NFL Season Predictions

Regular Season:

AFC East:

4. Miami Dolphins 3-13

I believe the Dolphins are the worst team in the NFL, their quarterback is one of the weakest starters while Jarvis Landry and Ndamukong Suh are both gone from the team and they were terrible with them last year. In the worst division in football, the Dolphins will likely get some wins but it won't be enough to even give them playoff hopes.



3. Buffalo Bills 5-11

The Bills shocked everyone last year with a playoff berth but after the departure of Tyrod Taylor and no clear starting quarterback,and possibly the worst offensive line in football, this team won't be going anywhere. The defence should keep them in some tight games while LeSean McCoy leads the offence but that won't be enough to fix their offensive woes.



2. New York Jets 6-10

The Jets are not as bad as most people assume; the defence could be good if Trumaine Johnson fits in and Leonard Williams takes another step forward while the offence now belongs to third-overall pick Sam Darnold. If Darnold can prove himself early, the Jets could stay alive in the playoff hunt deep into the season but overall the roster is not talented enough yet.



1. New England Patriots 12-4

The Patriots should walk their way into the playoffs even easier than usual this year; it won't even matter if Brady takes a step back as there is no one else who seems capable of coming close to competing with them. The defence is always good and with Gronk and Edelman catching passes from Brady, they are still one of the best teams in football.



AFC North:

4. Cleveland Browns 5-11

The Browns on paper look good this year, but until they prove themselves, they will still be the Cleveland Browns. The offence looks good if Tyrod Taylor or Baker Mayfield play average with Jarvis Landry, Carlos Hyde and Nick Chubb in the mix and the defence has potential if Myles Garrett can stay healthy. Don't be shocked if the Browns compete for a playoff spot.



3. Cincinnati Bengals 7-9

The Bengals should be competitive this year as the offensive line is better while they still have AJ Green and the defence is decent. If Andy Dalton can return to his form from a couple years ago, this is a team capable of making a run at a wild card spot in the weak AFC or even taking a shot at taking down the Steelers for the division crown.



2. Baltimore Ravens 8-8

The Ravens have the potential to be a dark-horse contender, but there is also a chance Joe Flacco declines even more and an aging defence loses its legs resulting in John Harbough's departure from Baltimore. But if the defence remains a top 10 unit and Flacco's new weapons prove an improvement, the Ravens could be kings of the North once again.



1. Pittsburgh Steelers 9-7

The Steelers offence is as talented as any team in the league with the trio of Antonio Brown, Le'Veon Bell and Ben Roethlisberger but with no Ryan Shazier on defence this year, the unit could struggle. As long as Pittsburgh stays healthy they should win the AFC North again but with a declining Roethlisberger and Bell not at camp yet, Pittsburgh could struggle to win games this season.



AFC South:

4. Indianapolis Colts 4-12

The Colts probably have the worst roster in the NFL. If Andrew Luck goes down with another injury, they will finish last in the league but if he manages a healthy season, the Colts should win a few games. With the worst defence in football, no offensive line and no run game, it will all be on Andrew Luck to shoulder the load, coming off an injury, I don't trust him too.



3. Tennessee Titans 8-8

Despite making the playoffs last year and winning a wild card game, the Titans were not that good last season - they struggled through the season as their quarterback Marcus Mariota did too. If Mariota plays like last year, don't expect the Titans to claw their way into the playoffs but if Mariota breaks through, the AFC South could be sending three teams to the playoffs.



2. Houston Texans 10-6

The Texans have Super Bowl potential, but they also have bottom dwellers potential too. If the Texans stay healthy, they should be a huge threat in the AFC to reach the big game but most of the time their stars are hurt. If JJ Watt, Jadeveon Clowney, Deshaun Watson and Whitney Mercilus stay healthy, they could join DeAndre Hopkins to form a high-powered offence and ferocious defence.



1. Jacksonville Jaguars 12-4

The Jaguars finally ended their playoff drought last year and came so close to making the Super Bowl on the backs of the best defence in football. This team has two of the best corners, a beastly defensive line to go alongside solid linebackers and a very good running game. This alone should get them into the playoffs but if Blake Bortles finally takes a step forward Jacksonville could be on to a party.



