Division Standings
AFC East
Buffalo Bills
The Bills deserve to be division favorites after their 13-3 season and the massive breakout of quarterback Josh Allen. Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll looks to help keep the offense’s consistency in tact while avoiding any type of significant regression from Josh Allen. If Allen in any way improves upon last year’s performance you are looking at a serious MVP candidate and will put the Bills in the thick of it for Super Bowl contention. Outside of superstar WR Stefon Diggs1 the offense lacks some high quality talent, but it should nonetheless be one of the more well designed and thought out units in the league. The defense remains as one of the league’s better units and should see an improved pass rush making things even more difficult for opposing offenses.
New England Patriots
Belichick could not be complacent this offseason after a disastrous 2020 season by Patriots standards by getting a new starting QB in Mac Jones, a bevy of quality offensive weapons and a revamped front seven. Mac Jones handedly beat out veteran QB Cam Newton in training camp and looks to provide efficient decision making and poise in the pocket that has been missing since Brady. The significant upgrades throughout the roster should keep the Patriots in playoff contention throughout the season. The defense should regain its place as at least a top 10 defense headlined by a dangerous pass rush and above average secondary unit. The loss of Stephen Gilmore for the first six weeks stings but if Mac Jones hits the ground running they could even challenge near the top of the AFC.
Miami Dolphins
I believe Brian Flores is a terrific head coach and defensive mind but there are a lot of if’s with this Dolphins roster. Tua I would expect to have much better season (familiarity with the offense and clear weapon upgrades) than 2020, however there are major question marks along the offensive line that could derail the offense’s effectiveness. The defense will still be well-oiled machine that will keep them in games. Brian Flores does a tremendous job creating game plans detailed to his opponent’s weaknesses which will help consider the lack of high quality talent outside of CB Xavien Howard. The Dolphins’ hopes this season really do rely on Tua becoming a quality starting quarterback, and if so can find their way into the playoffs.
New York Jets
Jets fans should just be looking for significant scheme upgrades on both sides of the ball. While Zach Wilson being just steady for them in his rookie season. The offensive looks clearly improved and wide receiver Corey Davis has chemistry with Wilson in the preseason that should translate well. The defense lacks a ton of talent with the loss of edge rusher Carl Lawson, and the cornerback room looks bleak which should give concern. However, new HC Robert Saleh and co. can keep this defense playing effort and competitiveness week to week, which was simply not seen in years past.
AFC North
Cleveland Browns
I might be too high on the Browns but they project to be a real juggernaut in the AFC. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski looks to have implemented an offense that has benefitted the continued development of Baker Mayfield. The offensive line is arguably the best in the NFL, and Odell Beckham Jr. looks the healthiest he has in quite some time. The defense on paper should have a significantly improved secondary, which was this team’s true weak point last season. The Browns are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball and with solid coaching this should be the most successful season the franchise has had in sometime.
Baltimore Ravens
Despite quarterback Lamar Jackson getting COVID-19 twice and still not getting a vaccine this team is too well coached and talented to miss the playoffs. Rookie wide receiver Rashod Bateman being out until at least week 4, and JK Dobbins missing the season are significant losses. However, Bateman can be a promising second half addition, the offensive line being improved, and tight end Mark Andrews still being Jackson’s top target they should still be reckoned with. The defense should still remain a top 10 unit under defensive coordinator Don Martindale and led by stalwart cornerback Marlon Humphrey.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers project to be a volatile team this upcoming season. Their success relies on how well Ben Roethlisberger plays and it just remains to be seen if he can improve upon last season’s performance. The offensive line should be better but is still not a quality unit on paper. Rookie running back Najee Harris looks to be a very productive starter immediately and should help balance things out. The defense looks to be a very destructive unit led by elite players TJ Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick. If they remain healthy look for them to lead the league in sacks by a significant margin. If things go right the Steelers should be in contention for a wild card spot.
Cincinnati Bengals
I am probably higher on Joe Burrow than most as he as impressive of a cerebral mind from the pocket as any QB prospect I have evaluated. The offensive line still has major question marks, but should be mitigated to some degree with Burrow’s quick processing. Burrow’s chemistry with rookie wide receiver JaMarr Chase needs to be highly productive for the Bengals to have a shot at success2 this upcoming season. The defense outside of safety Jessie Bates III, lacks serious talent and will put more of a burden on Burrow to throw the ball a ton to win games. Anything could happen but this team looks to be easily in the top 10 again in the 2022 NFL Draft.
