This is the final projected playoff standings. I’ve researched through everything from scheduling, to projected starters, to injuries, to preseason individual and (to an extent) team performances, and pretty much simulating each matchup. Yes, simulation was involved. I’ve even talked with a few people to get their opinions before making the final decision. Things will change due to free agency, players signed off the practice squads, trades deadline, and of course injuries. Some will be surprised by my standings and may have their own opinion. If you feel that a team should or shouldn’t be there, leave a comment. I’d like to know who you think should or shouldn’t be there. Maybe you have your own top seven playoff teams. Have a great weekend!

NFC PLAYOFF STANDINGS

1) GREEN BAY PACKERS

Just like last season, simple and straight forward to Green Bay taking the top spot. Their challenge will be their receivers with new faces past Allen Lazard and the tight ends, if they stay healthy. Otherwise, Green Bay has Aaron Rodgers, a solid offensive line and they should have their “giraffe” David Bakhtiari back in their lineup after knee issues. Their defense should be stellar with more additions to an already solid unit. To you Cheeseheads, Go! Pack! Go!

2) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

It’s a surprise to see Philadelphia at the number two spot, but based on their schedule, their team’s improvement from late last season, and additions during the offseason, this should be their division to take. The run game will be the likely focal point but expect some passes to be made after adding AJ Brown to the receiving core. Defense should be fine and so should special teams, despite cutting Devon Allen from the lineup. The only thing that must happen is Jalen Hurts putting it all come together.

3) LOS ANGELES RAMS

Don’t be surprised that Los Angeles is not at number one. They won the Super Bowl, but they’re playing in the NFC West for pete’s sake. Whether or not they finally beat those elusive Niners in the regular season, they should still win the division by default. Their schedule is tougher with the AFC West, Green Bay, Tom Brady’s Bucs, Buffalo and Dallas. They have a solid roster to compete for the Top 4 spots. If Matt Stafford’s elbow doesn’t get in the way and Cooper Kupp stays healthy, they should compete for another Super Bowl appearance. Also, keep an eye out for Odell Beckham’s return to Los Angeles if he chooses.

4) TOM BRADY’S BUCCANEERS

Tom Brady had a weird offseason between retirement, coming out of retirement, and whatever happened during his 11 days off. Either way, Brady is back on the roster and I can still call them the Tom Brady’s Buccaneers. The roster also added Julio Jones to help with the receiving core. However, the offensive line’s health and the elusive New Orleans Saints are a concern for the Bucs, especially since Tom has yet to beat them since becoming a Buc (0-4). The offensive line will eventually cooperate with Tom, but anymore injuries becomes a problem. The Bucs should still win the division, but finally defeating the Saints in Tom’s career as a Buc would a huge accomplishment.

5) NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

It was a tough call between the Bucs and NOLA, but it’s best to place NOLA as a wild card team. If done right, they could be the sneaky Super Bowl team. Hear me out, they have a solid defense led by Cam Jordan. They also added fellow LSU and Louisiana natives Jarvis Landry and Tyrann Mathieu. Once Michael Thomas is healthy, they have another piece to their receiving core alongside Landry and rookie Chris Olave. Don’t forget that they have Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram II as the 1-2 punch in the backfield and Taysom Hill to play anywhere on the field. To top it all off, Jameis Winston is healthy after a solid start last season. Before his injury, he went 4-2 with a 13-4 TD/INT ratio. If Dennis Allen can coach right by his team, watch out for NOLA in the playoffs.

6) MINNESOTA VIKINGS

It was a tough call picking Minnesota, but they shouldn’t have to worry about Mike Zimmer as the coach anymore. Now for new coach/former quarterback Kevin O’Connell, he has work cut out for him after two seasons of no playoff appearances. This offense is lethal across the board, but hopefully their defense is healthy and can make some noise too. They know how to beat Green Bay at least once and it wouldn’t be surprising if they did it in their season opener. But, they must learn to finish games consistently this time.

7) SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

There were at least 2 other teams fighting for the 6th and 7th spot, but I will give that last spot to San Francisco. Over the past few seasons, this roster was built to compete for the playoffs and hopefully Super Bowls. A lot got away from them due to injuries and miscues that cost them a playoff spot, an NFC conference title, and a Super Bowl trophy. This roster should be ready for another playoff run, but here’s a few issues on why they’re here at the 7th spot. The offensive line, consistent amount of injuries, and the quarterback controversy (god help me). Injuries shouldn’t hinder them because they’ve succeeded so well in most areas, especially on defense. The problem is the offensive line staying healthy and the Niners need that since Alex Mack retired. As for the quarterbacks, it’s a glaring issue but people took it out of context saying one thing or the other. For true Niner fans out there, don’t sweat the small stuff. It just means they have more options for Shanny’s squad. Staying healthy and consistent will make them a tough out during football season.