AFC West:

4. Denver Broncos 5-11

The Broncos still have one of the best defences in football but with many questions on offence, they are a safe bet to miss the playoffs for the third straight year after winning the Super Bowl. With no run game, the offence will fall on the shoulders of Case Keenum and if he plays like last season he could take Denver to the postseason but a step-back year is more likely for Keenum.



3. Oakland Raiders 8-8

The Raiders had a very bad defence last season and with the recent departure of Khalil Mack, it could be the worst in 2018. The offence also struggled last year but expect Derek Carr to have a bounce-back year under new head coach Jon Gruden. The Raiders team does not seem like a playoff team but in a weak AFC, they could have a shot at the sixth seed.



2. Kansas City Chiefs 9-7

The Chiefs' defence is not what it used to be with the departure of Marcus Peters and Derrick Johnson but as long as the offence holds up, the Chiefs will be competitive. Eric Berry returns to quarterback the defence while the Chiefs' "rookie" quarterback Patrick Mahomes has all the support around him in Travis Kelce, Kareem Hunt and Tyreek Hill for a return playoff trip.



1. Los Angeles Chargers 11-5

After many disappointing seasons, it is time for the Chargers to win the AFC West again; if they did not have such a terrible start last season they probably could have won it. Both the offence and defence have the potential to be top-five units and with Philip Rivers at quarterback, the Chargers have a chance to make some noise in the weak AFC.



NFC East:

4. Washington Redskins 5-11

The Redskins are relying on Alex Smith to do what Kirk Cousins could not - win a playoff game - but Smith's playoff success has not been good in Kansas City. Smith has been a great regular season quarterback but in a stacked conference with no ground game and a weak defence, it will take a miracle for the Redskins to be playoff bound.



3. Dallas Cowboys 7-9

The Cowboys win games by pounding the rock behind their dominate offensive line but without Zack Martin and Travis Frederick for the time being, they may not be able too. The defence is average as is their quarterback Dak Prescott who has struggled when the run game has faltered during his first two year. Don't expect a return to the playoffs after years absence for this average Cowboys team.



2. New York Giants 9-7

After a super disappointing year, the Giants should be a whole new team come September: the offence has scary potential with the return of Odell Beckham Jr and rookie Saquon Barkley joining the mix. The defence is also good when they don't hurt themselves and with a two-time winning Super Bowl quarterback in Eli Manning, the Giants may take one more shot at a third title for Eli.



1. Philadelphia Eagles 9-7

As of right now, the defending champions are not looking too good with Carson Wentz hurt, Nick Foles banged up and no Alshon Jeffery for at least a couple weeks. Their schedule is also super hard and if Wentz does not return soon, they may be in a hole which will be hard to climb out of in the NFC. Even with these concerns, I still see a return to the playoffs for the Eagles.



NFC North:

4. Chicago Bears 8-8

The Bears could be surprisingly good this season as their team resembles what the Eagles were at the start of last season; the defence was already a top 10 unit and the offence should improve greatly. If Mitchell Trubisky can up his game during his second season, the Bears could compete for a wild card berth but in a stacked division even an improved roster likely won't be enough.



3. Detroit Lions 9-7

With Matthew Stafford, the Lions have always had a good passing offense and the running game should be better with the additions of Kerryon Johnson and LeGarrette Blount. If the defence can just be average, the Lions will have a good shot at a playoff spot but even if everything goes well it will still be a dog fight to get into the NFC playoffs.



2. Green Bay Packers 10-6

As long as the Packers have Aaron Rodgers, they will be a Super Bowl contender despite the fact their defence and run game are both relatively weak. The Packers have made some additions this season in Muhammad Wilkerson and Jimmy Graham who should help improve the Packers but if Rodgers gets hurt again, the Packers' playoff hopes are likely done.



1. Minnesota Vikings 11-5

The Vikings roster is as complete as any in football: the defence may be the best in the league while Kirk Cousins improves their quarterback position and the offence surrounding him contains stars at all the skilled positions. Whoever comes out of the NFC playoffs will likely need to play incredible as their are so many good teams but if Minnesota stays healthy, they may be the team to beat.



