Much like football, my predictions are a time-honored tradition (in my house at least). So, without further ado (not that that was too much ado), here are:
(No actual records will be predicted. I don't have the time or math skills to predict the outcome of all 512 games)
AFC EAST
1) New England Patriots
Tom Brady's no longer suspended. Enough said. Who am I kidding? I was going to pick the Patriots even if he did miss games.
2) Miami Dolphins
I'm expecting a good year from Miami. Their offense is young and improving, and anytime you add Ndomukong Suh, your defense instantly gets better.
3) Buffalo Bills
Awesome defense, plus I have a funny feeling that Tyrod Taylor is going to be good. They should compete for a playoff spot.
4) New York Jets
I believe they'll improve on last year's 4 wins, but with the AFC East being so competitive, vaulting into a playoff spot seems unlikely.
AFC North
1) Pittsburgh Steelers
Talk about an identity change. The Steelers, once known for their stout defenses, have become a high-powered offensive team. High-powered enough to take the division.
2) Baltimore Ravens
They're always good, and this year the offense is being coached by Marc Tressman. Look for them to score a few more points than usual.
3) Cincinnati Bengals
Doesn't it seem like the Bengals win 9 or 10 games each season? That's because they've done just that each of the past 4 seasons. It never results in anything, though, except a Wild Card loss. Eight or nine wins seems about right, but no Wild Card this year.
4) Cleveland Browns
I declare every year as the year of the Browns. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me 15 times, shame on me.
AFC South
1) Indianapolis Colts
It's not even close. Andrew Luck is fantastic, and they've just added Frank Gore and Andre Johnson. If you look at the standings, I think the Colts have already clinched the division.
2) Houston Texans
If they had a better quarterback, I'd actually have them competing for the division. But they don't, and JJ Watt can only do so much.
3) Jacksonville Jaguars
This almost came down to a coin flip, but when looking at the Jags roster, they actually have some talent. Not sure how the defense will be, but they've got weapons offensively, and could score some points if Blake Bortles can make strides.
4) Tennessee Titans
Not sure how good of an NFL quarterback Marcus Mariota will be. Plus, I just don't think they're that good.
AFC West
1) Denver Broncos
I think this will be the last hoorah for Peyton Manning. He struggled mightily at the end of last season, and whether it was injuries or not, there was reason for concern. I'll give them the division because they're loaded with talent around Manning.
2) Kansas City Chiefs
Can Alex Smith actually throw a touchdown pass to a wide receiver this year? Because he didn't last year, and that still blows my mind. The Chiefs brought in Jeremy Maclin to try and rectify that. Defensively, I think they'll be quite disruptive. The playoffs look like a possibility for them.
3) San Diego Chargers
Should be pretty good again offensively. It's yet to be determined how good Melvin Gordon will be, but guys like Danny Woodhead will alleviate some of the pressure on him. Defense seems suspect. Don't see the Bolts coming out with a winning record this year.
4) Oakland Raiders
A part of me really wanted to put them 3rd, but I think they're a year off from that. I'm expecting a big improvement from this team both offensively and defensively. Derek Carr played very well as a rookie, and now has Latavius Murray as a starter, and gets to throw to Amari Cooper. On defense, Kalil Mack looks like an absolute beast. The building blocks are there, but I don't think there's enough surrounding pieces for them to compete just yet.
Wild Card Round
Broncos vs. Dolphins
Give me the Dolphins in an upset, and perhaps the last game for Peyton Manning.
Steelers vs. Ravens
This is quite possibly the best rivalry in the NFL. Every game is a slobber-knocker. The Steelers come out on top in this one.
Divisional Round
Colts vs. Dolphins
Andrew Luck and the Colts make it back-to-back AFC Championship appearances.
Patriots vs. Steelers
Two good offenses, two mediocre defenses. Give me the Steelers in an upset.
Championship Round
Colts vs. Steelers
If this game can be anything like last year's matchup, we're in for a treat. Luck and Roethlisberger combined for over 900 passing yards and 9 touchdowns. Awesome. Just awesome. After the fireworks, though, the Steelers will be the team playing for the Lombardi trophy.
Be on the lookout for my NFC and Super Bowl predictions.
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