AFC South
Tennessee Titans
It was a coin flip between the Titans and Colts to win this division, but the clear advantage of quarterback Ryan Tannehill over Carson Wentz puts the Titans ahead. If there are no significant injuries the Titans’ offense can continue to remain among the league’s best with the addition of superstar wide receiver Julio Jones. The combination of AJ Brown and Julio Jones can easily be the best 1-2 duo in the league this season and could elevate Tannehill even higher amongst his peers. The defense remains a major question mark despite the addition of edge rusher Bud Dupree. The secondary has a bevy of players that could breakout such as Kristian Fulton, Amani Hooker, and rookie Elijah Molden. It remains to be seen if HC Mike Vrabel can get out of his players on defense which is concerning.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts unfortunately have one of the lowest vaccination rates in the league and could deteriorate their chances at the playoffs. Especially with quarterback Carson Wentz not being vaccinated the unpredictability of their season is too much to project this team to have a ton of success this season. It’s a shame too because GM Chris Ballard is among the league’s best and on the whole has built a pretty talented roster that could really contend among the top of the conference if they had stability at quarterback. The defense will be a top 10 unit still and should still keep them competitive led by superstar DT DeForest Buckner and the underrated DC Matt Eberflus.
Jacksonville Jaguars
I do not expect the Jaguars to sniff the playoffs this year but it should be an exciting team to watch. Rookie QB Trevor Lawrence could have an above average season which would be fantastic for the future of this franchise. However, the offensive line is mediocre at best and the weapons are just fine but there is no definite player that defenses are really worried about. The defense will be improved but similar to the offense lack a real stalwart player that will scare opponents. The sanity of Urban Meyer is something to watch as he will experience more losing this season than he has in his career. Meyer’s old school coaching style has already reported to be rubbing his players the wrong way despite the season not even beginning yet.
Houston Texans
There is a very legitimate chance that the Texans finish winless this upcoming season. A roster that is so barren of talent and that is yet the second oldest in the league is a recipe for disaster. With the way the Texans have been run the past couple of years it is no surprise that they are in a position to clearly be the worst team in the league. Weirder things have happened but if this team wins more than 3 games it will be a definite surprise.
AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs
After losing the Super Bowl against the Bucs, the Chiefs adapted and have revamped their offensive line for the better. They look to be switching to a more power/gap based scheme which should have a new layer of physicality to what is already a dangerously potent offense. Patrick Mahomes continues to be the gift that keeps on giving, and if Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce remain healthy this team will be difficult to stop week in and week out. From a talent standpoint the defense is still average, but under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo they will be well prepared against any opponent. Tyrann Matheiu and Chris Jones are tremendous talents that anchor the secondary and pass rush of this defense.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers on paper look to be a massively fun team to watch this season. If quarterback Justin Herbert improves upon his rookie season he firmly be among the top 5-7 at his position, which could raise this team’s ceiling to among the conference’s contenders. Having running back Austin Ekeler back for a full season, and a completely revamped offensive line that on paper looks to be an above average unit this offense under OC Joe Lombardi could be quite dangerous. The defense led by wunderkind defensive mind and newly appointed head coach Brandon Staley has holes. The hope is with Staley’s mind and superstars in Derwin James and Joey Bosa this unit can be solid and will do enough to not be an issue throughout the season.
Denver Broncos
I am a massive fan of the talent on the Broncos roster. The accrued talent on this roster is tremendous but there are question marks at quarterback with Teddy Bridgewater. As a fan of Bridgewater I hope the improved surroundings compared to Carolina last season can help elevate Bridgewater’s play but it is just difficult to see this offense out gunning the Chiefs and Chargers. The defense looks to be an elite unit full stop. If edge rushers Bradley Chubb and Von Miller can actually stay healthy combined with a highly impressive secondary this will be a difficult defense to hang with for any offense. The passing of quarterbacks Justin Fields and Mac Jones in the draft could be looked upon in as a massive mistake but there is an avenue for this team to contend sooner than later if the offense can find consistency.
