NFL Season 100 Divisional Predictions

With only one preseason game left for each team, it is time to get the predictions underway. My friends Marcus, Lauren, Joe, and I will get our seasonal competition started with who we think will win the divisions this year. The preseason thus far has been interesting, with a couple big plays, strange field situations, some starters who have yet to make appearances, and what teams fear most with a few injuries and a shocking retirement when it comes to starters or early draft picks. What has caught my attention more than anything though is how aggressive coaches have been with the new rule of challenging pass interference calls. We will see if they continue to toss that red flag so often when the regular season starts, or if they were just testing the waters to get a feel for the new rule in the preseason.  Here is what we expect, as teams handle their injuries and holdouts, as they prepare for Week 1 of the regular season.

AFC East

The AFC East. Aka "The Most Predictable Division in All of Sports." Possibly even the most predictable division of all sports at any level. Since 2003, the New England Patriots have won the division every single season except for one. And without researching, I'm pretty sure that was the year Tom Brady got hurt and they still won 11 games with "Never Been Useful Since" Matt Cassel. So be serious. We know who's winning this division. Would it kill the Bills, Dolphins and Jets to attempt competence for even one season? For most of you, the Patriots have been winning since before you got to high school. My division predictions from first to worst:

New England Patriots

Is this team really good and a lot smarter than everyone else? Absolutely. But are they lucky also? You better believe it. The Tuck Rule, signal stealing, Spygate, illegal formations, Deflategate, an interception on the one yard line, the biggest meltdown in Super Bowl history, a fumble being ruled dead as it was being returned for a touchdown, and a roughing the passer penalty for hitting the quarterback in the shoulder. All of these things happened in the playoffs and all of them ended up in the Patriots favor. Most of these were the deciding factor in playoff and even Super Bowl wins. It is completely insane the horseshoe this team has up their ass. It's not fair to every other team and fan base that has to witness it year after year. But whatever. They're not winning it all this year. But we will cover that as the season goes on. They will win this garbage division again. 
According to Vegas Insider the Patriots have 1/5 odds to win the AFC East.
New York Jets
I really wanted to pick this team as a sleeper for a Wild Card. But their schedule is actually tough. I think they will be improved. But it's hard to know what to expect out of Le'Veon Bell. Is he one year rested or one year out of shape? I expect Sam Darnold to pull a Jared Goff and be a lot better in his second season. They are still the Jets, though. They are good for 3-4 losses thanks to poor 4th quarter play. 
According to Vegas Insider the Jets have 6/1 to win the AFC East.
Miami Dolphins
According to Vegas, this is the team least likely to win the Super Bowl. Yet I don't even think they will finish last in the division. And here is why: 1. Ryan Fitzpatrick is good for 2-3 "I have no business winning this game" wins per season. In fact, you're going to see it in week 1 against the Ravens. Book it. 2. Their position players aren't that bad. Solid at running back and wide receiver. And 3. At least one good team and sometimes more have weird losses in Miami every season. Not sure if it's the humidity or what. Chicago and New England in 2018, New England in 2017 and Pittsburgh in 2016. 
According to Vegas Insider the Dolphins have 60/1 odds to win the AFC East.
Buffalo Bills
Without looking, name a single wide receiver on the Bills. Good luck. I couldn't do it. So I cheated. What the hell? John Brown and something called Zay Jones. And don't even get me started on LeSean McCoy. He completely sucks. Wouldn't take a flyer on him in the last round of a fantasy football draft. And worse than that, he ruined Avengers Endgame for his Twitter followers. So not only is he bad, he also has no class. So what does that mean? I'm supposed to trust Josh Allen, who might not be any good, to lead this group of bums? Not gonna happen. I also don't recognize a single defensive player they have. And their coach is the guy that started Nathan Peterman. Four wins is actually pretty generous.
According to Vegas Insider the Bills have 8/1 odds to win the AFC East.
AFC East Predictions
1) Patriots 12-4
2) Jets 7-9
3) Dolphins 5-11
4) Bills 4-12

