baltimore adds receiver Sammy Watkins, but hopefully the additions of rookies Tylan Wallace and Rashod Bateman could deepen the receiving core and be more consistent. They also replace tackle Orlando Brown Jr. for former Steelers tackle Alejandro Villanueva. They need Lamar Jackson to improve his passing (last in the NFL in passing) to compliment their number one rush offense in the NFL. That itself could stand between the Chiefs and their third AFC crown.

3) BILLS – The Bills set themselves apart from the AFC East after defeating the Dolphins and Pats in the last two weeks and knock them out of playoff contention. This was also the first time the Bills swept the whole division without a loss in team history. They’re favored to win again, but the competition may have improved in the AFC East. The run game must improve if they want to make another deep run to challenge the Chiefs again.

4) COLTS – This may be the most balanced team in the NFL this season. Adding quarterback Carson Wentz after Philip Rivers retired should hopefully be a seamless transition, especially with Wentz reuniting with his former Philly offensive coordinator coach/current head coach Frank Reich. The Colts likely tangles with the Titans for the division, but improvement on 3^rd down offense, more impact from pass coverage, and the health of Carson Wentz could be what separates them.

WILD CARD

5) BROWNS – The Browns made significant progress in 2020. They were off to a 9-3 start, their best start since 1994, went on a 4-game win streak twice in one regular season for the first time since 1967. A win over Pittsburgh in the regular season finale secured the 6th seed. Special teams coverage must improve to prevent anymore game-changers in any critical part of the game and season. Linebacker position needs a stand out and Notre Dame rookie Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has the potential. Passing coverage must improve in key situations against good quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. The team has potential for a back-to-back playoff appearance for the first time since 1988-’89. One question remains: Can Baker Mayfield play as well as last season and better?

6) PATRIOTS – It’s hard to say the Patriots won’t make the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since the 1999-2000 season. They didn’t spend $316 million to not compete for the playoffs this season. Areas on both sides should progress throughout the season. The run defense must improve after allowing 131.4 yards per game and also produce more pressure after tying 26^th for sacks. Cam Newton returns but there’s no guarantee that he nor Jarrett Stidham are Week 1 starters. The Patriots drafted Mac Jones in the 15^th pick to battle for it. If the Patriots make significant progress with a quarterback managing the game, they are a playoff team.

7) CHARGERS – The Bolts have playoff potential and Justin Herbert proved it last season. He threw over 4,000 yards and 31 touchdowns as a rookie. He should be better and so should the offense overall with all their key players back, including the additions of tight end Jared Cook, center Corey Linsley, and Northwestern rookie tackle Rashawn Slater. Special teams and defense is a focus on that side. Kicker Michael Badgley made 24 of 33, but needs long range succession of over 40 yards, and punter Ty Long had three kicks blocked. Defense failed to make impactful stops that led to close losses early in the season. The Chargers’ 12 games were decided by eight points or less, but only won five of them. If they can close out and their defense comes up big consistently, they’ll factor in a Wild Card position.

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

BRONCOS – Since Peyton Manning retired, the Broncos failed to make the playoffs. They haven’t found a franchise quarterback and Drew Lock hasn’t lived up to his expectations (16 TDs and 15 INTs last season). Teddy Bridgewater could potentially improve their playoff chances. His overall record with the Vikings and Saints were 22-11, including playing in a playoff game with the Vikings and going 5-0 while Drew Brees was out with an injury. He went 4-11 with Carolina but threw for 3373 yards for 15 touchdowns and ran for five more. Lock is expected to start, but if he doesn’t play like his 2019 self that went 4-1 in his last 5 games as the starting rookie, Bridgewater will take over.

DOLPHINS – This team is on the rise in a potentially competitive AFC East division. Defensively, they plan on making life difficult for most opposing quarterbacks. The addition of rookie defensive end Jaelen Phillips and former Patriot defensive tackle Adam Butler adds on to it. For them to claim a playoff spot though, the backfield must improve. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa must prove himself as the Dolphins’ quarterback now that he has a full offseason. The offensive line could be the position that makes or breaks their season.

STEELERS – There’s questions about this team, especially on offense. They’re still a playoff contender because of their defense and overall experience. The problem is the offense. Is Ben Roethlisberger motivated for one more playoff run? Did drafting running back Najee Harris immediately solve the issue with their run game woes and overall offensive consistency? The offense must find their footing or their playoff chances and division title becomes more difficult.

TITANS – They should vie for the playoffs and this defense will put this team in the position to win. Derrick Henry is an unstoppable force, but Baltimore stifled him to 40 yards with no help from any backups. Ryan Tannehill was even limited. Their return to the playoffs hinges on some help with depth from that side of the ball.

RAIDERS – In 6 seasons, the Raiders made the playoffs once. In four of them, they finished 9^th or 10^th in the AFC standings while pushing for the 6^th/7^th seed. Also in that same four, they started off strong (22-16) only to stumble down the stretch (6-20). The Raiders in the first half of their season look like a playoff team, but can they finish while playing the same in the second half of their season?

JAGUARS – It’s unorthodox to include the Jaguars but after drafting Trevor Lawrence and hiring Urban Meyer, why not? Three years after the AFC championship, they digressed, especially on the offensive side. A lot involved Blake Bortles’ inconsistencies and the health of Leonard Fournette and run depth. Since 2017 where they were tied 2^nd for rushing touchdowns, they either tied or finished last in rushing touchdowns since (3 total rush touchdowns in 2019). Drafting Lawrence’s teammate Travis Etienne and adding Carlos Hyde in free agency could end this chaos. It’ll take time to progress but it’s possible this team could push for a Top 10 finish in the AFC.