NFL Predictions — Division Winners
AFC East — New England Patriots
Hate all you want, but this is probably the safest bet in terms of picking a division winner (even with the season-ending injury to Julian Edelman). The Patriots lost TE Martellus Bennett, but a healthy Gronk will be more than enough to counter Bennett’s 2016 season. They also acquired WR Brandin Cooks to give Tom Brady another fast, versatile weapon. On defense, the Patriots signed CB Stephon Gilmore, who will look nice playing opposite Malcolm Butler. Even without these moves, the Patriots are the cream of their division. With all due respect, the Bills, Dolphins and Jets just aren’t on Belichick’s level.
AFC North — Pittsburgh Steelers
RB Le’Veon Bell is healthy and not suspended (as of right now). Same goes for WR Martavis Bryant. The offense will be near the top of the league as usual. First round draft pick T.J. Watt will benefit tremendously by learning behind the ageless wonder that is James Harrison. The Steelers don’t have to worry about the Browns or the Bengals dethroning them. I think the Ravens will improve on last year’s 8–8 season, but ultimately fall short in their quest for division supremacy.
AFC West — Oakland Raiders
This division is as tough as it gets. If I was more confident in the Broncos’ QB situation, I could make an argument for them. The Chiefs are good, but I don’t see them repeating last year’s 12–4 campaign. With that being said, I like the Raiders to rise to the top and claim their first AFC West title since 2002. Derek Carr is as good as it gets. I truly believe he is the next great QB in the NFL. With the additions of RB Marshawn Lynch and TE Jared Cook, the Raiders offense could be even better than last year’s sixth-best unit. Their defense is young, improving and boasts a top five defensive player in the league with DE Khalil Mack.
AFC South — Tennessee Titans
I tried so hard to not buy the Titans’ hype and instead take the safe pick (the Texans), but I couldn’t resist. I loved what they did in the offseason — signing WR Eric Decker and CB Logan Ryan, as well as drafting WR Corey Davis (my favorite player in this year’s rookie class). With these new WR’s, the Titans will be better suited to balance out their run-heavy offense from last season. QB Marcus Mariota is healthy, the run game is strong with a nice 1–2 punch of DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry, and their offensive line is downright nasty thanks to the best offensive tackle combo in the league.
NFC East — New York Giants
It pains me to say it but I don’t see how the Giants will NOT win the division this year. Their offense (ranked 25th last season) got significantly better with the signing of WR Brandon Marshall and selection of rookie TE Evan Engram. The only thing that can stop the Giants’ offense from firing on all cylinders is their pass protection. As for their defense, a top 10 unit last season, they return all of their key starters — Jason Pierre-Paul, Olivier Vernon, Landon Collins, and Janoris Jenkins. This team is built for the NFC East and is more than capable of dethroning last year’s division king — the Dallas Cowboys. (Ed note: If/when the Cowboys sign newly released Joe Haden, they will not be dethroned by the Giants.)
NFC North — Green Bay Packers
Call me crazy but I think Aaron Rodgers has one more great run up his sleeve. His receiving unit is as good as any other in the league and that was before the addition of TE Martellus Bennett. The RB situation scares me a little bit as I’m not totally convinced that WR-turned-RB Ty Montgomery can carry the rushing load. Lucky for him, he doesn’t need to be an All-Pro RB since he’s lining up alongside the best QB in the NFL. Losing their all-purpose defensive back Micah Hyde is going to hurt, but the Packers did their best to mitigate the damage by using their first two draft picks on defensive backs. The only threat to the Packers’ division supremacy would be the Detroit Lions, who in all reality are probably destined to be a Wild Card team.
NFC West — Seattle Seahawks
Winners of three division titles during the last four seasons, I think the Seahawks have more than enough in the tank for another. We all know what their defense brings to the table and with a healthy and rejuvenated Earl Thomas, NFC West offenses better look out. Alongside Thomas are a few other All-Pro defensive studs — Kam Chancellor, Richard Sherman and Bobby Wagner. Their offense will look to continue on last season’s impressive showing. With the addition of RB Eddie Lacy, Russell Wilson and Company will have a nice big bruiser to rely on down the stretch.
NFC South — Atlanta Falcons
The Bucs are on the rise, the Saints are always dangerous, and the Panthers will certainly be better than last season’s 6–10 disaster. With all that being said, the Falcons are still the favorite as they look to make amends for last season’s Super Bowl all-time choke job. Their offense is top of the line as they return their core of Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman (the league’s newly highest paid RB). As for their defense, they are young, fast and extremely versatile. SS Keanu Neal will build upon a tremendous rookie year in which he finished with 106 combined tackles and 5 forced fumbles.