-Joe

AFC North

Cleveland Browns 
I’m sure most analysts are thinking along the same lines as I am. Baker Mayfield plus Odell Beckham Jr. plus Jarvis Landry equals a playoff berth. This team has most of the pieces it needs to stand atop the AFC North. The only thing it may be lacking is a run game. The Ravens are gonna give the Browns a fight since their defense is superior, but Baltimore’s offense is nowhere near as explosive. Mayfield is going to make the Browns a pass-happy team and I think it will pay off for them in the long run.
According to Vegas Insider the Browns 5/4 odds to win the AFC North.
Baltimore Ravens 
Like I said, this Raven team is not going to make it easy for the Browns to win the AFC North. Their defense is still better, though it will not be what it used to be. Lamar Jackson has something to prove this year especially after the team traded Joe Flacco to the Broncos. He is the guy that the front offices and coaches have staked their season on. No pressure kid. The only problem is that he has no one to throw to. Willie Snead, Chris Moore, and Jordan Lasley are not the names that come to mind when thinking of an elite wide receiver corp. But Jackson proved that he may be able to do all the scoring himself, so more power to him if that ends up being the case.
According to Vegas Insider the Ravens 7/2 odds to win the AFC North.
Pittsburgh Steelers 
There are two teams that I’m sick of hearing about in preseason playoff talk and the Steelers are one of them. Big Ben is old. AB and Bell are gone. What does the team have left? This may be the year we see the Steelers get left out of the postseason and I’m ok with that.
According to Vegas Insider the Steelers have 8/5 odds to win the AFC North.
Cincinatti Bengals 
If there is one team that we are all expecting to pretty much suck this year, it’s the Bengals. Andy Dalton has had his time in the sun and never won a playoff game while there. AJ Green can still be a powerhouse when he wants to, but he went down in camp with torn ligaments in his ankle and needed surgery. Even if he were healthy, he can’t win the division by himself. Cincy needs to get a successor for Dalton and piece together a team around that new QB. Fourth place this season, and for more seasons to come.
According to Vegas Insider the Bengals have 16/1 odds to win the AFC North.
AFC North Predictions
1) Browns 10-6
2) Ravens 8-8
3) Steelers 7-9
4) Bengals 4-12

-Lauren

AFC South

A lot has happened in the last week or two for the contenders of the AFC South. Starting with Luck, I mean a lot of attention in the media has been on him and his big decision. They have talked to teammates, other QBs, even NBA players about his move to retire. What will make the difference in the AFC South is staying healthy and what the GMs do here on out to fill the wholes of the big injuries, dropouts, and possibly traded players....Clowney. There are about to be a lot of guys cut from teams and names that should catch their attention to fill in for what they need to compete and battle for the division title.
Houston Texans
The Texans have taken the division three times in the last four years. But things are off to a rough start with Lamar Miller taking that big hit leading to the ACL tear that has him out for the year. This makes the recent acquisition of Duke Johnson come off rather genius, as I bet they will still acquire another veteran RB soon. Possibly even Melvin Gordon if a deal can't be made with the Chargers. Houston picked up offensive line help in the draft to help their stars Watson and Hopkins, but from what I have seen in the preseason, a lot of pressure gets through rather easily. Houston does have a tough schedule, visiting the Saints, Chargers, and Chiefs in their first three road games. Look for Watson to be one of the years offensive leaders, but those games against the division and the health of Watt and their defense difference makers will be key in order to take home the division.
According to Vegas Insider the Texans 2/1 odds to win the AFC South.
Indianapolis Colts