THE PROJECTED NFC DIVISION STANDINGS

NFC TEAMS THAT WERE CONSIDERED (IN ORDER)

COWBOYS

PANTHERS

CARDINALS

FALCONS

AFC PLAYOFF STANDINGS

1) BUFFALO BILLS

The Bills get the nod at the top spot in a stacked conference. Josh Allen should have a potential MVP season. He has weapons to throw to and hopefully has a stacked run game that’ll back him up this time. The offensive line will be key to his success this season. Defense should be better with veteran and two-time Super Bowl champ Von Miller. Whether they claim the top spot or not, they should compete for the Super Bowl title this season.

2) BALTIMORE RAVENS

Lamar Jackson and company should bounce back from injury and take the AFC North back from the elusive Bengals. The majority of the players should be healthy and ready for a run back to the playoffs and more. Eventually JK Dobbins and Marcus Peters will follow after their recovery. Pittsburgh is going through a quarterback and offensive line situation, the Bengals are going through changes on the offensive line, and the Browns have a serious quarterback situation. There’s no reason that Baltimore can’t take advantage of this. If they stay healthy throughout, this could be a potential Super Bowl contender in Lamar’s last year of his contract. Remember when Joe Flacco won the Super Bowl on his last year of his contract?

3) LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

There’s no reason the Chargers shouldn’t be a playoff team with a division title. I mean, come on. They have Justin Herbert, Austin Ekeler, receivers led by Keenan Allen, an improved offensive line, an improved defense led by Derwin James with the additions of Sebastian Joseph-Day, JC Jackson, and Khalil Mack. They have a challenging schedule with the NFC West included, but the Chargers have a solid roster and a built foundation to compete with almost anyone in the NFL. As long as Brandon Staley doesn’t become overly aggressive with his play calling, this could be an underrated Super Bowl contender.

4) INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

The Colts also have no reason to not be a playoff team. The Carson Wentz experiment failed in the end after the last two losses kept them out of the playoffs. Now they bring in Matt Ryan, who’s looking for redemption after last season with Atlanta. The offense overall may need to prove themselves though. For Matt Ryan to succeed like Rivers did, the offensive line and receivers must come through. As Michael Pittman Jr. said, “Just do what Matt says.” I don’t think this defense gets enough respect. They’re balanced at every level. After adding Stephon Gilmore, this could be one of the better defenses in the league. However, they need Shaq Leonard healthy to guarantee it. If Indy’s offense can bounce back with better passing from Matt, this could be a scary team AFC team.

5) KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

It was a tough, tough choice between the Chiefs and Chargers, but I have the Chiefs as a wild card team. It’s likely a close shave and I expect the Chargers to sweep them. But, don’t expect the Chiefs to go down without a fight. Yes, they lost Byron Pringle and Tyreek Hill, but this could be a good thing. They bring in JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and draft Skyy Moore, as options for Mahomes to target. Once Justyn Ross is healthy, he has another target. But why I have them as a wild card team? Their defense. They lose Tyrann Mathieu, who was the heart and soul of the defense, and Charvarius Ward. Linebacker Nick Bolton could be the dude this season, but everywhere else is an issue. Pass rush must improve and the coverage will be younger. That side could be what makes or breaks this team.

6) LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

It’s hard to put Vegas in the Top 7, and it’s even harder to keep Vegas out. That’s what’s interesting about Vegas. You gamble and hope for the best. This team is made for it. Everyone knows about Derek Carr, Josh Jacobs, Darren Waller, 3rd and Hunter Renfrow, and Maxx Crosby. But drafting Zamir “Zeus” White, adding Davante Adams, Chandler Jones, Brandon Bolden, Rock Ya-Sin, and Anthony Everett is the reason Vegas is in the Top 7. They’re putting their chips on the table for a playoff return and more. However, there must be improvement on the offensive line and defense as a whole if they want to be back there.

7) DENVER BRONCOS

This was probably the toughest decision for the 7th spot. There were at least five other teams, but I committed to all the AFC West teams in the playoffs since the offseason and I’m committed now. The Broncos are similar to the 2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They basically have all the pieces except…you guessed it…a QUARTERBACK!!! They go out of their way to trade for Russell Wilson in hopes for a playoff run and more. This could be the team to sneak up on every AFC team, bash them with a club and make it to the Super Bowl. HOWEVER, the offensive line and receivers will be crucial for Wilson’s success. Watch out for Denver if they have things in place.

THE PROJECTED AFC DIVISION STANDINGS

AFC TEAMS THAT WERE CONSIDERED (IN ORDER)

DOLPHINS

BENGALS

STEELERS

TITANS (TIED)

JAGUARS (TIED)