NFC South:

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-12

The Buccaneers will likely start the season badly with no Jameis Winston the first three weeks and in the NFL's best division that will probably be enough to eliminate any hope at the playoffs. The roster has talent but the secondary and running game are too weak to compete while their head coach Dirk Koetter may be the first fired this upcoming year.



3. Atlanta Falcons 10-6

The Falcons have a very good offence and an underrated defence which has helped them to two consecutive seasons in the playoffs. The team does not have many weaknesses which means they should be a playoff contender but in the NFC South which sent three teams to the playoffs last year, it is unlikely to happen again which means at least one of Atlanta, Carolina and New Orleans will miss.



2. Carolina Panthers 11-5

The Panthers have made the playoffs four of the past five seasons but they are still not getting much predictions to be a Super Bowl contender or even a playoff team in the NFC. The defence is a top 10 unit while the weapons around Cam Newton have improved and as long as Luke Kuechly and Newton are still leading the defence and offence, the Panthers will always be a threat to win any given week.



1. New Orleans Saints 11-5

The Saints won this division and they are likely to do it again with Drew Brees playing quarterback for them surrounded by great weapons and a very good defence. If any of the top three teams in this division are locks for the playoffs, it would be New Orleans as they are considered to be one of the favourites to lift the Lombardi trophy if they can escape the South.



NFC West:

4. Seattle Seahawks 5-11

For the first time in a long time, the Seahawks are not looking to good. They still have Russell Wilson who should keep them in games but the defence is no longer what it used to be while the offensive line and skilled positions on offence may struggle. The Seahawks will stay competitive in many games but expect them to be bottom dwellers in the NFC.



3. San Francisco 49ers 7-9

The 49ers are putting a lot on Jimmy Garoppolo's shoulder this season after just five games last year; he played well but in his first full season he will likely struggle especially with not much of a run game for support. The defence is also a year or two away from being good enough to compete in the NFC. Expect a competitive team but not a playoff team in the bay area this year.



2. Arizona Cardinals 7-9

Considering the Cardinals defence is one of the best in football and they are getting David Johnson back from injury, many may be underestimating what this team is capable of. Despite questions at quarterback and on the offensive line, the Cardinals always seem to be competitive and that probably won't change but the competition will be too great for them to overcome.



1. Los Angeles Rams 11-5

The Rams are one of the top teams in the league and they play in a division where none of the other teams are even close to them talent wise. With the additions of Marcus Peters, Aqib Talib, Ndamukong Suh and Brandin Cooks to an already good team, they have the potential for a top-ranked offence and defence plus a spot in Super Bowl 53.



Awards:

MVP: Cam Newton

There are tons of reasonable MVP candidates this upcoming season with no clear favourite but I will go with the 2015 MVP in Cam Newton as my choice to win the award this year. Newton is the greatest dual-threat quarterback of all time and with a new offensive coordinator and his best supply of offensive weapons he has ever had, it may be the year he finally gets the respect he deserves. In the jam-packed NFC South, it is likely only two of New Orleans, Carolina and Atlanta will make the playoffs so if Newton can carry Carolina into the playoffs, he may earn himself another MVP trophy to add to his growing collection.



Runner Up: Drew Brees

Dark Horse: Jared Goff

DPOY: Aaron Donald

In my opinion Aaron Donald is the best player in the NFL and if he gets his contract sorted out soon and the Rams recreate their success from last season, there is no reason to believe Donald won't claim the award in back-to-back seasons. He dominated the lines of scrimmage in both the run and pass games leading what could be a top-three defence in 2018 with the additions of Marcus Peters, Aqib Talib and Ndamukong Suh.



Runner Up: Luke Kuechly

Dark Horse: Jadeveon Clowney

OPOY: Drew Brees

The ageless wonder will likely once again take the Saints into the playoffs while putting up ridiculous yardage and completion percentages. If he remains healthy, it should only take him a couple of weeks to take over top spot in the all-time passing yards list as well. With weapons such as Alvin Kamara, Michael Thomas, Mark Ingram and Cameron Meredith, it will be likely the Saints have a top-three offence.



