Category: NFL

Image – LA Times

It is almost time for NFL football again, with the start of the 2026 season coming on Wednesday, Sept. 9 between the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks taking on the team they defeated, the New England Patriots.

NFL football is back with the pre-season but in just 24 short days, the regular season will be back. Will the Seahawks win back-to-back Lombardi trophies? Or, will another NFC team dethrone them like the Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, or Chicago Bears? Maybe, the AFC could win its first Super Bowl since the Kansas City Chiefs won back-to-back in 2023 and 2024.

Read my full 2026-2027 NFL preview below, where I give my projected standings for each division in the league, the top games of the upcoming season, my playoff projections and Super Bowl LXI winner and award projections.

*All statistics come from 2026 Athlon Sports NFL Preview Magazine, Pro Football Reference and College Football Reference.*

AFC 

East

Image – Pro Football Network

Image – Buffalo Rumblings

No. 1 Buffalo Bills (11-6)
After a 12-win season in 2025, the Bills fired longtime head coach Sean McDermott, known for his defense acumen, and promoted their offensive coordinator, Joe Brady for the job. A devastating loss against the Denver Broncos ended another season before they won a Lombardi Trophy, in the AFC Divisional Round.

A new era begins for Buffalo as they move to a new stadium with a new head coach but the roster remains relatively similar with Josh Allen at quarterback, James Cook III at running back, and Ed Oliver at defensive tackle.

As long as the Bills have Allen at quarterback, they will be Super Bowl contenders. The offense should keep rolling with Brady as head coach after he was promoted. James Cook ran for an NFL-best 1,621 yards, 68 first downs and 12 touchdowns playing behind one of the best run-blocking offensive lines in the NFL last fall.

The Buffalo wide receiver room was underwhelming again last season. To remedy their situation, they acquired Chicago Bears’ wide receiver DJ Moore and drafted Skyler Bell in the fourth round of the draft. The hope is Khalil Shakir can perform in the slot, Joshua Palmer can be a good piece after signing with the Bills in 2025 and Keon Coleman can bounce back after two rough seasons to begin his professional career.

Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox make up one of the best tight end rooms in the league. Kincaid and Knox are reliable targets for Allen down the field and they will continue to succeed in Brady’s offense.

After nine seasons with McDermott’s 4-2-5 defense, new coordinator Jim Leonhard is implementing a 3-4. As a result, every player on the front seven will have to learn a slightly new position so there will be growing pains, it is about how fast they can get past them.

On the edge, Greg Rousseau and Michael Hoecht will go from having a hand in the ground to being outside linebackers standing up. Bradley Chubb signed with the Bills to play that position in free agency and they drafted Clemson’s TJ Parker to do the same with their first pick in the NFL Draft.

On the line, Ed Oliver is fully healthy after missing most of last season with an injury and Deone Walker should be solid after a nice rookie season. At cornerback, Christian Benford is one of the best in the league but there’s not much depth behind him. 2025 first round pick Maxwell Hairston, who couldn’t stay healthy as a rookie. 2026 draft pick Davison Igbinosun will serve as depth at the position.

CJ Gardner-Johnson and Cole Bishop will serve as the safeties on the roster. Gardner-Johnson and Bishop should be a solid duo. Placekicker Tyler Bass missed all of the 2025 season but the expectation is he will be ready to go for 2026, Mitch Wishnowski or Tommy Doman Jr. could be the punter and backup tailback Ray Davis will return kicks after an All-Pro season in 2025. The punt return situation in Buffalo is unclear.

Buffalo will win the AFC East because they have Allen and Cook on offense and a strong defense that should adjust to their new scheme well. The New England Patriots have a first-place schedule this season and the Bills will take advantage of it.

Image – NBC Sports Boston

No. 2 New England Patriots (10-7)
Even after a 13-4 record and a run to the Super Bowl, New England will not be expected to win the AFC East during the 2026-27 season. The Patriots were successful in 2025 under first year head coach Mike Vrabel, winning the division behind quarterback Drake Maye with a last place schedule.

Maye put up an MVP-caliber season last fall, finishing in second place in the award’s voting behind Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. With the help of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Maye should continue to succeed in this system. Tommy DeVito will serve as Maye’s backup.

After the release of Stefon Diggs, New England traded for Philadelphia Eagles’ star wide receiver AJ Brown to play next to Kayshon Boutte, Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins on the perimeter. Hunter Henry will continue to man the tight end position for the Patriots.

Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson will continue at running back, one of the more successful duos in the league. The offensive line should be solid in 2026 after finding their footing last season behind right guard Morgan Moses, right tackle Mike Owenu, left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, left tackle Will Campbell and center Jared Wilson.

Outside linebacker coach Zak Kuhr took over for Terrell Williams after his prostate cancer diagnosis at defensive coordinator last fall. Milton Williams and Christian Barmore are a tremendous group on the defensive line while Harold Landry III will be back at linebacker for the Patriots after leading the team in sacks during the regular season.

Inside linebacker and captain Robert Spillaine is another perfect piece for Kuhr’s defense. The Patriots picked up Christian Gonzalez’s fifth-year option in hopes of making him one of the highest-paid defensive backs in the future. Gonzalez will hold down one side and Carlton Davis III will hold down the other at cornerback.

Veteran safety Kevin Byard was brought in to fill the safety role next to Craig Wilson after Jaylinn Hawkin’s exit in free agency. Placekicker Andy Borregales and punter Bryce Baringer are expected to starter while the return game is a question for New England going into this season.

The Patriots must split their two games against the Bills if they want to have a chance of winning the AFC East in back-to-back seasons. While I think that is possible, Buffalo should win it on the back of Josh Allen and the strength of his defense.

Image – Jets X-Factors

No. 3 New York Jets (6-11)
If the New York Jets can end their playoff drought in Aaron Glenn’s second season, expectations will continue to rise in year 3. The Jets have 10 straight losing seasons and 15 consecutive seasons without a playoff berth.

The way that they can change that is by adding culture changers, which they did this off-season. Linebacker Demario Davis and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick joined the Jets’ defense and they drafted Omar Cooper Jr. and Kenyon Sadiq in the first round back in April.

Geno Smith will serve as a bridge quarterback for New York in 2026, where he played for the first time from 2013-16. If he can stabilize the Jet’s offense with star running back Breece Hall and receiving options Garrett Wilson, Cooper and Sadiq, things will be easier on the Jets’ defense.

New York’s first round draft picks in 2024 and 2025 are now their left and right tackles: Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou. Both of those players are awesome pass-blockers and if they continue their ascent into 2026, things could look better for the Jets’ offense this season.

Glenn will be calling the defensive plays this season, replacing Steve Wilks, whom he fired in December. After three successful seasons as the Detroit Lions’ defensive coordinator (2021-24), he had many great pass rushers, including Aidan Hutchinson. He now has one of those guys in Texas Tech’s David Bailey, whom he took No. 2 overall in this year’s NFL Draft.

Adding Bailey is nice, but the Jets still must stop the run, which they will continue to struggle with if they do not improve their size. Davis is one of the best leaders in the locker room and Fitzpatrick is one of the better ball hawks in the NFL. He will be a great mentor for D’Angelo Ponds, who is expected to start from the get-go.

The specialists brought in Cade York to replace Nick Folk as their placekicker while Austin McNamara will punt again for a second consecutive season for the Jets. Kene Nwangu will return kicks and Isaiah Williams will take punts back.

If Smith can lead this Jets team at quarterback and Davis and Fitzpatrick can help the defense improve, they can finish in third place in this division and potentially make their first playoff berth in 16 years.

Image – Sun Sentinel

No. 4 Miami Dolphins (4-13)
The Miami Dolphins should start calling themselves the “Green Bay Dolphins” after a staff and team makeover over the offseason. John-Eric Sullivan, who was with the Packers, takes over at the general manager. After the Dolphins fired head coach Mike McDaniel, they hired Green Bay’s defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who coached at Lambeau Field for two seasons.

The new answer at quarterback is Malik Willis, who also comes over from the Packers. Willis will replace Tua Tagovailoa, who is now on the Atlanta Falcons. Willis and tailback De’Von Achane form one of the fastest backfields in the NFL, with offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik calling plays as offensive coordinator.

After releasing Tyreek Hill and trading Jaylen Waddle, Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell, Malik Washington and two draft picks Caleb Douglas and Chis Bell make up a brand new receiving core for Willis down the field. The offensive line has two main pieces in left tackle Patrick Paul and center Aaron Brewer. Miami will look to build around those guys and make sure there are holes for Achane to run through.

Hafley will build his defensive line using four-man fronts, which is rare for the Dolphins’ defenses of the last couple of seasons. Sean Duggan, a trusted assistant in the past for Hafley, takes over as defensive coordinator. All-Pro weak side linebacker Jordyn Brooks, led the NFL in tackles last season and will be back for more in 2026.

Alongside Brooks, Tyrel Dodson and Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez makes up one of the top linebacking cores in the NFL. Zach Sieler, Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips and Josh Uche make up the defensive line.

Chris Johnson and Darrell Baker Jr. are expected to start at cornerback with Dante Trader Jr. and Lonnie Johnson Jr. at the two safety positions. Riley Patterson will come out at kicker, Bradley Pinion at punter while Malik Washington will handle both kickoff and punt returning roles.

Jeff Hafley’s team can finish third in the AFC East with a solid season from Malik Willis, their wide receivers and a defensive progression under their coordinator Duggan. However, the lack of receiving talent makes me think they will finish last.

Games that will determine the division
Bills vs. Patriots (Oct. 4 at Buffalo and Dec. 6 at New England)
Buffalo and New England split the games last season and it should be the same this season. Buffalo, who won the AFC East the five seasons in before 2025, fell 23-20 to Maye and the Patriots in their first matchup last season. Allen and the Bills must put up a strong showing at home to prove they can take the division back.

Vrabel and New England will get a win back against Buffalo at Gillette Stadium, setting them up to potentially win the division if they can get finish the season well against Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets, Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins. However, the Bills will win this division with Allen, Cook and the defense leading the way.

North

Image – Baltimore Sun

Image – Yahoo Sports

No. 1 Baltimore Ravens (10-7)
It’s a new era in Baltimore as for the first time in 19 years, there will be a new head coach. Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter takes over for the ousted John Harbaugh. The Ravens will be led by quarterback Lamar Jackson and safety Kyle Hamilton, who will both be vital in the transition from Harbaugh to Minter.

The two-time MVP at quarterback Jackson will continue with one of the NFL’s best running backs, Derrick Henry. The group of Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and Devontez Walker must step up after up-and-down seasons catching passes from Jackson down the field.

Mark Andrews is Jackson’s most reliable weapon at tight end, already owning every almost every Ravens’ receiving record. Baltimore’s biggest question is the center position following Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum’s exit from the team in free agency. Former Indianapolis Colt Danny Pinter should get a look next to the anchor of the line, left tackle Ronnie Stanley.

After a deal for All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby fell apart, the Ravens added former Cincinnati Bengals end Trey Hendrickson to bolster their pass-rush. Former Ravens player and assistant coach Anthony Weaver returns as the new defensive coordinator, although Minter will handle play-calling, not him.

With Hamilton as the leader of the defense, he will have a talented secondary around him, including Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins and Chidobe Awuzie at cornerback, and Malaki Starks and Jaylin Hawkins joining him at safety.

Pro Bowl defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike will return after a neck injury early last season, and if he is fully healthy he can get to the quarterback.Travis Jones and Calais Campbell join Madubuike on the line. Hendrickson, Roquan Smith and Teddye Buchanan make up a the linebacking core.

Placekicker Tyler Loop has had the spring and the summer to think about shanking the 44-yarder against the Pittsburgh Steelers on the final play of the regular season that kept his team out of the playoffs. Baltimore drafted Michigan State punter Ryan Eckley as a reclaimant for Jordan Stout, who left during free agency. The Ravens normally having running backs handle kickoff returns, so it will likely be No. 3 back Rasheed Ali while wide receiver LaHohntay Wester is expected to return punts.

With that being said, I have confidence in Minter, Jackson and Hamilton to help Baltimore turn a new leaf, win the AFC North and make the playoffs with 11 victories.Henry will have to keep running strong to set up Jackson’s passing game and Minter’s defense will have to hold up if they want to meet their goals in the pre-season.

Image – SB Nation

No. 2 Cincinnati Bengals (9-8)
The trade the Cincinnati Bengals made for All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II means just one thing: it is time to win for Zac Taylor. The Bengals have had three disappointing seasons in a row and as long as Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase are in their primes, they must make sure each season is better than the last.

Burrow, Chase, Tee Higgins and Mike Gesicki are all awesome offensively but can their line protect Burrow and help them get back to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2021? With Burrow fully healthy and Chase Brown back at tailback, they can be successful with a stabilized offensive line.

That offensive line is now made up of right tackle Amarius Mims, right guard Dalton Risner, center Ted Karras, left guard Dylan Fairchild and left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. If they can protect Burrow against the scary defensive lines of the AFC North, they can return to the playoffs.

The Al Golden-led defense was not good in 2025 but it only gave up 24 points in five of their six final games. With Lawrence in the fold as a premium pass-rusher and Trey Hendrickson with their division rival Baltimore Ravens, he must prove he was worth the top ten pick that Cincinnati traded him for this season.

Boye Mafa, Jonathan Allen, Myles Murphy and 2025 first round pick Shemar Stewart are the names to know on the defensive line around Lawrence and if they can get to the quarterback at a consistent level, it will make it easier for the rest of their unit to make plays.

The linebackers and defensive backs must tackle better if they want to bounce back from a woeful 2025 season. No team in the league missed more tackles last season. Barrett Carter, Demetrius Knight Jr. and Oren Burks make up the linebacking unit, cornerbacks Dax Hill and DJ Turner II, and safeties Jordan Battle and Bryan Cook make up the group of seven that must be better in 2026 if the Bengals want to reach their goals.

Placekicker Evan McPherson and punter Ryan Rehkov will both start for the third consecutive season for Cincinnati. Charlie Jones, entering his fourth season for the Bengals, is a home run threat returning kicks and punts.

The Cincinnati Bengals are the only team in the AFC North to have not turned over their coaching staff this off-season so Taylor and his staff must take advantage against the other teams in the division. He must flex the fact that Burrow, Brown, Chase and Lawrence are stars for his team and all four of those guys must have a great season if they want to finish second or better in the division.

Image – Fox56 Wolf

No. 3 Pittsburgh Steelers (8-9)
Even after the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Baltimore Ravens and made the playoffs last season, they fired longtime head coach Mike Tomlin and hired the coach that beat them in a Super Bowl over a decade ago, Mike McCarthy. That quarterback that helped him with that Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers was Aaron Rodgers, who is expected to finish out his career in 2026 with the Steelers.

Outside of adding talented wide receiver Michael Pittman, formerly of the Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh’s offensive weapons did not change. DK Metcalf has fit in nice with the Steelers and if he levels up for a great season catching passes from Rodgers, they can make the playoffs for a second consecutive season. Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington make up an awesome tight end room as well.

Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle will split carries for Pittsburgh behind an offensive line that includes left tackle Broderick Jones, left guard Spencer Anderson, center Zach Frazier, right guard Mason McCormick and right tackle Troy Fautanu. If the line can block for Warren and Dowdle well, they can succeed and set up Rodgers’ passing game to Metcalf, Pittman and Freiermuth.

After some uncharacteristic struggles in 2025, where they ranked 29th against the pass and 26th in total defense, Pittsburgh’s 12 turnover differential was their saving grace. Until he’s not on the team anymore, the talk will always start with star outside linebacker TJ Watt, who missed three games during a frustrating 2025 season.

Watt has talent around him rushing the passer, including Alex Highsmith (9.5 sacks) and Nick Herbig (7.5) last fall. Linebackers Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson will be important in the middle of the defense and added two defensive backs this off-season, including cornerback Jamel Dean and safety Jaquan Brisker to put next to three-time All-Pro Jalen Ramsey.

Chris Boswell is one of the best place-kickers in the NFL and he returns alongside punter Cameron Johnston. Kaden Wetjen, a fourth round pick from Iowa, is the favorite to cover both kick and punt return roles.

It feels like anybody can win the AFC North each season and that remains true this year. However, it should take another year for McCarthy’s team that should be better on both offense and defense in 2026 assuming that injuries don’t hurt them again in 2026.

Image – SB Nation

No. 4 Cleveland Browns (4-13)
After another fourth-place finish and offensive meltdown in 2025, the Cleveland Browns fired head coach Kevin Stefanski. The Browns hired another offensive mind and first-time head coach Todd Monken, who will call his own plays like Stefanski did.

Cleveland will entrust either Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders to quarterback an offensive roster that is young. Tailback Quinshon Judkins is expected to start in his second season in the league next to Watson or Sanders.

Jerry Jeudy is a veteran now in the NFL at wideout but KC Concepcion and Denzel Boster, both rookies, will be in line to start at the Jacksonville Jaguars to open the season. Another second-year player in Harold Fannin Jr. and Blake Whitehead make up the tight end room.

The offensive line, made up of rookie left tackle Spencer Fano, left guard Zion Johnson, center Elton Jenkins, right guard Teven Jenkins and right tackle Tytus Howard. They will have the difficult job of protecting for Watson passing the football and Judkins carrying it against the tough defenses in their division and around the league.

Most of the defensive personnel returns outside of coordinator Jim Schwartz, who resigned after the Browns chose not to promote him to head coach and Myles Garrett, maybe the best defensive player in the NFL, was traded to the Super Bowl favorite, the Los Angeles Rams.

The Rams’ Jared Verse, a previous Rookie of the Year in the league, comes over in the trade for Cleveland, and he will be an instant impact player that they will need after Garrett’s exit next to Mason Graham, Maliek Collins and Alex Wright on their line.

Mike Rutenberg takes over for Schwartz as the coordinator of the defense.

Carshon Schwesinger, Quincy Williams and Winston Reid will have to step up at linebacker. The defensive backfield is talented with cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell, and safety Grant Delpit.

Andre Szmyzt and Corey Bojorquez will be the kicker and punter respectively. Malachi Corley will return kicks and Concepcion will do so for punts on top of his receiving role after doing so last season for Texas A&M.

It may take awhile to rebuild, but Cleveland must take advantage of the talent that they have on defense with Verse, Ward and Delpit to win at least a couple of games while they do so. The Browns will definitely finish fourth in the AFC North.

Games that will determine the division
Bengals vs. Ravens (Oct. 25 at Baltimore and the Dec. 31 at Cincinnati)
The AFC North is always a division where any of the top three teams can win. While Pittsburgh won it last fall, Baltimore and Cincinnati emerged to the top of it this year for me with their offensive talent. The Bengals are the only team with coaching continuity going into this season but it does not mean they will definitely win the division.

The Bengals will go into Baltimore and beat the Ravens while they will do the same thing over two months later on New Year’s Eve and beat Cincinnati at Paycor Stadium. As a result, Jackson and Henry will lead Baltimore to a division championship and a playoff berth in Minter’s first season as head coach.

South

Image – Houston Press

No. 1 Houston Texans (10-7)
The Houston Texas have a championship-caliber defense but an offense that let them down in the playoffs, when they lost to the New England Patriots in the AFC divisional round last January. All-Pro edge Will Anderson Jr. makes the defense go but will quarterback CJ Stroud be better in 2026?

Stroud has arrived at a career crossroads after winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year but his awful postseason performance last season (five interceptions, five fumbles and seven total turnovers in two games) was troubling. If the Texans can’t trust their quarterback in the playoffs, how do they move forward?

With Joe Mixon out injured, they traded for power back David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions, and they signed him to a two-year $16.5 million extension. Wide receivers Nico Collins, Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel and tight end Dalton Schultz will catch passes from Stroud this season, and the group will have to be better if the passing game wants to be better than a season ago.

Houston has the best defense in the league with Anderson and Danielle Hunter as pass-rushers. Anderson and Hunter combined for 27 sacks, 45 quarterback hits and 35 tackles for loss last season. Sheldon Rankins and Tommy Togiai are in the middle as tackles and Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To’oTo’o man the linebacker spots.

Former Philadelphia Eagles’ team captain Reed Blankenship joins Pro Bowler Calen Bullock at safety with Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter and Jalen Pitre are all impact players elsewhere in the secondary.

There is a lot of support for placekicker Ka’imi Fairbairn in Houston, who landed a two-year $13 million contract extension, after making 44 field goals last season. The Texas were not satisfied with punter Tommy Townsend so they let him walk in free agency and are staging a competition between Kai Kroeger, who they traded for from the New Orleans Saints and former Syracuse standout Kai Kroeger. Jaylin Noel is expected to handle kick-off and punt returns.

This is a crucial season for a Texans’ team that has made the playoffs three seasons in a row. They will be competing with the Jacksonville Jaguars for the top spot in the division and if Stroud continues to struggle, they may not be at the top of the division. But Anderson and the defense give them the upside to take away their opposition’s offense and win many games in 2026.

Image – The Florida Times-Union

Image – Alamy

No. 2 Jacksonville Jaguars (9-8)
In year one under new head coach Liam Coen, general manger James Gladstone and executive vice president of football operations Tony Boselli, the Jacksonville Jaguars won the AFC South and made a playoff run. Now, it’s about getting even better than last season and making the Jaguars a consistent contender.

Trevor Lawrence improved greatly last season behind center, and he will enter season number six around an offense that includes Travis Hunter, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 draft that also plays cornerback, Jakobi Meyers, Parker Washington and Brian Thomas Jr. at wide receiver. Brenton Strange plays tight end next to offensive linemen Can Van Lanen, Ezra Cleveland, Robert Hainsey, Patrick Mekari and Anton Harrison.

Jacksonville must improve their ground game in 2026 with a duo of Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez Jr. The group was explosive in 2025 but can be even better behind their experienced offensive line and a quality passing-game.

The Jaguars had the best run defense in the NFL in 2025 and were one of the best at creating turnovers. The question is if the pass rush can improve to make the defense elite.

Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen are two of the league’s best edge run defenders while DaVon Hamilton and Arik Armstead impact the middle as tackles. All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloyd signed with the Carolina Panthers in free agency so he was replaced by Ventral Miller, who started in 2025. The hope is he fills that role with little drop-off.

The secondary will be another important area to watch for Jacksonville this season. Even though they had 22 interceptions in 2025, they allowed many critical deep plays in big games, especially in their Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Cornerbacks Montaric Brown and Travis Hunter are two talented pieces at cornerback while nickel back Jourdan Lewis has seen success since coming over from the Dallas Cowboys. It needs to all come together for them and safeties Caleb Ransom and Eric Murray in the secondary.

Third-year placekicker Cam Little is one of the NFL’s best long-distance kicker, kicking both 68 and 67-yarders last season. 2024 Pro Bowl punter Logan Cooke will continue to punt for the Jaguars. Bhayshui Tuten and Parker Washington will return kick-offs and punts respectively.

If Coen and co. continue to improve on offense and get better on the back end on defense, Jacksonville can win the AFC South and definitely make the playoffs whether they win the division or not. Lawrence should take another leap as a quarterback and if the Jaguars’ weapons serve him well again this season, they could make another deep run this season.

Image – ClutchPoints

No. 3 Indianapolis Colts (8-9)
After longtime Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay’s death, his daughter Carlie Irsay-Gordon faced her first challenging decision as co-owner/CEO of the team. She considered the team’s collapse from a 7-1 start to an 8-9 finish unacceptable. She decided to give general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen another shot despite the fact that Ballard has only won one playoff game since his hiring in 2017. Steichen, although a good play caller, enters his fourth season with a 25-26 record.

Quarterback Daniel Jones was on his way to the best season of his career as the Colts started the season 3-0. But in November, he suffered a fractured fibula, and then a season-ending torn ACL in December. Despite finishing the season 8-5 as a starter with a career-best 68% completion percentage, he wasn’t on the field to finish what felt like the best season of his career.

Pro Bowl running back Jonathan Taylor will return next to Jones in the backfield after rushing for 1,585 yards and a league-leading 18 touchdowns. Four starters return on the Indianapolis offensive line, including second-year right tackle Jalen Travis, who has impressed.

After losing Michael Pittman Jr. to AFC foe Pittsburgh Steelers, they paid deep-threat Alec Pierce to fill his role as the No. 1 receiver for Jones. Tight end Tyler Warren was impressive as a rookie, catching 76 passes for 817 yards and four scores. Slot receiver Josh Downs, should get more targets after Pittman’s exit as well.

Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo got some familiar help when Indianapolis added free agent linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither who played four seasons for him with the Cincinnati Bengals. Davis-Gaither had a career-high 117 tackles with the Arizona Cardinals last season. They are hopeful third round pick AJ Haulcy can play right away at safety next to Cam Bynum, who joined the team in 2025.

Defensive end Laiatu Latu, a 2024 first round pick, made a big jump during his second season with 45 tackles, 8.5 sacks and three interceptions. Free agent additions Arden Key, Micheal Clemons are competing to defend on the other edge opposite of Latu. Grover Stewart and DeForest Buckner form one of the best tandems at tackle in the NFL and they will be scary next to Latu, Key and Clemons rushing the passer and stopping opposing rushing games.

The Colts have to decide on a placekicker between Spencer Shrader and Blake Grupe. Shrader was lost to a torn ACL and MVL in the fifth game last season but before that he had made 13-of-14 field goals and 14 extra points. Grupe also impressed by making all 11 field goals, including a franchise-record 60-yarder in addition to 10 extra points.

Punter Rigoberto Sanchez and long-snapper Luke Rhodes have been constants on the Indianapolis record for about a decade and will continue to be on the roster this season. Sanchez averaged a career-best 44.7 net yards last year.

If Jones starts the season in 2026 like how he did in 2025, the Colts can reach the playoffs. But without Pittman, his receivers will have to step up and the defense will have to continue improving if they want to get to the top of the AFC South and make the playoffs again.

Image – The New York Times

No. 4 Tennessee Titans (5-12)
After back-to-back 3-14 seasons, the Tennessee Titans made changes again ahead of the 2026 season. For the fourth consecutive season, a new head coach and/or general manager arrived in Nashville. This year’s newcomer is former New York Jets’ head coach Robert Saleh, who is looking to institute discipline and aggressiveness to a team that has only won 19 games over the last four seasons.

The Titans’ offense will go as far as second-year quarterback Cam Ward goes. Former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll comes into to call plays for Ward, who will get the ball to receivers Calvin Ridley, Wan’Dale Robinson, rookie Carnell Tate and tight end Gunnar Helm.

Tailback Tony Pollard is not as electric as he once was but he rushed for 1,000 yards for a fourth consecutive season. His backups Tyjae Spears and rookie Nicholas Singleton will compete for playing time and the second spot on the depth chart.

The offensive line has been an issue for the Titans over the last four seasons. Entering 2026, there are still many questions for the unit, even with former first round picks Peter Skoronski and JC Latham expected to start among the five up front. Center and right guard will be position battles in camp among free agents, holdovers and rookies.

After the 2025 season, the Tennessee defense was basically Jeffery Simmons and that was it. Simmons had the best season of hiss career with 11 sacks after resisting all trade offers for him at the deadline. The defensive-minded Saleh wanted to bring in a bunch of new players to help Simmons and he did just that.

Defensive end Jermaine Johnson II was acquired from the New York Jets and Saleh’s added many players he used to coach at other places including tackles John Franklin-Myers, Solomon Thomas and Jordan Elliott to play in his 4-3 unit.

The Titans have returnees Cedric Gray and Cody Barton at linebacker and Amani Hooker and Kevin Winston Jr. at safety. Alontae Taylor and Cor’Dale Flott are expected to start at cornerback. If the pass-rush gets any better outside of Simmons, the linebackers, safeties and cornerbacks can take advantage of it and make plays to set up Ward and the offense.

Tennessee needs a lot to happen to go from the bottom of the league to playoff contention. Their offense can extend down the field with Tate now in the receiving room and their retooled defense could be better but they will probably finish last in the AFC South in Saleh’s first season in Nashville.

Games that will determine the division
Jaguars vs. Texans (Oct. 18 in London and Dec. 20 at Houston)
The AFC South championship always goes down to the wire at the end of the season so the first matchup between Houston and Jacksonville in London in the middle of October and the end of season battle in Houston will have meaning for the playoff picture in January.

The Jaguars and Texans will split the meetings and they will finish a game apart in the standings at the end of the season. Jacksonville will win the game against Houston in London but the Texans will avenge their loss at home, and win the division to make their fourth playoff appearance in a row.

West

Image – The Denver Gazette

Image – Sports Illustrated

No. 1 Denver Broncos (12-5)
It’s Super Bowl or bust for the Denver Broncos after falling to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game last January. Bo Nix’s 24 wins is the most in two seasons of any team in the NFL and because of that they will be a Super Bowl contender. Had he not broken his ankle in the divisional round win against the Buffalo Bills, the Broncos could have made it there last season and potentially won it.

The Broncos won 15 games last season (including playoffs) despite long stretches in games last season where they looked unwatchable. They won 15 games in a big part because of Nix, and a receiving core that was led by Courtland Sutton. Offensive coordinator Davis Webb has helped Nix’s development but additions of receiver Jaylen Waddle and tight end Evan Engram will make their down the field offense better and excite Denver fans.

The run-game needs to improve for the Broncos in 2026. JK Dobbins missed the final nine games of the season due to an injury. RJ Harvey stepped in and excelled as a goal-line runner and a receiver out of the backfield but he struggled running between the tackles and he did not look good in the AFC Championship Game.