Las Vegas Raiders
Despite the offense being a quality unit for the past handful of years under Jon Gruden and OC Greg Olson, it is difficult to see a way for this team to make the playoffs. Derek Carr was a fringe top 10 QB in 2020 but the loss of stalwart center Rodney Hudson and breakout WR in Nelson Agholor are significant losses for this team to endure. The Raiders need Henry Ruggs III to breakout, and center Andre James to be a quality starter to replicate this unit’s effectiveness in years past. The defense’s talent still looks to be well below average from a talent standpoint. New DC Gus Bradley could elevate the defense to at least average but I am skeptical. The overall lack of talent on this roster is squarely on Jon Gruden and GM Mike Mayock’s shoulders. If this team plays like I think they will both Gruden and Mayock should be removed from their posts unfortunately.
NFC East
Washington Football Team
I am excited to see how good this team can be with Ryan Fitzpatrick as the starting quarterback. Fitzpatrick should still be considered an average at best QB, but he is still such a significant upgrade over what this team had in 2020. This will hopefully elevate the entire offense including the highly talented receiver Terry McLaurin. I am extremely excited to see how dominant this defense can be. The front seven, specifically the defensive line has the potential to be an elite unit led by Chase Young. Paired with secondary improvements such as the addition of cornerback William Jackson III he should help create even more issues for opposing offenses. The secondary and front seven working together in tandem this season can propel them to being a elite group.
Dallas Cowboys
The offense on paper is an elite unit without question. The combination of quarterback Dak Prescott, the bevy of highly talented receivers and a top notch offensive line could help this team a win a ton of shootouts. This team will likely be in a ton of shootouts because the defense on paper still looks to be well below average. The hope is new DC Dan Quinn can get this group to at least average but I am skeptical unless we see breakout seasons from rookie LB Micah Parsons and CB Trevon Diggs. I am no fan of HC Mike McCarthy as a team leader and someone who can get the best out of his players which I think will end up making this team miss the playoffs unless the offense is just an unstoppable force.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are entering a new era under HC Nick Sirianni and there are a lot of unknowns coming into the season. QB Jalen Hurts needs to prove himself to be a quality starter or backup Gardner Minshew will take his job at some point. The offense has quality weapons in rookie WR Devonta Smith (I adore him), tight ends Dallas Goedert and Zach Ertz but I am not positive it will be enough to keep the offense afloat week to week. The defense under new DC Jonathan Gannon I think will be improved schematically but outside of the defensive line lack the talent to be in contention for a quality group overall.
New York Giants
I think I am higher on HC Joe Judge than most but it is difficult to defend him when OC Jason Garrett gets brought back despite having a lethargic offense at best last season. Daniel Jones could likely be a more productive quarterback on a better roster; specifically one that has offensive line that doesn’t regress in the offseason like this one did. Jones, himself has to do the work to improve3 but when you have a playcaller like Garrett and a offensive line that projects to be among the worst in the league, it is very difficult for any quarterback to develop properly. The defense led by breakout DC Patrick Graham should be better than it was last year with improvements at edge rusher and cornerback. This unit should on paper be a top 10ish in the league and will be the reason Giants’ fans watch games this season.
NFC North
Green Bay Packers
The Packers once again should be a legitimate Super Bowl contender this season. The offense despite not having elite OT David Bakhtiari for the first six weeks is a blow but the offense should still keep afloat. The added depth of weapons such as Randall Cobb and rookie WR Amari Rodgers should give Rodgers more outlets in the short to intermediate areas than ever before which is a dangerous thought. The defense is the significant X factor in keeping this team from world champions. They have as much talent as anyone but is up to newly appointed DC Joe Barry to have this unit play to their strengths. If they do, the Packers will be one of the best teams in the league without question.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are another team I would like more if their most important player Kirk Cousins was vaccinated. Despite their continued woes on the offensive they have enough firepower to compel themselves to a wild card spot. However, the combination of their quarterback possibly missing games at anytime and the offensive line still a below average unit is a lot to ask for. On the other side of the ball I expect HC Mike Zimmer to work his magic with on paper a clearly improved defense than last year. With a better cornerback unit and the return of a highly talented pass rusher in Danielle Hunter, the Vikings defense will be one to watch throughout the season.
Chicago Bears
Despite the offensive line looking to be one of the worst units in football this season, rookie QB Justin Fields should be the starting quarterback from the get go. While I don’t think Andy Dalton is by any means an awful player, Fields is just clearly has more talent than Dalton does at this point in time. With superstar wide receiver in Allen Robinson and the up and coming Darnell Mooney, Fields should have enough talent to create explosive plays more consistently than Dalton can. The defense has major question marks at cornerback that could derail the season unfortunately. Hopefully the scheme change under DC Sean Desai can allow safety Eddie Jackson to have a bounce back season, and can continue to have LB Roquan Smith and elite edge rusher Khalil Mack to keep the defense afloat.