Well this team sure was hit with a shock. With Andrew Luck out of the picture they are turning to Jacoby Brissett to lead the offense. The Colts believe him to be a top 20 QB, as he will have Hilton and Funchess to use as targets. The Colts added some defensive weapons with Spencer Ware and Justin Houston, but I am taking my win expectations from 10 down to around 6. They don't have an easy start visiting the Chargers and Titans and hosting the Falcons in the first three weeks. I respect Luck's decision, but it will be a tough thing for Indy to get around. Don't be surprised if they add another QB before the season gets underway.
According to Vegas Insider the Colts 4/1 odds to win the AFC South.
Jacksonville Jaguars
This is a team that can really go one way or the other. With Nick Foles taking the snaps, I expect better numbers on the offensive side of the ball. Fournette is still in the backfield and I like Westbrook, but do they have enough weapons for their new QB? Keeping their few playmakers and defensive strengths healthy will be key for Jacksonville. Another big deal will be penalties. In order for the Jaguars to win some of those clutch games, such as games one & two against the Chiefs and in Houston, they will need to avoid those unnecessary calls that takes them out of field goal range. I can see them doing as good as 8-8, but another 5-11 season wouldn't be a surprise either.
According to Vegas Insider the Jaguars 2/1 odds to win the AFC South.
Tennessee Titans
Mike Vrabel was entertaining last year. Those last second decisions were big difference makers in good and bad ways for them last season. He will need to show a little restraint and make the right decisions this year. With the Colts and Texans both missing big pieces already, this is the Titans year to take the division. Mariota needs to put together a big season with Henry and Lewis in his back field doing their share as well. Hopefully Henry recovers at the pace they are expecting. What worries me about the Titans however is their secondary. They have big games against Ryan, Mahomes, Brees, Mayfield, & Rivers where they will need to control the pass game to stay in the game. The biggest matches will be on week 15 & 17 against Houston, as whoever wins those games will take the division.
According to Vegas Insider the Titans 13/4 odds to win the AFC South.
AFC South Predictions
1) Texans 9 -7
2) Titans 8-8
3) Jaguars 7-9
4) Colts 5-11

-Tommy

AFC West

Los Angeles Chargers
Whenever I see "LAC" to represent the Chargers, I'm often reading that abbreviation as the LA Clippers not Chargers. Any who, the Chargers are coming back from a great season last year where they made the playoffs but lost in the second round to the eventual Super Bowl champion Patriots. Phillip Rivers has yet to take a snap all pre-season, and why should he? He's 37 years old and the question is how many more years will he be able to play at a high level before his skills diminish? Even with Gordon holding out, they have a core running back group and other tools for Rivers to use such as Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and TE Hunter Henry. Did I mention they have a solid solid defense that is anchored by the duo of Bossa and Ingram on defense? Plus the Bolts will be wearing their iconic powder blue uniforms as their primary uniform, that alone will give them the swag to get a couple W's! I see the Chargers making the post season once again this upcoming season. 
According to Vegas Insider the Chargers have 9/4 odds to win the AFC West.