The offensive line is a strong spot for Denver as they return all five starters. Tackles Garrett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey are strong pass blockers while Quinn Meiernz and Ben Powers get down the field to run-block. Luke Wattenberg will be the center again in 2026, finishing a line that Nix is comfortable with.

Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s loves to pressure the quarterback and they succeeded at it all season long in 2025, a big reason why they played into late January. The Broncos set a franchise record for sacks for the second consecutive season in 2025, with 68. Edge rusher Nik Bonitto and defensive end Zach Allen are guys that get to the quarterback consistently, setting up opportunities for the league’s best cornerback Patrick Surtain II to make plays on the football.

While Surtain fought through a torn pectoral injury last season, nickleback Jaquan McMillan was a playmaker for Joseph’s tough defense. Riley Moss had an up-and-down season across from Surtain, so his success in 2026 will be important for the Denver defense in 2026.

Darren Rizzi took over as special teams coordinator last season. The unit caused multiple losses early in 2025, including a 29-28 loss to the Indianapolis Colts thanks to a game-winning field goal after a leverage penalty by the Broncos. The group settled down after a rough beginning to the season, with kicker Will Lutz converting on 28-of-32 field goals. Jeremy Crawshaw will continue to punt and electric returner Marvin Mims returning both kickoffs and punts.

The Denver Broncos should be the favorite to win the AFC West but both the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers are capable of both winning the division and making the playoffs with retooled rosters. Assuming the Broncos’ passing game gets better with Waddle and Engram as down-the-field threats for Nix and the pass-rush continues to get to opposing teams’ quarterbacks, their streak of AFC West titles will be extended to two.

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No. 2 Los Angeles Chargers (10-7)
The Los Angeles Chargers must break through in the playoffs to take the next step under head coach Jim Harbaugh. The Chargers have won 11 games in back-to-back seasons, the team’s offensive production became predictable and stagnant when it mattered in the playoffs.

Justin Herbert continues to be one of the NFL’s most talented quarterbacks, maintaining a high-level of production despite a hand fracture limiting him in 2025. The Chargers have added speed at skill positions. For many years, they lacked a true vertical threat, but fourth-round pick Brenen Thompson changes the dynamic instantly. Thompson is a deep threat and he should fit in greatly next to Keenan Allen and top receiver Ladd McConkey.

Omarion Hampton established himself as the lead running back during his rookie season, that he was injured in a little bit. Oronde Gadsden and David Njoku are the veterans in the tight end room. Success in this era of Los Angeles football will depend on the health of tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, both of whom suffered season-ending injuries in 2025.

The interior defensive line relies on a rotation of solid players, Tear Tart, Jamaree Caldwell and Dalvin Tomlinson. Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu and first-round pick Akheem Mesidor are strong edge rushers, capable of changing games with their ability to get to the quarterback. Daiyan Henley and Denzel Perryman form a group at inside linebacker that is hard to beat as well.

The secondary is led by safety Derwin James Jr, playing most of his snaps as a nickel and dime linebacker, disrupting the run and tight ends ability to bring the ball in from the quarterback. Elijah Molden stands across the the field as the other safety from James, while Donte Jackson and Cam Hart will be expected to start at cornerback.

Cam Dicker is one of the NFL’s best weapons as the Chargers’ placekicker while punter JK Dobbins has excelled in hang time but must refine his field-flipping ability. Special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken will challenge returner Derius Davis for both specialist duties.

Assuming the offensive line stays healthy, the Los Angeles Chargers can win 11+ games again in 2026 and make a playoff run. The division is competitive with the Broncos and Chiefs being playoff contenders, however Harbaugh’s team has proven they can make it to January.

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No. 3 Kansas City Chiefs (9-8)
Few people saw the Kansas City Chiefs only winning six games during the 2025 season but it all came to a head in the middle of December when star quarterback Patrick Mahomes tore his left ACL and MCL. While Mahomes is not expected to miss any games in 2026, the Chiefs won’t take any risks with him.

Eric Bieniemy returns to take over for Matt Nagy as offensive coordinator with a unit that already includes Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce and reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker coming over from the Seattle Seahawks. While Mahomes is coming off a massive injury and Kelce’s career is coming to an end, Kansas City did not have a great ground game last season and Walker can make a vast difference with his ability to make defenders miss tackles.

Outside of Kelce, the wide receiver group must become more consistent for Mahomes if they want to return to a Super Bowl contending level in 2026. Rashee Rice is always in-and-out of the lineup and Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton are talented but they need to play at a different level if they want to contend with teams at the top of the AFC, like the Bills, Broncos and Patriots.

The offensive line is solid for the Chiefs but it must be even better, like the receiving group for them to have a better season this fall. The left tackle position is a question mark after Josh Simmons won the job as a rookie but he missed time due to an injury last season. Jaylon Moore struggled in pass blocking at right tackle after replacing Jawan Taylor.

Kansas City’s defense performed well in 2025, allowing only 19.3 points per game but they weren’t great in three major areas – creating turnovers, sacking the quarterback and getting off the field on third down. Steve Spagnulo’s unit must get better with who they already have on the roster, including tackle Chris Jones, linebacker Nick Bolton but additions needed to be made to the defense to make it better.

The Chiefs selected LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane in the first round of the NFL Draft to play next to Nohl Williams, Kader Kohou, Chamarri Conner and Alohi Gollman in the secondary.

Kansas City needs more from their return game. Nikko Remigiro’s kickoff- and punt- return averages were not great so Brashard Smith took over. Placekickker Harrison Butker has not been as good as he was to begin his career, connecting on only 87% of his field-goal attempts each of the last two seasons. He must bounce back, because he is signed through the 2028 season. Matt Araiza, who has been average in his first two NFL seasons, returns for the Chiefs.

Kansas City is capable of returning to the top of the AFC West and playoff contention but their passing attack must improve with the help of running back Walker and the defense must set up their offense with turnovers and better field position in 2026 to position themselves in that way.

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No. 4 Las Vegas Raiders (5-12)
It is operation Fernando Mendoza for the Las Vegas Raiders after the team selected him No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft following his Heisman Trophy and national championship winning season at Indiana. General manager John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady’s influence has been all over the Raiders this off-season they fired Pete Carroll and replaced him with Super Bowl-winning offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak of the Seattle Seahawks, after the addition of Mendoza.

While there is excitement for Mendoza, Las Vegas won’t rush him into the spotlight if they don’t have to. Don’t be surprised if Kubiak starts veteran Kirk Cousins for at least the first couple of weeks before transitioning to Mendoza.

Second-year tailback Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers are offensive weapons with loads of potential, something all Raiders’ will look forward to with Cousins and Mendoza playing in Kubiak’s offense. Draft pick Mike Washington Jr. out of Arkansas will back up Jeanty while Jalen Nailor, Jack Bech and Tre Tucker are the receiving options outside of Bowers.

Center Tyler Linderbaum is the leader of the offensive line while left tackle Kolton Miller returns next to him. Jackson Powers-Johnson, Caleb Rodgers and Charles Grant fill out the rest of the line that must bounce back from many awful showings during the 2025 season.

After Las Vegas’ deal to trade star defensive end Maxx Crosby fell through, he will continue to play next to fellow veterans Kwity Paye, Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean, who make up the front seven. If this group, led by Crosby, can get to the quarterback, they can make it easier for their defensive backfield to make plays on the football. Cornerbacks Eric Stokes and Darien Porter will play at cornerback while Jeremy Chinn and rookie Treydan Stukes, out of Arizona will be trusted to make those plays if their front seven can get to the quarterback.

The Raiders moved on from veteran placekicker Daniel Carlson, setting up a training camp battle between veteran Matt Gay and undrafted rookie Kansei Matsuzawa for the place kicking duties. Matsuzawa was a consensus All-American and a Lou Groza Award finalist in 2025 at Hawaii. AJ Cole is one of the best punters in the league. Dylan Raube will return kickoffs and Tre Tucker will return punts.

The Las Vegas Raiders will likely finish last in the AFC West again this season but with Mendoza, Jeanty and Bowser in the wings on offense, they are capable of turning their rebuild into a great team under their head coach Kubiak in just a few seasons. They will keep games closer than last season but they will fail to win six games.

Game that will determine the division
Broncos vs. Chargers (Oct. 11 at Los Angeles and the final weekend of the regular season at Denver)
The AFC West will be one of the best divisions in the NFL in 2026. Three teams are capable of winning the division, including the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers. Given the Broncos’ success last season and the Chargers’ the previous two seasons, the two games between the Broncos and Chargers will determine the division winner, especially if Patrick Mahomes does not begin the season fully healthy for the Chiefs.

The Chargers will defeat the Broncos at home the second weekend of October. Denver will return the favor to Los Angeles and clinch the division during the final weekend of the regular season as they look to avenge their loss in the AFC Championship game a year ago following Nix’s injury against the Bills in the divisional round. The Chargers will also make the playoffs.

NFC

East

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No. 1 Philadelphia Eagles (10-7)
After a late-season slide, the Philadelphia Eagles bowed out in the NFC Wild Card round to the San Francisco 49ers. Then, the Eagles traded star receiver AJ Brown to the New England Patriots at the beginning of June, which was a big distraction in the off-season.

Quarterback Jalen Hurts was solid in 2025, passing for 3,224 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and six interceptions despite a 55.2 QBR, the lowest of his career. The good news for Hurts is that even though Brown is now in Foxboro, running back Saquon Barkley, who rushed for 1,140 yards last season, and wide receiver DeVonta Smith. Outside of Smith, Hollywood Brown and rookie Makai Lemon will step in at receiver.

Tight end Dallas Goedert caught a career-high 60 passes and scored 11 touchdowns last season and he is back for his quarterback Hurts. Goedert will have to emerge next to Smith as two threats down the field in Brown’s absence in 2026. It is a familiar offensive line for Philadelphia that includes left tackle Jordan Mailata, left guard Landon Dickerson, center Cam Jurgen, right guard Tyler Steen and left tackle Lane Johnson.

It is hard to blame the Eagles’ defense for last season’s issues. The team gave up the fifth-fewest points (19.1 per game) in 2025 and returns many of the key performers from last season, including cornerbacks Quinton Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, both of whom earned first-team All-Pro honors last year.

Mitchell is either on the left sider or travels with the opposing team’s top receiver while DeJean makes an impressive slot corner. Marcus Epps and Andrew Mukuba fill the roles at safety, forming the rest of the secondary. Philadelphia locked up two of their mainstays on the defensive line, including both Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter. Davis and Carter will continue at the tackle spots while Moro Ojomo will play at end.

After leading the team with 123 tackles in 125, Zack Baun returns to head the linebacking group. Second-year player Jihaad Campbell made 80 stops last season so he could break out in the middle for the Eagles in 2026. Jeremiah Totter Jr. and Small Mondon Jr. are quality young backups.

Punter Braden Mann impressed in 2025 for Philadelphia, with a 49.9-yard average. However, the kicking situation isn’t as settled. Jake Elliott was 20-of-27 on his field-goal attempts, leading into questions ahead of the upcoming season. Britain Covey will fill the punt returner role and Will Shipley will do the same for kickoffs.

If Hurts can succeed with new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion and without Brown at receiver, Philadelphia can win the NFC East for the third consecutive season. If Barkley can return to his 2024 form and if Smith and Goedert can come together to be an electric receiving duo, Nick Sirianni’s team could turn into a Super Bowl contender. The defense will always be good under coordinator Vic Fangio, so all they need is the offense to improve.

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No. 2 Dallas Cowboys (10-7)
The Dallas Cowboys are attempting to make the playoffs for the first time since 2023 after being pretty quiet during free agency. The Cowboys did not make the big move for Maxx Crosby in the off-season but they did retain wide receiver George Pickens, who excelled alongside CeeDee Lamb last season.

The Cowboys return 10 of 11 starters to an offense that ranked second in yards (391.9) and seventh in points (27.7) per game. When healthy, Dak Prescott has been a top ten quarterback in the NFL, with his 4,552 yards passing in 2025 the second most of his career in one season.

Javonte Williams impressed as the starting running back in his first season in Dallas, rushing for 1,201 yards, the most since Ezekiel Elliott’ 1,357 yards in 2019. Lamb and Pickens received most of the targets in their terrific 2025 campaign while Ryan Flournoy will be the third wide receiver. KaVontae Turpin is always a threat as well, splitting his time at receiver, running back, and return man.

Tight end Jake Ferguson played well last fall, setting career highs in catches (82) and touchdowns eight). The Cowboys return their top six offensive linemen but the question is who will start at left tackle? Tyler Smith, the team’s most talented offensive lineman, will fill one of the spots, likely at left guard, but Dallas may prefer him at left tackle. If Smith fills that role, TJ Bass will play left guard, TJ Bass should play center, Tyler Booker will play right guard and Terence Steele will fill the right tackle.

For the fourth time in five seasons, the Cowboys have anew defensive coordinator, turning to Christian Parker, the former secondary coach of their divisional rival Philadelphia Eagles. Parker is switching the Cowboys to a 3-4 base. Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark, whom Dallas acquired in trades last season, will start at the end spots with free-agent addition Otito Ogbonnia.

After trading Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers last August, they have failed to get a consistent pass rush. The Cowboys expect second-year end Donovan Ezeiruaku and Rashan Gary, who was acquired in the off-season from the Packers. At inside linebacker, Demarion Overshown and Shemar James will hope to fill the other weakness on the team. As a result, Dallas traded for the San Francisco 49ers’ Dee Winters to compete with James for playing time.

With Parker now as a great mentor for the secondary group, DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel Jr. are expected to start at cornerbacks with Reddy Steward at nickel back. Malik Hooker returns at free safety and Jalen Thompson, who came over from the Arizona Cardinals in free agency. They traded up in the first round for Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, who will be important in their future plans in the Cowboy secondary and the overall defense.

Dallas havsone of the best special teams units in the game with Brandon Aubrey at placekicker, Bryan Anger at punter, Trent Sieg at long-snapper and Turpin as the kickoff and punt returner. Aubrey became the highest paid kicker during free agency after his strong foot helped him earn it.

The defense must be better for the Cowboys if they want to return to the playoffs. The offense is more than capable of carrying the load in 2026 but Parker’s unit can improve enough to get them where owner and general manager Jerry Jones wants them to go this season. Dallas is a playoff contender with Prescott, Lamb, Pickens on offense and Williams on defense.

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No. 3 Washington Commanders (6-11)
After going 5-12 in 2025 and halting all of the progress that they made in their run to the NFC Championship game the previous season, the Washington Commanders knew they had to get younger in 2026 after fielding the oldest roster in football in 2025.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a series of injuries last fall including right knee, right hamstring and left elbow injuries. Daniels only started seven games as a result of his offensive line’s inability to protect him efficiently. David Blough replaced Kliff Kingsbury as the offensive coordinator as the Commanders were in desperate need to upgrade Daniels’ support staff.

After re-signing Marcus Mariota to back up Daniels, they extended left tackle Laremy Tunsil. Jacory Crosskey-Merritt and Rachaad White will compete for carries at running back beside Daniels while star Terry McLaurin will lead the receiving unit for Washington again.

Head coach Dan Quinn must hope former first round pick Treylon Burks or Luke McCaffrey step into roles next to McLaurin as contributors or it could be another long season. Chig Okonkowo and John Bates are both offensive weapons at tight end but Burks and McCaffrey, both of who are capable of making plays down the field, must step up. The Commanders picked up veteran receiver Stefon Diggs late in free agency, so he should be an upgrade for the room.

Chris Paul, Nick Allegretti, Sam Cosmi and Josh Conerly Jr. will play next to Tunsil on the offensive line. Tunsil, Paul and Cosmi are experienced but Allegretti stepped into a starting role for the first time last season and Conerley Jr. enters only his second season of his career.

Washington’s defense finished last in yards allowed per game (384.3) in the NFL last season. So, an overhaul was needed. Under new coordinator Daronte Jones, the unit got upgrades on all three levels, highlighted by the signing of pass-rusher Odafe Oweh.

Oweh, who signed a four-year $96 million deal, has averaged fewer than seven sacks per season in his five seasons in the league. Oweh must perform at his peak potential with K’Laivon Chaisson on the other end supporting him. Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, Jer’Zhan Newton and Tim Settles will split time at tackle.

Linebacker Sonny Styles, who was drafted seventh overall, should be a perfect fit in Jones’ defense. He is a true playmaker at 6-foot-5, 243 pounds and an 81-inch wingspan. He is a former safety so he has the speed to cover tight ends and slot receivers and he is a great tackler. Frankie Luvu and Leo Chenai will start next to Styles at the outside linebacker positions.

Things appear not as settled in the secondary after the Commanders signed cornerback Amik Robertson and safety Nick Cross in free agency; both to two-year deals. Robertson will step in at nickleback next to cornerbacks Trey Amos and Mike Sainristil. Cross will play strong safety along with Will Harris at free safety.

Seven kickers have seen action for Washington in the last two seasons. There will be competition again between Iowa’s Drew Stevens, who was an undrafted free agent and Jake Moody, who was a holdover that performed well in six games last season.

By contrast, the punter job is stable with Tress Way, who made the Pro Bowl in 2025, the third of his career. He returns to the Commanders for year 13 of his career. McCaffrey will return kickoffs and Jaylin Lane will return punts for Washington.

After a 12-5 season in 2024 and a reverse 5-12 mark in 2025, the Commanders must find their footing again behind Daniels and an improved offensive line. Assuming Daniels is able to make plays behind the offensive line to McLaurin and an improved receiving core and the defense gets better, Washington should finish with a better record in 2026. But with the Cowboys, Eagles and Giants all getting better in the division, it will be an interesting season as Quinn enters another season as head coach.

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No. 4 New York Giants (5-12)
After a decade of awful football, the New York Giants decided they needed more than a fresh start. That is why they hired John Harbaugh, after he was fired by the Baltimore Ravens. Harbaugh is by far the most accomplished coach the Giants have ever hired. His acumen should help New York in his first season in charge, even though they don’t have the most talent in the division.

Another bright spot for the Giants is quarterback Jaxson Dart, who stabilized the position after years of it being a revolving door. Now, with Dart back for his second NFL season throwing to a fully healthy Malik Nabers, his No. 1 receiver, who returns from his torn ACL injury. Nabers barely had time to play with Dart last season before he got hurt.

With Wan’Dale Robinson on the move, Harbaugh replaced him with former Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely and Malachi Fields, a 6-foot-4, 222-pound receiver, who he drafted. What Harbaugh really wants is a power running game similar to one he had in Baltimore last season. New York had the fifth-best rushing attack behind Tyron Tracy Jr. and an improving offensive line.

If Cam Skattebo recovers from the gruesome leg injury he suffered last season, the real power in the running back room should come from him. Ex-Raven Patrick Ricard will play fullback for the Giants and his 300-pound weight will be helpful in pushing Skattebo and Tracy Jr. forward. Jon Runyan will play left guard, John Michael-Schmitz Jr. will play center, Daniel Faalele will fill the right guard role and Jermaine Eluemunor will play right guard.

The pass-rush is terrific with Brian Burns (16.5 sacks in 2025), Kayvon Thibodeau (11.5 in 2023) heading it up. Abdul Carter, the third overall pick in the 2025 draft and rookie Arvell Reese, who many think is the top edge rusher in this year’s draft. New defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson will have to use his pass-rush well because outside of it, last season the Giants’ defense was not great. Tremaine Edmunds is solid at middle linebacker next to Reese, Burns and Carter.

The hope is that rookie Colton Hood can emerge as a starting corner alongside Paulson Adebo on the other side. Greg Newsome II, a 2021 first round pick, will step in if Hood does not succeed after four and a half disappointing years as a Cleveland Brown. Tyler Nubin and Jevon Holland will man the safety spots.

Harbaugh brought All-Pro punter Jordan Stout with him from Baltimore, knowing the importance of the unit after time as a special teams coach previously in his career. Jason Sanders will replace Graham Gano as placekicker with Gunner Olszewski returning both kickoffs and punts.

Under Harbaugh, New York has potential. The Giants will not be as bad as they were last season as there is nowhere to go but up for them. Dart, Skattebo and Nabers are a tremendous offensive nucleus but if the pass-rush has to carry the defense again, they will finish last in the NFC East again.

Games that will determine the division
Cowboys vs. Eagles (Oct. 26 at Philadelphia and Nov. 26 at Dallas)
The Philadelphia Eagles ended the streak in the NFC East of the division being won by a different team every other season last season when they won it for the second consecutive season, winning 11 games. After three straight 12 win seasons from 2021-2023, the Dallas Cowboys have only won seven games in each of the last two. The Cowboys and Eagles split last season’s meetings and the expectation is that they will do the same in 2026 with Dallas’ improved roster and Philadelphia’s veterans. The Cowboys are capable of winning the NFC East and making a playoff run but until they do so again, the Eagles will win the division for a third consecutive season, winning a Thanksgiving Battle in Arlington against Dallas after falling on a late October Monday at home in Philadelphia.

North

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No. 1 Chicago Bears (11-6)
Can the Chicago Bears win back-to-back NFC North division championships after three last place finishes in a row? With Ben Johnson in his second season as head coach, it is definitely possible for the Bears to do so.

Chicago finally found the franchise quarterback that they had been waiting for, Caleb Williams. Williams threw for 3,942 yards and had a 27 to 7 touchdown to interception ratio. Tight end Colston Loveland and receivers Rome Odense and Luther Burden III return as options for Williams down the field. Loveland became the first rookie tight end to lead the Bears in receiving yards since Willie Gault in 1983.

The ground game is headed by D’Andre Swift (1,087 yards) and Kyle Monangai (783). Swift and Monangai were the only teammates to each rush for over 750 yards last season. A revamped offensive line helped Chicago last season. Second-team All-Pro Darnell Wright leads the line that also includes Pro Bowl guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson.

The Bears wanted to add speed on their defense this off-season and when they signed safety Coby Bryant and linebacker Devin Bush in free agency. They also drafted safety Dillon Thieneman in the first round and cornerback Malik Muhammad as well.

Bryant and Thieneman should form a solid duo at the safety positions with Muhammad backing up Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson at cornerback. Bush will fill the middle of the defense and TJ Edwards will play at outside linebacker. Jack Sanborn will back up Bush and D’Marco Jackson will do the same for Edwards.

The Bears’ pass rush can improve with Montez Sweat, who has recorded double-digit sacks in two of the last three seasons. If Austin Booker can take another step in his young career on the other side of the line, they can set up tackles Grady Jarrett and Gervon Dexter Jr. with tackles in the backfield.

After making 25-of-30 field goals in 2025, veteran placekicker Cairo Santos returns to Chicago for another season. Punter Tory Taylor will be back as well after breaking his own franchise record with a gross average of 47.8 yards last fall. The Bears signed return specialist Kalif Raymond, will do so for both kickoffs and punts.

The Chicago Bears are capable of making another playoff run but it will take getting through another season in the tough NFC North division, that includes three other teams that think they are also capable of reaching similar heights. The duo of head coach Johnson and Williams was great in 2025 but could it be even better in 2026. If the defense gets even better, Chicago could be in for a great run in the next few seasons.

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No. 2 Green Bay Packers (9-8)
The Green Bay Packers lost their last five games of the 2025 season, twice to their arch rivals, the Chicago Bears, once in overtime on Dec. 20 and the next time to end their season in the NFC Wild Card round three weeks later on Jan. 10.

With both edge rusher Micah Parsons and tight end Tucker Kraft still healing from injuries, a lot will be put on quarterback Jordan Love to begin the season. The receiver group of Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Matthew Golden must step up for their quarterback in 2026 because the ground game carried a lot of Matt LaFleur’s offense.

Veteran tailback Josh Jacobs rushed for 929 yards last season as he dealt with a nagging knee injury and an inconsistent run-blocking offensive line. The Packers don’t have a proven backup so Jacobs’ health is important for their offense to function in 2026.

Assuming Kraft gets healthy, the offensive line is the biggest question for Green Bay. Jordan Morgan, who was their first round pick in 2024, will get to start at left tackle and Sean Rhyan will continue at center after making the move to play the position at mid-season in 2025.

Former Arizona Cardinals head coach Johnathan Gannon replaces Jeff Hafley as their defensive coordinator. The Packers won’t rush Parsons back into action but it can’t just be him making plays for their defense.

Once Parsons returns, he will play next to three tackles including Devonte Wyatt, Javon Hargrave, Karl Brooks and fellow edge Lukas Van Ness. Behind them, Zaire Franklin and Edgerrin Cooper will man the middle linebacker positions.

Green Bay may have the strongest safety trio in the NFL with Xavier McKinney, Evan Williams and Javon Ballard. That is great for Gannon because he likes to run schemes with all three of his safeties on the field. Cornerback is one of the bigger questions for the Packers in 2026. Veteran Kristan Nixon is solid as the No. 1 corner on the team but Carrington Valentine and Nate Hobbs have both been up and down.

New special teams coordinator Cam Achord will take over Green Bay’s unit in 2026. Brandon McManus was thought to be a reliable veteran option as the placekicker however he missed three important kicks in the playoff loss to the Bears. So, now they have turned to rookie, sixth-round pick Trey Smack to handle the job. Daniel Whalen will handle the punting duties and Skyy Moore will return both kickoffs and punts for the Packers in 2026.

Until Parsons and Kraft return, LaFleur’s team will have to rely on the run-game from Jacobs and Love’s ability to get the ball down the field to Watson, Reed and Golden behind a questionable offensive line. The defense needs to hold up without their top pass rusher for at least the first few weeks of the season if they want to win the NFC North again and make another deep playoff run. Once they get back to to full health, the Green Bay Packers can win the division but the Bears may already have a head start thanks to everybody they are getting back for the 2026 season.

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No. 3 Detroit Lions (8-9)
After failing to make the playoffs and finishing last in the NFC North last season, Detroit Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell is vowed to get his team back to where they were in 2024, the conference’s No. 1 seed in 2024.

After Ben Johnson left Detroit for their division rival Chicago Bears, John Morton lasted only one season as the offensive coordinator. Campbell took over play-calling duties in Week 10. Despite Morton’s struggles, the Lions still ranked in the league’s top five in scoring and total yards. Drew Petzing takes over the offensive coordinator position after three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals.

Jared Goff, who has now played more seasons for the Detroit Lions than his original team the Los Angeles Rams, is the unquestioned leader of the unit. Tailback Jahmyr Gibbs earned a third consecutive Pro Bowl despite a struggling offensive line. Gibbs impressive running and catching passes out of the backfield make him one of the most valuable players in the league.

All-Pro Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams lead a receiving core that remains largely intact for 2026. Williams reached 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in his career. Sam LaPorta, Detroit’s productive tight end, is expected to be a full go to start the season after missing the final eight games of last season due to a herniated disc that required surgery.

After much of the Lions’ defense was built through the draft in recent years, it is time to start seeing a better return out of the unit in 2026. Kelvin Sheppard, Detroit’s defensive coordinator, learned under Aaron Glenn during his years with the Lions and now must get more out of the defense. It all starts with star end Aidan Hutchinson, who will have to step up without Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph on the field to begin the season.

With both safeties out to begin the season, backups Thomas Harper and Christian Izien will step in for Branch and Joseph. Cornerback Terrion Arnold is not with the team anymore so DJ Reed, Roger McCreary, Emmis Rakestraw Jr. and rookie Keith Abney II will be trusted on in the defensive backfield.

DJ Wonnum will play on the other edge across from Hutchinson while Alim McNeill and Tyleik Williams will be the tackles. Jack Campbell is a leader in the middle of the defense and he will play next to Derrick Barnes at linebacker.

Placekicker Jake Bates couldn’t match his rookie success in his second NFL season as his accuracy fell off. But he remained perfect in clutch situations. He’ll have something to prove during the 2026 season. Jack Fox continues to succeed as punter for the Lions, and both Bates and Fox enter contract years. Sione Vaki will return kickoffs and Greg Dortch will do the same for punts.

Assuming the offensive line is better, Goff, Gibbs and St. Brown can lead the Detroit offensive to success in 2026. But the injuries to Joseph and Branch hurts the defensive potential for the Lions heading into this season. Campbell must trust backups on his defense to make an impact in the secondary. If Joseph and Branch don’t return soon enough, Detroit could finish last in the division again. But the success of their offense should not let them finish that low.

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No. 4 Minnesota Vikings (7-10)
Head coach Kevin O’Connell is hoping to resurrect quarterback Kyler Murray’s career just like he did with Sam Darnold just two years ago. In two seasons with Kirk Cousins and one with Darnold, O’Connell’s team went 27-7.

Murray, who comes off of a foot injury that limited him to five games last season, prefers shotgun formation and is dangerous scrambling to get himself outside of the pocket and down the field. If Murray fails to get his career back on track, JJ McCarthy will step in again. McCarthy turned the bal over 14 times in 10 games last season.

The good news for Murray is that he will be throwing to one of the best receiver duos in the NFL. The league’s best No. 1 weapon, Justin Jefferson, and one of the best No. 2s, Jordan Addison, make the Vikings one of the most feared passing attacks in the league when the quarterback position is stable in Minnesota. TJ Hockenson will fill the tight end position as one of the better players at his position throughout his career.

Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason will split carries at running back. Jones Sr., who previously played with the Vikings’ divisional rival Green Bay Packers will get more carries than Mason but both should get time on the field. Will Fries and Brian O’Neill will play on the right side of the offensive line, Blake Brandel at center, and Donovan Jackson and Christian Darrisaw on the left side.

