NFL Season Has Arrived, AFC Predictions

AFC East

New England may be missing Brady for the first quarter of the season, but Patriots fans shouldn't worry. With how good the New England defense is looking, there may be a lose or two over the suspension but they will still out do their division foes with ease. Patriots blow out their rivals all year and take one of the highest seeds in the AFC. The season ends Patriots 11-5.

Buffalo has the Ryan brothers at the helm looking to get them back in the playoffs. Taylor looks to put up good numbers this season, but the Bills are going to have a rough start to the year facing the Patriots, Cardinals, and Rex's old home the Jets. The Bills defense will be strong giving them a shot to make the playoffs for the first time since the turn of the century. Week 17 ends at Bills 8-8.

The New York Jets have a tough schedule to start the year, meeting the Bengals, Bills, Chiefs, Seahawks, Steelers, and Cardinals. I am afraid I just dont believe in Fitzpatrick this year, after how long it took to make a deal it is obvious he doesn't click with this team. They will struggle this year losing the close ones late in the fourth, going Jets 7-9.

I am blown away by the expectations I have seen for the Dolphins, beating teams like the Steelers, Patriots, and Cardinals? Please! The Dolphins are in for a tough year with the lack of skill on both sides of the ball. Tannehill may be providing some good fantasy points, but the Dolphins wont be posting the W's. Dolphins 4-12. 

AFC North

The Steelers may be missing a couple offensive weapons due to suspension to start the season, but I think they will be fine. With Big Ben, Antonio Brown, and that Steeler defense, they will have a blast dominating the division and AFC. As long as the Steelers stay healthy this year, they will have the top seat come playoff time in this conference, finishing Steelers 12-4. 

The Bengals lost some names on the offensive side of the ball in the offseason. Jones and Sanu no longer there to be targets for Dalton, putting more pressure on Green. Plus their TE is out to start the year. The Bengals will still look like a power team, but wont be able to come up with late clutch plays to win those extra few like last season. Bengals 9-7.

The Ravens had an off year last season with injuries. And now their is the Forsett drama, cut then resign. Flacco will lead the Ravens to a better record then last year, but I bet injuries become an issue again keeping them out of the playoffs. Years come to an end with Ravens 8-8.

RGIII may be taking the snaps now, but there is still no hope for this team. The Browns have traded away their last six first round picks as of last week. I don't see how anyone can have faith in this team. Only lucky turnovers and late missed field goals will bring the Browns a win. It closes out Browns 3-13.

AFC South  

The South is a tough division to predict. But I am putting my money on Jacksonville this year. I think Bortles and his many options will come through will the late drives and take the close games this year. I think with the addition of Ivory in the back field, the Jaguars will surprise many and come away with the division title. May not be a top record, but enough to take the south, Jaguars 9-7. 

Andrew Luck is one of the best QBs in the league, but like last season he has one of the worst lines in the league protecting him. Luck and the Colts offense will struggle on third and short plays, killing drives they need to come through to lock down the win. The Colts will blow late 4th quarter leads and miss the playoffs. It ends Colts 8-8.

Osweiler is now at the helm and he has the support of Watt and one of the best defenses in the league. But I think the Texans have one of the hardest schedules this season. Due to a few late game mistakes, the Texans do their best to stay in the fight but come up just short this year. Texans 8-8.

The Titans have some new backs with Henry and veteran Murray, but are relying on a good amount of youth at the offensive line. Giving up the most sacks last year, the Titans needed to improve to keep their QB and rushers healthy. If they can keep keep everyone off the IR, you can expect and exciting offense that battles to the end in each game. Titans only got 3 wins last season, but will improve this year finishing Titans 6-10.

AFC West 

Smith and Kelce with dominate the season, connecting over and over again driving defenses crazy. That duo with their strong run game will lead the way in the West, over coming their rivals by a game or two. Charles health is still a bit in question, but he should be back by week three. The Chiefs look sharp and ready to make the playoffs. Seasons comes to an end Chiefs 11-5. 

The Raiders are ready. Carr, Cooper, Murray, and that offense has shaken off the young mistakes and will put the pressure on the defense. They will force many turnovers on the other side of the ball and take home a lot of close wins. Raiders 9-7.

The Broncos may be Manningless, but have chosen their replacement with Siemian ready to take the ball for Denver. That defense is still one of the best and will be holding their opponents down. Von Miller is ready to hit QBs off their feet, locking down the wins for Denver. Broncos 9-7.

The Chargers had an off year, but I bet their offense explodes this season. Rivers and Gates will connect just like they used to for the clutch 3rd downs and big TDs in the 4th. My worry about them is their defense. Weedle is gone and the line is as strong as it was. The Chargers will improve from four victories, but still come up short in their playoff hunt. Chargers 8-8.