Detroit Lions
The Lions thankfully look to have an above average offensive line this season. Otherwise this offense could be as terrible as the Texans. Quarterback Jared Goff was a mediocre at very best quarterback last season with terrific weapons in Los Angeles but now has the likes of Tyrell Williams, Quintez Cephus, and rookie Amon Ra St. Brown. Luckily TE T.J. Hockenson has emerged as one of the better players at his position and will be heavily relied upon. The defense sorely needs edge rushers Trey Flowers and Romeo Okwara to stay healthy to have a chance of not being dominated week in and week out. CB Jeff Okudah is also a major x-factor this season as he needs to show why he was worthy of the 3rd overall pick in the 2019 draft. I do expect DC Aaron Glenn to make this unit better than it was last season, but the lack of talent overall is a concern.
NFC South
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Usually after teams win the Super Bowl there is some level of regression the year after. I’m not sure that will be the case with the 2021 Tampa Bay Buccaneers who return all 22 starters from their championship team with even more impressive depth. The offense still features a ton of dangerous weapons around Brady, but now a fully healthy Antonio Brown and added depth at TE around Gronk. The group should be one of the best offenses in the league if injuries do not make an impact. The defense remains extremely talented and is led by DC Todd Bowles4 . Now with a fully healthy nose tackle Vita Vea the defensive front seven will be even harder to handle with Vea opening up more gaps for the dynamic linebacker duo of Lavonte David and Devin White. If the team has any weakness, it will be in the secondary where the group is likely average at best but does not have a glaring hole that teams can repeatedly attack.
New Orleans Saints
One of the more fascinating teams this upcoming season, it is going to be amazing to see how QB Jameis Winston does under HC Sean Payton. I want to believe that Payton’s genius combined with Winston’s lasik surgery it will create a very productive season for Winston.5 The offense does lack receiving firepower without Michael Thomas for a considerable chunk of the season but Marquez Callaway did look spectacular in preseason so we’ll see how that goes. RB Alvin Kamara should still be the engine of this offense and combined with a top 5 offensive line I have faith the offense should be a top 10 unit. The defense once again is quite talented under DC Dennis Allen.6 The front seven led by LB Demario Davis and EDGE Cameron Jordan are defensive cornerstones any team would love to have. The secondary lacks outside cornerback depth aside from Marshon Lattimore which could be a continuing issue throughout the season.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are in the beginning of a rebuild phase for their franchise despite Matt Ryan still being as the face of the franchise. Ryan is still basically a top 10 QB and has exciting weapons in WR Calvin Ridley and rookie TE Kyle Pitts which can keep this group productive. Combining this with new HC Arthur Smith from Tennessee controlling the offense, the pieces make sense within his scheme. The offensive line however has serious holes and could derail any chance this team has a shot at the playoffs, if the defense doesn’t. While I love DC Dean Pees, Pees is not working with not much talent if at all outside of DT Grady Jarrett and LB Deion Jones. Pees should get the best out of this defense but it will be difficult to consider this more than a mediocre group.
Carolina Panthers
The success of the Panthers season depends on the consistency of newly acquired QB Sam Darnold. If OC Joe Brady can create easy reads for Darnold, combined with the weaponry of RB Christian McCaffrey, WR DJ Moore and WR Robby Anderson; Darnold has the chance to restart his career. The offensive line7 outside of right tackle Taylor Moton has not a single player that can be considered quality at their respective position. The defense remains a serious problem outside of EDGE Brian Burns8 where there isn’t a high impact defender to speak of. Safety Jeremy Chinn and DT Derrick Brown need to continue to develop after their solid rookie seasons for this defense to take the next step. 8th overall pick CB Jaycee Horn, I hope will be able to adapt to a new scheme that features a lot more zone defense than he did at South Carolina. An average at best ranking for this defense would be a clear success at the end of the season.