Defensive coordinator Brian Flores blitzes more frequently than anybody else in the league. Flores’ 3-4 base has many sub-packages and multiple fronts he uses to keep quarterbacks and offensive staffs confused. Dallas Turner will lead the Minnesota defense at outside linebacker after leading the team in sacks last season.

Andrew Van Ginkle will play at the other defensive end position while Eric Wilson and Blake Cashman will fill the spots at inside linebacker. Jay Ward leads the safety group after an impressive 2025 campaign next to Joshua Metellus, who will play next to him. Isaiah Rodgers and Byron Murphy Jr. make up the rest of the secondary at the cornerback position.

Tackle Jalen Redmond leads the defensive line with two rookies, end Caleb Banks out of Florida and fellow tackle Domonique Orange, who was drafted out of Iowa State. Flores will spend time subbing them out for Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Levi Drake Rodriguez, and Taki Taimani with the many different packages he has developed. But the engine of the Vikings’ defense is built on the front seven, so it will be up to a younger group to lead the way.

Reigning first-team All-Pro placekicker Will Reichard may only be 25 but he has made a name for himself as one of the top players at his positions in the NFL. Johnny Heker, a veteran, can be trusted to replace Ryan Wright, who left for more money with the New Orleans Saints. Rookie Desmond Claiborne could see time returning kicks while Myles Price will likely return punts for O’Connell’s team.

The tough NFC North will be tough for Minnesota to win, especially with the Chicago Bears’ improvements. O’Connell has yet to win a playoff game as he enters his fifth season as head coach so Murray must improve and the defense must grow up fast if they want to reach that goal in 2026. After finishing third in the division last season, a quality season from Murray could mean they are right back there after this upcoming season ends.

Games that will determine the division
Bears vs. Packers (Oct. 11 at Green Bay and Dec. 25 at Chicago)
After splitting their two games last season, the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers are likely entering a similar season in 2026. If the Bears can take advantage of the Packers without Parsons and Kraft on the road in Green Bay they can gain an advantage the Packers will have to get back by defeating their rivals at Soldier Field in Chicago on Christmas Day. Ben Johnson’s team can take over this division with a sweep of Green Bay but something tells me the teams will split their meetings in 2026.

South

Image – ESPN

Image – ClutchPoints

No. 1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-8)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ streak of four consecutive NFC South titles has come to end after their 6-2 record to begin the 2025 season quickly dissolved into an 8-9 finish thanks in large part to injuries to important players on the roster. Todd Bowles was retained as head coach despite the late season collapse but they hired Zac Robinson as offensive coordinator, who called plays for their division rival Atlanta Falcons last season.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield is heading into the final year of his contract and he will look to help Tampa Bay recapture the energy they had to start last season successfully. Future Hall of Fame Mike Evans left for the San Francisco 49ers so it will be up to fellow veteran Chris Godwin Jr. to return to form at wide receiver after a few injury riddle seasons. Cade Otton will play tight end and look to be a playmaker next to Godwin down the field for Mayfield.

The Buccaneer offensive line was hit hard by injuries last season so it will be important that they also return to form in 2026. All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs will lead the unit that also includes Ben Bredeson, Graham Barton, Cody Mauch and Luke Goedeke. Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell form an interesting tandem in the backfield that should succeed behind the line that should be fully healthy at the season’s beginning.

Veteran defensive lineman Vita Vea requested a trade at the end of July so rookie DeMonte Capehart will have to get work alongside projected starter Calijah Kancey and fellow backup Elijah Roberts. In addition, linebacker LaVonte David retired after 14 seasons, meaning that a lot will be put on their linebacking room that includes Alex Anzalone and two rookie Josiah Trotter and Rueben Bain Jr.

The secondary lost cornerback Jamel Dean in free agency so it will be up to younger players to step up in his place, Zyon McCollum, Benjamin Morris and Jacob Parrish. All-Pro free safety Antoine Winfield and strong safety Tykee Smith, will be trusted to provide leadership for Tampa Bay after David’s retirement.

All three of the Buccaneers’ starters for their special teams unit are back from last season with placekicker Chase McLaughlin, punter Riley Dixon and long-snapper Evan Deckers. Sean Tucker will handle the kick-off returning duties and Kameron Johnson will do so for punts.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ roster is not as talented as it was entering the 2025 season but the NFC South does not have another team that has proven over the last few seasons that they can challenge the Bucs over a long time. Tampa Bay knows how to win but without Evans and David as leaders and contributors, they will fall short of making a deep playoff run.

Image – SB Nation

No. 2 Carolina Panthers (8-9)
The Carolina Panthers made the playoffs for the first time since 2017 despite a middle of the pack 8-9 record in 2025. Another tough season looms ahead. Starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu ruptured the patellar tendon in his right knee in the playoff game back in January and that means he will likely be out for week 1 and potentially more time. Carolina lost 1,000-yard rusher Rico Dowdle to the Pittsburgh Steelers but outside of Dowdle, most key players return for the Panthers on both sides of the ball.

Quarterback Bryce Young enters his fourth season in the NFL and as the quarterback for Carolina. He led the Panthers to the playoffs for the first time in his career and with a receiver group that includes Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, Xavier Legette and tight end Tommy Tremble, they have a group that can score, especially against opposing NFC South defenses. The group can’t take the top off of defenses but that is a big reason why Carolina drafted Chris Brazzell II to help them in that area.

Without Dowdle, Chuba Hubbard will be the main back taking carries from Young. Hubbard does not have the same breakaway threat that he was without the two running back system they had a season ago. With Ekwonu out for a week or longer to start the season, rookie Monroe Freeling will be trusted to start at left tackle next to left guard Damien Lewis, center Luke Fortner, right guard guard Robert Hunt and right tackle Taylor Moton.

The Panthers finished the 2025 season with only 30 total sacks, which was tied for third-worst in the NFL. For any defense to be successful, you have to get to the quarterback. Edge rusher Jaelan Phillips joined Carolina on a four-year, $120 million contract. Carolina also hopes that Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen improve at getting to the quarterback and making sacks.

Derrick Brown remains the Panthers’ top lineman next to Bobby Brown III and Tershawn Wharton. Devin Lloyd and Trevin Wallace man the middle of the defense at linebacker. Carolina’s strength is the defensive backfield, with Jayce Horn and Mike Jackson forming one of the top corner duos in the NFL after they combined for 9 of the Panthers’ 15 interceptions during the 2025 season. Tre’von Moehrig and Nick Scott form a solid duo at safety.

Placekicker Ryan Fitzgerald has made a name for himself as a clutch player while Sam Martin is reliable at the punter position. Long-snapper JJ Jansen is the longest-tenured player in Panthers history as he enters his 18th season in the league. Backup running back Trevor Etienne will serve as the returner for both kickoffs and punts.

The Carolina Panthers can win the NFC South again in 2026 if the offense continues to develop and the defense gets a consistent pass-rush to set up their secondary to make plays. Carolina has a capable quarterback, a solid tailback and group of receivers and a defense that knows how to consistently stop the opposing offense. All the Panthers have to do are the simple things and they will be in contention for a playoff berth again in 2026.

Image – 680 The Fan

No. 3 Atlanta Falcons (6-11)
After eight consecutive losing seasons, a new regime is in place for the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta parted ways with head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot, and brought in former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski and first-time general manager Ian Cunningham to try to change things in Atlanta. Also, the Falcons brought franchise quarterback Matt Ryan as their first-ever president of football, a role that will help get the organization back to the success they experienced with Ryan as a player.

The 2025 season was supposed to be the beginning of the Michael Penix Jr. era. With offensive weapons like tailback Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., Atlanta felt they had the young talent in place to support their quarterback.

Instead, the Falcons started the season 3-7, suffered a 30-0 loss to their division rival Carolina Panthers and two overtime losses through Week 11. That same week, Penix suffered a partially torn ACL and was placed on injured reserve. Atlanta won five of its last seven games but the early damage was too much to overcome.

Tommy Rees comes in as the offensive coordinator to coach Penix and Tua Tagovailoa, who the Falcons brought in as help while their starting signal-caller heals. Robinson is one of the league’s bright stars, especially after leading the NFL in yards from scrimmage (2,298) and All-Pro honors as a result in 2025. After losing Tyler Allgeier to the Arizona Cardinals, Brian Robinson Jr. will backup Bijan in 2026.

London remains the top option in the passing game after posting 68 catches for 919 yards and seven touchdowns in only 12 games played last season. Pitts Sr., Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus will be the other options for Penix and Tagovaila have down the field.

Veteran right tackle Jawaan Taylor signed with Atlanta after Kaleb McGary’s unexpected retirement. With a left-handed quarterback, Taylor will now be responsible for protecting the blindside, making his performance critical next to a line that includes Chris Lindstrom, Ryan Neuzil, Matthew Bergeron and Jake Matthews.

The Falcons’ defense also saw significant change in 2026, however they retained coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. Ulbrich played a major role in the franchise-record 57 sacks in 2025, which ranked second in the NFL. That being said, Atlanta will have to overcome the departures of David Onyemata, Ruke Orhorhoro, linebacker Kaden Elliss and cornerback Dee Alford.

To address those losses, they added outside linebackers Samson Ebukam and Azeez Ojulari, middle linebacker Christian Harris, end Camer Thomas and free safety Sydney Brown. The team also acquired tackle Mason Smith through a trade, giving them a physical presence in the middle of their line.

The biggest off-season storyline for the Falcons’ defense is the arrest of 2025 first round pick James Pearce Jr., who will be slated to play outside linebacker for Atlanta this season. He is facing multiple felony charges so he could face a suspension before playing during the 2026 season at some point.

Pearce set a franchise rookie record with 10.5 sacks last season, making him an important factor in Atlanta’s defensive outlook ahead of this season and the future. If his reduced role, the Falcons must rely on fellow 2025 first rounder Jalon Walker, who can be an off the ball and pass-rushing linebacker.

To stabilize the special teams unit, Atlanta hired Craig Aukerman as coordinator and Chase Blackburn as an assistant. After years with Matt Bryant and Younghoe Koo as their placekicker, they brought in veteran Nick Folk this off-season after Koo was released early last season. Jake Bailey, a former All-Pro, will replace Bradley Pinion at the punter position. Rookie Zachariah Branch has the talent to claim the kickoff and punt return role long-term, though it is unsettled now.

Image – ClutchPoints

No. 4 New Orleans Saints (4-13)
The New Orleans Saints saw enough out of first year head coach Kellen Moore and rookie quarterback Tyler Shough while winning four straight games last December to bring them both into this season. With better resources than they have had in recent years, the Saints strengthened the offense around their second year quarterback. Now, New Orleans will try to get even better during the 2026 season.

Everything will be on Shough being the answer for the Saints at quarterback. Their running back room was not explosive last season, needing five different running backs to carry the ball across 2025. Former Jacksonville Jaguar Travis Eienne Jr., who signed a $52 million free-agent deal, will add some juice to the ground attack, with fellow veteran Alvin Kamara backing him up.

Wide receiver Chris Olave proved he could stay healthy last season, earning All-Pro honors while Devaughn Vele came on slow after acquiring him in a trade before the 2025 season began. Tight end Juwan Johnson finally broke out last fall, catching 77 passes for 889 yards and will be paired with veteran free-agent signee Noah Fant.

New Orleans signed left guard David Edwards to a $61 million free-agent deal to shore up the last weak part of the offensive line that already includes former first round pick tackles Kelvin Banks Jr. and Taliese Fuaga, alongside Pro Bowl center Erik McCoy and right guard Cesar Ruiz.

The first season under defensive coordinator Brandon Staley went well last fall, with his 3-4 base defense working out great with the players he already had in New Orleans. Last season, the Saints limited big plays in the passing game and ranked as the No. 3 run defense in the NFL.

Pass-rusher Chase Young recorded his first double-digit sack season despite missing the first five games with a calf injury. The Saints also got production out of rookies Jonas Sanker and Quincy Riley, who spent time starting in the secondary.

Without corner Alontae Taylor, linebacker Demario Davis and end Cameron Jordan who all signed free-agent deals elsewhere, Staley’s defense must make progress with less talent on the roster. New Orleans will feel both players’ absences greatly.

The Saints signed Kaden Elliss to help replace Davis in the middle of the defense at linebacker. Pete Werner will play next to Elliss at weak side linebacker across from Young on the other side. With Bryan Bresee done for the season after ACL surgery, Vernon Broughton will have to step in beside Davon Godchaux and Nathan Shepherd at the tackle spots.

Kool-Aid McKinstry and Quincy Riley will attempt to replace the production of Taylor at cornerback, with Justin Reid and Jonas Sanker at the two safety spots. Without a true leader in the secondary, McKinstry, Riley, Reid and Sanders will have to be that much better on a unit that does not have as much talent as it had a season ago.

New Orleans signed former Minnesota Vikings punter Ryan Wright after years of uncertainty at the position. The real question is at placekicker. Charlie Smyth, who had never kicked in American football before 2024, is an intriguing option for the position. Rookie wide receiver Barion Brown will get a shot to return kickoffs and punts during the 2026 season for the Saints.

New Orleans will likely finish in last place in the NFC South again in 2026 however they should have the same or a better record if they don’t suffer any injuries, especially an offense with a quarterback like Shough that needs to continue to improve and a receiving core that needs more than just Olave to be productive. The defense must be just as good as it was last season with less talent, which will be difficult but Staley’s unit was solid last season and should be again this season.

Games that will determine the division
Buccaneers vs. Panthers (Oct. 25 at Charlotte and Nov. 30 at Tampa)
After splitting last season’s meetings, the Carolina Panthers’ and Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ two battles this season will be just as important this season, with the division not having a true Super Bowl contender. The Tampa Bay roster does not have the same strength it has had in past years after the exits of Evans and David and Carolina is still rising as a team, with Young leading the offense at quarterback and Brown in the middle of the defensive line as a tackle. The Buccaneers and Panthers should split their matchups and the NFC South will come down to the final couple of weeks of the regular season.

West

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Image – Rams Wire – USA Today

Image – WTNH.com

No. 1 Los Angeles Rams (13-4)
The Los Angeles Rams did something in free agency they did just five years ago – when they won the Super Bowl in 2021. Los Angeles added All-Pro corner Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to a secondary that is already tremendously talented, similar to signing Jalen Ramsey and Marcus Peters months before their run five seasons ago. Then, they traded former Rookie of the Year Jared Verse to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Myles Garrett, maybe the top defensive playmaker in football, who can rush the passer better than almost anyone in the league.

The Rams return 10 starters from an offense that led the NFL in scoring in 2025, including MVP-winner Matt Stafford behind center and electric wide receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Nacua led the NFL in receptions and Adams led the league in receiving touchdowns thanks to Stafford’s terrific season. Colby Parkinson and Terrance Ferguson will split time at tight end next to Nacua, Adams and fellow receiver Xavier Smith.

Los Angeles has found success with the tailback pairing of Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. Williams and Corum will continue to split carries with Corum getting more work helping Williams to become more explosive when Stafford hands him the ball in the backfield. Alaric Jackson will protect Stafford’s blindside at left tackle next to left guard Steve Avila, center Coleman Shelton, right guard Kevin Dotson and right tackle Warren McClendon Jr.

After the additions of McDuffie and Watson, the cornerback room is a lot stronger after a weak showing in 2025. Both corners learned to play in Steve Spagnulo’s system for the Kansas City Chiefs, where they learned to play the position physically. McDuffie and Watson will get the luxury of playing on both sides of a solid safety core of Kam Curl and Quentin Lake, who have been in important in the Rams’ defensive success.

After trading for Garrett later in the off-season, there are rumors that tackle Aaron Donald could return from his retirement but nothing is official yet. Even after losing Verse in the trade to the Browns, the benefit of getting Garrett, who broke the NFL’s single-season sack record last season (23), is great especially next a line that already includes Braden Fiske, Poona Ford, Kobie Turner and outside linebacker Byron Young on the other side of the line.

Los Angeles needs more consistent play out of side linebackers Nate Landman and Omar Speights, especially after they struggled in the postseason. It could be easier for Landman and Speights with the addition of Garrett and the newfound strength of their secondary with McDuffie and Watson now at corner.

Harrison Mevis fixed the Rams’ placekicker problem early last season, going 12-for-13 on his field goal attempts and knocking down all 39 of his extra-point tries. Los Angeles brought in Joe Cardona to shore up the special teams operation while Ethan Evans continues his strong run at punter. They hired new special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone this off-season, attempting to prevent the long returns that were given up last season. Xavier Smith will compete to retain his job returning punts after a critical fumble in the NFC Championship Game. Jordan Whittington and Corum will compete to return kickoffs after explosive 2025 seasons.

A Super Bowl is in play again for Sean McVay after three incredible defensive upgrades and the fact that they return 10 of 11 starters from what was an incredible offense in 2025. The Rams play in one of if not the best divisions in football in the NFC West but their roster now is capable of defeating the Seattle Seahawks, something they did not do late last season and in the NFC Championship Game. Reigning MVP Stafford, Nacua, Adams and Williams headline the offense while Garrett, McDuffie and Watson lead a defense that will should get a lot better during the 2026 season.

Image – SB Nation

No. 2 Seattle Seahawks (11-6)
After winning the Super Bowl in February, the second in their team’s history, the Seattle Seahawks will look to defend their trophy in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL. The culture under head coach Mike Macdonald is incredible and that is a big reason why they won it, with a tremendous offense and an even better defense.

The only two losses on offense is Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Murray III, the running back who signed with the Kansas City Chiefs during free agency and play caller Klint Kubiak to be the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. Those are big losses for Macdonald’s offense. Murray shared carries with Zach Charbonnet, who rushed for 12 touchdowns, before tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Seattle’s NFC division playoff game win. Charbonnet may not return until well into this season if then.

Walker’s exit and Charbonnet’s injury prompted the Seahawks to add Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price in the first round of the NFL Draft, who is slated to start in his rookie season ahead of Emmanuel Wilson. Quarterback Sam Darnold his second year of a three-year, $100 million deal after the Seahawks traded Geno Wilson. Reigning Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba leads the receiving core next to 2022 Offensive Player of the Year Cooper Kupp. Tight end AJ Barner continues for the Seahawks as he develops into a star.

The most improved unit for Seattle in 2025 was their offensive lines under coach John Benton. Benton coaches a group headlined tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas, who both signed big extensions in the off-season. Grey Zabel performs at left guard next to college roommate Jalen Sundell.

Macdonald’s returns 10 starters from a unit that led the NFL in scoring defense. The Seahawks re-signed Josh Jobe to start at cornerback opposite Devon Witherspoon. Nick Emmanwori, Julian Love and rookie Bud Clark will form the safety trio, joining Jobe and Witherspoon the defensive backfield.

The Seahawks lost Boye Mafe to the Cincinnati Bengals so the signing of former Dallas Cowboy Dante Fowler Jr. will be important, especially after his three sacks in 2025. Another former Cowboy, DeMarcus Lawrence is coming off of a Pro Bowl season for Seattle, and he will be helpful for Fowler, as he enters another season at the age of 34. Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy succeed as the tackles on Macdonald’s line.

After having one of the best special team units in the NFL in 2025, Seattle retained returner Rasheed Shaheed, who excels at both kickoff and punt returner. Placekicker Jason Myers is coming off of a career year the age of 35. Michael Dickson is one of the league’s richest punters, so he must continue his success alongside Myers.

The Seattle Seahawks are almost a playoff lock going off of projections going into the season after a Vince Lombardi Trophy but playing in the NFC West rests for no one, especially with how much the Los Angeles Rams improved their roster after failing to beat them in their last two attempts last season. Macdonald should trust Darnold and Smith-Njigba, the linch pins for his offense, and his defense, that is so great up front, in the middle and in the secondary. He must hope Price and Wilson settle the run-game while Charbonnet recovers from his injury.

Image – ClutchPoints

No. 3 San Francisco 49ers (9-8)
The San Francisco 49ers surprised many in 2025, going 12-5 and making the playoffs. After beating Philadelphia in the NFC Divisional matchup, they lost to the eventual Super Bowl winning Seattle Seahawks. San Francisco returns a bunch of production entering 2026 and even added veteran receiver Mike Evans, but injuries always hurt them.

The 49ers return nine starters from their offense last fall. Evans replaces Jauan Jennings on the outside next to Deebo Samuel, who recently came back in the fold after a season with the Washington Commanders, Christian Kirk and rookie De’Zhaun Stribling. Evans and Samuel will be trusted to lead the room after Ricky Pearsall had to get season-ending surgery.

Brock Purdy remains the quarterback for San Francisco, a stable, consistent arm that gets the ball to his receivers and tailbacks behind a solid offensive line. Running back Christian McCaffrey will also be back next to Purdy, after finishing fourth in MVP voting in 2025. At age 30, he is still one of the most impactful backs in the NFL.

Left tackle Trent Williams, who signed a restructured two-year, $50 million contract after a second-team All-Pro season in 2025. Williams leads a line that has three other starters returning and a rookie, Carver Willis, who will compete to play snaps at left guard.

The 49ers brought Raheem Morris back to San Francisco to be their defensive coordinator after Robert Saleh was hired away by the Tennessee Titans to be their head coach. The great news for Morris is that pass-rusher Nick Bosa and middle linebacker Fred Warner, two leaders of the defense, should be back in Week 1 fully healthy, after suffering injuries last season.

San Francisco could not rush the passer in Bosa’s 14-game absence last season, but it was not an awful season for the 49ers’ front. After not re-signing tackles Jordan Elliott and Kalia Davis, they traded a third round pick for Dallas Cowboys’ tackle Osa Odighizuwa, who had 52 pressures last season.

Dre Greenlaw returns to San Francisco after a year with the Denver Broncos to get one of the best linebacker duos in the NFL back together with Warner. Deommodore Lenoir is the No. 1 cornerback for the 49ers next to teammate Renardo Green. Malik Mustapha has earned one safety spot for San Francisco while Nate Hobbs and Jack Jones will compete for the other one.

After releasing Jake Moody, the 49ers signed Eddy Piñeiro to fill the placekicking role last September. Piñeiro was fantastic during the 2025 season and earned himself a four-year, $17 million deal. Long-snapper Jon Weeks, who made his second Pro Bowl appearance last fall, returns at long-snapper and signed punter Corliss Waitman after not re-signing Thomas Morstead. Return specialist Skyy Moore left for the Green Bay Packer but there are multiple options to replace him, including Junior Bergen, a seventh-round pick in 2025, who tied an FCS record with eight career punt-return scores and a kickoff-return touchdown.

The San Francisco 49ers can make the playoffs with this roster but there is worry that injuries could derail their season again. The defense looks to be healthy again and should be better as a result in 2026 but it will be up to McCaffrey’s rushing ability to set up the passing game down the field for Purdy, who will look to get it to Evans and Samuel.

Image – Fantasy SP

No. 4 Arizona Cardinals (3-14)
Since Arizona Cardinals won 11 games during the 2021 season, they have only won a combined 19 over the last four seasons, causing them to fire both head coach Jonathan Gannon and get rid of franchise quarterback Kyler Murray, who went to their NFC opponent Minnesota Vikings. The Cardinals hired offensive minded Mike LaFleur to replace Gannon.

Arizona enters this season without a clear-cut franchise quarterback for the first time since 2019. Jacoby Brissett is expected to take over at the positional full time, being coached by coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. Wide receiver Michael Wilson went from an afterthought to a 1,000 yard target last season, while tight end Trey McBridge set the NFL record for single-season receptions by a tight end (126).

The selection of third round quarterback Carson Beck will loom large for the Cardinals, especially if things go sideways for Brissett behind center. After a disappointing second season, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. must get back on track if he wants to turn his career around. If LaFleur can get Harrison back in the fold as a contributor, the Cardinals’ offense can be more successful in 2026.

Another important draft pick for Arizona was at No. 3 overall, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Love will lead a crowded room that also includes Tyler Allgeier, James Conner and Bam Knight. The offensive line was upgraded, with Isaac Seumalo filling a major need at left guard. Second Rond pick Chase Bisontis will get a look at right guard alongside left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. and Center Hjalte Froholdt.

Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis remains one of the few holdovers from the previous coaching staff. He has a lot to prove in his return after Arizona had one of the worst defenses in the NFL last season. The Cardinals allowed at least 37 points six times in their final nine games so they have a lot of work to do to be better in 2026.

Outside of Josh Sweat, the pass rush was inconsistent. Sweat posted a career year in his first season in Phoenix, totally 13 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. The other outside linebackers combined for just 5.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss last season. If Arizona is going to have a chance in a brutally tough division, they must find someone that get sack the quarterback on the opposite side from Sweat.

Calais Campbell’s exit from the Cardinals is brutal for a defensive line that needs help now. Arizona did bring back Roy Lopez, who should start at nose tackle alongside Walter Nolen III and Darius Robinson. After suffering a rib injury eight games into the 2025 season, Mack Wilson Sr. returns next to Cody Simon, forming the inside linebacker duo.

Will Johnson enters Year 2 of his career, looking to cement himself as cornerback No. 1, after being labeled as one of the steals of the 2025 draft. Denzel Burke and Sterling Thomas V are options to start on the other side of Johnson.The health of nickel cornerback Garrett Williams. Williams tore his achilles late last season which is bad news for the Cardinals because his status will impact the unit greatly. Losing safety Jalen Thompson to the Dallas Cowboys is a big blow but they replaced him with Dadrion “Rabbit” Taylor-Demerson.

Casey Kreiter is the Arizona Cardinals’ first new long-snapper since 2016. Punter Blake Gilkin and placekicker Chase Ryland are both back after last season. Joshua Karty will give Ryland some competition while Devin Duvernay will serve as the return man.

Games that will determine the division
Rams vs. Seahawks (Dec. 25 at Seattle and the final weekend of the regular season at Los Angeles)
If the two battles between the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks are as entertaining as the three battles between the two teams we got last season, then we are in for a treat. The first matchup will be on Christmas Day in Seattle and if both teams are at the top of the NFC, the meeting two weeks later to end the regular season at SoFi Stadium could be for the NFC West title and the top seed in the conference and a bye for wild card weekend. The Rams and Seahawks should split their two meetings.

Image – AL.com

Top AFC Games
No. 1 Bills at Broncos (Dec. 25)
No. 2 Chiefs at Bills (Nov. 26)
No. 3 Broncos at Patriots (Jan. 2/3)
No. 4 Broncos vs. Chargers (Oct. 11, Jan. 9/10)
No. 5 Broncos vs. Chiefs (Sept. 14, Nov. 1)
No. 6 Bills vs. Patriots (Oct. 4, Dec. 6)
No. 7 Jaguars vs. Texans (Oct. 18, Dec. 20)
No. 8 Bengals vs. Ravens (Oct. 25; Dec. 31)
No. 9 Chargers at Bills (Oct. 18)
No. 10 Ravens vs. Steelers (Dec. 20, Jan. 10)

Image – Roundtable.io

Top NFC Games
No. 1 Rams vs. Seahawks (Dec. 25, Jan. 9/10)
No. 2 Bears at Seahawks (Nov. 2)
No. 3 49ers vs. Rams (Sept. 10, Dec. 13)
No. 4 Bears vs. Packers (Oct. 11, Dec. 25)
No. 5 Cowboys vs. Eagles (Oct. 26, Nov. 26)
No. 6 49ers vs. Seahawks (Oct. 11, Nov. 29)
No. 7 Cowboys at Rams (Dec. 20)
No. 8 Buccaneers vs. Panthers (Oct. 25, Nov. 30)
No. 9 Bears vs. Lions (Nov. 26, Jan. 4)
No. 10 Bears vs. Vikings (Sept. 20, Jan. 9/10)

Projected Playoff Bracket:

Image – PressBoxOnline.com

AFC
No. 1 Broncos (12-5)
No. 2 Bills (11-6)
No. 3 Ravens (10-7)
No. 4 Texans (10-7)
No. 5 Patriots (10-7)
No. 6 Chargers (10-7)
No. 7 Chiefs (9-8)

Image – NBC News

NFC
No. 1 Rams (13-4)
No. 2 Bears (11-6)
No. 3 Eagles (10-7)
No. 4 Buccaneers (9-8)
No. 5 Seahawks (11-6)
No. 6 Cowboys (10-7)
No. 7 Packers (9-8)

Image – Washington Times

Wildcard Round (Saturday-Monday, January 9-11, 2027)

AFC
No. 7 Chiefs over No. 2 Bills
No. 3 Ravens over No. 6 Chargers
No. 4 Patriots over No. 5 Texans

NFC
No. 2 Bears over No. 7 Packers
No. 6 Cowboys over No. 3 Eagles
No. 5 Seahawks over No. 4 Buccaneers

Image – The Denver Post

Divisional Round (Saturday-Sunday, January 16-17, 2027)

AFC
No. 1 Broncos over No. 7 Chiefs
No. 3 Ravens over No. 4 Patriots

NFC
No. 1 Rams over No. 6 Cowboys
No. 2 Bears over No. 5 Seahawks

Image – The Tribe

Conference Championship Round (Sunday, January 30, 2027)

AFC
No. 1 Broncos over No. 3 Ravens

NFC
No. 1 Rams over No. 2 Bears

Image – The Denver Post

Super Bowl LXI (Santa Clara; Sunday, February 14, 2026)
No. 1 Rams over No. 1 Broncos

Projected Super Bowl LXI winner: No. 1 Los Angeles Rams

Image – NFL.com

Awards
MVP: Dak Prescott, Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys
2025 Stats: 404-600, 4,552 yards, 30 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 53 carries, 177 yards, 2 touchdowns
Offensive Player of the Year: Jahmyr Gibbs, Running Back, Detroit Lions
2025 Stats: 243 carries, 1,223 yards, 13 touchdowns, 77 receptions, 616 yards, 5 touchdowns
Defensive Player of the Year: Will Anderson, Edge, Houston Texans
2025 Stats: 35 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, 3 forced fumbles
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Jeremiyah Love, Running Back, Arizona Cardinals
2025 Stats: 199 carries, 1,372 yards, 18 touchdowns, 27 receptions, 280 yards, 3 touchdowns (at Notre Dame)
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Rueben Bain Jr., Outside Linebacker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2025 Stats: 30 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 1 pass defended
Comeback Player of the Year: Malik Nabers, Wide Receiver, New York Giants
2025 Stats: 18 receptions, 271 yards, 2 touchdowns
Coach of the Year: Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears

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Image Courtesy: The Seattle Times

Sunday, Feb. 8
Super Bowl LIX (Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara))
2.New England Patriots vs. 1.Seattle Seahawks
6:30 PM ET, NBC
The favorite Seattle Seahawks will return to their division rival San Francisco 49ers’ home stadium to face the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl XLIX rematch 11 years later.

