What’s up everyone? I did my due diligence on 32 teams and really had to choose where they finish. It won’t be guaranteed but I hope all my choices follows through somewhere. You all will probably be surprised on a team or two that’s not there…or maybe more. Everyone has their opinion on where everyone potentially finishes in the standings, and I’m all for those opinions. Just leave a comment. I would love to see your thoughts. Otherwise, the NFL is back, and football season is in full force. Good luck to your teams out there. And with all due respect to Seattle, Cleveland, and Dallas fans, I hope they fail again this season! Go Niners!!! Enjoy the rest of your week and weekend!

DIVISION WINNERS

1) GREEN BAY PACKERS

Expect Green Bay to compete for the Super Bowl, but hopefully last season wasn’t a fluke. It’s criminal that they found their third straight long-term stability at quarterback, but Jordan Love could be for real. He dominated the second half of the season and nearly led them to the NFC title game against their division rival Lions. Green Bay also finally gave Joe Barry the boot and hopes their new defensive coordinator makes this defense consistent enough to play at a Top 5 level with how much talent they’ve acquired.

2) SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

The 49ers suffered their third Super Bowl loss since 2013 and two straight to Kansas City. Maybe they struggle this season due to a Super Bowl hangover, injuries, a questionable offensive line, and a tough schedule. However, the team’s built to manage these situations and still be in position for the Super Bowl. Most importantly, a shooting that sent Ricky Pearsall to the hospital likely brought the entire organization closer than ever, including Trent Williams finalizing his deal to return to the team. Unless COVID returns in full force like 2020, the only thing stopping the 49ers from returning is…the 49ers.

3) ATLANTA FALCONS

At first, acquiring Kirk Cousins was a huge win for Atlanta. Then they surprisingly spent their eighth pick on Michael Penix. The team was definitely building towards something long-term and are showing progress. They have the offensive talent and a built-up defense to compete for the NFC South and maybe more, but the quarterback position remains a question. Kirko Chainz’s injury may have convinced the front office to look for a young quarterback as insurance in case it happens again. However, they drafted a quarterback with red flags due to injuries too. Did Atlanta make the right decision at the position that’s heavily needed??? They also must ward off Tampa and New Orleans to claim the NFC South.

4) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

I was adamant on Philadelphia not returning to the playoffs this season, even with Saquon Barkley added, but questions loomed so much for Dallas on their head coach, quarterback, and the possibility of sinking for Sanders (Shedeur and Deion). Also, Washington could disrupt Dallas during the season and shake up the NFC East. That left me considering Philly to win the division. Whether they win outright or edge it with some help, they should be in contention with Jalen Hurts returning to form and their defense playing at a high level again. The only issue would be their offensive line finding new leadership with Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox. And maybe not overlooking Washington since they’ve pestered Philly since 2019.

WILD CARD

5) LOS ANGELES RAMS

Last year, the Rams exceeded all expectations. Matthew Stafford managed to stay healthy last season, and the young guns made an appearance and stepped up alongside Stafford, Cooper Kupp, and the rest of the gang. This season should be much of the same as long as the offensive line is stable. The same can’t be said for their defense after Aaron Donald announced his retirement low key in the offseason. It didn’t stop L.A. from drafting the dynamic duo defensive players in Brandon Fiske and Jared Verse to maybe make up for the loss. The question is if the Rams’ defense takes a step back? No clue, but their offense is good enough to keep up with anyone in the NFL and compete for the NFC West title.

6) DETROIT LIONS

Like the Packers, Detroit was very close to their goal. They could return to the NFC title game with a roster that’s looking more and more stable than decades ago. Offense should be as good as last year’s and it’s possible the defense could improve after acquiring some pieces. If their pass coverage improves overall, they could pose a threat to the rest of the NFC. Hopefully, coach MCDC finally realizes that gambling doesn’t always pay off unless used in a timely situation.

7) TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

The return of Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans is a big win for Tampa Bay. They need all the offensive arsenal to compete in the South division and the NFC. Adding rookie Bucky Irving to team up with Rachaad White means they’re adding some speed in the backfield. The question is the offensive line and the health of their defense. Those must be accounted for if they want to return to the playoffs and figure out a way to outplay their competition in the NFC.

