Let’s take a look at the AFC Conference and see how these teams stack up with each other. The media says the AFC is stacked and will be more competitive than the NFC. Are they correct? Well, here’s what I see.
AFC East
Once again, going back to the media, many think this might be the best division in football. Not so fast, sir. Buffalo may have already peaked with their current crew. Josh Allen was considered a top 2 QB in football just a year ago. Now, he may not even be in the top 5. Then there’s the fact that his top WR, Stefon Diggs, is never happy (right or wrong?) and I think the end is near. At 34 and coming off of an ACL injury, I’m not sure what impact Vonn Miller will have this year for them. I think they start showing some warts this year and finish only 9-8.
Miami has an explosive offense, with a healthy Tua. Going back to Alabama, Im not sure i’ve ever seen Tua play a whole season without missing a couple of games. Throw that out. The offensive line is suspect and their defense has to prove they can create pressure on the QB and make game changing stops. And their Head Coach has to deal with bigger expectations this season. I think they too will finish around the 9-8 mark this season.
NY Jets. Let’s just see what they have. We’ve seen the hype on TV, and we know what A-Rod could be at his best. The defense is suppose to be strong but their offensive line could be bad. But I believe in Robert Salah and I say this team wins the division at an 11-7 record.
New England Patriots. If ole Billy Belichick is going to show he’s still one of the best coaches in the NFL, he needs to flex a few muscles this year. Otherwise, this ole head is going to stop believing he can get it done and hope he walks away. I know he can still coach, I just wonder does he have the flexibility that Nick Saban shows he has in college. Nick changes with the times. If Alabama needs to swich from a dominant run game to a passing offense to attract the best talent and QBs to the program, he does it. And then he hires someone like Lane Kiffen or Steve Sarkasian to coach the offense. Bill, he hires a damn Defensive Coordinator to coach his 2nd year QB, Mac Jones. WTF? I think he can redeem himself but Im not sure they have enough talent on offense to do it. Well, Belichick is also the General Manager. So it all falls in his lap now. I say this team finishes 8-9 and in last place in the division.
AFC South
Forgive me for not believing in this division but I just don’t see it.
Sure, the Jacksonville Jaguars. They’ll make a little noise and they’ll probably win the division. But I think the only way they make more noise this season is if Trevor Lawrence becomes a top 5 QB. He has the potential. And there’s one media guy that really believes in him. I just don’t think this is the year it happens. But they will feast on their own division.
Record- 11-6, Division Winner
Indianapolis Colts. Well they gave the QB job to the younster, Richardson. I think he and the team will struggle to win games this year.
Indy’s Record- Way under .500
Tennessee Titans. I see both Tannehill and Henry taking steps back this year. They might be bad enough to where they put Malik Willis on the field for the last 5+ games to see if can become a starting caliber NFL QB.
Tennesee’s Record- Under .500
Houston Texans. They’ll try to develop their rookie QB too, CJ Shroud, while losing games.
Houston’s Record- way under .500
AFC West
Kansas City Chiefs. What can you say? I know Chris Jones is holding out and Travis Kelce just hyperextended his knee, but they are the defending champs. As long as Andy Reid and Patrick Mahommes are on top of their game, they will always reign supreme in this division.
KC’s Record- 12-5
Los Angeles Chargers. That name still sounds funny to me. I’m too used to the San Diego Chargers. Anyway, I don’t see them making a leap. They’ll be stagnant and continue being up and down. Their QB is good, but I just don’t see this coach/QB combo getting over the hump. Maybe I’m wrong here because there is a lot of potential for this team. Let me see it!
LA’s Record- 9-8
Las Vegas Raiders. These guys just can’t seem to get it right over there. Josh McDaniels doesn’t seem to be a respected leader of men. I just dont’ have much faith in them being a consistent threat in the AFC. Sure they will win some big games here and there, but I see them heading towards another disappointing season when all is said and done.
LV’s Record- Below .500
Denver Broncos. Let’s see if Sean Payton still has some magic left in his coaching bag. Their WRs keep getting hurt and I’m not sure if Russell Wilson is anything more than an average QB at this point.
Denver’s Record- Below .500
AFC North
This division might be the best in football this year. I don’t know what the records will be but the top 3 teams will be tough to beat every week. And the 4th team has a QB that could return back to his previous form in Deshaun Watson.
Baltimore Ravens. Lamar Jackson now has his contract. Even better, he now has more weapons to throw the ball to. They drafted Zay Flowers, signed Odell Beckham Jr and still have Mark Andrews and J.K. Dobbings. Lamar needs to get to an AFC championship game this year. If not, he’s just a good QB that does great things in the regular season. That’s it. This year needs to have a different ending if we ever want to take the Ravens serious as Super Bowl contenders with Lamar Jackson at the helm.
Bmore’s Record- 10-7
Cincinatti Bengals. Ole Joe Burrow, Jamar Chase, Tee Higgins, Joe Mixon and Coach Zac Taylor are kicking @$$ and taking names. These guys are the champs of the division until it’s taken away. They have the talent, experience and toughness to make another Super Bowl run.
Cincy’s Record- 13-4, win division
Pittsburgh Steelers.
Well, they love Tomlin. Then they (fans) hint at his time being over. Then they love him again! That’s been the feeling from this particular observer over the last 3 years of watching the Steelers. But I think everyone is “all in” on this Pickett to Pickens combo they have. Let’s not forget their other offensive weapons such as Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Diontae Johnson and the TE Freiermuth. This team has the potential to put some major points on the board each week. Their defense could be better too, led by T.J. Watt & Minkah Fitzpatrick. But they won’t be better than Cincinatti.
Pittsburgh’s Record- 11-6
Cleveland Browns. Sorry, I can’t buy into the hype that Deshaun Watson was a top 5 QB and maybe a top 3 QB before he was forced out of football (due to his own doing) for a year and a half. And I’m not buying that he will be a great QB this year either. I do think he will be good enough to win some games and have the Browns in the playoff race for a little while. But that’s all I’ll give this team.
Cleveland’s Record- 8-9
What teams do I have in the playoffs? Well, there will be three out of the North (Cincinatti, Pittsburgh & Baltimore). They’ll be two out of the AFC East (NY Jets & Buffalo Bills) and one each out of the South (Jacksonville) and the West (KC) divisions. I have Cincinatti meeting up with Baltimore in the AFC Championship game. Come back to me in the middle of the season though. I’m sure I’ll have changed my mind and have Miami meeting KC or Pittsburgh vs Buffalo in that title game. It’s a toss up in the AFC!
And there you go. Those are my thoughts on the AFC Conference.