In that game, the Patriots’ Malcolm Butler intercepted Russell Wilson’s pass in the end zone that would’ve given the Seahawks the lead and the win on Feb. 1, 2015. The call everyone in the stadium and watching on television would be for Wilson to hand it to All-Pro tailback Marshawn Lynch, who many thought would easily take it through the New England defensive line for a touchdown.

Now, the teams are different. The Patriots don’t have head coach Bill Belichick or quarterback Tom Brady. The Seahawks don’t have Carroll, Wilson, Lynch, or any of the members of the famous “Legion of Boom” defense including Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor, or Bobby Wagner.

Former New England player Mike Vrabel has taken over as head coach and led his team to the Super Bowl after back to back four win seasons. His quarterback is second year signal-caller Drake Maye, who is a finalist for the MVP. Maye’s receivers are former Vikings and Bills receiver Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, and Mack Hollins and his running backs are Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson.

Maye has thrown for 533 yards, four touchdowns, two interceptions and he has rushed for 141 yards and another score in their two playoff games. Stevenson has carried the ball for 194 yards but will need to get in the end zone if the Patriots are going to win. Boutte leads the team in receiving with 147 yards and a touchdown through the last two games.

The Patriots’ defense has supported and won games for the team in the playoffs. Despite Drake Maye’s five turnovers in the playoffs, New England’s defense has picked off opposing quarterbacks five times and forced four fumbles and recovered three of them to get the ball back in the hands of Maye.

Safety Craig Woodson (13 tackles, 4 passes defended, and 1 interception), cornerback Christian Gonzalez (11 tackles, 4 passes defended, 1 interception, and 1 sack), and linebacker Christian Elliss (8 tackles, 2 passes defended, and 1 sack) have been the vital pieces in the Patriots run to another Super Bowl appearance.

Mike Macdonald came to take over the Seattle Seahawks head coaching job after successfully leading the Baltimore Ravens defense for years. In just his second season, McDonald has a team that has been the best in football, especially for the last month. The well traveled Sam Darnold became the first quarterback to win 14 games in back to back seasons with separate teams.

After 14 with the Minnesota Vikings last season and 17 and counting for the Seahawks, he has the benefit of playing with running back Kenneth Walker III, receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Rashid Shaheed, and Cooper Kupp.

While Maye has turned the ball over frequently for the other side, Seattle’s Darnold has been efficient, throwing for 470 yards and four scores combined against division rivals San Francisco and Los Angeles. Darnold does have the help of tailback Walker III, who has rushed for 178 yards and 4 TDs and Smith-Njigba, who has 13 catches for 172 yards and two touchdowns.

The Seahawks defense has been just as good if not better than the Patriots’ unit as they head into Sunday’s matchup. They might have given up 27 points to the impressive Rams’ offense but impressed in the divisional round, only giving up six points to the 49ers. Linebackers Ernest Jones IV, Drake Thomas, and cornerback Devon Witherspoon have impressed for Seattle during their playoff run.

Linebacker Jones IV’s 10 tackles, 1 interception, 1 pass defended, and 1 forced fumble and cornerback Witherspoon’s nine tackles and three passes defended have been important in Seattle’s playoff run. They will need Jones’ and Witherspoon’s to play as well as they have been for the Seahawks to win on Sunday night.

The difference in the game should be the Patriots’ ability to hold back Seattle’s pass rushers from getting to Maye and causing him to make bad decisions. Rookie left tackle Will Campbell will have to hold up against a Seahawks defense that includes the aforementioned Jones IV, Thomas, and veteran pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence.

Under pressure, Maye’s decision making against the Seahawks strong secondary headed by Witherspoon will be a determining factor in the game. Despite Maye’s struggles with turnovers, Darnold has had problems with turning the ball over in the past just not in the postseason. He led all quarterbacks during the 2025 regular season 14 interceptions.

So whichever defense can force turnovers and the opposing quarterback to make the most bad decisions should be the victor. Both head coaches, Vrabel and McDonald, deserve to be here, but there can only be one winner. The Seahawks overall talent will overwhelm the Patriots, who played a fourth place schedule in 2025, and that is the reason why they will win their second Super Bowl.

Projected Score: Seattle Seahawks 27, New England Patriots 17

Image Courtesy: ABC

Introduction

*All statistics come from Pro Football Reference.*

Here are my projected division standings for the 2025-2026 NFL season:

AFC 

East
Buffalo Bills (11-6)
New England Patriots (9-8)
Miami Dolphins (6-11)
New York Jets (4-13)

The Buffalo Bills aim for a sixth consecutive AFC East title, a crown they have held since Tom Brady’s departure from New England to Tampa Bay. Quarterback Josh Allen, fresh off winning the 2024 MVP Award, continues to be a dominant dual-threat force. With improved defensive performances in the playoffs, Buffalo hopes to finally overcome their nemesis — Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bills are well-positioned for another strong start, with four of their first six games coming against division opponents. But simply winning the division isn’t enough — Buffalo wants to win the AFC and bring home the Lombardi Trophy.

The New England Patriots are a popular pick to improve after back-to-back 4–13 seasons, thanks to the hiring of new head coach Mike Vrabel. A former Patriots linebacker and assistant under Bill Belichick, Vrabel brings a physical identity and proven leadership from his time in Tennessee. Success in New England will hinge on the development of second-year quarterback Drake Maye. His lack of proven weapons is a concern — especially with Stefon Diggs returning from an ACL tear, alongside Mack Hollins and rookie Kevin Williams. One of those receivers will need to emerge to complement tight end Hunter Henry. On defense, Vrabel should see immediate improvement. With new defensive tackle Milton Williams joining Christian Barmore up front, New England’s defense could become one of the AFC’s best under Vrabel’s guidance.

The Miami Dolphins could bounce back from their 8–9 finish in 2024, especially after acquiring star defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for Jalen Ramsey. The trade also sent tight end Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh, putting pressure on free-agent addition Darren Waller to step up as a pass catcher down the field. He’ll join a speedy receiving corps led by Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Defensively, Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb will need to generate consistent pressure to help support a secondary with question marks. It’s a pivotal season for head coach Mike McDaniel, whose job could be on the line if the Dolphins don’t contend.

The New York Jets hope to climb out of the AFC East basement under new head coach Aaron Glenn, formerly the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. While defense hasn’t been the Jets’ biggest problem in recent years, it could become even better under Glenn’s leadership. The team also hired new general manager Darren Mougey, whose draft decisions will shape the franchise’s future. Offensively, Breece Hall is expected to be a true three-down back, paired with quarterback Justin Fields, acquired from the Steelers. Rookie Braelon Allen provides depth in the backfield. Improving on their 5–12 record in 2024 will depend on whether the Jets can find a reliable wide receiver to play opposite Garrett Wilson, and whether the defense can hold up against the potent offenses of Buffalo and Miami.

Game that will determine the division
Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots (October 5, December 14)
As mentioned at the start of the AFC East preview, the Bills have maintained a firm grip on the division since Tom Brady’s departure from Foxborough. However, the Patriots now have a second year quarterback in Drake Maye, whom the new coaching staff—led by longtime Patriot player and former assistant Mike Vrabel—fully believes in. If Miami stumbles again like they did in 2024, splitting the season series with Buffalo could be crucial for New England’s hopes of contending for an AFC East title or earning a Wild Card playoff berth. Still, the Patriots’ lack of reliable receiving weapons is likely to be a limiting factor. I have Buffalo sweeping the series in two close games, giving the Bills another opportunity to make a deep playoff run after securing yet another divisional crown.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Kansas City Chiefs @ Buffalo Bills (November 2)
The latest chapter in one of the NFL’s best modern rivalries. Josh Allen versus Patrick Mahomes always delivers, and this primetime clash could determine AFC playoff positioning. Buffalo’s home crowd will be fired up to finally overcome Kansas City in a big moment — but Mahomes and Andy Reid rarely falter on the big stage.
2.Baltimore Ravens @ Buffalo Bills (September 7)
A heavyweight season opener between two AFC contenders. Lamar Jackson brings his dual-threat talent to face a tough Buffalo defense, while Josh Allen starts his run for back to back MVPs. Expect both teams to lean on their running games and physical defenses early in a high-stakes tone-setter for the season.
3.Philadelphia Eagles @ Buffalo Bills (December 28)
A potential Super Bowl preview? Jalen Hurts and the Eagles visit snowy Buffalo in late December, bringing their dominant offensive line and physical defense into hostile territory. Allen will need to use both his arm and legs to crack an elite front seven. With playoff seeds at stake, this could be a classic.
4.Cincinnati Bengals @ Buffalo Bills (December 7)
Joe Burrow versus Josh Allen in a matchup with playoff intensity. Cincinnati has had Buffalo’s number in recent meetings, including a playoff upset. The Bills will be seeking revenge and home-field advantage, while the Bengals look to assert themselves again as the AFC’s most complete offense. A big-play shootout is likely.
5.New England Patriots @ Baltimore Ravens (December 21)
A cold-weather clash between Mike Vrabel’s Patriots and John Harbaugh’s Ravens. Drake Maye will face one of the league’s most complex defenses, while Lamar Jackson looks to exploit New England’s young secondary. Baltimore will try to control the clock, while the Patriots hope their improving defense can keep them in it.

Awards
MVP: Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
2024 Stats: 307-483, 3,731 yards, 28 TDs, 6 INT, 102 carries, 531 yards, 12 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots
2024 Stats: 225-338, 2,276 yards, 15 TDs, 10 INT, 54 carries, 421 yards, 2 TDs
Defensive Player of the Year: Sauce Gardner, CB, New York Jets
2024 Stats: 49 tackles, 1 INT, 1 sack
Coach of the Year: Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots

North
Baltimore Ravens (12-5)
Cincinnati Bengals (10-7)
Pittsburgh Steelers (8-9)
Cleveland Browns (4-13)

Just like the Buffalo Bills, the Baltimore Ravens must get over the Kansas City Chiefs hump in the AFC if they hope to win a Super Bowl. Lamar Jackson remains the best dual-threat quarterback in the NFL, and pairing him with Derrick Henry proved to be the success everyone anticipated heading into Henry’s first campaign with the Ravens last season. Henry rushed for nearly 2,000 yards and 16 touchdowns and will look to build on that production in 2025.

As Mark Andrews continues to age, Isaiah Likely has emerged as perhaps the Ravens’ best receiving threat, leading the team as a downfield option in both of their playoff games last season. The biggest key for Baltimore in 2025 will be Jackson taking another step forward as a playoff performer while relying on the physical defense that has remained a strength under head coach John Harbaugh. That side of the ball will continue to be led by standout free safety Kyle Hamilton and veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey.

Cincinnati’s offseason has been turbulent. The front office has been reluctant to add defensive reinforcements beyond defensive lineman Trey Hendrickson for a high-scoring offense led by former LSU teammates Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. In an effort to address defensive concerns, the Bengals hired Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden, who helped lead the Fighting Irish to a College Football Playoff National Championship game appearance in January.

Can head coach Zac Taylor quiet the doubters in a pivotal season as the Bengals try to return to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2021? They’ll have to get past the Ravens, who have dominated the division ever since Cincinnati’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams in February four years ago.

Pittsburgh is a wild card after adding veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who joined the Steelers following a brief two-season stint with the New York Jets. Former quarterbacks Russell Wilson (now with the Giants) and Justin Fields (now with the Jets) have swapped spots with Rodgers in New York, making Pittsburgh’s move necessary. Rodgers will be backed up by Mason Rudolph.

Another winning season under head coach Mike Tomlin will depend on Rodgers’ chemistry with DK Metcalf, who arrived via trade from the Seattle Seahawks. Metcalf will be counted on to outproduce George Pickens, the Steelers’ top receiver last year, who was traded to the Dallas Cowboys this offseason. If Rodgers can be more efficient than he was with the Jets last season, betting on Metcalf to be better than Pickens is a reasonable wager.

Defensively, T.J. Watt continues to be the driving force behind the Steelers’ front. In a bold move, Pittsburgh traded former All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for former All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey. It will be fascinating to see the difference Ramsey makes in the defensive backfield and how his presence compares to Fitzpatrick’s impact in past seasons in the Steel City.

The Cleveland Browns are once again expected to finish last in the AFC North by most of the media, but agreeing to terms with All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett—who had previously requested a trade—gives the Browns some stability on defense. Pairing Garrett with their first round draft pick Mason Graham, a defensive tackle out of Michigan, will make for an awesome duo as soon as next season. With Deshaun Watson’s future uncertain, the Browns currently have five potential quarterbacks: former Ravens starter Joe Flacco, former Steelers and Eagles backup Kenny Pickett, former Ravens and Dolphins backup Tyler Huntley, and 2025 draft picks Dillon Raiola (Oregon) and Shedeur Sanders (Colorado).

Finding consistent receiving threats will be key after trading away Amari Cooper. Cleveland acquired another former Alabama receiver, Jerry Jeudy, in a separate trade last season and still has a reliable tight end in veteran David Njoku. Still, another tough year is expected in a sports town that hasn’t celebrated a major title since LeBron James and Kyrie Irving led the Cavaliers to their 3–1 NBA Finals comeback against the Golden State Warriors.

Game that will determine the division
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals (November 27, December 14)
The Baltimore Ravens swept the Cincinnati Bengals last season, but both matchups were nail-biters—winning 41–38 in Cincinnati and 35–34 in Baltimore. Despite the sweep, the teams were separated by just four total points, underscoring how evenly matched these rivals are.

The Bengals’ defense should improve under new coordinator Al Golden, who is expected to transition well to the NFL after a strong collegiate run as a play-caller. However, consistently stopping the Lamar Jackson–Derrick Henry duo remains a major challenge. Henry’s power running combined with Jackson’s explosive versatility gives Baltimore a unique edge.

On the other side, Joe Burrow will once again rely on his dynamic duo of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to keep pace with Baltimore’s offense. They proved last season they could put up points on the Ravens’ stout defense, but doing it twice—and winning—will require near-perfection.

As long as the Bengals’ front office continues to underinvest in defensive depth, John Harbaugh’s Ravens will remain the class of the AFC North.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Baltimore Ravens @ Kansas City Chiefs (September 28)
In what could be the game of the year, Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens travel to Arrowhead to face Patrick Mahomes and the reigning Super Bowl runner-up Kansas City Chiefs. Baltimore came up short in the AFC title game last season, and this primetime showdown offers a shot at redemption. All eyes will be on the duel between Jackson and Mahomes, but the outcome may hinge on how well Baltimore’s defense contains Kansas City’s evolving receiving corps. If Derrick Henry can control the clock on the ground, the Ravens have a chance to finally beat Mahomes in a high-stakes moment.
2.Baltimore Ravens @ Buffalo Bills (September 7)
See in Top AFC East Interdivisional Games
3.Detroit Lions @ Baltimore Ravens (September 22)
This cross-conference matchup features two of the NFL’s most physical teams. The Lions, led by Jared Goff and a powerful offensive line, bring their gritty brand of football into M&T Bank Stadium to challenge Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Detroit’s defense will be tested by Jackson’s mobility and the force of Derrick Henry, while Baltimore’s front seven must account for Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Expect old-school toughness and playoff intensity in what could be a low-scoring slugfest.
4.Detroit Lions @ Cincinnati Bengals (October 5)
The Lions and Bengals meet in a battle of two high-powered offenses with championship ambitions. Joe Burrow and Jared Goff will square off in a game that could have major postseason seeding implications. Detroit’s pass rush, led by Aidan Hutchinson, will try to collapse the pocket around Burrow, while Cincinnati must find a way to limit explosive plays from Jahmyr Gibbs and Jameson Williams. This one has shootout potential if both defenses can’t contain the star-studded skill players on either side.
5.Cincinnati Bengals @ Buffalo Bills (December 7)
See in Top AFC East Interdivisional Games

Awards
MVP: Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
2024 Stats: 316-474, 4,172 yards, 41 TDs, 4 INTs, 139 carries, 915 yards, 4 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Derrick Henry, RB, Baltimore Ravens
2024 Stats: 325 carries, 1,921 yards, 16 TDs, 19 receptions, 193 yards, 2 TDs
Defensive Player of the Year: TJ Watt, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers
2024 Stats: 61 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 6 forced fumbles
Coach of the Year: John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens

South
Houston Texans (9-8)
Indianapolis Colts (8-9)
Jacksonville Jaguars (6-11)
Tennessee Titans (3-14)

Since DeMeco Ryans returned to Houston as the Texans’ head coach following his playing days, they have ruled the AFC South. His quarterback, C.J. Stroud, experienced a sophomore slump after a terrific rookie season in 2023. However, if he limits his turnovers — particularly keeping his interceptions under 12 — he should return to his previous form. The Texans, like many contenders, ran into the Kansas City Chiefs last postseason. In that playoff loss, Houston’s offensive line struggled to protect Stroud from Steve Spagnuolo’s aggressive defense. As a result, the team fired their offensive line coach and brought in Cole Popovich from the Panthers to revamp the unit.

The addition of former AFC North running backs Joe Mixon and Nick Chubb brings intrigue to the backfield, especially with the receiving corps shaken by Tank Dell’s potentially season-ending injury. Christian Kirk is expected to step up in the slot alongside Nico Collins, who remains a reliable target on the outside. On defense, Ryans has built an elite unit, led by cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. With that duo spearheading the group, scoring against Houston may be one of the toughest tasks in the NFL this season.

The Indianapolis Colts have consistently played second fiddle to the Texans during the Ryans/Stroud era. For the Colts to close that gap, they need more from their offensive playmakers beyond Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman Jr. In a move to push the quarterback room, Indianapolis signed former Giants starter Daniel Jones to compete with Anthony Richardson, hoping to spark growth on offense. But for any real improvement, the Colts must get consistent contributions from Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, and Pittman in the passing game, alongside Taylor’s ground production.

Defensively, there are some concerns. Linebacker Zaire Franklin — a Second-Team All-Pro — is recovering from injury, and two new additions to the defensive line will need to find their rhythm quickly. However, the secondary could emerge as one of the most improved units in the league if the pieces come together.

In Jacksonville, the Jaguars hit the reset button after firing Doug Pederson and hiring former Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen as their new head coach. Coen’s top priority is unlocking the potential of Trevor Lawrence, who has been inconsistent since entering the league. With some offensive line upgrades and a renewed offensive philosophy, Jacksonville has a chance to rise — particularly in a division without a dominant powerhouse.

The Jaguars also made headlines by selecting Travis Hunter with the No. 2 overall pick in April’s draft, just months after he won the Heisman Trophy. Whether Hunter plays wide receiver or cornerback, he brings elite athleticism and will raise the team’s ceiling. Paired with receivers Brian Thomas Jr., Dyami Brown, and tight end Brenton Strange, the Jaguars could field the most dangerous passing attack in the AFC South. Defensively, Hunter will compete with Tyson Campbell and Jarrian Jones at cornerback. New defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile hopes to modernize the unit while Coen works to stabilize the offense. A new era in Jacksonville has clearly begun.

Finally, the Tennessee Titans are coming off a 3–14 season and will turn to top draft pick Cam Ward to revitalize an offense that has struggled for years. Ward was prolific in his final collegiate season at Miami and brings a much-needed spark to Nashville. Head coach Brian Callahan enters his second season with hopes that veterans like Calvin Ridley, Tyler Lockett, and Van Jefferson can provide reliability and playmaking downfield. Though Tony Pollard isn’t Derrick Henry, he returns for a second season and will be counted on to contribute in both the run and pass game.

On defense, tackle Jeffery Simmons remains a dominant force up front, coming off a five-sack campaign in 2024. However, the trade for former Chief L’Jarius Sneed hasn’t panned out. Still, second-year corner Jarvis Brownlee Jr. is a breakout candidate entering 2025. The Titans should be improved this season, but given the talent in the division, it’s hard to project them finishing anywhere other than fourth.

Game that will determine the division
Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts (November 30, TBD)
The AFC South could very well be decided in these late-season showdowns. Houston enters as the defending division champ with CJ Stroud leading a balanced, explosive offense, while the Colts will be looking to prove they’ve closed the gap behind Anthony Richardson’s development (or Daniel Jones’ signing) and Jonathan Taylor’s ground attack. This is also a chess match between two rising coaching minds in DeMeco Ryans and Shane Steichen. The outcome could determine home-field advantage or even knock one team out of the wild card race.

Top Interdivisional games
1.Houston Texans @ Kansas City Chiefs (December 7)
A rematch of last year’s AFC Divisional Round, where Houston couldn’t hold off Patrick Mahomes and Steve Spagnuolo’s swarming defense. This time, the Texans return with a deeper pass rush and valuable playoff scars. If Stroud wants to reach the elite tier, he’ll need to overcome both the noise of Arrowhead and a Chiefs team still aiming for dynasty status. This could also be a seeding battle in the AFC playoff picture.
2.Houston Texans @ Baltimore Ravens (October 5)
This early-October test pairs two of the league’s top defenses with two of its most dynamic quarterbacks. Lamar Jackson’s mobility versus Houston’s defensive front will be fascinating, while Stroud will have to deal with Baltimore’s disguised pressures and physical corners. A possible tiebreaker for playoff seeding, this could also be a sneak peek at a January rematch.
3.Buffalo Bills @ Houston Texans (November 20)
In one of the biggest Thursday night games of the year, Josh Allen and the Bills head to Houston in a clash that may decide playoff seeding or wild card control. Allen’s improvisation will test Houston’s discipline, while Stroud must attack a retooled Bills defense. The environment in NRG will be electric, especially if both teams are in the AFC’s top 5 at this point in the season.
4.Houston Texans @ Los Angeles Rams (September 7)
Week 1 sets the tone with CJ Stroud vs. Matthew Stafford in an intriguing cross-conference battle. The Rams offense remains explosive with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, while Houston’s young secondary will be tested immediately. This is a “prove-it” opener for a Texans team carrying legitimate expectations into the new season.
5.Kansas City Chiefs @ Jacksonville Jaguars (October 6)
The Jaguars hope a coaching reset under Liam Coen will spark a revival, and no early test will be more defining than hosting Mahomes and the Chiefs. For Trevor Lawrence, this is a chance to reset his reputation and stand tall in a potential shootout. Jacksonville’s new-look offense and athletic rookie weapon Travis Hunter will need to click quickly to keep pace with Kansas City’s championship standard.

Awards
MVP: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
2024 Stats: 87 catches, 1,282 yards, 10 TDs, 6 carries, 48 yards
Offensive Player of the Year: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts
2024 Stats: 303 carries, 1,431 yards, 11 TDs, 18 catches, 136 yards, 1 TD
Defensive Player of the Year: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, Houston Texans
2024 Stats: 54 tackles, 5 INT, 4 TFL
Coach of the Year: DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans

West
Kansas City Chiefs (11-6)
Denver Broncos (9-8)
Los Angeles Chargers (9-8)
Las Vegas Raiders (6-11)

The Kansas City Chiefs enter 2025 with a chip on their shoulder after a humbling 40–22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. They went 12–0 in one-score games last season, but Andy Reid would surely prefer more convincing wins in 2025. The Chiefs are capable, thanks to one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks in Patrick Mahomes. The offensive line has been revamped around talented young center Creed Humphrey, the addition of former 49ers backup Jaylon Moore (signed for two years), and injured Ohio State standout Josh Simmons, who was selected in the first round. Mahomes could be more efficient this year, and the running back tandem of Isaiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt could thrive behind improved blocking. Since Tyreek Hill’s departure in 2022, the Chiefs have been rebuilding their receiver room, and now feature rookie speedster Xavier Worthy alongside top target Rashee Rice, who returns from an LCL injury. This could be the final season for veteran tight end Travis Kelce, but his chemistry with Mahomes remains elite. Defensively, George Karlaftis, Chris Jones, and Nick Bolton anchor a unit that carried Kansas City for much of 2024. If the offense remains inconsistent, Steve Spagnuolo’s defense will once again be counted on to keep the Chiefs in contention to win the AFC Championship and another shot at the Lombardi Trophy.

The Denver Broncos could emerge as the biggest threat to the Kansas City Chiefs’ reign over the AFC West—if they can get a consistent season from second-year signal-caller Bo Nix. With the guidance of third-year head coach Sean Payton, Nix should be able to push the ball downfield to reliable weapons like Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims. The run game must improve, so a productive season from starter J.K. Dobbins will be critical. Two former 49ers—linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga—should fit well into a defense that already features one of the league’s top cornerbacks in Patrick Surtain II. The Broncos narrowly missed the 2024 playoffs, but stronger play from the run game and front seven could help them finally break through.

The Los Angeles Chargers aim to build on their 11–6 record from Jim Harbaugh’s first season at the helm. Receivers Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston must continue to be reliable targets for quarterback Justin Herbert. In the backfield, Najee Harris and 2025 draftee Omarion Hampton will battle for the starting role—an important one in Harbaugh’s traditionally run-heavy offense. Improvement along the interior offensive line is essential to establishing a ground game that can support Herbert. During training camp, left tackle Rashawn Slater suffered a torn patellar tendon. He will reportedly miss the entire season as a result. Defensively, veterans Khalil Mack and Derwin James are still the faces of the unit, but overall performance across all levels of the defense will determine whether the Chargers can take the next step. If they do, they may finally be able to challenge the Chiefs and claim the AFC West crown.

The Las Vegas Raiders begin a new era under former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll. Carroll brought in offensive innovator Chip Kelly as coordinator, and reunited with former Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith. The team added a dynamic weapon by selecting Ashton Jeanty—college football’s top running back—in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft. Jeanty joins an improving offensive group that includes tight end Brock Bowers, who is coming off a stellar rookie campaign with nearly 1,200 receiving yards and five touchdowns. More will be expected from wideouts Ja’Kobi Smith, Don’te Thornton, and Tre Tucker in this new system as the Raiders look to rebound from last year’s 4–13 finish. On defense, Maxx Crosby remains the heart of a unit that must take a leap forward to avoid another last-place finish in a division stacked with quarterback talent in Mahomes, Herbert, and Nix. The Raiders have the potential to be better than last season, but will their record show it? Time will tell when the season kicks off this fall.

Game that will determine the division
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers (September 5, December 14)
The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers face off twice in 2025, with their first meeting set for a high-stakes Friday night kickoff on September 5 in Brazil and a crucial rematch on December 14 in Kansas City. These games could determine the AFC West crown, as Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert continue their rivalry under new circumstances—Mahomes leading a retooled offense with speedster Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice, and Herbert still adjusting to Jim Harbaugh’s power-run system featuring Najee Harris and rookie Omarion Hampton. Both defenses will play a major role: Kansas City’s elite front, anchored by Chris Jones, will look to pressure Herbert, while the Chargers rely on Khalil Mack and Derwin James to contain Mahomes. With playoff positioning likely on the line by December, this rivalry remains one of the most compelling in the NFL.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Philadelphia Eagles @ Kansas City Chiefs (September 14)
A Super Bowl LIX rematch headlines Week 2 as the Philadelphia Eagles travel to Arrowhead Stadium to face the Kansas City Chiefs on September 14. After dominating Kansas City 40–22 in last season’s title game, the Eagles look to prove it was no fluke, while Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid seek early-season revenge. Jalen Hurts leads a loaded Eagles offense featuring A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, while the Chiefs counter with Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and receivers Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice on the outside. With both defenses capable of game-changing plays—Philadelphia’s pass rush against a rebuilt Chiefs line, and Kansas City’s front led by Chris Jones and George Karlaftis—this primetime clash could set the tone for both teams’ championship hopes.
2.Baltimore Ravens @ Kansas City Chiefs (September 28)
See in Top AFC North Interdivisional Games
3.Kansas City Chiefs @ Buffalo Bills (November 2)
See in Top AFC East Interdivisional Games
4.Washington Commanders @ Kansas City Chiefs (October 27)
The Kansas City Chiefs welcome the Washington Commanders to Arrowhead on October 27 in a mid-season test against a young and hungry team. Second year quarterback Jayden Daniels has injected new energy into Washington’s offense, but he’ll face a steep challenge against Steve Spagnuolo’s aggressive defense. Patrick Mahomes will look to exploit a vulnerable Commanders secondary, and if Kansas City takes care of business, this game could serve as a tune-up ahead of a tougher AFC stretch.
5.Philadelphia Eagles @ Los Angeles Chargers (December 8)
Two high-powered offenses collide on December 8 as the Philadelphia Eagles visit SoFi Stadium to take on the Los Angeles Chargers in a potential playoff-deciding matchup. Jalen Hurts and Justin Herbert bring star power under center, while both defenses will be under pressure to contain explosive playmakers like A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Ladd McConkey. With seeding on the line in both conferences, this inter-conference battle could have major implications.

