DIVISION WINNERS

1) CHIEFS

Everyone knows the expectations for the Chiefs: win the division, win the AFC, and return to the Super Bowl. Unless Patrick Mahomes, the offensive line, the running backs, and/or Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce get hurt, they’re in for the third straight season. However, the rest of the AFC West will not make it easy on them. One win against KC improves their playoff chances.

2) BILLS

The Bills lock up at two because their schedule is slightly lighter despite improvement in competition in the AFC East. Defense should be as good as last season and the hope will be the coverage staying intact throughout. However, the Bills need help from their running backs in order to challenge Kansas City for the Super Bowl.

3) STEELERS

The Steelers lock up at three, but the offensive line and the running backs must improve to make a deep playoff run. They have some new starters along the line, and it may take time for them to gel. Running Najee Harris may be the answer, but is he enough to help get this team to Super Bowl status? The AFC North will be tough as the Browns and Ravens aim for the division title too. Also, don’t count out the Bengals throwing a couple of upset opportunities at Pittsburgh. Overcoming all of that will make the Steelers a guaranteed Super Bowl contender.

4) COLTS

The Colts edge out for the division title over the Titans. However, the skepticism remains at the quarterback position with Carson Wentz’s health and the backups getting any opportunity as a starter. They should be fine with how balance the team is overall. Offensive tackle Eric Fisher also returns in time to start in Week 1, so that should help the team in the long run.

WILD CARD

5) BROWNS

Cleveland has stars in all the right places and hopefully they all align together to make another playoff run. They lost by a touchdown to the Chiefs in the divisional round, even though Mahomes went down for the rest of the game. The Browns look formidable but can they follow up on a solid 2021 season?

6) RAVENS

The Ravens should return to the playoffs, but there main concern comes at the running back position. They already lost JK Dobbins for the season, and now they lose Justice Hill for the season. They just signed Le’Veon Bell to fill the void. It may not sit well with division rival Pittsburgh, but hopefully the running back position is stable enough for a return. More injuries would leave Lamar doing the bulk of the backfield work.

7) RAIDERS

I had to pull whatever hair I had on this one. I was left with three AFC West teams to decide for this one final wild card spot. Any of them could’ve been in and the improvements in the roster are there. The Raiders barely squeak by at the last spot. They have Derek Carr whether people want to hear it or not, but he had his best season since his rookie year. Unfortunately, their defense couldn’t come through in their close losses and the team itself was inconsistent for the second straight season. They had numerous opportunities to finish the second half of their season in 2019 and 2020. Derek Carr pointed that out along with players having better discipline to take care of themselves. If COVID-19 hindered the defense’s progress, then this season should be a bounce back, especially since this is defensive line coach Rod Marinelli’s chance to shine in their improvement with Gus Bradley.