How will the NFL look at the end of the 2018-2019 season? Well, here are my predictions, regular and postseason.
It’s time to cast my lot and choose which teams will do what in the NFL’s 99th season. These picks usually don’t turn out perfectly, but they end up better than that of most pundits.
For the fourth time in the history with a ‘certain franchise,’ I’m picking them to win the Super Bowl. It’s tough navigating the parity- and the injury-ridden world of the NFL, but I have a gut feeling…
AFC NORTH
1. Pittsburgh (11-5) – Steelers can score enough to cover up defensive flaws.
2. Baltimore (10-6) – Upgraded O, aggressive D makes leap back to playoffs.
3. Cincinnati (6-10) – A few nice pieces, but a team in transition.
4. Cleveland (3-13) – Flashy additions canceled out by poor QBs and coaching.
AFC EAST
1. New England (12-4) – O-line showing cracks, but overall, the system works.
2. NY Jets (6-10) – A weak division gets even worse with these guys second.
3. Buffalo (6-10) – Rare playoff trip followed by a return to below-par play.
4. Miami (5-11) – Picked clean in free agency, the cupboard is basically bare.
AFC SOUTH
1. Houston (10-6) – Defensive stars healthy again, as is DeShaun Watson.
2. Jacksonville (9-7) – One of best secondaries in the game will keep Jags afloat.
3. Tennessee (8-8) – Mariota’s good, but not as good as others in his draft class.
4. Indianapolis (6-10) – A few more O-linemen would help a recovering Luck.
AFC WEST
1. LA Chargers (11-5) – Young, aggressive D + Philip Rivers = big year.
2. Kansas City (10-6) – It’s Mahomes’ team now.
3. Denver (6-10) – Keenum and the pass rush will help.
4. Oakland (5-11) – The Jon Gruden experiment won’t work. Hello, Vegas!
AFC seeds: 1. New England 2. Pittsburgh 3. LA Chargers 4. Houston 5. Baltimore 6. Kansas City
Wild Card Weekend: Baltimore over Houston; LA Chargers over Kansas City
Divisional Round: Baltimore over New England; LA Chargers over Pittsburgh
AFC Championship: Baltimore over LA Chargers
*********************
NFC NORTH
1. Green Bay (11-5) – Rodgers is healthy and O-line should be better.
2. Minnesota (10-6) – Cousins to be loved more in real football surroundings.
3. Detroit (6-10) – The most unpredictable team in the league; bad luck wins out.
4. Chicago (5-11) – Stout D will help, but Trubisky not yet fully developed.
NFC EAST
1. Dallas (11-5) – LT Smith’s injury hurt more than Elliott suspension last year.
2. Philadelphia (10-6) – Champs respected, but hard to repeat in this division.
3. NY Giants (8-8) – Healthy roster, better offense lead to many more wins.
4. Washington (4-12) – Good D-line pieces, but got fleeced in QB trade.
NFC SOUTH
1. New Orleans (11-5) – With a defense, it’s now a better all-around team.
2. Carolina (9-7) – Rugged division to test Cam and a good defense.
3. Atlanta (8-8) – Falcons hosting Super Bowl, but their own window is closing.
4. Tampa Bay (5-11) – Major underachievers last year; not much better now.
NFC WEST
1. LA Rams (11-5) – They built up the D to match a potent O.
2. San Francisco (8-8) – Thanks to Jimmy G, a trendy pick to improve.
3. Seattle (7-9) – See the second part of Atlanta comment.
4. Arizona (4-12) – Promising rookie QB; future pieces to come in ’19.
NFC seeds: 1. LA Rams 2. Dallas 3. New Orleans 4. Green Bay 5. Philadelphia 6. Minnesota
Wild Card Weekend: Philadelphia over Green Bay; New Orleans over Minnesota
Divisional Round: LA Rams over Philadelphia; Dallas over New Orleans
NFC Championship: LA Rams over Dallas
*********************
SUPER BOWL LIII
Feb. 3, 2019, Mercedenz Benz Stadium, Atlanta (CBS)
Baltimore over LA Rams