Awards
MVP: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
2024 Stats: 392-581, 3,928 yards, 26 TDs, 11 INT, 58 carries, 307 yards, 2 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders
2024 Stats: 112 receptions, 1,194 yards, 5 TDs, 5 carries, 13 yards
Defensive Player of the Year: Patrick Surtain II, CB, Denver Broncos
2024 Stats: 45 tackles, 4 INT, 1 FF, 1 TFL
Coach of the Year: Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs

NFC

East
Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)
Washington Commanders (10-7)
Dallas Cowboys (9-8)
New York Giants (5-12)

Fresh off their Super Bowl LIX championship, the Eagles return with a familiar formula—run the ball, play stout defense, control the clock, and dominate in the trenches under head coach Nick Sirianni. Saquon Barkley, coming off a 2,000-yard season, will anchor the offense once again in his second year in Philadelphia after coming over from the Giants. His ground game sets up play-action opportunities for Jalen Hurts, who continues to develop as a deep passer, working with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith—one of the league’s premier receiver duos.

While Hurts’ downfield passing still has room for growth, he now holds a Super Bowl title, quieting some of his critics. His continued development remains important with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore departing to become the Saints’ head coach. Passing game coordinator Kevin Patullo has been promoted to fill the role.

Defensively, the Eagles remain strong despite some key departures in free agency—losing Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, and releasing veteran corner Darius Slay. Still, Vic Fangio’s unit retains foundational pieces like Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith Jr., Nakobe Dean, Reed Blankenship, and breakout star Cooper DeJean, who was outstanding in the Super Bowl win over the Chiefs. The Eagles are still the favorites not just in the division, but potentially in the entire NFC. However, it’s hard to imagine them improving significantly on their 2024 performance.

The Washington Commanders took a major leap forward under Dan Quinn in his first year as head coach, reaching the NFC Championship Game before falling to the eventual Super Bowl champion Eagles. Quarterback Jayden Daniels proved he should’ve been the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft with a dazzling rookie campaign as both a passer and runner. He returns with top target Terry McLaurin, now joined by former 49ers star Deebo Samuel. Former Cowboys receiver Noah Brown and ex-Eagles tight end Zach Ertz also add fuel to the fire, bringing extra motivation against their former teams. Like Micah Parsons, Terry McLaurin has requested a trade and his status remains uncertain with the Commanders going forward.

Defensively, Quinn has built a unit full of veteran leadership. Bobby Wagner, Von Miller, and Marshon Lattimore headline the back seven, while Dorance Armstrong (who followed Quinn from Dallas), Javon Kinlaw, Daron Payne, and Deatrich Wise form a deep and disruptive defensive line.

After knocking off the No. 1 seed Detroit Lions in the divisional round last January, Washington may be next in line for NFC supremacy. The road to the Super Bowl will still run through the Eagles, Lions, and others—but with a star young quarterback and a battle-tested roster, the Commanders are firmly in the mix.

Can Brian Schottenheimer’s first year as head coach be the season Dallas Cowboys fans have been waiting for? Dak Prescott returns as the starting quarterback after missing time last season with a hamstring injury. He now has multiple receivers capable of becoming key weapons after the Cowboys traded for Pittsburgh’s George Pickens, who will line up alongside CeeDee Lamb in the slot, Jalen Tolbert on the outside, and tight end Jake Ferguson. The Cowboys also rebuilt their running back room, adding former Denver Bronco Javonte Williams, former Carolina Panther Miles Sanders, and 2025 draft pick Jaydon Blue out of Texas.

Since Micah Parsons was drafted in 2021, Dallas’s pass rush has been among the league’s best. While Parsons has yet to win Defensive Player of the Year, the talent around him—including Dante Fowler off the edge and Osa Odighizuwa and Mazi Smith on the interior—has only strengthened his impact. However, linebacker DeMarvion Overshown suffered another significant injury (ACL, MCL, and PCL), and his eventual return will be crucial to the unit’s success. Another reason to worry in Dallas is Parsons’ August 1st trade request being unresolved at this point.

In the secondary, Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland have shattered interception and pick-six records under former position coach Al Harris, who is now with the Chicago Bears. New defensive backs coach David Overstreet II must now step in and develop the room behind safeties Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker, along with the aforementioned cornerbacks. The Cowboys could take a step forward in 2025, but their performance against the presumed division favorites—the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders—will determine their ceiling.

The New York Giants enter Year 3 under head coach Brian Daboll with a completely restructured quarterback room featuring veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, along with first-round pick Jaxson Dart out of Ole Miss. That leadership could influence the entire offense, setting a tone for improvement. Rookie receiver Malik Nabers is expected to emerge as a true WR1—another LSU product poised to be a future NFL star. But the Giants can’t rely solely on Nabers. Supporting pass-catchers like Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson, and tight end Theo Johnson must step up, regardless of who starts at quarterback.

A more effective passing game would open up opportunities in the run game, which needs to improve in 2025. Running backs Tyrone Tracy and Devin Singletary are expected to carry the load.
Defensively, the Giants remain strong. Adding Abdul Carter with the No. 2 overall pick in April only bolsters an already formidable front seven, which includes Dexter Lawrence II, Brian Burns, and Bobby Okereke. If the front continues to dominate, the secondary must hold up against high-powered passing attacks from within the division—namely Prescott-to-Lamb (Cowboys), Hurts-to-Brown/Smith (Eagles), and Daniels-to-McLaurin (Commanders). The Giants are likely to finish last in the NFC East again, but they will be significantly improved compared to 2024.

Game that will determine the division
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders (December 20, TBD)
These late-season clashes could very well decide the NFC East crown. The Eagles and Commanders were the last two standing in the NFC in 2024, and both return with Super Bowl aspirations. Philadelphia’s balanced attack, led by Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, will challenge a Commanders defense loaded with veterans like Bobby Wagner and Marshon Lattimore. Meanwhile, second year sensation Jayden Daniels will try to outmaneuver Vic Fangio’s defense, which still features playmakers like Jalen Carter and Cooper DeJean. The game will come down to execution in the trenches—and perhaps a defining turnover or special teams play. Expect playoff intensity and NFC seeding implications at stake in what could be the most important games of the NFC regular season.

Top Interdivisional games
1.Philadelphia Eagles @ Kansas City Chiefs (September 14)
See in AFC West Top Interdivisional Games
2.Detroit Lions @ Washington Commanders (November 9)
A rematch of last year’s NFC Divisional Round thriller, when Washington stunned the top-seeded Lions on the road. Detroit will be looking for revenge, led by Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown. But with Jayden Daniels now more experienced and the Commanders stronger across the board, this game could preview a future playoff battle once again. The winner gets a major boost in the NFC standings.
3.Detroit Lions @ Philadelphia Eagles (November 16)
Just a week after facing Washington, Detroit heads to Philadelphia in a stretch that could make or break their season. The Eagles’ physical style and run game led by Saquon Barkley are built to control tempo, but the Lions’ offense has the explosiveness to counter. This could be a shootout or a defensive slugfest, depending on the weather and health of key players. Either way, it’s another high-stakes NFC showdown with playoff seeding implications.
4.Kansas City Chiefs @ Dallas Cowboys (November 27)
Thanksgiving Day. Prime time. Patrick Mahomes versus Dak Prescott. What more can you ask for? Dallas gets its biggest national spotlight test of the season when the reigning AFC powerhouse comes to town. The Cowboys’ defense must step up against Mahomes, while their offense must keep pace. A win here could swing the national narrative in Dallas’s favor—or expose their limitations.
5.Philadelphia Eagles @ Green Bay Packers (November 10)
Lambeau Field in November is always a test. Jordan Love and the young Packers will be eager to prove they belong among the NFC’s elite. The Eagles must withstand the crowd, the cold, and a high-powered Packers offense in what could be a statement road win—or a trap game that shifts the NFC playoff picture.

Awards
MVP: Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
2024 Stats: 345 carries, 2,005 yards, 13 TDs, 33 catches, 278 yards, 2 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys
2024 Stats: 101 catches, 1,194 yards, 6 TDs, 14 carries, 70 yards
Defensive Player of the Year: Jalen Carter, DT, Philadelphia Eagles
2024 Stats: 42 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 12 TFL, 2 FF
Coach of the Year: Dan Quinn, Washington Commanders

North
Detroit Lions (10-7)
Green Bay Packers (9-8)
Minnesota Vikings (8-9)
Chicago Bears (7-10)

The Detroit Lions ended the 2024 season in disappointing fashion, despite dominating the NFC North, securing the No. 1 seed in the conference, and appearing to be legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Their season came crashing down in the Divisional Round with a home loss to the Washington Commanders. Head coach Dan Campbell has built a tremendous culture in Detroit, but it will be tested in 2025 after losing both coordinators—Ben Johnson (now head coach of the Bears) and Aaron Glenn (now with the Jets).

Offensive coordinator John Morton and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard will be crucial to maintaining Detroit’s momentum. The surprise retirement of center Frank Ragnow leaves a hole, but the offense remains strong with veteran quarterback Jared Goff leading a backfield duo of David Montgomery and rising star Jahmyr Gibbs. Amon-Ra St. Brown continues to be the heartbeat of the passing game, while deep threat Jameson Williams adds vertical explosiveness.

If the Lions can land free agent Za’Darius Smith to pair with a healthy Aidan Hutchinson, their front four—also featuring D.J. Reader and Alim McNeill—will be fearsome. Detroit should still be a playoff team, but losing both coordinators removes the cushion they had in 2024.

If the Green Bay Packers want to build on their 11–6 finish and third-place standing in the NFC North last season, they must improve their vertical passing game with quarterback Jordan Love. In a year where three teams in the division finished with 11 or more wins (Detroit went 15–2 and Minnesota went 14–3), the Packers lagged behind due to inconsistent offensive production outside the run game led by AJ Dillon.

To address the issue, head coach Matt LaFleur and GM Brian Gutekunst added Texas receiver Matthew Golden to a young receiving corps that includes Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Christian Watson. Improvement along the offensive line will also be key. If protection holds up and one of the wideouts emerges as a true No. 1, the Packers can contend for the division and a top seed.

Defensively, the team moved on from former All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander, so the pressure now falls on Carrington Valentine and Keisean Nixon to contain elite receivers like Justin Jefferson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and DJ Moore. Rashan Gary must continue to grow as an edge rusher, and the linebacking trio of Quay Walker, Edgerrin Cooper, and Isaiah McDuffie must stay cohesive.

If Green Bay’s offense remains one-dimensional, the team won’t catch the Lions or Vikings. But if Jordan Love delivers consistently, they absolutely have the tools to make a run.

Despite a stellar 14–3 regular season in 2024, the Minnesota Vikings could only manage a second-place finish in one of the most competitive divisions in NFL history. Now, the Vikings head into 2025 with their third different starting quarterback in three years—first Kirk Cousins, then Sam Darnold, and now J.J. McCarthy.

The second-year quarterback and national champion from Michigan enters the season recovering from an injury, but expectations are high. He inherits one of the league’s best receiver duos in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, and benefits from the presence of veteran running back Aaron Jones, entering his second year in purple and gold after leaving the Packers.

Defensively, the front seven is anchored by Jonathan Allen, while the secondary features veteran Harrison Smith and former first-rounder Jeff Okudah under the aggressive leadership of defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

If McCarthy can elevate the offense with the weapons around him and the defense sustains its 2024 form, the Vikings may not repeat 14 wins—but they are well-positioned for another playoff appearance.

The Chicago Bears must take the next step under new head coach Ben Johnson, the former offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. Johnson transformed the Lions’ offense into one of the league’s best. Now, he inherits a roster with promising young talent, most notably second-year quarterback Caleb Williams and second-year wide receiver Rome Odunze. Under Johnson’s guidance, Williams and Odunze could break out alongside veteran wide receiver DJ Moore.

Tailback D’Andre Swift is expected to thrive in a Jahmyr Gibbs-like role in this offense. On defense, former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen takes over a unit that has quietly been one of the more effective in recent seasons. Former Eagles safety Kevin Byard and cornerback Jaylon Johnson lead a strong secondary behind a talented linebacking trio of T.J. Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds, and Tyrique Stevenson. Up front, Montez Sweat, Gervon Dexter Sr., Grady Jarrett, and Dayo Odeyingbo anchor a defensive line capable of consistent pressure.

With a new era underway under Johnson, the Bears are poised to contend for third place in the division, a potential playoff spot, and possibly more as Caleb Williams grows into a future star.

Game that will determine the division
Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers (September 7, November 27)
The Lions and Packers face off twice in matchups that will shape the NFC North title race. The Week 1 opener at Lambeau is a tone-setter, with Detroit adjusting to life under new coordinators while Green Bay looks to show Jordan Love is ready to take the next step.

Their Thanksgiving clash in Week 13 may carry even higher stakes. If the division is tight, this nationally televised showdown could determine the champ. Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown will try to light up Ford Field, while Love and the Packers aim for another holiday upset.

Whichever team wins the season series may hold the key to the division—and a critical home playoff game.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Detroit Lions @ Washington Commanders (November 9)
See in Top NFC East Interdivisional Games
2.Detroit Lions @ Philadelphia Eagles (November 16)
See in Top NFC East Interdivisional Games
3.Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams (December 14)
Jared Goff returns to LA again in what could be a playoff positioning battle. The Rams are retooling but remain competitive with Matthew Stafford still under center, who faces his former team again too. This game may also have emotional weight, especially if both teams are fighting for wild card seeding or even a division crown.
4.Philadelphia Eagles @ Green Bay Packers (November 10)
See in Top NFC East Interdivisional Games
5.Chicago Bears @ Washington Commanders (October 13)
Caleb Williams gets another primetime test on the road against one of the NFC’s most physical defenses. The Commanders knocked off Detroit last year and are no longer under the radar. This game will show if Williams and Ben Johnson’s offense can hang in hostile environments—and if the Bears are ready to contend now, not late

Awards
MVP: Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Detroit Lions
2024 Stats: 19 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 7 TFL, 1 FF
Offensive Player of the Year: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions
2024 Stats: 250 carries, 1,412 yards, 16 TDs, 52 catches, 517 yards, 4 TDs
Defensive Player of the Year: Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Detroit Lions
2024 Stats: See Above
Coach of the Year: Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears

South
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7)
Atlanta Falcons (9-8)
Carolina Panthers (7-10)
New Orleans Saints (5-12)

The Atlanta Falcons are poised to rise into the NFC Playoffs as they enter their second season under head coach Raheem Morris and second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Penix’s deep-ball accuracy has been impressive since his college days at Indiana and Washington. In Zac Robinson’s offense, he’ll have a strong group of weapons that includes tight end Kyle Pitts and receivers Drake London, Darnell Mooney, and Ray-Ray McCloud II. Another huge part of Robinson’s scheme is tailback Bijan Robinson, who is looking to build on a season in which he totaled nearly 1,500 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.

For the Falcons to take the next step, the pass rush must improve after finishing 31st in sacks in 2024. To address that, Atlanta selected two edge rushers in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft: Jalon Walker (Georgia) and James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee). Linebacker Leonard Floyd, cornerback A.J. Terrell, and safety Jessie Bates III are key impact players for Morris. After finishing 8–9 last season, the Falcons are in position to take a step forward. Winning divisional matchups—especially against the Panthers, Saints, and division favorite Buccaneers—will be critical. If Penix has the breakout season many expect, Robinson builds on his success, and the pass rush delivers, the Falcons are absolutely capable of winning the NFC South.

The Carolina Panthers continue to build around young quarterback Bryce Young, adding new weapons and improving protection. The No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft showed growth between his first and second seasons, and another year of development—alongside better offensive support—should help him even more. Carolina added 2025 draft picks wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona) and tight end Mitchell Evans (Notre Dame) to a group that already includes Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette, and Ja’Tavion Sanders.

On defense, Derrick Brown is expected to return in Week 1 to anchor a unit that gave up over 31 points per game last season. Despite that disappointing performance, the Panthers retained defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.

The silver lining? Carolina plays in one of the league’s weaker divisions and faces only two true threats twice: Atlanta and Tampa Bay. If they can manage a 2–2 split in those four games and beat the Saints at least once, they’ll be positioned to finish third in the division. That would set them up for real improvement in the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

Former Eagles offensive coordinator and Super Bowl winner Kellen Moore takes over as the Saints’ head coach in 2025. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier’s father, Doug Nussmeier, joins Moore as offensive coordinator, while Brandon Staley leads the defense.

In Moore’s first offseason, veteran quarterback Derek Carr announced his retirement, and All-Pro cornerback Marshon Lattimore was traded to Washington. With Carr gone, a quarterback battle has emerged between second-year QB Spencer Rattler and 2025 draft pick Tyler Shough (Louisville). Rattler went 0–6 as a rookie starter in 2024, though much of that was without injured top receiver Chris Olave.

Olave returns alongside Brandin Cooks, Rashid Shaheed, and tight end Juwan Johnson as the Saints’ primary pass-catchers. In the backfield, Alvin Kamara aims to bounce back in Moore’s offense after declining production in recent years.

Defensively, young linemen Brian Bresee and Chase Young are expected to pressure opposing quarterbacks, while veteran linebacker Demario Davis leads behind them featuring Kool-Aid McKinstry and former Chief Justin Reid.

New Orleans needed a reset, even after finishing 4–4 under Dennis Allen last year. Hiring Moore was the right move for the long term. The Saints will likely compete with the Panthers for third place in the NFC South, but Carolina’s younger, more dynamic core gives them the edge in Moore’s debut season.

To fend off the surging Falcons, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers must return to their 2021 Super Bowl-winning defensive form. Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. is finally healthy, and 2025 first-round cornerback Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame) brings new energy to the secondary. Veteran linemen Vita Vea and Haason Reddick will need to anchor a pass rush that must stay aggressive.

With Devin White now in Philadelphia, Lavonte David continues to lead a reshaped linebacker corps. On offense, Tampa Bay’s success will hinge on its elite receiving corps. Mike Evans looks to break Jerry Rice’s record with a 12th consecutive 1,000-yard season, while Chris Godwin returns from a devastating Week 7 injury that ended a dominant start where he led the NFL in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. Tight end Cade Otton joins the duo as another key target.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield, returning on a new deal, will again be tasked with stretching the field and making plays with both his arm and legs. If the defense holds up and the offense delivers as expected, Tampa Bay remains the favorite to repeat as NFC South champions—but Atlanta is breathing down their neck.

Game that will determine the division
Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (September 7, December 11)
These two games are likely to decide the NFC South crown. The opener in Atlanta will set the tone for both teams, with Michael Penix Jr. facing the competitive Bucs defense. The rematch in December under the prime-time lights in Tampa could be for all the marbles. With explosive offenses, improving pass rushes, and experienced coaches on both sidelines, this rivalry is heating up at exactly the right time.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Philadelphia Eagles @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (September 28)
A 2024 playoff rematch with serious seeding implications, the Eagles bring their high-powered offense and revamped defense to Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay will need Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans at their best to keep pace with Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown in what could be one of the early NFC games of the year.
2.Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Detroit Lions (October 20)
This matchup pits two physical, playoff-caliber teams in a potential postseason preview. Jared Goff and the Lions’ offense will challenge a veteran Bucs defense, while Tampa Bay’s trio of Mayfield, Evans, and Godwin will look to outduel Detroit in a hostile Ford Field environment.
3.Buffalo Bills @ Atlanta Falcons (October 13)
One of the biggest litmus tests for Atlanta’s playoff aspirations. Josh Allen and the Bills’ aggressive passing game face off against a Falcons defense that needs to prove it can hang with AFC contenders. A shootout is possible if Michael Penix Jr. gets rolling at home.
4.Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Los Angeles Rams (November 23)
A cross-country clash between former the Super Bowl LVI champion Rams with playoff experience and explosive playmakers. Baker Mayfield returns to Los Angeles to face Matthew Stafford, with both offenses capable of lighting up the scoreboard. This one could have major Wild Card implications.
5.Los Angeles Rams @ Atlanta Falcons (December 29)
A potential playoff elimination game in Week 17, this late-season showdown could determine who sneaks into the NFC postseason. The Falcons’ young core led by Penix and Bijan Robinson meets the poise of Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua in a high-stakes December battle.

Awards
MVP: Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
2024 Stats: 304 carries, 1,456 yards, 14 TDs, 61 catches, 431 yards, 1 TD
Offensive Player of the Year: Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
2024 Stats: See Above
Defensive Player of the Year: Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2024 Stats: 60 tackles and 2 TFL
Coach of the Year: Raheem Morris, Atlanta Falcons

West
Los Angeles Rams (12-5)
San Francisco 49ers (10-7)
Seattle Seahawks (8-9)
Arizona Cardinals (6-11)

The Arizona Cardinals look to build on their 8–9 record in 2024 with a more explosive offense and a defense capable of keeping them competitive when the offense struggles. Quarterback Kyler Murray aims to utilize his dual-threat ability more in 2025 after being limited in that area last season due to injury. Second-year wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. didn’t fully live up to expectations as a rookie, but with another year of development and improved chemistry with Murray, he should be poised for a breakout season. Zay Jones, Michael Wilson, and tight end Trey McBride join Harrison as downfield weapons. Running back James Conner has had an up-and-down career, but if the Cardinals hope to contend for the NFC West crown, they’ll need a strong season from him. A 10-win campaign is within reach if the defense plays to its potential. First-round pick Walter Nolen (Ole Miss) joins veterans Calais Campbell, Dalvin Tomlinson, and Baron Browning along the defensive line. The linebacker unit features Mack Wilson (from New England), Josh Sweat, and Akeem Davis-Gaither, while safety Budda Baker anchors the secondary. Outside of the Los Angeles Rams, the NFC West is wide open—and if Arizona lives up to internal expectations, they could make a legitimate playoff push.

The Los Angeles Rams enter 2025 as the NFC West favorites after reaching the divisional round last season, where they fell to the Philadelphia Eagles. Sean McVay’s squad has already proven it can win a Super Bowl, and with the current roster, they could make another run in 2026. Quarterback Matthew Stafford will be without longtime target Cooper Kupp, who joined the division rival Seahawks, but the Rams still boast dynamic weapons in Puka Nacua and former All-Pro wideout Davante Adams. Running back Kyren Williams offers versatility as both a runner and pass-catcher—crucial for McVay’s offense in the post-Kupp era. This marks the Rams’ second season without future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald, but the defense is still formidable. Second-year linebacker Jared Verse brings pass-rushing firepower, joining Braden Fiske, Poona Ford, and Kobie Turner up front. The secondary includes Darious Williams, Kamren Kinchens, Kam Curl, Ahkello Witherspoon, and Quentin Lake. If the Rams avoid slip-ups against the Seahawks and Cardinals and manage to split their series with the 49ers, they have a strong chance to win the division as many expect.

The San Francisco 49ers aim to rebound from a disappointing 6–11 season in 2024, which saw key departures and a major coaching change. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel is now a Washington Commander, and linebacker Dre Greenlaw signed with the Denver Broncos. However, a major move came when Robert Saleh, fired by the New York Jets, returned to San Francisco as defensive coordinator. On May 20, the 49ers locked in quarterback Brock Purdy with a five-year, $265 million contract, solidifying their future under center. Despite losing Samuel, the offense remains largely intact: Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, and veteran tight end George Kittle all return. Christian McCaffrey enters his third full season as a 49er, seeking to bounce back after a down year. With Saleh calling plays and stars like Fred Warner and Nick Bosa anchoring the defense, the 49ers are well-positioned to return to playoff form. Their two matchups against the Rams will be critical in determining the division title and securing a top-four seed in the NFC.

The Seattle Seahawks enter Year 2 under head coach Mike Macdonald, but the roster looks drastically different on offense. Quarterback Geno Smith is now with the Raiders, while wideouts DK Metcalf (Steelers) and Tyler Lockett (Titans) also moved on. Stepping in is quarterback Sam Darnold, who comes over from Minnesota after one season with the Vikings. While he no longer has Justin Jefferson as a target, he’ll lead a receiving corps featuring Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and former Rams star Cooper Kupp. Running back Kenneth Walker III remains a key offensive weapon, aiming for another productive year. Known for his defensive prowess during his time with the Ravens, Macdonald—along with defensive coordinator Aden Durde—will look to build on a solid 2024 showing. Seattle’s defensive line features Leonard Williams, Byron Murphy II, Jarran Reed, and former Cowboys standout DeMarcus Lawrence. Linebacker Tyrice Knight could be a breakout star, while the secondary features Josh Jobe, Julian Love, nickelback Devon Witherspoon, and safety Coby Bryant. While winning the division may be a stretch, the Seahawks could still reach 8–10 wins if Darnold plays well and the defense continues to develop.

Game that will determine the division
Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers (October 2, November 9)
This classic NFC West rivalry could very well decide the division title in 2025. The early-season meeting in San Francisco is a primetime showdown under the lights, with the 49ers’ suffocating defense trying to contain Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua. By the November rematch in LA, playoff positioning will be at stake — especially with Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay knowing each other’s tendencies inside and out. If either team sweeps, they likely win the West.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams (December 14)
See in Top NFC North Interdivisional Games
2.Los Angeles Rams @ Baltimore Ravens (October 12)
In one of the toughest road trips on their schedule, the Rams travel cross-country to face Lamar Jackson and a Ravens team with Super Bowl aspirations. LA’s young defense will be tested by Baltimore’s ground game and misdirection-heavy offense. If the Rams are serious contenders, this is a statement opportunity.
3.San Francisco 49ers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (October 12)
The 49ers head to Florida for a clash with an improving Bucs squad that’s eyeing another NFC South crown. Brock Purdy must handle a blitz-heavy Bucs front, while Christian McCaffrey could be key to slowing down the pass rush. This is a potential tiebreaker game between two playoff hopefuls.
4.Houston Texans @ Los Angeles Rams (September 7)
See in Top AFC South Interdivisional Games
5.Minnesota Vikings @ Seattle Seahawks (November 30)
A critical NFC game for two teams in playoff contention, this matchup pits Jaxon Smith-Njigba against a Vikings secondary still finding itself. In his first game against his former team, Sam Darnold will need a clean game against Minnesota’s improving pass rush, and Mike Macdonald’s defense must contain either JJ McCarthy. This late-season test could be win-or-go-home for Seattle.

Awards
MVP: Fred Warner, MLB, San Francisco 49ers
2024 Stats: 131 tackles, 4 FF, 5 TFL, 2 INT
Offensive Player of the Year: Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
2024 Stats: 79 catches, 990 yards, 3 TDs, 11 carries, 46 yards, 1 TD
Defensive Player of the Year: Fred Warner, MLB, San Francisco 49ers
2024 Stats: See Above
Coach of the Year: Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams

Top AFC Games
1.Baltimore Ravens @ Kansas City Chiefs (September 28)
2.Kansas City Chiefs @ Buffalo Bills (November 2)
3.Baltimore Ravens @ Buffalo Bills (September 7)
4.Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals (November 27, December 14)
5.Cincinnati Bengals @ Buffalo Bills (December 7)
6.Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers (September 5, December 14)
7.Houston Texans @ Kansas City Chiefs (December 7)
8.Houston Texans @ Baltimore Ravens (October 5)
9.Buffalo Bills @ Houston Texans (November 20)
10.Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts (November 30, TBD)

Top NFC Games
1.Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Commanders (December 20, TBD)
2.Detroit Lions @ Washington Commanders (November 9)
3.Detroit Lions @ Philadelphia Eagles (November 16)
4.Detroit Lions @ Los Angeles Rams (December 14)
5.Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ers (October 2, November 9)
6.Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers (September 7, November 27)
7.Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (September 7, December 11)
8.Philadelphia Eagles @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (September 28)
9.Philadelphia Eagles @ Green Bay Packers (November 10)
10.Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Detroit Lions (October 20)

My Projected Playoff Bracket (Based off of my projected standings):

AFC
1.Baltimore Ravens (12-5)
2.Buffalo Bills (11-6)
3.Kansas City Chiefs (11-6)
4.Houston Texans (9-8)
5.Cincinnati Bengals (10-7)
6.Denver Broncos (9-8)
7.New England Patriots (9-8)

NFC
1.Los Angeles Rams (12-5)
2.Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)
3.Detroit Lions (10-7)
4.Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7)
5.San Francisco 49ers (10-7)
6.Washington Commanders (10-7)
7.Green Bay Packers (9-8)

Wildcard Round (Saturday-Monday, January 10-12, 2026)

AFC
2.Buffalo Bills over 7.New England Patriots
The Bills’ experience and offensive firepower overwhelm a Patriots team still developing under Drake Maye.
3.Kansas City Chiefs over 6.Denver Broncos
Patrick Mahomes outduels division rival Broncos to open the playoffs.
5.Cincinnati Bengals over 4.Houston Texans
Joe Burrow’s playoff poise gives Cincinnati the edge over a young Texans team still learning how to win in January.

NFC
2.Philadelphia Eagles over 7.Green Bay Packers
Jalen Hurts leads a balanced Eagles attack past a Packers team not quite ready for prime time.
3.Detroit Lions over 6.Washington Commanders
The Lions’ playmakers help them upset Washington.
4.Tampa Bay Buccaneers over 5.San Francisco 49ers
The Buccaneers stifle the 49ers in their first game back in the playoffs since 2024.