Runner Up: Tom Brady

Dark Horse: Cam Newton

OROY: Saquon Barkley

Barkley has the potential to be better than any of the other running backs selected over the past couple seasons. Better than Ezekiel Elliott, Alvin Kamara, Kareem Hunt and the many others who have flourished. With Barkley in the mix, the Giants should have a new look on offence and take the pressure of Eli Manning. Barkley alone could be enough to make the Giants compete for a wild card berth or even the division crown.



Runner Up: Kerryon Johnson

Dark Horse: Sam Darnold

DROY: Roquan Smith

With Smith's contract dispute now over the star-studded linebacker will be ready to make his NFL debut on Sunday night football against Aaron Rodgers. The Bears already have a good defence and with the addition of Smith, they could surprise a lot of people by competing for a wild card spot. Smith should lead all rookies in tackles while also rushing the quarterback and sitting back in coverage.



Runner Up: Bradley Chubb

Dark Horse: Tremaine Edmunds

CPOY: David Johnson

After a year where so many stars went down with injuries, there are many contenders for this award. If all of the players come back at the same calibre they were before, they will get a look at the award. Aaron Rodgers, Andrew Luck, Deshaun Watson, Eric Berry, JJ Watt, Odell Beckham Jr and others will make a case but I like David Johnson as he will make the difference in Arizona's offence which will make them competitive again.



Runner Up: Andrew Luck

Dark Horse: Eric Berry

COY: Ron Rivera

The coach of the year usually goes to a team who is not expected to make the playoffs but who does. Despite the Panthers making four of the last five post seasons with Cam Newton and a top 10 defence, many people seem to doubt the Panthers in the stacked NFC. If |Rivera can get the Panthers into the playoffs, he will be a candidate for his third coach of the year award.



Runner Up: Bill Belichick

Dark Horse: Matt Nagy

Playoffs:

AFC: 

1 Jacksonville Jaguars
2 New England Patriots
3 Los Angeles Chargers
4 Pittsburgh Steelers
5 Houston Texans
6 Kansas City Chiefs

NFC:

1 Minnesota Vikings
2 New Orleans Saints
3 Los Angeles Rams
4 Philadelphia Eagles
5 Carolina Panthers
6 Green Bay Packers

Wild Card Weekend:

Chargers-30
Chiefs-17

The NFC West's two best teams will meet on Wild Card Weekend; the Chiefs always seem to lose this week while it would be the Chargers first time here in a while. The Chargers roster is more complete and with a veteran quarterback in Philip Rivers, I have them taking down their division rivals and rookie quarterback Patrick Mahomes.



Steelers-20
Texans-24

If the Texans can stay healthy, they have a serious shot at the Super Bowl while the Steelers have been contenders for the past decade. If both clubs are at 100 per cent, the Texans defence trumps the Steelers by a larger margin while the Texans offence could keep up with the Steelers big three, the Texans defence would be enough to pull off the upset.



Rams-34
Packers-27

The Rams have the potential to be great while the Packers will go as far as Aaron Rodgers can take them; both teams have improved this off season and with two high-powered offences, this game could turn into a shootout. The Rams offence may be a bit better and their defence is way better than Green Bay so even Aaron Rodgers may not be enough to pull off the upset.



Eagles-17
Panthers-20

Two of the NFC's three last Super Bowl teams will meet in the Wild Card Weekend which features two of the league's best quarterbacks in Cam Newton and Carson Wentz. Both teams have top 10 defences and playoff experience but I believe Cam Newton ill outplay Carson Wentz and send the defending champions home early.



Divisional Round:

Jaguars-24
Texans-17

The AFC South has been the laughing stock of the NFL for years but now they have two Super Bowl threats looking to dethrone the Patriots in the AFC. Both have stud defences but very different offences: the Texans will rely on Deshaun Watson in the pass game while the Jaguars will rely on Leonard Fournette and the ground game. In the end, the Jags defence is a bit better which gives them the edge.



Patriots-34
Chargers-31

The Patriots are beatable this year as Brady ages and friction seems to grow in their locker room, and a good Chargers team would have a chance to upset them come January. But as long as Tom Brady remains the perennial MVP quarterback, it may be too much to ask for the Chargers to beat them. Only an elite defence would have a chance to upset them and the Chargers are not quite there.