Oakland Raiders

The very last season in Oakland ever for the Raiders. Another end of an era playing in the East Bay with winning seasons coming few and far between. Will this last season in the Town be any different, I don't think so .... The Raiders have a lot of young players, well they also traded and acquired a lot of draft picks and time will tell if those picks actually blossom into NFL talent or are busts. The Raiders did sign Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams to help out Carr, who will need to play better. The Raiders cleaned house on the O-line front and Carr should feel a lot more comfortable in the pocket and utilize his new receivers. But how will year two under Chucky weigh on Carr? I see some improvement but not much in terms of sneaking into playoffs. 
According to Vegas Insider the Raiders have 20/1 odds to win the AFC West.
Denver Broncos
The law office of Miller & Chubb are back in business this upcoming NFL season and welcome some extra help on the defensive front. Chris Harris and Bryce Callahan, who was coached by Fangio in Chicago, will look to solidify a DB corp who in turn look to make this Orange Crush defense a top 10 defensive unit this upcoming season. But defense could only get you so far, you also need some type of offensive unit but that is not the Broncos strong point this season. Is Flacco still elite? Was he ever elite, how about can he compete? His supporting cast is sub par with an older o-line and no name receivers, it could be a long year for Flacco. My bold prediction is that Flacco either gets hurt or is benched and my boy Kevin Hogan comes in later in the year to supply a few wins for the Broncos. 
According to Vegas Insider the Broncos have 16/1 odds to win the AFC West.
Kansas City Chiefs
It was a helluva season last year for the Chiefs, and they ultimately lost in the AFC Championship game where their defense hurt them and also some favorable calls that went Brady's way by the refs didn't help their cause. But this is a new season for the Chiefs Kingdom and they have Patrick Mahomes the gun slinger' from Texas Tech under center once again, so they should be just fine! He put up ridiculous numbers last season and he can only get better and he also has his go to targets of WR Tyreek Hill and TE Travis Kelce. The KC defense went threw a bit of an overhaul but they have a strong defensive line anchored by Chris Jones who looks to get more sacks than he did last year, he was able to get to the QB 15 1/2 times last season. I like the Chiefs to get back to the playoffs where they have some unfinished business to take care and they should be the favorite in the AFC to get to the Super Bowl. Record 12-4
AFC West Predictions
1) Chiefs 12-4
2) Chargers 10-6
3) Raiders 7-9
4) Broncos 6-10

-Marcus

NFC East

From the most predictable division to the least predictable division. As remarkable as it is that the Patriots win their division every single season, it's even more impressive when you compare it to the NFC East, a division which has not had a back-to-back winner since 2004. That's bad news for the Cowboys. They pretty much have no chance. And I expect it to be a lot uglier than that.
Philadelphia Eagles

It pains me to say this but these mother f****rs are going to be a contender to make it to the Super Bowl. Unless, of course, Carson Wentz gets hurt.........again. I'm rooting for it. Their line is good. Their defense is good. Coaching as well. And their division is trash. I hope I'm wrong.

According to Vegas Insider the Eagles have 5/8 odds tow int he NFC East.
New York Giants

Okay, what the hell am I doing? I'm saying that the Giants are not going to be as awful as everyone else thinks they're going to be. And an even bolder prediction: they have two quarterbacks that are better than all of the QBs on the Redskins and Cowboys. Check the stats. Eli Manning was not that bad last season. It makes no sense that this team would be better without Odell Beckham Jr., but they are about to be. You heard it here first.

According to Vegas Insider the Giants have 16/1 odds to win the NFC East.
Washington Redskins

This is one of the more forgettable teams in the NFL. Yet they always seem to win 6-8 games. I have no idea which 7 teams this squad beat last year. And they're another team that I don't know who their wide receivers are. Pierre Garcon? Just checked. Nope. Josh Doctson and Cam Sims. Yikes. They'd be wise to start Case Keenum. But may be leaning towards Colt McCoy, a guy who has never been good. Weird.

According to Vegas Insider the Redskins have 20/1 odds to win the NFC East.
Dallas Cowboys

It is going to be ugly. First, Jerry Jones is a complete idiot if he doesn't pay Zeke. It's going to lead to a week 1 loss to the Giants. Second, Dak is a below average quarterback. He'll be lucky to be a starter for any team three years from now. And three, an absolutely brutal schedule. At New England, New Orleans and Chicago. Home against Green Bay, Minnesota, and the Rams. And two against Philly. No way this team finishes .500. 

According to Vegas Insider the Cowboys have 8/5 odds to win the NFC East.