Divisional Round (Saturday-Sunday, January 17-18, 2026)

AFC
1.Baltimore Ravens over 5.Cincinnati Bengals
The Ravens’ dominant run game and defense smother Burrow and send Baltimore to a second consecutive AFC title game.
2.Buffalo Bills over 3.Kansas City Chiefs
Josh Allen finally gets past Patrick Mahomes in a tight thriller that redefines the AFC power structure.

NFC
1.Los Angeles Rams over 4.Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Matthew Stafford dices up the Bucs’ secondary as the Rams cruise into the NFC Championship.
3.Detroit Lions over 2.Philadelphia Eagles
Detroit’s aggressive defense and timely plays on offense help them survive a slugfest in Philly.

Conference Championship Round (Sunday, January 25, 2026)

AFC
1.Baltimore Ravens over 2.Buffalo Bills
Lamar Jackson takes over late, and the Ravens’ physical style wears down Buffalo in the cold.

NFC
1.Los Angeles Rams over 3.Detroit Lions
In a battle of grit, Matthew Stafford beats his old team as he looks for a second Lombardi Trophy in his career.

Super Bowl LX (Santa Clara; Sunday, February 8, 2026)
1.Baltimore Ravens over 1.Los Angeles Rams
The Ravens finally break through with Lamar Jackson delivering a legacy-defining performance in Santa Clara.

Projected Super Bowl LX Winner: 1.Baltimore Ravens

Awards
MVP: Lamar Jackson
2024 Stats: 316-474, 4,172 yards, 41 TDs, 4 INTs, 139 carries, 915 yards, 4 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions
2024 Stats: 250 carries, 1,412 yards, 16 TDs, 52 catches, 517 yards, 4 TDs
Defensive Player of the Year: TJ Watt, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers
2024 Stats: 61 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 6 forced fumbles
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
2024 Stats: 374 carries, 2,601 yards, 29 TDs, 23 catches, 138 yards, 1 TD (@ Boise State)
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Abdul Carter, OLB, New York Giants
2024 Stats: 68 tackles, 24 TFL, 12 sacks, 4 PD, 2 FF
Comeback Player of the Year: Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys
2024 Stats: 185-286, 1,978 yards, 11 TD, 8 INTs, 13 carries, 54 yards, 1 TD
Coach of the Year: Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots

Image Courtesy: Democrat and Chronicle

Sunday, February 9
Super Bowl LIX (Caesars Superdome (New Orleans))
1.Kansas City Chiefs vs. 2.Philadelphia Eagles
6:30 PM ET, FOX

Super Bowl LIX is just one day away. Will the Kansas City Chiefs be the first team to win three Vince Lombardi trophies in a row or will the Philadelphia Eagles avenge their Super Bowl LVII loss to the Chiefs just two years ago? The Eagles have a younger, much more equipped defense to stop Patrick Mahomes and his trusty tight end Travis Kelce and rookie speedster Xavier Worthy on the outside. Philadelphia’s defensive unit boasts linebackers Zack Baun, Nolan Smith Jr., Jalyx Hunt, and Nakobe Dean, defensive linemen Jalen Carter, Moro Ojomo, and Jordan Davis in its front seven. However, its secondary will be tested against Kelce and Worthy. Safeties Reed Blankenship and CJ Gardner-Johnson will have to help veteran cornerback Darius Slay and rookie Cooper DeJean at cornerback to prevent Patrick Mahomes from taking shots down the field. Eagles tailback Saquon Barkley has been their biggest addition during the 2024 season with veteran center Jason Kelce retiring at the end of 2023. Barkley’s 442 rush yards and 5 touchdowns helped Philadelphia get through the Packers, Rams, and Commanders in the NFC playoffs on their way to a third Super Bowl in six seasons. For lanes to be created for Barkley, quarterback Jalen Hurts’ will need to get the ball down the field for receivers AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, and tight end Dallas Goedert. Philadelphia has a major advantage in the ground game with Barkley but don’t count out the duo of Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt. I anticipate a similar game to Super Bowl LVII with the Eagles coming even closer to beating the Chiefs. But, something tells me Andy Reid’s team will not lose this game. Projected Score: Kansas City 28, Philadelphia Eagles 27

Image Courtesy: NBC

It is crazy to think that the 2024-2025 NFL regular season will begin on the night of Thursday, September 5th with the two time reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Baltimore Ravens in a rematch of last season’s AFC Championship game. Check out how I think the NFL season will pan out by reading my preview below.

*All statistics come from Pro Football Reference.*

Here are my projected division standings for the 2024-2025 NFL season:

AFC

East
Miami Dolphins (10-7)
New York Jets (9-8)
Buffalo Bills (9-8)
New England Patriots (4-13)

It will be a three man race in AFC East this season between the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and Buffalo Bills. The Dolphins are the favorite returning quarterback Tua Tagovailoa next to receivers Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and talented pass rusher Jaelan Phillips. If Jets QB Aaron Rodgers (with the help of receiver Garrett Wilson) can avoid injury in 2024, the New York Jets can win the division too. The Buffalo Bills won the division again last season. Josh Allen did throw 18 interceptions but he made the plays to get his team another AFC East title in January. However, they lost a bunch of veteran players so they should fall a bit in 2024. After Bill Belicheck left Foxbourgh, the New England Patriots pegged Jerod Mayo their next head coach. With rookie QB Drake Maye, the Patriots will be entering a new era in 2024.

Top Divisional Games
1.Bills vs. Dolphins (9/12, 11/3)
The battle for the AFC East has gone through Bills-Dolphins games the last two seasons. Josh Allen versus Tua Tagovailoa is always entertaining but the Dolphins’ defense should definitely be better than the Bills’ defense after they lost safety Jordan Poyer.
2.Bills vs. Jets (10/14, 12/29)
Aaron Rodgers versus Josh Allen. How about that match up? With Aaron Rodgers getting to the end of his career, these two games could be the last time we see Rodgers’ best play. I anticipate the Bills and Jets splitting those games.
3.Dolphins vs. Jets (12/8, TBA)
The winner of these two games will determine the AFC East in my opinion. The Dolphins’ and Jets’ rosters are the two best in the division entering this fall and with the Bills’ retooling their roster this offseason.
4.Bills vs. Patriots (12/22, TBA)
The Bills must sweep the Patriots this season if they want to win the division and make the playoffs. If not, they will be staying home in January.
5.Dolphins vs. Patriots (10/6, 11/24)
Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins are undefeated against the Patriots during his career. They should continue that streak this fall when they meet in early October, and the Sunday before Thanksgiving.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Chiefs @ Bills (11/17)
The match ups between Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and Bills QB Josh Allen have been fantastic over the last three seasons. What will they give us during their match up this season?
2.Jets @ 49ers (9/9)
Aaron Rodgers heads to his home state of Californa with his New York Jets to face the reigning NFC champion 49ers. A win over San Francisco would mean a lot for the Jets and head coach Robert Saleh, the former 49ers defensive coordinator.
3.49ers @ Dolphins (12/22)
The Dolphins host the 49ers in what will be a very important game for them to grab a playoff spot with the Bills and Jets likely right around them in standings. It will be a tough to do against one of the best teams in the NFL, San Francisco.
4.Bills @ Ravens (9/29)
The Bills head to Baltimore, one of the toughest road environments in the league to end their September slate this fall. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is now joined by terrific running back Derrick Henry in an offense that includes All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews. This one will be tough for the Bills to win.
5.Texans @ Jets (10/31)
A young group of Texans heads to face the Jets, who also have young group of playmakers (outside of veteran QB Aaron Rodgers). The Jets can definitely win this game but it won’t be easy against CJ Stroud, Tank Dell, and the Texans.

Awards
MVP: Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
2023 Stats: 385-579, 4306 yards, 29 TDs, 18 INT, 111 rushes, 524 yards, 15 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins
2023 Stats: 119 receptions, 1799 yards, 13 TDs
Defensive Player of the Year: Haason Redick, OLB, New York Jets
2023 Stats: 38 tackles, 13 TFL, 11 sacks
Coach of the Year: Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins

North
Cincinnati Bengals (11-6)
Baltimore Ravens (10-7)
Pittsburgh Steelers (9-8)
Cleveland Browns (8-9)

The AFC North should be the best division in the NFL yet again this fall. A healthy Joe Burrow returns for Cincinnati next to his talented receiving weapons including Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Baltimore, who appeared in last season’s AFC Championship game, added Derrick Henry to its already talented running back room. All four defenses are phenomenal in this divison. Pittsburgh linebacker TJ Watt and Cleveland defensive end Myles Garrett compete for the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year annually. Pittsburgh and Cleveland will hope to make things work with relatively new players on their offenses (Russell Wilson and Justin Fields for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Deshaun Watson for the Cleveland Browns). This division will be competitive again and it will be so fun to watch.

Top Divisional Games
1.Bengals vs. Ravens (10/6, 11/7)
Lamar vs. Joe two times again this season should be fantastic. If both teams stay healthy, these two games should determine who wins the AFC North.
2.Ravens vs. Steelers (11/17, 12/21)
Two late season match ups between two old rivals should be fun between two great coaches; Baltimore’s John Harbaugh and Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin. The Steelers’ TJ Watt makes things happen defensively but it will be up to Russell Wilson (or Justin Fields) getting the ball down the field against the terrific Ravens’ defense.
3.Bengals vs. Browns (10/20, 12/19)
Joe Burrow always struggles against the Cleveland Browns. It will be up to him and his Cincinnati Bengals to get at least one win over the Browns so they can return to the playoffs this winter.
4.Ravens vs. Browns (10/27, TBA)
If Baltimore has a playoff spot all locked up when they meet Cleveland the last weekend of the regular season, they will rest their starters. But, I think this season both the Ravens and the Browns will be able to clinch playoff spots the first weekend in January if they have not done so already.
5.Bengals vs. Steelers (12/1, TBA)
Similarly to Browns-Ravens, the Bengals and Steelers will meet the last weekend of the regular season. Both games between Cincinnati and Pittsburgh will be important in determining who will be the AFC North champion this season.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Ravens @ Chiefs (9/5)
A rematch of last season’s AFC Championship will open the 2024-2025 season. The Chiefs lost last season’s opening game to the Detroit Lions but I don’t think they will overlook this one.
2.Bengals @ Chiefs (9/15)
Cincinnati has been one of the few teams that has had success against Kansas City during Patrick Mahomes’ career as Kansas City’s quarterback. Going into Arrowhead and getting a win will be tough but if any team can do it, Zac Taylor’s team definitely can.
3.Eagles @ Ravens (12/1)
Philadelphia’s revamped offense, led by former Giants’ running back Saquon Barkley heads to Baltimore to face the Ravens on the first day of December. Despite it being an interconference game, the loser will definitely need to bounce back with a month left in the regular season.
4.Ravens @ Texans (12/25)
A rematch of the AFC Divisional round game last January, the Baltimore Ravens will look to continue their success against the Texans with their ground and pound game, led by new running back Derrick Henry. DeMeco Ryans’ defense must be up to defend both Henry and the electric pass and run game of Lamar Jackson as well.
5.Ravens @ Chargers (11/25)
John Harbaugh’s Baltimore Ravens head to Los Angeles to face his brother Jim Harbaugh, and his new team, the Los Angeles Chargers. The two brothers last met up in Super Bowl XLVII in 2013 when John led the Ravens to a win over Jim’s 49ers before Jim returned to Michigan, his alma mater.

Awards
MVP: Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
2023 Stats: 244-365, 2309 yards, 15 TD, 6 INT, 31 rushes, 88 yards
Offensive Player of the Year: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
2023 Stats: 100 receptions, 1216 yards, 7 TDs
Defensive Player of the Year: TJ Watt, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers
2023 Stats: 68 tackles, 19 TFL, 1 INT, 19 sacks
Coach of the Year: Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals

South
Houston Texans (10-7)
Indianapolis Colts (9-8)
Jacksonville Jaguars (8-9)
Tennessee Titans (5-12)

The Houston Texans are the favorites to win the AFC South again this season after advancing to the AFC Divisional Round last winter, being led by new head coach DeMeco Ryans and QB CJ Stroud. The Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars are capable and will compete with the Texans but with former Titans tailback Derrick Henry in Baltimore with the Ravens, Tennessee is not expected to be in the running but could surprise with new expected signal-caller Will Levis behind center. The division always comes down to the first weekend of January, with all four of the teams in the division somehow still able to win the division and clinch a playoff berth. But, a team must emerge again this season and if second year Colts QB Anthony Richardson can emerge coming off of an injury last season, the Texans and Jaguars must watch out. In Jacksonville, Trevor Lawrence must prove that he was worth the money the Jaguars gave him this summer. Tennessee made the surprising move to fire Mike Vrabel. They then hired former Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan as its head coach, going in a different direction than the defensive minded Vrabel with Levis now under center.

Top Divisional Games
1.Texans vs. Colts (9/8, 10/27)
In games that are always close, the Texans and Colts match up to begin the season and close out their October slates. Houston and Indianapolis are always fighting atop the AFC South and it will be no different this season. I anticipate them to split the series again this season.
2.Texans vs. Jaguars (9/29, 12/1)
Trevor Lawrence versus CJ Stroud two more times this season should make for some awesome games to watch in 2024. It will be up to each quarterback’s defense to win these games and help their team advance to this winter’s playoffs.
3.Colts vs. Jaguars (10/6, TBA)
If CJ Stroud has a sophomore slump and the Texans underperform this fall, the Colts-Jaguars games to begin October and to end the season could very well determine who advances to the playoffs out of the AFC South.
4.Texans vs. Titans (11/24, TBA)
The Titans could be very upset minded under new head coach Brian Callahan. The offensive minded head coach could do some things to fool the terrific Texans defense. The Texans may be division champions again in 2024 but the Titans could definitely take one from Houston.
5.Colts vs. Titans (10/13, 12/22)
The Colts must win both of these games against the Titans if they want to be in contention for another division championship and playoff spot because they also have to deal with the Jaguars and Texans.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Texans @ Chiefs (12/21)
The Saturday before Christmas, the Houston Texans head to Arrowhead Stadium to face the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. A win for DeMeco Ryans’ team in Kansas City would send shockwaves through the sport that the Texans are here to stay at the top of the sport.
2.Ravens @ Texans (12/25)
See in Top AFC North Interdivisional Games
3.Texans @ Cowboys (11/18)
The battle for Texas will be at AT&T Stadium on Monday in primetime. Despite the Cowboys many free agent losses, if Houston comes out of “Jerry World” with a win, they could be on their way to locking up a playoff berth in December.
4.Texans @ Jets (10/31)
See in Top AFC East Interdivisional Games
5.Lions @ Colts (11/24)
Crazy things happen in Indianapolis and the Sunday before Thanksgiving could allow for another chance for more wild football to ensue when the reigning NFC North champions Detroit Lions come to town. A win for young quarterback Anthony Richardson could establish him as a top quarterback in this league against one of the league’s top defenses. The Colts defense will also face challenges against a tremendous Lions offense, led by a pair of fantastic running backs (Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery) and a terrific receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown catching passes from veteran quarterback Jared Goff.

Awards
MVP: CJ Stroud, QB, Houston Texans
2023 Stats: 319-499, 4108 yards, 23 TDs, 5 INT, 39 rushes, 167 yards, 3 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Tank Dell, WR, Houston Texans
2023 Stats: 47 receptions, 709 yards, 7 TDs
Defensive Player of the Year: Josh Allen, OLB, Jacksonville Jaguars
2023 Stats: 66 tackles, 17 TFL, 1 INT, 17.5 sacks
Coach of the Year: DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans

West
Kansas City Chiefs (12-5)
Las Vegas Raiders (9-8)
Los Angeles Chargers (8-9)
Denver Broncos (6-11)

The AFC West runs through Kansas City and Arrowhead Stadium once again this fall. The Chiefs have won eight consecutive division titles and have won back to back Super Bowls. Andy Reid’s team biggest challenger in the AFC West is normally a different team every season. Last season, the Las Vegas Raiders challenged Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, getting a win on Christmas Day. New permanent head coach Antonio Pierce has a new quarterback in former Indianapolis Colts gunslinger Gardner Minshew. If Minshew can get it to his targets, namely one of the top receivers in the game, Davante Adams at a more consistent rate than former signal-caller Jimmy Garapollo, the Raiders can be a much better team this fall. I Los Angeles, new College Football Playoff National Champion head coach Jim Harbaugh (at Michigan) takes over as head coach. Talented quarterback Justin Herbert will have to establish a connection with young receivers Josh Palmer, Quentin Johnson, and Ladd McConkey taking over for veteran receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams who are out the door. The Denver Broncos have a lot of questions with Sean Payton entering his second season as head coach. With Russell Wilson now in Pittsburgh, it is questionable who will replace him behind center. Whether it is rookie Bo Nix, Jarrett Stidham, or Zach Wilson, they will have to lead the offense with lots of talent on that side of the ball.

Top Divisional Games
1.Chiefs vs. Raiders (10/27, 11/29)
Like I mentioned above, the Chiefs-Raiders games at the end of October and November will likely determine the winner of the AFC West. Kansas City really has to struggle for Las Vegas to truly compete for the division but the Raiders definitely are capable with pass rusher Maxx Crosby wrecking havoc in the backfield,
2.Chargers vs. Chiefs (9/29, 12/8)
The Chargers-Chiefs games are always entertaining but with Jim Harbaugh in LA now as head coach, the duels between him and Andy Reid should be phenomenal.
3.Chargers vs. Raiders (9/8, TBA)
Similar to their battles with the Chiefs, the Chargers’ match ups with the Raiders are always entertaining. The winner of this match up will have to make game-changing plays offensively with changes on that side of the ball for both teams.
4.Broncos vs. Chiefs (11/10, TBA)
Can the Broncos upset the Chiefs once in 2024? The loss of veteran quarterback Russell Wilson means their is less stability on Sean Payton’s offense so there is less hope for Denver.
5.Broncos vs. Raiders (10/6, 11/24)
Sweeping the Broncos would do wonders for the Raiders’ chances at getting a playoff spot even if they can’t overcome the Chiefs for the top spot in the division. Salvaging at least a win for the Broncos over the Raiders will be necessary if the Broncos want to avoid finishing in last place in the division.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Chiefs @ 49ers (10/20)
The Super Bowl LVIII rematch will be in San Francisco as the 49ers host the Chiefs, looking to avenge their overtime loss last February. The chess match between Andy Reid’s offense and Nick Sorensen’s defense will again determine the winner of this game.
2.Ravens @ Chiefs (9/5)
See in Top AFC North Interdivisional Games
3.Bengals @ Chiefs (9/15)
See in Top AFC North Interdivisional Games
4.Ravens @ Chargers (11/25)
See in Top AFC North Interdivisional Games
5.Raiders @ Ravens (9/15)
The Raiders most challenging game outside of playing the Kansas City Chiefs may very well be their trip to Baltimore to play the Ravens in week two of the season. Playing not only a talented offense (led by QB Lamar Jackson) but a tremendous defense (led by safety Kyle Hamilton among others) with a great coaching staff (led by head coach John Harbaugh) will be a challenge for Antonio Pierce’s team and a game that will prepare them for a potential playoff run.

Awards
MVP: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
2023 Stats: 401-597, 4183 yards, 27 TDs, 75 rushes, 389 yards
Offensive Player of the Year: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
2023 Stats: See Above
Defensive Player of the Year: Maxx Crosby, DE, Las Vegas Raiders
2023 Stats: 90 tackles, 23 TFL, 14.5 sacks
Coach of the Year: Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs

NFC

East
Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)
Dallas Cowboys (9-8)
Washington Commanders (6-11)
New York Giants (3-14)

The NFC East should run through Philadelphia again after general manager Howie Roseman made many great off-season moves, namely signing former New York Giants’ running back Saquon Barkley during free agency. Cam Jurgens is expected to replace the tremendous Jason Kelce (who retired) at center, who will block for Barkley and his new quarterback Jalen Hurts. If Hurts can avoid some of his turnover issues from last season, there is no doubt that he can get the ball down field to receivers AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith. The defense was also improved in Philadelphia this offseason when they signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneer linebacker Devin White, defensive back CJ Gardner-Johnson (who returns after a year in Detroit), former New York Jet defensive end Bryce Huff. The adds on defense for the Eagles should help losing former All-Pro defensive tackle Fletcher Cox to retirement. The Dallas Cowboys lost many defensive players to the Washington Commanders, who took their defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. So, linebacker Micah Parsons and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence will have to lead what will be a younger unit this fall. Quarterback Dak Prescott and receiver CeeDee Lamb return without a multi-year contract signed next to recently re-signed running back Ezekiel Elliott. The Cowboys will look to bounce back after the Green Bay Packers came into AT&T Stadium and destroyed them in the Wild Card Round last January. The Washington Commanders should be better in 2024 with new head coach Dan Quinn, former LSU QB Jayden Daniels, and a defense that looks similar to the one its head coach led in Dallas. The question for the Commanders will be if they can win their home games against all three of their divisional opponents. If so, they have a better shot of making the playoffs. The New York Giants are again likely the worst team in the division, with Daniel Jones remaining as the expected starting quarterback for Brian Daboll. Without Saquon Barkley there is not much offensive firepower for the Giants outside of 2024 first round selection (wide receiver) Malik Nabers. New York’s defense is fantastic but if it does not show up against Philadelphia and Dallas’ offenses it won’t matter how good it is in every other game.

Top Divisional Games
1.Cowboys vs. Eagles (11/10, 12/29)
Over the last few seasons the winner of the Dallas-Philadelphia games go on to win the NFC East. The two teams normally split their match ups annually. Dallas won the 2021 and 2023 NFC East titles sandwiched between Philadelphia’s 2022 NFC East crown. With new defensive playcaller Mike Zimmmer and not as much depth on the his defense, I would anticipate the Eagles offense to take advantage the Cowboys unit that’s not as good as it was last season.
2.Commanders vs. Eagles (11/14, 12/22)
If Dan Quinn’s first year in Washington goes well, it will be because they take at least one game from their Philadelphia rivals. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and Quinn’s improved defense must step up to beat the Eagles.
3.Commanders vs. Cowboys (11/24, TBA)
Dan Quinn takes on his old team, the Dallas Cowboys, the Sunday before Thanksgiving and the last weekend of the regular season. Quinn knows everything about the Dallas offense being the former Cowboys defensive coordinator so don’t be surprised if they ca pick up a win or two over his old team. Similarly to their games against the Eagles, the Commanders can make the playoffs if they can beat their division rival Cowboys.
4.Eagles vs. Giants (10/20, TBA)
Former Giants tailback Saquon Barkley and the Eagles will take on his former team the second to last Sunday of October and the last weekend of the regular season. An upset by the Giants over the Eagles is unlikely this season as Philadelphia looks to bounce back from a bad end to last season.
5.Cowboys vs. Giants (9/26, 11/28)
Dallas must win both of these games over New York like they normally do with Dak Prescott as their quarterback if they want to be a playoff team again in 2024 with a weaker defense this season. A win for the Giants in this series would be huge for the continuation of Brian Daboll’s tenure at MetLife Stadium.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Eagles @ Ravens (12/1)
See in Top AFC North Interdivisional Games
2.Eagles @ Bengals (10/27)
A battle between former SEC quarterbacks Jalen Hurts and Joe Burrow will finish October play for the Eagles and Bengals. Two of the most talented receiving cores in the NFL (AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith for Philadelphia & Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins for Cincinnati) will determine who will win this match up.
3.Lions @ Cowboys (10/13)
A crazy “New Year’s Eve Eve” game at AT&T Stadium last season was crazy. It took almost losing the game for the Cowboys to pull through and beat the Lions on a controversial call. Something tells me that Detroit will come back to AT&T Stadium for revenge this fall.
4.Eagles vs. Packers (9/6; Brazil)
On the opening Friday of the regular season, the first ever NFL game is Brazil pits the upstart Green Bay Packers against the Philadelphia Eagles. Green Bay and Philadelphia should both be competitive this fall so it should be a fantastic game. A win would help both teams get a good start on building their playoff resumé.
5.Texans @ Cowboys (11/18)
See in Top AFC South Interdivisional Games

Awards
MVP: AJ Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
2023 Stats: 106 receptions, 1456 yards, 7 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
2023 Stats: 247 rushes, 962 yards, 6 TDs
Defensive Player of the Year: Micah Parsons, LB, Dallas Cowboys
2023 Stats: 64 tackles, 18 TFL, 1 FF, 14 sacks
Coach of the Year: Dan Quinn, Washington Commanders

North
Detroit Lions (11-6)
Green Bay Packers (10-7)
Chicago Bears (8-9)
Minnesota Vikings (5-12)

The Detroit Lions won their first NFC North title in 2023 in years. They return quarterback Jared Goff, receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and what should be a vaunted defense again headed by former Michigan Wolverine pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Matt LaFleur’s Green Bay Packers have a roster again that can compete for the NFC North title again, making a run to the NFC Divisional Round last winter. Losing tailback Aaron Jones to the division rival Minnesota Vikings stings but having both former Las Vegas Raider Josh Jacobs and returner AJ Dillon to replace him should help young quarterback Jordan Love with his composure throughout the season. Defensive end Rashan Gary and linebacker Quay Walker head LaFleur’s defense as they enter this fall. I anticipate the Chicago Bears having a much improved season with number one overall pick Caleb Williams (QB, USC) now taking snaps from behind center. Williams will get to throw to former Los Angeles Charger Keenan Allen and DJ Moore. With a one of the best defenses in the NFL on top of their offensive improvements, the Bears will be much better in 2024. Losing veteran QB Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons will be difficult for the Minnesota Vikings to get past. Kevin O’Connell’s team replaces Cousins with Sam Darnold, who last was Brock Purdy’s backup with the San Francisco 49ers. Having All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson to throw to will ease things for him as well as adding the aforementioned former Packer running back Aaron Jones to the mix. Darnold will have his work cut out for him. It will be up to the Vikings’ defense to support an inexperienced starting quarterback.

Top Divisional Games
1.Lions vs. Packers (11/3, 12/5)
The Packers will challenge a Lions team that is inexperienced as the favorite entering the year to begin both their November and December schedules. The young Jordan Love battles with Jared Goff likely for the divisional crown this season. The two best rosters in the division should split their meetings this season.
2.Bears vs. Packers (11/17, TBA)
The rivalry that Aaron Rodgers and the Packers owned for years now has a new feel with two new quarterbacks battling it out. Caleb Williams versus Jordan Love should be a treat. The winner of these two games will have the better defense on November 17th and the final weekend of the regular season.
3.Bears vs. Lions (11/28, 12/22)
The Lions will battle an NFC North opponent on Thanksgiving yet again in 2024, this time it will be the Bears. Detroit fell to Green Bay on the holiday last year so they must bounce back. They head to Chicago three weeks later for a pre-Christmas match up with the Bears. If the Lions win both of those games, they could be in the running to be the NFC’s top seed in the playoffs this winter.
4.Packers vs. Vikings (9/29, 12/29)
The Packers and Vikings end their Septembers and Decembers playing each other. Green Bay must avoid losses against Minnesota if they want to compete with Detroit for a playoff spot.
5.Lions vs. Vikings (10/20, TBA)
The Lions cannot overlook the Vikings if they want to accomplish what they want to accomplish in Dan Campbell’s third season as head coach. They want to win a Super Bowl and if they want to do that winning games against what should be the weakest team in the division should be no problem for Detroit.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Lions @ 49ers (12/30)
A rematch of last season’s NFC Championship Game should be fantastic. Dan Campbell and his team know that they should have defeated the San Francisco 49ers last season. An appearance in the Super Bowl was at their fingertips and they lost the lead late in that game. But, there’s always next season and Detroit should be focused on avenging their loss to San Francisco the day before New Year’s Eve.
2.49ers @ Packers (11/24)
Another fantastic game in the NFC Divisional Round was played between Green Bay and San Francisco in January. How sweet would it be for Matt LaFleur to beat his former colleague Kyle Shanan again at their Lambeau Field home. Jordan Love must get it to his favorite target Christian Watson down the field against the tremendous 49ers defense if they want to win this game.
3.Lions @ Cowboys (10/13)
See in Top NFC East Interdivisional Games
4.Lions @ Rams (9/8)
Maybe the most even trade in NFL history occurred between the Lions and Rams a few years ago. The Rams sent QB Jared Goff to the Lions for Lions QB Matthew Stafford. The season after being traded Stafford led Los Angeles to a Super Bowl win and the season after that Jared Goff helped the Lions to the NFC Championship Game. A rematch of last season’s NFC Wildcard game, the Lions look for a second consecutive win over the Rams.
5.Eagles vs. Packers (9/6; Brazil)
See in Top NFC East Interdivisional Games

Awards
MVP: Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
2023 Stats: 68 receptions, 1074 yards, 5 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions
2023 Stats: 119 receptions, 1515 yards, 10 TDs
Defensive Player of the Year: Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Detroit Lions
2023 Stats: 51 tackles, 14 TFL, 1 INT, 3 FF, 11.5 sacks
Coach of the Year: Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions

South
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7)
Atlanta Falcons (9-8)
New Orleans Saints (6-11)
Carolina Panthers (4-13)

A huge season looms in the NFC South, normally dubbed as the worst division in the NFL. Tampa Bay returns quarterback Baker Mayfield next to two terrific receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Losing linebacker Devin White to the Philadelphia Eagles (a team the Buccaneers beat in the playoffs last winter) hurts but veterans (defensive tackle) Vita Vea and linebackers Lavonte David and KJ Britt next to star safety Antoine Winfield Jr. should make up for his loss. In Atlanta, the addition of former Minnesota Vikings signal-caller Kirk Cousins paired with new head coach Raheem Morris has Falcons’ fans buzzing. The Falcons drafting Washington Husky QB Michael Penix Jr. was a surprise with the eighth overall selection back in April but he is a solid backup plan if Cousins were to get hurt. Cousins being placed next to second year running back Bijan Robinson, receiver Drake London, and tight end Kyle Pitts should make for a great offense this upcoming season. With former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris taking over the Falcons defense, defensive end Grady Jarrett and safety Jessie Bates III should be in for big years in 2024. Dennis Allen and the Saints should be ready for a step back this upcoming season with quarterback Derek Carr having an up and down season last fall. There are many questions for the Saints entering next season. In Charlotte, the Carolina Panthers should win a few more games in an NFC with less depth than the AFC. Second year quarterback and former top overall pick Bryce Young should be better in year 2 with a new receiving core of Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen, and Xavier Legette.

