DIVISION WINNERS

1) CHIEFS

Is Patrick Mahomes healthy? Yes? The Chiefs are locked up at number one then. They return a majority of players that made the Super Bowl last season and successfully plugged up holes on the offensive line, including adding left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. from the Ravens to solidify Mahomes’ blind side. Brown hasn’t allowed a sack last season and will likely not give up many again. The team may have better competition in the AFC West, but they should still come out on top overall in the AFC.

2) BILLS

Things will become complicated holding the Bills at number two while the Steelers are not far off from them. The Bills have the roster to make another AFC title run, but the running back position will be key to making it possible.

3) STEELERS

Nothing has changed for the Steelers. They’re going to the playoffs again and their roster is loaded in each level on both sides. They’re in close proximity with the Bills for the number two spot. Just like the Bills, the Steelers running back position will be key to their overall success.

4) COLTS

Jacob Eason and Sam Ehlinger both struggled last weekend, and now the Carson Wentz news instantly appears. He could play in the season opener if he’s given the thumbs up to go by the medical staff. Now remember people, they officially ruled Wentz out between 5-12 weeks. It’ll be his 5^th week next week or so and his evaluation will be critical for the quarterback position and for the first five games of the season.

WILD CARD

5) BROWNS

Not much has changed for the Browns and most likely will lock up in a wild card spot. It’s a difficult decision between them and the Ravens, and this decision could be made around a week before the opener. The Ravens have the better defense, but the Browns may have a balanced roster to compete with most teams in the NFL.

6) RAVENS

Same with the Ravens, and they’re likely locked up in a wild card spot. They have an elite defense and a dangerous run game to give most teams fits. But what happens when the run game gets stifled? Can Lamar Jackson come through in the passing game? He has a full offseason to improve his throws. We don’t expect him to be an elite passer, but we expect him to improve when the game and season is on the line.

7) CHARGERS

The Chargers are in a five-way battle for the last wild card spot. Their offense should be good again but lets hope the offensive line stays healthy and protects Justin Herbert. The Bolts’ defense must hold the line in a one-score game.

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

BRONCOS

The Broncos could battle with the Chargers for the wild card spot since they can’t chase the Chiefs. Their defense guarantees that anything is possible. I believe whoever starts at quarterback will fight for a winning opportunity. Can Drew Lock play like his rookie self, and can Teddy Bridgewater play like his old Minnesota Vikings self that led them to the playoffs?

RAIDERS

The Raiders have a potent offense to challenge for the AFC wild card. Unfortunately, so does everyone else, and there’s only three spots to fill. I’ve said this time and time again, this defense must do enough to come through. I also read that the Raiders just received veteran linebacker Denzel Perryman from the Panthers. He was set to start after signing with Carolina in the offseason, but now he has an opportunity for playing time in Vegas after he’s cleared. If he stays healthy, he could help impact the defense.

DOLPHINS

It’s very difficult to put the Dolphins over the Chargers, Raiders, and Broncos, but they have two weeks to change my mind. I believe their defense will be elite this season. I watched videos on Tua’s performance in the past couple of weeks and he may have the playbook down. If he continues that way before the season opener, they could be a wild card team and could go for a potential upset.

PATRIOTS

The Patriots are in the hunt, but they’re now a long shot for it. Their defense and the run game will be the focal point. Although, the COVID issue from Cam Newton gives Mac Jones a chance to win the starting job, but it may cut close prior to the season opener. Jones must prove that he’s deserving of the starting position going forward.

TITANS

Tennessee has an outside shot for the division title, but there’s no way they will make the wild card with so much competition in front of them. Derrick Henry is expected to carry the load again but must receive help from his backups to lighten the load. Ryan Tannehill doesn’t have to play like an elite quarterback, but he must do a bit more if Henry struggles on the ground again. Let’s hope this defense bounces back after a poor last season to make another playoff appearance.