NFC West
Los Angeles Rams
In what will be the toughest division in the NFL this season, the Rams project to be slight favorites. The addition of QB Matthew Stafford should elevate this offense to the heights that HC Sean McVay expects.9 With a deep core of receivers headlined by Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods, additional depth pieces such as DeSean Jackson and rookie Tutu Atwell should bring an explosive vertical element that not seen in previous years of this offense. The offensive line talent wise is a bit average but McVay’s scheme and Stafford being quarterback should make their life easier. The defense loses DC Brandon Staley and several key players such as safety John Johnson but two best defensive players in the league remain in Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey. The defense will regress this year but should still be in contention as an overall above average unit. If everything goes relatively right for the Rams they are one of the few teams that can challenge the Bucs for NFC supremacy.
Seattle Seahawks
It was very difficult to pick between the Seahawks and 49ers to come in 2nd place, but I gave the slight edge to the Seahawks for their current advantage at quarterback. Russell Wilson will be adapting to new OC Shane Waldron’s McVay based offense which could lean to some growing pains in the beginning of the season. However, I do not doubt things will eventually gel together and Wilson should remain as one of the league’s top quarterbacks.10 The defense has clear holes at cornerback and any legitimate pass rusher that will wreck offenses, however elite linebacker Bobby Wagner and HC Pete Carroll should keep the ship afloat like they always do. If the corners on this defense are too problematic look for the Seahawks to be aggressive through trades to address the issue. Even if this defense is league average at best the offense should have enough firepower to get this team to the playoffs.
San Francisco 49ers
A highly intriguing team, it is totally within the realm of possibilities to see the 49ers win the division. It seems to be only a matter of time until rookie QB Trey Lance takes the reigns from Jimmy Garoppolo. For the time being Garoppolo11 seems like the right choice to be the starter early on as Lance gets more adapted to the offense. The offensive weaponry on paper can be as good as anyone with superstar TE George Kittle back from injury, flanked by burgeoning young receivers in Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. Combine this elite play-calling from Kyle Shanahan and the most dangerous run game in the league, the 49ers offense could be quite special by the end of the season. The defense remains talented but now with DC Robert Saleh coaching the Jets, Demeco Ryans is in charge and is just in a time will tell situation with how he can utilize the talent. Getting EDGE Nick Bosa back from injury will help things significantly as he has the chance to become of the better pass rushers in the entire league.
Arizona Cardinals
It truly is a make or break year for HC Kliff Kingsbury as he so far has failed to make the best out of QB Kyler Murray’ immense talent. The rigidity and lack of creativity in the offense made them one of the more stale offenses in the league last year despite having Murray at quarterback and WR DeAndre Hopkins. While I think it will be nearly impossible for them to win the division, if Kingsbury can unlock Murray they have a outside chance at securing a wild card spot. The defense has significant concerns at cornerback where Byron Murphy is their only quality player. Murphy I believe has the talent to be a decent number one corner but it will be extremely tough to do so with the lack of talent around him. The front seven also needs EDGE Chandler Jones to be the 19 sack menace he was two years ago, with JJ Watt providing solid reinforcement on the other side of the line. LB/S hybrid Isaiah Simmons remains highly intriguing and should be more comfortable this season closer to the line of scrimmage, if Simmons can live up to his potential it could seriously change the trajectory of this defense for the better.
Playoff Predictions
AFC
Kansas City Chiefs
Cleveland Browns
Buffalo Bills
Tennessee Titans
Los Angeles Chargers
New England Patriots
Baltimore Ravens
NFC
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Green Bay Packers
Los Angeles Rams
Washington Football Team
Seattle Seahawks
San Francisco 49ers
New Orleans Saints
AFC Champions
Chiefs over Browns
NFC Champions
Bucs over Rams
Super Bowl Champions
Chiefs over Bucs
Award Predictions
MVP: Patrick Mahomes
COY: Brandon Staley
Comeback: Dak Prescott
OPOY: Justin Jefferson
DPOY: Myles Garrett
OROY: Mac Jones
DROY: Asante Samuel Jr.
And Josh Allen of course.
Meaning that the deep ball element of this offense must be vastly improved from last season.
Jones has glaring weaknesses as a processor and lacks feel for pressure that creates way too many turnovers.
Arguably the best defensive coordinator in the game.
Hopefully his turnovers will be cut down as a result of this.
The perennially underrated Dennis Allen
Similar to the Falcons.
Who is on the verge of superstardom.
One of the elite offenses in the league.
And the offense having the chance to be one of the league’s most efficient. Especially with receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Locket in the fold.
Despite his limited ceiling he offers compared to what Lance will become.