Top Divisional Games
1.Buccaneers vs. Falcons (10/3, 10/27)
The winners of the games between the Buccaneers and Falcons, both in October, should go on to win the NFC South. The Falcons finally have a roster and a coach to compete for a playoff spot but the Buccaneers are the team they will have to get past.
2.Falcons vs. Saints (9/29, 11/10)
For many years during the 2010s, the Falcons-Saints games would determine who would top the NFC South and the NFC overall with Matt Ryan and Drew Brees dueling it out. Now, as questions surround the Saints and the Falcons have a trusted veteran quarterback in Kirk Cousins, this series has split written all over it this fall.
3.Buccaneers vs. Saints (10/13, TBA)
It will be a competitive race in the NFC South and the Bucs and Saints should be at the forefront of the race. The Buccaneers could lock up a playoff spot by defeating the Saints not only on the second Sunday of October but the last weekend of the regular season when they face off again.
4.Buccaneers vs. Panthers (12/1, 12/29)
The Panthers could take a fourth consecutive NFC South Division title away from Tampa Bay by beating the Buccaneers either to open the month of December or during the second to last weekend of the regular season, just two days before New Year’s Eve, when every game in the NFL feels like its playoff football.
5.Falcons vs. Panthers (10/13, TBA)
The Falcons and Panthers battle each other in both the middle of October and to end their regular season schedules. Imagine if the Panthers took the Falcons chances at a playoff spot away the first weekend of January.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Eagles @ Buccaneers (9/29)
A rematch of the 2024 NFC Wildcard Round, the Buccaneers will look to continue their win streak against the Eagles with former linebacker Devin White now playing for Philadelphia. It is definitely not a game that they need to win to capture another division title but it would surely help their playoff chances early in the season.
2.49ers @ Buccaneers (11/10)
The Buccaneers host both the Eagles, 49ers, and Ravens (see below) before the month of December again. QB Baker Mayfield will be challenged in both of those games but if he can step up and get it down the field against the vaunted 49ers’ defense, anticipate another Tampa Bay team that can win a playoff game or two in the winter of 2025.
3.Chiefs @ Falcons (9/22)
The two time reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs may be challenged a little more than you might think when they come to Atlanta to face the Falcons in late September. Kirk Cousins and his offensive weapons, Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts with one of the best defensive coaches in the NFL has “trap game” written all over it.
4.Ravens @ Buccaneers (10/21)
Another challenging game for Tampa Bay comes at home against the last season’s AFC runner-up, the Baltimore Ravens. The Buccaneers face another team with a great quarterback in Lamar Jackson, quality weapons around him, and a defense that can get constant stops.
5.Falcons @ Vikings (12/8)
Kirk Cousins makes his first return to face his old team, the Minnesota Vikings, in early December with the Atlanta Falcons. Losing a game to a conference opponent with a young quarterback like Sam Darnold will not help the Falcons make the playoffs.

Awards
MVP: Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2023 Stats: 364-566, 4044 yards, 28 TDs, 10 INT, 62 rushes, 163 yards, 1 TD
Offensive Player of the Year: Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2023 Stats: 79 receptions, 1255 yards, 13 TDs
Defensive Player of the Year: Brian Burns, DE, Carolina Panthers
2023 Stats: 50 tackles, 16 TFL, 2 FF, 8 sacks
Coach of the Year: Raheem Morris, Atlanta Falcons

West
San Francisco 49ers (13-4)
Los Angeles Rams (10-7)
Seattle Seahawks (8-9)
Arizona Cardinals (5-12)

The NFC North should again run through San Francisco with the 49ers coming just six points short of adding another Super Bowl to their trophy case in February. Young quarterback Brock Purdy proved he could lead the 49ers to the Super Bowl alongside 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey, receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, and tight end George Kittle. San Francisco’s defense is one of the best in the league, being led by defensive end Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner. They must hope fellow linebacker Dre Greenlaw heals fast from tearing his achilles running onto the field in Super Bowl 58 against the Chiefs and that new promoted defensive coordinator Nick Sorenson can ease his unit on the field. For the Los Angeles Rams, it will be the first year without future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Aaron Donald. The makeup of Braden Fiske, Bobby Brown II, and Kobie Turner on the defensive line won’t make up for the absence of Donald but rookie edge rusher Jared Verse, former Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White, and former Commanders safety Kam Curl will help support their defensive line without their retired superstar. Offensively it will be up to Matt Stafford to get the ball down the field to terrific second year wideout Puka Nacua and help fellow receiver Cooper Kupp have a bounce back campaign in 2024. LA will look between Kyren Williams, former Michigan Wolverine rookie Blake Corum, and Boston Scott to be their feature running back. Geno Smith surprised everyone in his first season as a Seattle Seahawk and with tailback Kenneth Walker III, and receivers DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba coming back, I anticipate this Seattle offense giving the NFL a challenge every weekend. Defensively, they must improve with defensive end Leonard Williams and noseback Devon Witherspoon headlining the unit. In Phoenix, the Arizona Cardinals are relying on their signal-caller, Kyler Murray to get the ball to one of the best receiver prospects of all-time, the fourth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, Marvin Harrison Jr. The Cardinals challenged many playoff teams last season, including a decisive win over the Dallas Cowboys. With Harrison Jr. placed next to the talented Zay Jones on the outside, it will make it harder for defenses to stop them. Defensively, an impact player must emerge for the Cardinals to be serious contenders to make the NFC Playoffs this fall.

Top Divisional Games
1.49ers vs. Rams (9/22, 12/12)
A series that is full of close games every year with fans of both teams in opposing cities, the 49ers and Rams should battle again at the top of the NFC West. To me, it will be up to the prolific Rams offense against the terrific 49ers defense. That will be what determines those games.
2.49ers vs. Seahawks (10/10, 11/17)
The rivalry between San Francisco and Seattle goes back so many years. Similar to the two games between the 49ers and Rams, the game between the 49ers and Seahawks will be determined by the winners of the battle between Seahawks’ offense and the 49ers’ defense.
3.Rams vs. Seahawks (11/3, TBA)
The winner of these Rams-Seahawks games will likely be in position to win the division behind the 49ers. Both teams have fantastic receivers (The Rams’ Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua and Seattle’s DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba) and will test the opposing defense with their offensive firepower.
4.49ers vs. Cardinals (10/6, TBA)
San Francisco can and probably will sweep the season series against Arizona. But, if they overlook them, the Cardinals could find themselves back in a position to clinch a playoff spot for the first time in a few seasons.
5.Cardinals vs. Rams (9/15, TBA)
If the Rams want to upend the 49ers for the top spot in the NFC West, they must sweep the Cardinals. If not, they will likely be second or worse in the division. The two games between the Cardinals should be shootouts without strong defensive identities for either team entering the 2024 campaign.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Chiefs @ 49ers (10/20)
See in Top AFC North Interdivisional Games
2.Lions @ 49ers (12/30)
See in Top NFC North Interdivisional Games
3.49ers @ Packers (11/24)
See in Top NFC North Interdivisional Games
4.Rams @ Lions (9/8)
See in Top NFC North Interdivisional Games
5.Jets @ 49ers (9/9)
See in Top AFC East Interdivisional Games

Awards
MVP: Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers
2023 Stats: 272 rushes, 1459 yards, 14 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers
2023 Stats: See Above
Defensive Player of the Year: Nick Bosa, DE, San Francisco 49ers
2023 Stats: 53 tackles, 16 TFL, 2 FF, 10.5 sacks
Coach of the Year: Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers

Top AFC Games
1.Ravens @ Chiefs (9/5)
2.Texans @ Chiefs (12/21)
3.Ravens @ Texans (12/25)
4.Bengals @ Chiefs (9/15)
5.Bengals vs. Ravens (10/6, 11/7)
6.Chiefs @ Bills (11/17)
7.Bills vs. Dolphins (9/12, 11/3)
8.Ravens vs. Steelers (11/17, 12/21)
9.Texans @ Jets (10/31)
10.Texans vs. Colts (9/8, 10/27)

Top NFC Games
1.Lions @ 49ers (12/30)
2.49ers @ Packers (11/24)
3.Lions vs. Packers (11/3, 12/5)
4.Cowboys vs. Eagles (11/10, 12/29)
5.Lions @ Cowboys (10/13)
6.Eagles vs. Packers (9/6; Brazil)
7.49ers vs. Rams (9/22, 12/12)
8.Lions @ Rams (9/8)
9.Eagles @ Buccaneers (9/29)
10.Buccaneers vs. Falcons (10/3, 10/27)

My Projected Playoff Bracket (Based off of my projected standings):

AFC
1.Kansas City Chiefs (12-5)
2.Cincinnati Bengals (11-6)
3.Houston Texans (10-7)
4.Miami Dolphins (10-7)
5.Baltimore Ravens (10-7)
6.Indianapolis Colts (9-8)
7.New York Jets (9-8)

NFC
1.San Francisco 49ers (13-4)
2.Detroit Lions (11-6)
3.Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)
4.Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7)
5.Los Angeles Rams (10-7)
6.Green Bay Packers (10-7)
7.Dallas Cowboys (9-8)

Wildcard Round (Saturday-Monday, January 11-13, 2025)

AFC
2.Cincinnati Bengals over 7.New York Jets
Joe Burrow and the Bengals open the playoffs with a win over the Jets in what could be Aaron Rodgers’ final game in the NFL.
3.Houston Texans over 6.Indianapolis Colts
In a great in division game in the playoffs, the Texans prove they are the better team than the Colts and advance to the divisional round.
5.Baltimore Ravens over 4.Miami Dolphins
Baltimore defeats Miami on the back of their run game and defense.

NFC
2.Detroit Lions over 7.Dallas Cowboys
Detroit and Dallas have had a lot of history the last two seasons but the Lions put it to bed that they are the better team and move on.
3.Philadelphia Eagles over 6.Green Bay Packers
Philadelphia will win its first playoff game since the 2023 NFC Championship Game if they beat the Packers at home.
4.Tampa Bay Buccaneers over 5.Los Angeles Rams
Tampa Bay takes advantage of an Aaron Donald-less Rams’ defense and gets the ball down the field constantly to Mike Evans in a back and forth win.

Divisional Round (Saturday-Sunday, January 18-19, 2025)

AFC
1.Kansas City Chiefs over 5.Baltimore Ravens
On its path to a third consecutive Super Bowl, Kansas City defeats Baltimore in the playoffs for the second consecutive season, this time in the divisional round not in the AFC Championship Game.
2.Cincinnati Bengals over 3.Houston Texans
In a game of premiere quarterbacks Joe Burrow and CJ Stroud, the Bengals and Texans battle back and forth. But after struggling last season due to injury Burrow leads the Bengals to right where he had them in 2022, the AFC Championship Game.

NFC
1.San Francisco 49ers over 4.Tampa Bay Buccaneers
San Francisco defeats Tampa Bay as they look to avenge their two Super Bowl losses to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019 and 2023 against whoever their opponent would play after potentially winning another NFC title.
2.Detroit Lions over 3.Philadelphia Eagles
Howie Roseman did upgrade the Eagles’ roster with Saquon Barkley and many defensive additions but the Lions’ home field advantage will get them a second consecutive appearance in the NFC Championship.

Conference Championship Round (Sunday, January 26, 2025)

AFC
1.Kansas City Chiefs over 2.Cincinnati Bengals
A rematch of the 2021 and 2022 AFC Championship Games, Kansas City will move onto the Super Bowl for the third consecutive season, looking for a third title in a row.

NFC
2.Detroit Lions over 1.San Francisco 49ers
Detroit learns from their mistakes in the NFC Championship a season ago giving up their lead to the 49ers and finishing it off. The Lions would appear in the Super Bowl for the first time ever after beating the 49ers.

Super Bowl 59 (New Orleans; Sunday, February 9, 2025)
2.Detroit Lions over 1.Kansas City Chiefs
Detroit will deny Kansas City a third consecutive Super Bowl and will win their first in franchise history, led by head coach Dan Campbell, quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra Brown, and defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.

Projected Super Bowl Winner: 2.Detroit Lions

Awards:
MVP: Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
2023 Stats: 244-365, 2309 yards, 15 TD, 6 INT, 31 rushes, 88 yards
Offensive Player of the Year: Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions
2023 Stats: 119 receptions, 1515 yards, 10 TDs
Defensive Player of the Year: TJ Watt, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers
2023 Stats: 68 tackles, 19 TFL, 1 INT, 19 sacks
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
2023 Stats: 68 receptions, 1177 yards, 17 TDs (@ LSU)
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Dallas Turner, LB, Minnesota Vikings (@ Alabama)
2023 Stats: 53 tackles, 14.5 TFL, 2 FF, 10 sacks
Comeback Player of the Year: Aaron Rodgers, QB, New York Jets
2023 Stats: Was injured in Jets’ 2023 opener against the Buffalo Bills
Coach of the Year: DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans

Image Courtesy: The Hollywood Reporter

1.San Francisco 49ers vs. 3.Kansas City Chiefs
February 11, 6:30 PM ET, CBS
Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas)
Super Bowl 58 is just 24 hours away. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes (718 passing yards and 4 TDs during 2024 postseason) and tight end Travis Kelce (262 receiving yards and 3 TDs, and the Kansas City Chiefs looked helpless at some points to end the season on offense without much production from his receiving targets but ended up appearing in their seventh consecutive AFC Championship game and their fourth Super Bowl in that span. Outside of Kelce, the only true receiving threat has been rookie Rashee Rice (223 receiving yards and 1 TD). If the passing attack is established, the running game with Isaiah Pacheco (254 rushing yards and 3 TDs) will be huge against a terrific 49ers defense. On the other side, it has been the Chiefs’ defense that has powered them to their success this season, led by linebackers Nick Bolton (27 tackles and 1 TFL) and Drue Tranquill (19 tackles and 1 TFL). The two linebackers will need help from veterans Justin Reid (18 tackles, 2 TFL, and 1 sack) and Chris Jones (4 tackles and 0.5 sack) to rattle second year 49ers signal-caller Brock Purdy (519 passing yards, 2 TDs, and 1 INT), 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey (188 rushing yards, 72 receiving yards, and 6 overall TDs), and receiver Deebo Samuel (113 receiving yards and 1 rushing TD). Linebackers Fred Warner (20 tackles and 2 TFL) and Dre Greenlaw (15 tackles and 2 INT), will be huge in stopping Andy Reid’s high flying offense. After having Wild Card weekend off, the 49ers had to use second half comebacks to beat the seven seeded Green Bay Packers (21-17) in the divisional round and the three seeded Detroit Lions (34-31) in the NFC title game to return to their first Super Bowl since February of 2020, when they also faced Kansas City. Kansas City handled the Miami Dolphins (26-7) in the Wild Card round before defeating the Buffalo Bills (27-24) on the road for the third time in the playoffs in the Patrick Mahomes era. They upset the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship, and are now looking for their second Super Bowl win in a row (Defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 57, 38-35). A phenomenal coaching matchup between the 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan and the Chiefs’ Andy Reid will come down to the wire. Projected Score: Kansas City Chiefs 27, San Francisco 49ers 24

Image Courtesy: With the First Pick

Can anybody stop Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs train this upcoming season? Kansas City has made five consecutive AFC Championship games even having to play Cincinnati, Buffalo, and Baltimore every season deep into the playoffs. The Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and Dallas Cowboys are expected to be at the top of the NFC yet again. The Eagles look like they can return to the Super Bowl again with QB Jalen Hurts, talented receivers AJ Brown and De’Vonta Smith, and an awesome defense. Here’s how I expect the NFL to look during the 2023-2024 season:

Here are my projected division standings for the 2023-2024 NFL season:

AFC

East
Miami Dolphins (11-6)
Buffalo Bills (10-7)
New York Jets (10-7)
New England Patriots (7-10)

Can the Dolphins upend the Bills and take control of the AFC East? It seems possible with the talent Miami has on the outside with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle even with questions about signal-caller Tua Tagovailoa’s health. The Jets are also a team that the Dolphins have to worry about after they added future Hall of Fame QB Aaron Rodgers and extended the contract of star defensive end Quinnen Williams. All three of the Dolphins, Bills, and Jets are real playoff threats while questions loom large in Foxborough. Can Bill O’Brien help Patriots QB Mac Jones out of his sophomore slump for a bounce back third season? That will be big if New England wants to compete in one of the toughest divisions in football.

Top Divisional Games
1.Bills vs. Dolphins (10/1, 1/7)
A 2023 AFC Wild Card rematch could determine the winner of the division during the final weekend of the regular season.
2.Bills vs. Jets (9/11, 11/19)
Two Josh Allen-Aaron Rodgers duels this upcoming season should be fantastic in helping determine the pecking order in the AFC East.
3.Dolphins vs. Jets (11/24, 12/17)
The Jets defense and Miami defense have some of the best defensive backs in the game. New York’s Sauce Gardner and Miami’s Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard will look to stop the opposing offenses, both of which can make long pass plays down the field.
4.Bills vs. Patriots (10/22, 12/31)
The Bills must avoid potential upsets against Bill Belichick’s team, who could wreck the Bills’ dreams of a potential Wild Card off weekend and having the AFC run through Highmark Stadium.
5.Dolphins vs. Patriots (9/17, 10/29)
Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins did not lose to the Patriots last season. But heading to Foxborough is never an easy task so Mike McDaniels’ team has to be careful with the football.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Dolphins @ Chiefs (11/5)
Miami will be tested like they have not been before at Arrowhead Stadium when they face Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. Tua must be able to find former Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill early and often if they want to keep up with Kansas City and win this game.
2.Bills @ Chiefs (12/10)
The match-ups between the Bills and Chiefs in the post-season the past two years have been nothing short of incredible. Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes dueling in Kansas City again should determine who will have home field advantage early on in the playoffs
3.Dolphins @ Eagles (10/22)
Former Alabama QBs Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts battle as they look to position their teams atop their conferences. The talented Dolphins offense against the terrific Eagles defense should be a great battle.
4.Bills @ Eagles (11/26)
Buffalo should have their hands full in Philadelphia when they play the Eagles after Thanksgiving. Jalen Hurts and Josh Allen will duel for playoff placement in their respective conferences as December would loom.
5.Jets @ Cowboys (9/17)
Aaron Rodgers never lost to the Cowboys as a Packer. Will he be able to keep up his phenomenal play against America’s team as a New York Jet? We will find out early in the season when Dallas hosts New York.

Awards
MVP: Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins
2022 Stats: 119 catches, 1710 yards, 7 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins
2022 Stats: See Above
Defensive Player of the Year: Quinnen Williams, DE, New York Jets
2022 Stats: 35 tackles, 12 sacks, 2 FF
Coach of the Year: Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins

North
Baltimore Ravens (11-6)
Cincinnati Bengals (10-7)
Cleveland Browns (9-8)
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-10)

Cincinnati, Baltimore, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh are all capable of winning the AFC North in 2023. They all play so often that the top team in the division could lose half or more of its games against divisional opponents. The toughness of all four of these defenses makes points a premium in these games. With Joe Burrow out at the beginning of the season, this could be the opportunity for the Ravens, Browns, or Steelers to take over this division.

Top Divisional Games
1.Bengals vs. Ravens (9/17, 11/16)
In a division full of great rivalries, the Bengals and Ravens look again to gain control of the AFC North and a chance at a Super Bowl. Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow have had some great battles and they should have some this upcoming this season. Trevor Sim
2.Bengals vs. Browns (9/10, 1/7)
The Browns will look to defeat good Bengals teams on the first and last Sundays of the regular season. Cleveland’s defense has been able to get to Cincinnati QB Joe Burrow so they should look to continue to do the same thing this season. The Bengals should have to start back up Trevor Siemian with Burrow’s injury so it may be easier for star Browns defensive end Myles Garrett to get to the quarterback with his inexperience.
3.Ravens vs. Browns (10/1, 11/12)
The Ravens and Browns defenses will look to stop the other team’s dynamic quarterbacks in Lamar Jackson and Deshaun Watson on the first Sunday in October and the second in November. These games will prove very critical in not only the divisional race but the AFC race overall.
4.Ravens vs. Steelers (10/8, 1/7)
Maybe the best rivalry in the AFC, the Steelers and Ravens always have fierce, competitive battles. TJ Watt and the Steelers must win at least one of these games to stay in the playoff hunt.
5.Browns vs. Steelers (9/18, 11/19)
With the two teams expected to finish at the bottom of the division, the Browns and Steelers battle for necessary wins to in the division and stay the playoff hunt.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Bengals @ Chiefs (12/31)
In a rematch of the last two AFC Championship game, the winner of the New Year’s Eve duel between Kansas City and Cincinnati could have the advantage entering the final weekend of the regular season to have the Wild Card bye week in the conference.
2.Bills @ Bengals (11/5)
A rematch of the shortened Damar Hamlin tragedy and 2022 AFC Divisional round game should have a lot of implications at the top of the AFC at the beginning of the November as Joe Burrow and Josh Allen match up.
3.Ravens @ 49ers (12/25)
A Super Bowl 57 match up pits two talented defenses against each other in northern California. Lamar Jackson, Odell Beckham Jr., and the Ravens offense will look to get up early against second year signal-caller Brock Purdy and the niners.
4.Dolphins @ Ravens (12/31)
A Lamar Jackson-Tua Tagovailoa QB battle in Baltimore on New Year’s Eve. If each of these teams don’t turn the ball over we could see a great game.
5.49ers @ Steelers (9/10)
Pittsburgh must protect home field advantage and get out to a fast start against a great 49ers team in week one of the NFL season.

Awards
MVP: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
2022 Stats: 87 catches, 1046 yards, 9 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
2022 Stats: See Above
Defensive Player of the Year: TJ Watt, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers
2022 Stats: 27 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 1 FF
Coach of the Year: John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens

South
Jacksonville Jaguars (10-7)
Tennessee Titans (8-9)
Indianapolis Colts (8-9)
Houston Texans (4-13)

Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars are the favorites coming into the 2023 season in the AFC South. Having his college teammate Travis Etienne, tight end Evan Engram, and receiver Calvin Ridley to make plays offensively proves they can make a deep run in the playoffs without injuries. Can the Jags prove it with the Titans and Colts breathing down their necks as hard nosed football teams? Doug Pederson has done a phenomenal job as the head coach, play-caller, and mentor to Lawrence after Urban Meyer led the Lawrence and the Jags to a terrible beginning of the season in 2021.

Top Divisional Games
1.Jaguars vs. Titans (11/19, 1/7)
The battle for the top of the AFC South could come down to the final day of the regular season when the Jags and Titans face off.
2.Colts vs. Jaguars (9/10, 10/15)
The Colts must prove they are a formidable team again when they play the Jaguars early and in the middle of the season.
3.Colts vs. Titans (10/8, 12/3)
The Colts and Titans must prove that they are capable of competing with the Jaguars as they face off in October and December.
4.Jaguars vs. Texans (9/24, 11/26)
Texans top three picks in this year’s NFL Draft CJ Stroud (QB) and Will Anderson (OLB) will look to do the difficult task of upending the division favorite Jaguars.
5.Texans vs. Titans (12/17, 12/31)
Texans-Titans battles in the AFC South are always close games and will go a long way in determining the winner of the division.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Chiefs @ Jaguars (9/17)
The Jaguars will see their first true test of the season when they face the Super Bowl winning Kansas City Chiefs led by Patrick Mahomes. If they can win that game, they can begin competing for the top seed in the conference.
2.Bills vs. Jaguars (London) (10/8)
On the second Sunday in October, all eyes will be on Bills-Jaguars for placing atop the AFC.
3.Colts @ Bengals (12/10)
The Colts will look to go into Cincinnati and beat the Bengals in one of the top environments in the NFL.
4.Titans @ Dolphins (12/11)
Former Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill comes back to town as a Titan in an important out of division game in the AFC.
5.Bengals @ Titans (10/1)
The Bengals come to Nashville to open October in a game the Titans can’t overlook or they will get dominated by Joe Burrow and his offense.

Awards
MVP: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
2022 Stats: 387-584, 4113 yards, 25 TDs, 8 INT, 62 rushes, 291 yards, 5 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts
2022 Stats: 192 rushes, 861 yards, 4 TDs, 28 catches, 143 yards
Defensive Player of the Year: Shaquille Leonard, DE, Indianapolis Colts
2022 Stats: 8 tackles (injured for most of 2022 season)
Coach of the Year: Doug Pederson, Jacksonville Jaguars

West
Kansas City Chiefs (14-3)
Denver Broncos (9-8)
Los Angeles Chargers (7-10)
Las Vegas Raiders (5-12)

The Kansas City Chiefs have won seven consecutive AFC West division titles. There is no reason why they should not be the favorite to win this division and the Super Bowl in 2024. The Chargers paid their QB Justin Herbert with a new long-term contract. With new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, the Chargers could challenge Kansas City. Offensive mastermind Sean Payton takes over a Denver Broncos team that struggled with their new QB Russell Wilson. A rejuvenated Wilson with receivers Jerry Jeudy and Courtney Davis should improve in 2023. The Raiders do not seem like threats with second year coach Josh McDaniels parting ways with former QB Derek Carr. Vegas will be looking for a new identity and they will struggle in this tough division this upcoming season.

Top Divisional Games
1.Chargers vs. Chiefs (10/22, 1/7)
The top two QBs in the AFC West match up in Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert. The winners of these games will have a great chance at winning the division and a long playoff run.
2.Chiefs vs. Raiders (11/26, 12/25)
The Raiders’ defensive line, led by Maxx Crosby, got into Chiefs backfield a lot last season. They will look to get to Patrick Mahomes more in their match ups this season and win at least one of these match ups against the great Kansas City Chiefs.
3.Broncos vs. Chargers (12/10, 12/31)
The winner of these two games, between the Broncos and Chargers, will propel that team into second in the AFC West, likely behind the Chiefs. The winner could surprise in the playoffs in Kansas City’s shadow.
4.Chargers vs. Raiders (10/1, 12/14)
The Raiders will look to beat the Chargers with a new quarterback as they move on from Derek Carr. Both of these games should be very close but playing with a new quarterback will hurt Las Vegas just a little bit.
5.Broncos vs. Raiders (9/10, 1/7)
Russell Wilson and the Broncos will look to avenge two losses to the Raiders in 2023. With the Raiders’ young coaching staff, the Broncos should be able to at least split with Vegas this upcoming season.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Eagles @ Chiefs (11/20)
The Super Bowl rematch will be in Kansas City on the Monday before Thanksgiving with everyone watching. Seeing Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts duel again should be a fantastic game.
2.Bengals @ Chiefs (12/31)
See in Top AFC North Interdivisional Games
3.Dolphins @ Chiefs (11/5)
See in Top AFC East Interdivisional Games
4.Bills @ Chiefs (12/10)
See in Top AFC East Interdivisional Games
5.Dolphins @ Chargers (9/10)
The Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa (pick 5 in the 2020 NFL Draft) and the Chargers’ Justin Herbert (pick 6 in 2020 NFL Draft) battle in week 1 of the NFL season. This will be a huge game in not only determining the pecking order of signal callers in the league but who can get a head start on placement in the AFC for the playoffs.

Awards
MVP: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
2022 Stats: 435-648, 5250 yards, 41 TDs, 12 INT, 61 rushes, 358 yards, 4 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
2022 Stats: See Above
Defensive Player of the Year: Derwin James, S, Los Angeles Chargers
2022 Stats: 64 tackles, 2 interceptions, 4 sacks, 2 FF
Coach of the Year: Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs

Top AFC Games
1.Bengals @ Chiefs (12/31)
2.Dolphins @ Chiefs (11/5)
3.Bills @ Chiefs (12/10)
4.Bills vs. Dolphins (10/1, 1/7)
5.Bengals vs. Ravens (9/17, 11/16)
6.Bills @ Bengals (11/5)
7.Bills vs. Jets (9/11, 11/19)
8.Dolphins vs. Jets (11/24, 12/17)
9.Chiefs @ Jaguars (9/17)
10.Chargers vs. Chiefs (10/22, 1/7)

NFC

East
Philadelphia Eagles (12-5)
Dallas Cowboys (11-6)
New York Giants (8-9)
Washington Commanders (6-11)

The Eagles will look to return to the Super Bowl with a similar roster while the Cowboys will look to return to the game for the first time since 1996. Philadelphia’s offense is scary with QB Jalen Hurts, receiver De’Vonta Smith, and receiver AJ Brown with an even scarier defense. The Giants improved their abysmal receiving core with the draft pick of Tennessee Volunteer Jalin Hyatt and free agent Paris Campbell. That should make New York a competitive team again this upcoming season. The Commanders should be vastly improved with second year signalcaller Sam Howell and Dan Snyder out of ownership in Landover.