NFC East Predictions

1) Eagles 12-4

2) Giants 8-8

3) Redskins 6-10

4) Cowboys 5-11

-Joe

NFC North

Chicago Bears 
It feels like it’s 1985 again because this Bears defense is scary. Khalil Mack, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Eddie Jackson, and more. I don’t see how opposing teams think they are going to score against these guys. The offense isn’t bad either. Turbisky proved that he was (kind of) worth trading up for, but I feel like he needs better weapons to throw to. The run game will be good with Tarik Cohen and the offensive line making room for him. The Bears will be sure to make believers out of Chicago again.
According to Vegas Insider the Bears have 7/4 odds to win the NFC North.
Green Bay Packers 
Honestly, I see this division as a two-way fight for second place between the Vikings and the Packers. It will be a good one too, coming down to the last game maybe. Aaron Rodgers is still an elite quarterback and Davante Adams seems to get better every year. With young speed at the other receiving spots Rodgers should be able to put the ball where he wants. The Packers run game is also strong with Aaron Jones at RB1. The only question is: Can the secondary come through? Jaire Alexander was a hell of a player last year and hopefully he can keep up the good work. The other guys around him though need to prove themselves.
According to Vegas Insider the Packers have 11/5 odds to win the NFC North.
Minnesota Vikings
Kirk Cousins is entering his second year of the massive 3-year $84 million deal the Vikings gave him and, honestly, he has not lived up to the price tag. His receivers, Diggs, Thielen, Rudolph, all make him look so much better than he really is. That being said, the Vikings still have a shot at the division because of these guys. Minnesota’s defense is good too when they can keep the penalties down. Expect a dog-fight with Green Bay for the #2 spot in the division.
According to Vegas Insider the Vikings have 9/5 odds to win the NFC North.
Detroit Lions 
I was impressed last year be the signing of Matt Patricia to be the Lions’ head coach. I though it meant good things for Detroit. Until watching them get blown to pieces by the Jets. Stafford is still a great quarterback and I feel like he has the tools to lead a winning team, but nothing ever clicks for these guys. The defense for the Lions should be better this year, especially with the addition of Tyler Flowers, but the team still looks like the bottom of the NFC North barrel.
According to Vegas Insider the Lions have 12/1 odds to win the NFC North.
NFC North Predictions
1) Bears 12-4
2) Packers 9-7
3) Vikings 8-8
4) Lions 6-10

-Lauren

NFC South

This is a division with a few teams that have a good shot for a playoff spot. But there is one team coming into the season with more motivation than the others and we all know why. The Saints are stacked. Brees will take the snaps on first and second down, then they got Hill set to take the hike and run around the corner on those third and short plays. That is a team ready to lead the league in a lot offensive categories. I think the Falcons and Panthers have a fair shot, but they will need some crazy break out years and a good amount of luck get the amount of W's needed to win the division.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons were busy locking down their defensive big boys with Deion Jones and Grady Jarrett getting extensions in the off season. I am sure averaging 26.4 points on defense wasn't a very fun year, they will need their defense to step it up this year if they want to keep up with the Saints. I mean they have a great offense, with Freeman, Jones, Sanu, and Ridley all there for Matt Ryan putting up points shouldn't be to much of an issue. But they will need more help from their defense in order to win the games they'll need against their division. The Falcons will put a good fight, but don't have the offensive line or defense to take the NFC South.
According to Vegas Insider the Falcons have 3/1 odds to win the NFC South.
Carolina Panthers
It seems the Panthers may already be on the pace they were last season. They were looking great, then Newton got dinged in the shoulder and they fell slowly but surely until they were fully eliminated. Newton had the procedures needed, but now already has ankle issues. The team appears confident he will be ready go for game one, but if this is an injury that lingers it could be a long year for them. McCaffrey is a stud, but it will be tough to carry that offense if Newton ends up on the IR. Staying healthy and recovering from his current injury will be vital for Newton for the Panthers to reach the postseason.
According to Vegas Insider the Panthers have 15/4 odds to win the NFC South.
New Orleans Saints