Vikings-24
Panthers-21

The Vikings are stacked with no weaknesses on their team while the Panthers offensive line and secondary could cause some problems come playoff time. With Cam Newton at the helm of the offence, Carolina has a large edge at quarterback but everywhere else the Vikings should outplay Carolina taking them back to the NFC Championship.



Saints-24
Rams-27

These two teams could each be competing for the crown of best offence in the league but despite the Saints' defensive resurgence last season, the Rams are still much better on that side of the ball. Drew Brees is still elite though and should keep the Saints in every game this year despite the opponent but a great Rams team will be enough to send the legend home.



Conference Championship Games:

Jaguars-24
Patriots-21

A rematch of last year's great AFC Championship game has the up-and-coming Jaguars and their ferocious defence up against the GOAT and the Patriots dynasty. The Jaguars have a chance to beat them as they have the defence to do what Von Miller did to Brady in 2016. As long as Blake Bortles plays average, the Patriots' reign as the AFC Champs comes to end at the hands of the Jaguars.



Vikings-31
Rams-23

Last year's NFC Championship game was a blowout as the Vikings got smashed by the Eagles but this time around an improved Vikings squad should be the ones laying down the hammer. The Rams are very good but somewhat inexperienced which gives Minnesota the upper hand. This could go down as one of the greatest games ever but Minnesota will be too good for the Rams.



Super Bowl 53:

Jaguars-13
Vikings-14

They always say defence wins championships and with the two best defences going head to head in this Super Bowl, it should be a low scoring affair especially with no great quarterback involved. The defences are very even with the Jaguars having the upper hand but Kirk Cousins trumps Blake Bortles along with the rest of the offence. Which means the Vikings will win their first ever Super Bowl in Atlanta.



Super Bowl MVP: Everson Griffen

Everson Griffen is among the league's bast pass rushers and I expect him to have a game similar to Von Miller in 2016 forcing a fumble and getting a couple sacks helping cement the Vikings as Super Bowl Champions.



Photo credit for Kenyan Drake, Josh Gordon and Andy Dalton goes to https://www.cbssports.com/. Tre'Davious White goes to https://buffalonews.com/. Leonard Williams goes to https://jetswire.usatoday.com/. Julian Edelman goes to https://patriotswire.usatoday.com/. Terrell Suggs, Chandler Jones and Myles Jack goes to http://www.espn.com/. Le'Veon Bell goes to http://thesource.com/. TY Hilton goes to https://coltswire.usatoday.com/. Derrick Henry, Amari Cooper and Odell Beckham Jr goes to https://www.nbcsports.com/. Jadeveon Clowney, Travis Kelce and Leonard Fournette goes to https://www.sbnation.com/. AJ Bouye goes to https://jaguarswire.usatoday.com/. Case Keenum goes to https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/. Melvin Gordon, Davante Adams, Russell Wilson, Todd Gurley and Drew Brees goes to http://www.sportingnews.com/. Alex Smith goes to https://www.actionnetwork.com/. Sean Lee goes to https://cowboyswire.usatoday.com/. Carson Wentz goes to https://theeagleswire.usatoday.com/. Jordan Howard goes to https://bearswire.usatoday.com/. Marvin Jones goes to https://fantasyfootballcalculator.com/. Adam Thielen goes to https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/. Lavonte David goes to https://bucswire.usatoday.com/. Deion Jones and Marshon Lattimore goes to https://www.si.com/. Christian McCaffrey, Ron Rivera and Luke Kuechly goes to https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/. DeForest Buckner goes to https://ninerswire.usatoday.com/. Cam Newton goes to https://catcrave.com/. Aaron Donald goes to http://www.latimes.com/. Saquon Barkley goes to https://nypost.com/. Roquan Smith goes to https://athlonsports.com/. David Johnson goes to https://cardswire.usatoday.com/. Philip Rivers goes to https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/. Deshaun Watson goes to https://texanswire.usatoday.com/. Jared Goff goes to https://www.nfl.com/. Tom Brady and Stefon Diggs goes to https://ftw.usatoday.com/. Xavier Rhodes and Everson Griffen goes to https://vikingswire.usatoday.com/. Lamarcus Joyner goes to https://www.usatoday.com/. Anthony Barr goes to https://twitter.com/.