Top Divisional Games
1.Cowboys vs. Eagles (11/5, 12/10)
After getting destroyed in Philadelphia early last season, the Cowboys turned their Christmas Eve win over the Eagles into a shootout where they forced a few turnovers which helped them lock up a second consecutive playoff spot. Now, Dallas must use the games against a vaunted Eagles team to prepare them for games deep in the playoffs. The Eagles should be able to handle the Cowboys at home if they stay focused but on their trip to Arlington they will be looking for revenge.
2.Eagles vs. Giants (12/25, 1/7)
After sweeping the Giants last season, the Eagles will look to do the same in 2023-2024. For both squads, playing each other two times in the last three weeks of the seasons brings some unique feelings to the games. Some playoff spots will already be locked up but some definitely won’t. So, these two games will definitely have some meaning at the end of the regular season.
3.Cowboys vs. Giants (9/10, 11/12)
Known for being a Sunday night “snoozfest” with the lack of wins deep in the playoffs for both franchise, the Cowboys-Giants series brought two Dallas wins in 2022. However, both teams only got better so the Giants opportunity will be on opening Sunday night in East Rutherford to protect their home field and get a head start in making a playoff push. Dallas QB Dak Prescott has an incredible 10-2 record against New York so it will be a challenge, but Brian Daboll and the Giants will sure have something to say in 2023 when they face their division rivals.
4.Cowboys vs. Commanders (11/23, 1/7)
The Commanders were sold by long time owner Dan Snyder. With the toxicity out of the building for the first time in many years, fans are believing that the Commanders could make a playoff push this season. The two division rivals split the match ups last season and with new Commanders QB Sam Howell looking good, the Cowboys should be aware of this improved squad in 2023.
5.Commanders vs. Giants (10/22, 11/19)
With what I mentioned about the Commanders above, they should definitely look at the Giants games on the schedules as games they can win. The Giants won one meeting and the two tied in the other meeting. Giants QB Daniel Jones needs to have a big year to prove his worth in the NFL while RB Saquon Barkley plays on a one-year contract with all tailbacks’ pay down in 2023. terry McLaurin and the Commanders The Commanders-Giants games should be good ones this years.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Eagles @ Chiefs (11/20)
See Top AFC West Interdivisional Games
2.49ers @ Eagles (12/3)
Last season’s NFC Championship rematch was in Philadelphia in January and will be at Lincoln Financial Field again in 2023. The 49ers offense, led by second year QB Brock Purdy, receiver Deebo Samuel, and tailback Christian McCaffrey will have to score against a tough Eagles defense again on the road, which should prove to be a difficult task. On the other side, Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense will face off against another difficult defense in Nick Bosa and the niners. So, to me, the better offense wins this game.
3.Cowboys @ 49ers (10/8)
The NFC Divisional Round rematch between the Cowboys and 49ers will again be played in San Francisco. If the Cowboys could not win it in January, what tells us they can do it now? The 49ers’ steady offense and pummeling defense will have it out for Dak Prescott and what should be an improved aerial attack in Dallas. This Sunday Night game should be fun.
4.Dolphins @ Eagles (10/22)
See Top AFC East Interdivisional Games
5.Jets @ Cowboys (9/17)
See Top AFC East Interdivisional Games

Awards
MVP: Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
2022 Stats: 306-460, 3701 yards, 22 TDs, 6 INT, 165 carries, 760 yards, 13 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
2022 Stats: See Above
Defensive Player of the Year: Micah Parsons, DE, Dallas Cowboys
2022 Stats: 42 tackles, 13.5 sacks, 3 FF
Coach of the Year: Nick Sirianni, Philadelphia Eagles

North
Detroit Lions (9-8)
Minnesota Vikings (8-9)
Green Bay Packers (7-10)
Chicago Bears (6-11)

The Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings will look to stake their claim atop the NFC North with Aaron Rodgers out in Green Bay and in New York. The Vikings won the division last season and with star receiver Justin Jefferson looking as great as ever and Kirk Cousins’ consistent play behind center, they should be the favorites. But Dan Campbell’s Lions have the roster to win the division as well: Amon-Ra St. Brown has had a fantastic young career while former Rams QB Jared Goff has looked like a player that can play in Detroit long term. Chicago’s offense must improve a ton in year three with QB Justin Fields if they want to even think about another NFC North title to their trophy case. The Packers could still be a player in the NFC race even without their Hall of Fame gunslinger. Jordan Love has a lot to prove as the new Green Bay QB but if he proves he can be a quality starter, the Packers can contend in this division.

Top Divisional Games
1.Lions vs. Vikings (12/24, 1/7)
With Aaron Rodgers now out of the division, the battles between Detroit and Minnesota should be for the division this season. In addition, the two rivals will face off in two of the last three weeks of the season making these games that much more important. The teams’ QBs Kirk Cousins and Jared Goff are two veteran in this league and their play will definitely be a big factor in determining games against the opposite teams, both of two have decent defense.
2.Packers vs. Vikings (10/29, 12/31)
If the Lions do not step up and win the NFC North during the upcoming season, the division could be won the Packers yet again. New Green Bay QB Jordan Love’s NFL experience is very small but his upside is big. The Love to receiver Christian Watson connection will be important in beating a Vikings team that won the NFC North fairly easily in 2022. Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson are a scary offensive duo and they will not be easy to stop against a Green Bay defense that is not as good as it was just a few seasons ago.
3.Lions vs. Packers (9/28, 11/23)
With the Packers and Lions facing off at the end of September and on Thanksgiving, the two teams will have to focus on winning one or both of these games to make the playoffs.
4.Bears vs. Packers (9/10, 1/7)
With Aaron Rodgers out in Green Bay, the Bears finally have an opportunity to beat the Packers again. Justin Fields can prove himself in this rivalry without a Hall of Fame QB as his opposition. The Packers should win this game still but the games should definitely be closer.
5.Bears vs. Lions (11/19, 12/10)
The Bears and Lions are used to battling for third in the NFC North. Both teams will look to prove that they are quality teams in this league by winning these games against a team in their own division.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Lions @ Chiefs (9/7)
The Lions will look to defeat the defending Super Bowl Champion Chiefs in Kansas City in the debut game of the NFL season. Dan Campbell’s defense will have to stop reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and the awesome Kansas City offense in this one.
2.Vikings @ Eagles (9/17)
After a dominant performance by Philadelphia over Minnesota last season, the Vikings will look to avenge the loss in 2023 with a good offensive performance led by QB Kirk Cousins and receiver Justin Jefferson.
3.49ers @ Vikings (10/23)
After facing last season’s NFC champion team back in September on the road, the Vikings host the NFC championship runner-up in October. The VIkings again will have to rely on their offense against a vaunted 49ers defensive unit.
4.Chiefs @ Packers (12/3)
The Packers host the Chiefs for the first time without Aaron Rodgers. New Green Bay QB Jordan Love will look to out-duel Patrick Mahomes and upset Kansas City.
5.Lions @ Cowboys (12/30)
The Lions and Cowboys had some playoff history at the beginning of the 2010s and with the Lions finally a better team now under Dan Campbell, this New Year’s Eve Eve battle should be a game that has playoff implications with just a week left in the regular season left.

Awards
MVP: Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
2022 Stats: 128 catches, 1809 yards, 8 TDs, 4 rushes, 24 yards, 1 TD
Offensive Player of the Year: Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
2022 Stats: See Above
Defensive Player of the Year: Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Detroit Lions
2022 Stats: 34 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 3 INT
Coach of the Year: Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions

South
New Orleans Saints (10-7)
Atlanta Falcons (8-9)
Carolina Panthers (6-11)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-13)

The NFC South is wide open with Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski retired and out in Tampa. The Buccaneers may be the worst team in the division with veteran Baker Mayfield or Kyle Trask and QB with a defense that is not as good as the one that shut down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. New Orleans added Derek Carr to replace Jameis Winston at QB and they will have to trust that Chris Olave continues to be great at receiver and Alvin Kamara keeps working as their running back one. Carolina and Atlanta built up through the draft this year with the Panthers adding terrific Alabama QB Bryce Young and the Falcons adding star running back Bijan Robinson within the first ten picks.

Top Divisional Games
1.Falcons vs. Saints (11/26, 1/7)
In one of the top rivalries in the NFL, the Saints and Falcons play this year as the expected top two teams in the division. Both defenses will have to stop new stars on the offensive side of the ball in Saints QB Derek Carr and Falcons RB Bijan Robinson.
2.Panthers vs. Saints (9/18, 12/10)
Bryce Young and the Panthers will look to defeat a Saints team that is primed to win the division after having to deal with Tom Brady and the Bucs for the last two seasons.
3.Falcons vs. Panthers (9/10, 12/17)
Young stars Bijan Robinson (Falcons) and Bryce Young (Panthers) look to help their teams battle for placing in the playoffs as they begin their seasons against each other and then three weeks from the end of the year.
4.Buccaneers vs. Saints (10/1, 12/31)
The Saints were able to beat Tom Brady and the Buccaneers multiple times when he was in Tampa Bay. New Orleans will look to continue that streak as they face a new signal caller for the Bucs with their veteran defense.
5.Buccaneers vs. Falcons (10/22, 12/10)
The Falcons must win both of these games if they want a shot to win the NFC South and make a deep run in the playoffs against. ayoung Buccaneers team.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.Saints @ Rams (12/21)
In a rematch of the 2019 NFC Championship Game, the Saints face a Rams team that struggled after winning the Super Bowl in 2022.
2.Jaguars @ Saints (10/19)
New Orleans hosts a Jaguars team that has one of the best young offenses in the league. So, this will be a tough challenge for a Saints team with a new QB and an inexperienced head coach.
3.Falcons @ Jaguars (10/1)
Like the Saints, the Falcons facing off with the Jaguars will not be an easy game. Trevor Lawrence and his receivers will not back down against a Falcons defense that has been up and down.
4.Falcons @ Lions (9/24)
A tough Lions team will not back down against the Falcons, with a very young roster. Veteran QB Jared Goff and receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown will be a difficult duo to stop for Atlanta on the road.
5.Panthers @ Jaguars (12/31)
In a match-up of number one picks, Carolina’s Bryce Young will look to prove himself against Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars. This game might be one of the more underrated games of the upcoming season.

Awards
MVP: Derek Carr, QB, New Orleans Saints
2022 Stats: 305-502, 3522 yards, 24 TDs, 14 INT, 24 rushes, 104 yards
Offensive Player of the Year: Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
2022 Stats: 258 rushes, 1580 yards, 18 TDs, 19 catches, 314 yards, 2 TD (@ Texas)
Defensive Player of the Year: Brian Burns, DE, Carolina Panthers
2022 Stats: 34 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 1 FF
Coach of the Year: Frank Reich, Carolina Panthers

West
San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
Los Angeles Rams (10-7)
Seattle Seahawks (8-9)
Arizona Cardinals (3-14)

Will the Rams bounce back after not making the playoffs following a Super Bowl 56 win? The 49ers are poised to remain at the top of the division with offensive playmakers Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey aboard. It will be up to the play of second year QB Brock Purdy after his injury in the NFC Championship game about whether they can return to the Super Bowl. The Seahawks paid QB Geno Smith after a successful season with him in 2022 while the Cardinals look like one of the worst teams in the NFL with new head coach Jonathan Gannon.

Top Divisional Games
1.49ers vs. Rams (9/17, 1/7)
The top game in the NFC West over the last few seasons should see two phenomenal match ups this upcoming season. The 49ers all-around talent will be tough to deal with but the Rams offense will be looking for a bounce back season with star receiver Cooper Kupp back from injury.
2.49ers vs. Seahawks (11/23, 12/10)
Last season’s top two finishers in the NFC West will battle on Thanksgiving and just over two weeks later in December. The Seahawks less than potent offense will have to rely on receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett to win these games against a terrific 49ers defense.
3.Rams vs. Seahawks (9/10, 11/19)
The likely battle for second place in the division will be between the Rams and Seahawks. If the Rams defense is able to stop the Seahawks offense, their high powered offense can win these games.
4.49ers vs. Cardinals (10/1, 12/17)
The Cardinals will have to rely on star QB Kyler Murray if they want to beat the talented 49ers. The lack of talented skill players for Arizona will surely lead to two San Francisco wins.
5.Rams vs. Cardinals (10/15, 11/26)
Arizona should hope for at least a single win over the Rams with LA’s inconsistencies last season. Their defense needs to be able to stop an LA offense that will be hard to stop deep into the season.

Top Interdivisional Games
1.49ers @ Eagles (12/3)
Top NFC East Interdivisional Games
2.Bengals @ 49ers (1o/29)
One of the 49ers toughest home tests is against Joe Burrow and the Bengals. San Francisco’s secondary will be tested against great receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins while Cincinnati’s defense will have to stop the running game of Christian McCaffrey.
3.Eagles @ Rams (10/8)
The Rams will be tested when the reigning NFC champion Eagles come to town. It will be up to LA’s defense to stop the high powered Philadelphia offense, led by Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith, and AJ Brown.
4.Rams @ Bengals (9/24)
An early road trip for the Rams to Cincinnati should be a difficult one for LA to handle. The Rams defensive line will test the unproven Bengals offensive line when they face off in a cross conference match up.
5.Seahawks @ Ravens (11/5)
A huge road game for Seattle in the middle of the season pits them against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. The Seahawks offense must be good if they want to go into Baltimore and win this one.

Awards
MVP: Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Franciso 49ers
2022 Stats: 244 rushes, 1139 yards, 8 TDs, 85 catches, 741 yards, 5 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams
2022 Stats: 75 catches, 812 yards, 6 TDs
Defensive Player of the Year: Nick Bosa, DE, San Francisco 49ers
2022 Stats: 41 tackles, 18.5 sacks, 2 FF
Coach of the Year: Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers

Top NFC Games
1.49ers @ Eagles (12/3)
2.Cowboys @ 49ers (10/1)
3.Cowboys vs. Eagles (11/5, 12/10)
4.49ers vs. Rams (9/17, 1/7)
5.49ers vs. Seahawks (11/23, 12/10)
6.Lions vs. Vikings (12/24, 1/7)
7.Vikings @ Eagles (9/17)
8.49ers @ Vikings (10/23)
9.Rams vs. Seahawks (9/10, 11/19)
10.Eagles vs. Giants (12/25, 1/7)

My Projected Playoff Bracket (Based off of my projected standings):

AFC
1.Kansas City Chiefs (14-3)
2.Baltimore Ravens (11-6)
3.Miami Dolphins (11-6)
4.Jacksonville Jaguars (10-7)
5.Cincinnati Bengals (10-7)
6.Buffalo Bills (10-7)
7.New York Jets (10-7)

The AFC runs through Kansas City until further notice. With the Chiefs appearing in the in last five AFC Championship games and winning two of the last four Super Bowls. Cincinnati, Buffalo, and Baltimore have been the toughest competition since the Chiefs won their first in the Patrick Mahomes era in 2020 but the Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars have emerged with talent of their own as well.

NFC
1.Philadelphia Eagles (12-5)
2.San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
3.New Orleans Saints (10-7)
4.Detroit Lions (9-8)
5.Dallas Cowboys (11-6)
6.Los Angeles Rams (10-7)
7.Minnesota Vikings (8-9)

The Eagles are the overwhelming favorite to make it back to the Super Bowl in 2024 with QB Jalen Hurts, receivers AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, and a terrific defense filled with veteran and young talent. I project the 49ers to tie the Eagles with their regular season record if they find the right QB between Trey Lance, Brock Purdy, or someone else. If not, New Orleans, who I have improving a ton with new QB Derek Carr in a terrible NFC South and Cowboys, Rams, Lions, and Vikings can compete for the 2024 NFC title and another Super Bowl appearance.

Playoff Projections

Wild Card Round (January 13-15)

AFC
2.Baltimore Ravens over 7.New York Jets
The Ravens will avoid a Wild Card upset in a win over the Jets instead of getting upset like they did as the one seed in the AFC in the winter of 2019.
3.Miami Dolphins over 6.Buffalo Bills
The Dolphins avenge a divisional round loss a year ago against division rival Buffalo.
5.Cincinnati Bengals over 4.Jacksonville Jaguars
With Joe Burrow likely back to full health, he would lead his offense to a field day over the Jaguars and a mini upset in Jacksonville.

NFC
2.San Francisco 49ers over 7.Minnesota Vikings
San Francisco knocks Minnesota out of the playoffs in the Wild Card round for the second consecutive season.
6.Los Angeles Rams over 3.New Orleans Saints
The play of Cooper Kupp and Aaron Donald will lead the Rams to upset the Saints.
5.Dallas Cowboys over 4.Detroit Lions
The Cowboys continue their success over the Lions with what would be their third consecutive Wuld Card victory.

Divisional Round (January 20-21)

AFC
1.Kansas City Chiefs over 5.Cincinnati Bengals
In a rematch of the last two season’s AFC Championship games, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs would beat the Bengals and return to the AFC Championship game for the sixth consecutive time.
3.Miami Dolphins over 2.Baltimore Ravens
Miami upsets Baltimore with the help of their QB Tua Tagovailoa and their great defensive backfield led by Xavien Howard and Jalen Ramsey.

NFC
1.Philadelphia Eagles over 6.Los Angeles Rams
Philadelphia returns to the NFC Championship game with a dominant win over the Rams.
5.Dallas Cowboys over 2.San Francisco 49ers
The Cowboys upset the 49ers in a divisional round matchup from last season and return to the NFC Championship for the first time since 1996.

Conference Championship Round (January 28)

AFC
1.Kansas City Chiefs over 3.Miami Dolphins
Kansas City uses their terrific offense to upend their former star receiver Tyreek Hill and the upstart Dolphins.

NFC
1.Philadelphia Eagles over 5.Dallas Cowboys
In a huge NFC East rivalry, Philadelphia keeps the Cowboys from ending their Super Bowl drought with a great performance by QB Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ terrific defensive front and secondary.

Super Bowl 58 (February 11)
1.Philadelphia Eagles over 1.Kansas City Chiefs
In a rematch of Super Bowl 57, Philadelphia finds a way to beat Kansas City and would keep them from winning a third Super Bowl in five opportunities.
Winner: 1.Philadelphia Eagles

Awards:
MVP: Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
2022 Stats: 306-460, 3701 yards, 22 TDs, 6 INT, 165 carries, 760 yards, 13 TDs
Offensive Player of the Year: Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams
2022 Stats: 75 catches, 812 yards, 6 TDs
Defensive Player of the Year: Nick Bosa, DE, 49ers
2022 Stats: 41 tackles, 18.5 sacks, 2 FF
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
2022 Stats: 258 rushes, 1580 yards, 18 TDs, 19 catches, 314 yards, 2 TD (@ Texas)
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Will Anderson, OLB, Houston Texans
2022 Stats: 51 tackles, 17 TFL, 10 sacks (@ Alabama)
Comeback Player of the Year: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins
2022 Stats: 259-400, 3,548 yards, 25 TD, 8 INT, 24 carries, 70 yards
Coach of the Year: Andy Reed, Kansas City Chiefs

Image Courtesy: The San Diego Union-Tribune

1.Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
With many questions about Carolina who could pick, there is a draft filled with a bunch of good quarterbacks who could help the Panthers. They should take Bryce Young, the talented Alabama signal-caller, who reminds many of Drew Brees coming out of college.

2.Houston Texans
CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State
Many have said this week Stroud has fallen down many teams’ draft boards. However, CJ Stroud’s performance in the CFP Semifinal against Georgia tell me he will be picked by Houston.

3.Arizona Cardinals
Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
Maybe the most talented player in the draft, Will Anderson will head to a tough situation in Phoenix with a new coaching staff. Anderson was near the top in the country in sacks over the past two seasons.

4.Indianapolis Colts
Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Will Levis has struggled as a passer at Kentucky but his Josh Allen like size has NFL GMs drooling over him. The Colts could take him or Anthony Richardson but I lean Levis here.

5.Seattle Seahawks
Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
Similar to Levis, Anthony Richardson’s passing ability is questionable. But his measurables, speed, and presence in the pocket will excite the Seahawks enough to draft him as their future QB.

6.Detroit Lions
Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
Behind Anderson, Jalen Carter has gotten in opposing teams backfield easily. The top interior defensive lineman in the draft will join a young but talented Lion defense.

7.Las Vegas Raiders
Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
There are many questions as to which defensive back could come off the board and none are bad options. The Raiders should go Christian Gonzalez to help support their pass coverage.

8.Atlanta Falcons
Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
A rare talented pass rusher from the Big 12 is headed to Atlanta. Wilson will make an instant impact there.

9.Chicago Bears
Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
Offensive tackles are valuable in the new NFL and Skoronski can help protect Justin Fields.

10.Philadelphia Eagles
Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
Nolan was a big contributor to Georgia’s last two champions. His pass rush will look to help the Eagles return to the Super Bowl in 2024.

Image Courtesy: Table 215

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs
February 13, 6:30 PM ET, FOX
State Farm Stadium (Glendale)

The top seeds in both the AFC and NFC appear in the Super Bowl this season. The NFC Championship winners, the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl run was fueled by QB Jalen Hurts (275 passing yards, 73 rushing yards, 4 overall TDs in playoffs), receivers AJ Brown and Devonta Smith, and an experienced defense filled with improving young players. The Eagles will need to continue their quality offensive line play to establish a running game with tail backs Miles Sanders and Kenneth Gainwell. The Eagles defense will have to easy task when they face with two-time NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes (521 passing yards, 4 passing TDs in playoffs), a talented room of running backs Isaiah Pacheo, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and Jerick McKinnon, and extremely talented tight end Travis Kelce (176 receiving yards, 3 TDs). Without any injuries in the receiving room, Mahomes will get to spread the ball out between Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who had a phenomenal AFC Championship game against Cincinnati, Kadarius Toney, and JuJu Smith-Schuster. Linebacker Nick Bolton and defensive end Chris Jones will have to rattle QB Jalen Hurts to throw off the Eagles offense to finish the season with a Super Bowl win. Projected Score: Eagles 38, Chiefs 35

Image Courtesy: Mental Dimes

Hey everyone, here is my preview of the 2022-2023 NFL season. If you have any thoughts, questions, or disagreements, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below.

Here are my projected division standings for the 2022-2023 NFL season:

AFC

East
Buffalo Bills 13-4
Miami Dolphins 9-8
New England Patriots 7-10
New York Jets 5-12

North
Baltimore Ravens 11-6
Cincinnati Bengals 10-7
Cleveland Browns 8-9
Pittsburgh Steelers 8-9

South
Indianapolis Colts 10-7
Tennessee Titans 9-8
Jacksonville Jaguars 6-11
Houston Texans 3-14

West
Los Angeles Chargers 11-6
Kansas City Chiefs 10-7
Denver Broncos 10-7
Las Vegas Raiders 8-9

NFC

East
Dallas Cowboys 10-7
Philadelphia Eagles 9-8
Washington Commanders 7-10
New York Giants 4-13

North
Green Bay Packers 11-6
Minnesota Vikings 10-7
Detroit Lions 7-10
Chicago Bears 3-14

South
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 12-5
New Orleans Saints 9-8
Carolina Panthers 7-10
Atlanta Falcons 3-14

West
Los Angeles Rams 11-6
San Francisco 49ers 10-7
Arizona Cardinals 8-9
Seattle Seahawks 4-13

My Projected Playoff Bracket (Based off of my projected standings):

AFC
1.Buffalo Bills 13-4
2.Baltimore Ravens 11-6
3.Los Angeles Chargers 11-6
4.Indianapolis Colts 10-7
5.Cincinnati Bengals 10-7
6.Kansas City Chiefs 10-7
7.Denver Broncos 10-7

NFC
1.Tampa Bay Buccaneers 12-5
2.Los Angeles Rams 11-6
3.Green Bay Packers 10-7
4.Dallas Cowboys 10-7
5.San Francisco 49ers 10-7
6.Minnesota Vikings 10-7
7.Philadelphia Eagles 9-8

Projected Super Bowl 57 Matchup, Winner
Buffalo Bills vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Winner: Buffalo Bills

Awards:
MVP: Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
Offensive Player of the Year: Deebo Samuel, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Defensive Player of the Year: Myles Garrett, DE, Cleveland Browns
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Jameson Williams, WR, Detroit Lions
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Detroit Lions
Comeback Player of the Year: Khalil Mack, DE/OLB, Chicago Bears
Coach of the Year: Sean McDermott, Buffalo Bills

I don’t have enough time to type up a mock draft this year because of school but please enjoy the 2022 NFL Draft beginning at 8 PM ET on ESPN/ABC which will continue through Saturday.

Here are my predictions for the NFL divisional standings before free agency and the 2022 NFL Draft. I will make another one after free agency and the NFL Draft end.

AFC

East
Buffalo Bills 13-4
New England Patriots 10-7
Miami Dolphins 8-9
New York Jets 4-13

If Josh Allen continues to play the way he played in the 2022 playoffs, the Bills should be the favorites for the AFC East every year from here on out.

North
Baltimore Ravens 11-6
Cincinnati Bengals 10-7
Pittsburgh Steelers 7-10
Cleveland Browns 6-11

With the Bengals run to the Super Bowl and the Ravens returning to full health, the AFC North could be one of if not the toughest divisions in football next season.

South
Tennessee Titans 12-5
Indianapolis Colts 10-7
Houston Texans 5-12
Jacksonville Jaguars 3-14

When I originally wrote this post, the Colts had not traded QB Carson Wentz. But, just days ago, Carson was traded back to the NFC East, this time to the Washington Commanders. Thus, the Titans are the clear frontrunner to repeat as division champs in 2022-2023.

West
Kansas City Chiefs 13-4
Los Angeles Chargers 10-7
Denver Broncos 9-8
Las Vegas Raiders 7-10

With Russell Wilson being traded from Seattle to Denver, the AFC West now has three surefire top ten QBs in the NFL including Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes, Los Angeles’ Justin Herbert, and the aforementioned Wilson. The Chargers, Broncos, and Raiders will have to keep up with the Chiefs.

NFC

East
Dallas Cowboys 11-6
Philadelphia Eagles 8-9
Washington Commanders 6-11
New York Giants 3-14

Dallas should win this division again but Washington’s move for Colts QB Carson Wentz shows fans that they are waiting until 2023 to draft another QB. With Brian Daboll as the new head coach for the Giants, expect a much longer rebuild ahead and the Eagles should make a run for the division.

North
Green Bay Packers 13-4
Minnesota Vikings 8-9
Chicago Bears 7-10
Detroit Lions 5-12

With superstar QB Aaron Rodgers and receiver Davante Adams back in the fold, the Packers are yet again Super Bowl contenders. The Vikings and Bears have new coaches and will look to end the Packers’ reign at the top of the division.

South
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14-3
New Orleans Saints 8-9
Atlanta Falcons 6-11
Carolina Panthers 5-12

With Tom Brady retired, Tampa Bay looks to find a new QB to solidify their spot at the top of the division. New Orleans and Carolina both need QBs and could make a move for Texans QB Deshaun Watson. Update: Tom Brady has unretired so the Bucs should win the division again.

West
Los Angeles Rams 12-5
San Francisco 49ers 11-6
Arizona Cardinals 8-9
Seattle Seahawks 5-12

The NFC West is the best division in football. The Super Bowl winning Rams will look to lead a division that should also have competitive 49ers and Cardinals teams. Seattle will look to rebuild after trading QB Russell Wilson.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Los Angeles Rams
February 13, 6:30 PM ET, NBC
SoFi Stadium (Inglewood)

Tomorrow, Super Bowl 56 will kick off right now at this time. Of course, it is time to preview the game right here, right now.

Los Angeles, despite playing in their own stadium, will wear their away white jerseys tomorrow. Rams QB Matt Stafford made it to the Super Bowl in his first season after the trade from the Detroit Lions. Stafford gets it to 2021 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Cooper Kupp and fellow receiver Odell Beckham Jr. a frequent amount. Stafford and Beckham are appearing in their first Super Bowl. The passing game is not much of a concern for the Rams, but establishing the run game with young backs Cam Akers and Sony Michel will definitely help LA win this game. But their defense is what will truly win this game. Edge rushers Leonard Floyd, Von Miller, and one of if not the best game breakers in NFL at the defensive tackle position, Aaron Donald. Those three as well as top defensive back Jalen Ramsey will make it tough for Bengals QB Joe Burrow and the red hot Cincinnati offense. Burrow’s favorite target is 2021 Offensive Rookie of the Year (and Joe’s former LSU teammate) Ja’Marr Chase. Fellow receivers Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, and talented veteran tight end CJ Uzomah, will challenge a Rams defense that is as talented as they come. Cincinnati’s run game is led by running back Joe Mixon, one of the must underrated in the league. Also underrated is the Cincinnati defense. The Bengals held the then red hot Kansas City offense to just three points in the second half of the AFC Championship. After losing the coin toss in overtime, the Bengals defense picked Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and Cincinnati won a game-winning field goal from rookie kicker Evan McPherson.

It should be a fun one from SoFi, here’s my prediction:

Rams 34, Bengals 31