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

DALLAS

WASHINGTON

NEW ORLEANS

CHICAGO

SEATTLE

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DIVISION WINNERS

1) KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

The Chiefs captured their third Super Bowl in four seasons in the Mahomes, Kelce, Reid, Jones era and they may be in for another one with a foundationally sound roster. Until the rest of the division and AFC figures out how to stop the Chiefs, Kansas City’s in full control again. The only question comes from their receiving corps, which was one of the worst positions but still managed to make it all the way to win the whole thing. They drafted Xavier Worthy for a burner that can run routes, but what about the rest? Marquise Brown could be the answer, but he failed to stay healthy throughout his career since sustaining an ankle injury his junior year at Oklahoma. Rashee Rice hopes to stay out of more trouble after being cleared to play, and he’s Pat Mahomes best option at receiver. Be glad they have Travis Kelce and Isiah Pacheco to make up for their flaws until that position’s figured out.

2) BALTIMORE RAVENS

Baltimore let one get away from them in the AFC title game. No clue how they went away from the run game that served them well all season, but Baltimore is under pressure now. It may not be as bad after acquiring Derrick Henry because that makes the backfield more lethal with him and Lamar Jackson together. There’s not much to address but keeping Jackson, Henry, and the rest of the runners healthy, and managing age on the defensive side could be Baltimore’s focus. Unless the AFC North puts a stranglehold on Baltimore, there’s no reason why they can’t return to the AFC title game.

3) NEW YORK JETS

No intro needed for the defense because we all know they’re a monstrosity even if Hassan Reddick chose not to participate at all. The full focus is on Aaron Rodgers and the offense and must come together this season. If they can’t find their way to the Super Bowl or at least the AFC title game, the organization could join the Giants in burning down the New Jersey/New York area. The main concern is the offensive line…AGAIN! That wasn’t addressed last season because everyone, including Mike Greenberg, were too high on Aaron Rodgers’ arrival (and maybe the Ayahuasca) to see the problem in front of them, metaphorically speaking. They addressed it this time, but let’s see how it plays out. If they hold up just enough for Rodgers to play more than four downs, that’s enough to earn the Jets an AFC title appearance while their defense carries them.

4) HOUSTON TEXANS

How about them Texans!!!??? They overachieved last year with both rookie head coach and quarterback and an uprising defense. Even in their weak division, they did just enough to win it and make the AFC divisional round. Is there a chance they repeat? That question remains after the Colts came up short on fourth down while the Jaguars struggled to keep Trevor Lawrence healthy. Anthony Richardson and Trevor Lawrence both return, which means Houston’s road to another divisional title will be challenging. However, the team will compete after getting a taste of the playoffs. DeMeco Ryans’ experience with San Fran as a defensive coordinator will get them there.

WILD CARD

5) JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

The Jags could have a bounce back season, and the return of Trevor Lawrence gives them a chance. A tough 2023 schedule, including the second half of their season, did them in, so they added pieces to improve their depth, which helped stabilize a roster that lacked in certain areas. Those included were Mac Jones, Gabe Davis, rookie Brian Thomas, and Arik Armstead. This season is about the same, but it’s possible they make the wild card round at least. Their post bye week is light enough to finish strong for a playoff spot. The offensive line must protect their quarterback, and hopefully Lawrence throws under 10 interceptions after throwing 14 last season. When he threw only eight and the O-Line allowed just 27 sacks in 2022, the Jags made the playoffs.

6) CINCINNATI BENGALS

Joe Burrow’s back and should give Cincinnati hope for a playoff return. Ja’Marr Chase should be active this season alongside Tee Higgins, and maybe Mike Gesicki. The offensive line should improve, but that’s thinking out loud. While Trent Brown was added, the Bengals drafted Amarius Mims from Georgia for a reason and will battle for the starting job. Defense could make significant improvement to where they’re more than just a bend-but-dont-break unit, but that’s also thinking out loud. Adding Geno Stone from rival Baltimore should help the secondary and also hopes the edge and defensive front stays healthy throughout the season. The AFC North is a buzzsaw, but Burrow’s on-the-field presence could maneuver them past it.

7) MIAMI DOLPHINS

Until I know Miami finally has a ceiling, they’ll always have a high floor as a wild card team. The Bills downfall this season could be Miami’s rise to potentially winning the division. Their offense doesn’t change except Tua, Jaylen Waddle, and Tyreek Hill’s contract. The offense should be as lethal as the last couple of seasons, but the concerns come from the other side. Losing Andrew Van Ginkle and Christian Wilkins could be an underlying problem, even if Jaelen Phillips returns healthy. Maybe Benito Jones and Calais Campbell comes through with Zach Seiler, but that remains to be seen. Their schedule’s much of the same but adding the NFC West when already dealing with the Bills, Jets, Texans, Raiders (Christian Wilkins returns to Miami), and the Browns could test this team’s endurance again.

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

INDIANAPOLIS

PITTSBURGH

LOS ANGELES

BUFFALO

CLEVELAND

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