DIVISION WINNERS

1) CHIEFS

2) BILLS

3) STEELERS

4) COLTS

The battle between Jacob Eason and Sam Ehlinger for temporary starter is on. Eason was accurate and made good throws as the starter while Ehlinger made big throws, extended drives with his feet, and came through in the clutch again, but in the NFL this time (even if it’s just preseason). It’ll be close but they are both proven as potential starters. I will aim closely towards Ehlinger to start in the future. I wrote him off too early during his junior year at Texas thinking he’s no more than a success at the college level, but he may be capable for the NFL too.

WILD CARD

5) BROWNS

6) RAVENS

7) CHARGERS

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

BRONCOS

Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater were solid in their preseason opener. Lock played like his rookie self and Bridgewater showed he’s still has it from his time with the Vikings before his gruesome injury a few years ago. There’s optimism with the Broncos roster if that spot continues the positive route.

RAIDERS

The criticisms I receive will continue, but the Raiders are here and will continue climbing because their offense will be as good as last season. Also, they’re the only team in the AFC that’s a thorn in the Chiefs’ side. However, they must stay healthy while enduring a 17-game season. If they’re going to be in the wild card spot, I must continue seeing positive feedback from their defense. That’s it!

DOLPHINS

PATRIOTS

There’s promise in this defense and Matt Judon sets the example. The run game looks to be the Pats strength with four or five deep, and don’t be surprised if they’re Top 15 material by season’s end. The quarterback situation is still a work in progress. Mac Jones will eventually start but progress must be made to take that role. He played against the SEC’s defense (maybe look at my 2020 blog about the SEC’s defense beforehand), but he will encounter NFL-level defenses. Can he be one of the three active Alabama quarterbacks that starts long-term at the next level? I haven’t heard or seen a long-term Alabama starter at the next level since Kenny Stabler.

TITANS