Last August, I ID’d 60%+ of the eventual division winners and 60% of the playoff teams. Here’s what I think is in store for the 2020 season.
AFC NORTH
1. Baltimore (12-4) – Put a pass rush on this roster and watch out.
2. Pittsburgh (10-6) – A blossoming defense and a healthy offense will keep them close.
3. Cleveland (6-10) – Yet another rookie coach and COVID-19 will hold back the Browns.
4. Cincinnati (5-11) – Joe Burrow will help, but this team is still rebuilding.
AFC EAST
1. Buffalo (10-6) – Best defense in division propels Bills to the top.
2. Miami (8-8) – This is the team that will benefit most from Patriots’ fall.
3. New England (7-9) – Absence of opt-outs hurts as much as Brady’s departure.
4. NY Jets (4-12) – Darnold doesn’t have enough around him to make these Jets fly.
AFC SOUTH
1. Indianapolis (11-5) – Rivers, solid O-line make Colts legit.
2. Tennessee (9-7) – Henry shines again, but Tannehill comes back to earth.
3. Houston (6-10) – Memo to Bill O’Brien: You should have one job, not two.
4. Jacksonville (3-13) – Either put Jags on the clock or move them to London.
AFC WEST
1. Kansas City (12-4) – They’re champs, but this division is tougher.
2. Denver (9-7) – I like what I see here–building a smart, aggressive offense.
3. LA Chargers (8-8) – One QB is a rookie, the other is Tyrod Taylor, which means…..
4. Las Vegas (5-11) – This team can run, but will that be enough? Hardly.
AFC seeds: 1. Kansas City 2. Baltimore 3. Indianapolis 4. Buffalo 5. Pittsburgh 6. Denver 7. Tennessee
Wild Card Weekend: Baltimore over Tennessee, Denver over Indianapolis, Pittsburgh over Buffalo
Divisional Round: Kansas City over Denver, Baltimore over Pittsburgh
AFC Championship: BALTIMORE over Kansas City
NFC NORTH
1. Minnesota (11-5) – If they stay healthy, this an underrated, dangerous bunch.
2. Green Bay (9-7) – The window closing fast on Rodgers and this team.
3. Chicago (6-10) – Foles will be the QB here, but that won’t help much.
4. Detroit (5-11) – Stafford’s career has been wasted here and that’s a shame.
NFC EAST
1. Dallas (11-5) – This division hasn’t had a repeat winner since 2004.
2. Philadelphia (9-7) – Who catches the ball? Is Wentz healthy enough to throw it?
3. NY Giants (7-9) – There’s a glimmer of hope in America’s biggest city.
4. Washington (4-12) – New name? “Hail To The Doormats.”
NFC SOUTH
1. New Orleans (12-4) – Division got tougher, but Saints are still best.
2. Tampa Bay (9-7) – Brady will help, but the D will tell the tale.
3. Atlanta (8-8) – Rallied well late last year, but still mediocre at best.
4. Carolina (4-12) – Rivera’s departure might hurt more than Newton’s.
NFC WEST
1. Seattle (11-5) – ‘Hawks are the NFC’s Ravens.
2. San Francisco (10-6) – The Super Bowl runner-up won’t fall far.
3. Arizona (9-7) – Murray is a little man with a big game, and he now has Hopkins, too.
4. LA Rams (6-10) – LAR still has good pieces, but just not enough in this division.
NFC seeds: 1. New Orleans 2. Dallas 3. Seattle 4. Minnesota 5. San Francisco 6. Philadelphia 7, Tampa Bay
Wild Card Weekend: Dallas over Tampa Bay, Seattle over Philadelphia, San Francisco over Minnesota
Divisional Round: New Orleans over San Francisco, Dallas over Seattle
NFC Championship: NEW ORLEANS over Dallas
SUPER BOWL 55
Feb. 7, 2021; Raymond James Stadium; Tampa, Florida (CBS)
Sure, I’m based in Baltimore, but I haven’t been a homer. For only the fifth time in the Ravens’ 25-year history, I’m picking them to win it all.
The stars are lined up perfectly. The Super Bowl is being played in the same stadium, 20 years later, where the Ravens won their first title … and it’s on the same TV network, too. The passing of owner Art Modell before the 2012 season was the inspiration for a title, just as the loss of superfan Mo Gaba could be today.
Ravens have a near-perfect roster and a stable coaching staff. It all has the makings of a special season in one of America’s great football cities. Make it …
Baltimore 34, New Orleans 26