Last year was the Saints year and they got robbed. They are coming into this season now with their powerful offense ready to make up for it. Brees had some issues late in the season last year, which may be a bit alarming for his age, but makes it a good thing they visit the Rams and Seahawks early in the season. If these guys stay healthy I don't think anyone can get in their way. Kamara and Murray in the backfield, Thomas and Ginn Jr. at wide receiver, and Bridgewater and Hill there to back Brees up. This will really be a tough team to outscore. I see the Saints picking up at least 11 wins and their meeting in week 7 against the Bears a possible preview of the NFC Championship.
According to Vegas Insider the Saints have 5/7 odds to win the NFC South.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
If anyone is on the hot seat this coming season it is Jameis Winston. The turnover master has a new staff including coach Bruce Arians who hopes to turn him around to be the worth the first overall pick he was five years ago. That may be a challenge with Mike Evans having leg issues and not to many other guys too reliable on offense. Winston will need to prove himself if he wants a big contract instead of new colors next season. Tampa has a tough road  ahead of them, meeting each divisional opponent twice along with the Rams, Texans, and Seahawks.
According to Vegas Insider the Buccaneers have 16/1 odds to win the NFC South.
NFC South Predictions
1) Saints 13-3
2) Falcons 9-7
3) Panthers 7-9
4) Buccaneers 4-12

-Tommy

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals

The former Heisman winner Murray looked great after that 1st pre-season game. One of my uncles that lives in Phoenix said that a lot of chatter on the news/radio was that this was going to be the Cardinals year, Murray was the savior and Kingsbury was a smart hire. Welp week 2 & 3 happened to the Cards and brought that hype back down to earth. Murray had a terrible game against the Raiders but looked good in a loss to the Vikes. This season is going to be a trying year for the Cardinals as they look to bounce back from a forgettable 3-13 season last year. Can Murray lead the Cardinals? Will the O-Line block for Murray? Will he be able to get the ball into the hands of his future HOF receiver Larry Fitzgerald? Will Madden change Kliff's likeness in the game to appease him? A lot of questions to be answered this season for the Cardinals. I feel that Murray's and Kingsbury hue's are still on the greener side, I see a couple more wins this season for the Cardinals. 

According to Vegas Insider the Cardinals have 35/1 odds to win the NFC West.
San Francisco 49ers

The "Santa Clara" Niners come into the 2019 season with a lot of hope and inspiration now that their golden boy Jimmy G is back from injury. Jimmy G looked like Jimmy I-N-T against the Broncos but bounced back against the Chiefs, where he was Jimmy Dropping Dimes on the KC defense. He should be dropping dimes to one of his favorite targets George Kittle, who had a Pro-Bowl season last year and expect the same again this season. A stronger D-Line this year is a plus for Santa Clara, but their season will be predicated on the health of Jimmy G. If he's healthy I see them fighting for a playoff berth. 

According to Vegas Insider the 49ers have 7/2 odds to win the NFC West.

Los Angeles Rams

The Super Bowl rubber-ups look to get back to the big game again this season. They still have Goff, Gurley and also a solid tandem of back up running backs. Brandin Cooks, Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods are all back and give Goff a trio of threats down the field. The Rams also bring back a solid defensive Donald who will be the anchor upfront and look to increase his sacks from last season. An explosive offense and a solid defense should translate to another great season for the Rams and a return trip to the NFC Championship game.

According to Vegas Insider the Rams have 4/7 odds to win the NFC West.

Seattle Seahawks

Seattle started last season 0-2 but turned it around and ended up earning a playoff berth, but can they do it again this year? Well they have Russell Wilson again this season, and that gives them a chance. Seattle will need some solid O-Line play up front to not only give Wilson enough time to throw the ball but also give him and the running backs lanes to run into. But offense could only take you so far, they need strong defensive play. But the Seattle front line, took a hard hit over the off season. With a struggling defense, that hurts Seattle’s chances of returning to the playoffs. 

According to Vegas Insider the Seahawks have 7/2 odds to win the NFC West.

NFC West Predictions

1) Rams 12-4

2) 49ers 9-7

3) Seahawks 8-8

4) Cardinals 5-11

-Marcus