NFL
Divisional Playoff Predictions That Might Surprise You
The NFL regular season starts off with a bang on September 6th, with reigning Super Bowl champs the Philadelphia Eagles hosting the Atlanta Falcons. The highly-anticipated return of Aaron Rodgers premieres on Sept. 9, as the Packers host the Chicago Bears for the first Sunday Night Football game. The postseason may be a long way away, but it is never too early to talk divisional playoff predictions.
AFC East
Year after year, it is expected that the New England Patriots will win the division. Tom Brady is unstoppable, making the playoffs in 12 straight years. This year doesn’t look to be any different. Belichck and Brady will bump their playoff streak up to 13 in one of the easier divisional playoff predictions.
Predicted Winner: New England Patriots
AFC North
While the Cleveland Browns acquired multiple new weapons – including all-star WR Jarvis Landry and QB Tyrod Taylor – that still won’t be enough. The Killer B’s trio of the Pittsburgh Steelers (Ben, Brown and Bell) are too much for any team in the AFC North to overshadow. The Ravens likely have the best chance of challenging Pittsburgh, but their best still may not be enough.
Predicted Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC South
This could be the division to look out for in the AFC for a tight playoff race. The returns of Andrew Luck for the Colts and Deshawn Watson for the Texans are highly anticipated. The other two contenders, Jacksonville and Tennessee, both made the playoffs last year. The impressive skills of Watson and DeAndre Hopkins will give the Texans a fighting chance, but the Jags’ top-ranked defense and agile offense will prevail in the AFC South.
Predicted Winner: Jacksonville Jaguars
AFC West
Trades made a huge difference this offseason for the AFC West. At quarterback, the Chiefs let go of Alex Smith, while the Broncos acquired Case Keenum from Minnesota. However, Phillip Rivers has too much talent around him for the Chargers to not be the team to exceed expectations and take the division.
Predicted Winner: Los Angeles Chargers
NFC East
The current Super Bowl-champs, the Eagles, are good contenders in this division. However, it’s not unlikely for the offense to drop from their Super Bowl heights, even if Carson Wentz returns. The Redskins might’ve gained Alex Smith and Adrian Peterson in recent trades, but Dallas still looks like the better team. Zeke is back for a full season and Dak looks ready to explode this season. If they can outplay their Philadelphia rivals, the Cowboys will surely clinch the division.
Predicted Winner: Dallas Cowboys
NFC North
The NFC North is full of talented quarterbacks and every team seems to have playoff potential. The Vikings had an incredible playoff run last season and made significant improvements this offseason. However, the return of Aaron Rodgers likely spells defeat for the Packers’ division rivals. A healthy Rodgers ultimately makes the Packers clear favorites to take the division.
Predicted Winner: Green Bay Packers
NFC South
The talent in the NFC South is scary. Every team except the Buccaneers has been to the Super Bowl in recent years. This is not to say the Bucs don’t have the talent to make it to the Super Bowl, though. They just face some seriously stiff competition. The Saints have Drew Brees, last year’s OROY (Alvin Kamara) and DROY (Marshon Lattimore), and plenty of other weapons up their sleeve. They will take the South with ease.
Predicted Winner: New Orleans Saints
NFC West
There is a tremendous level of talent spread across the NFC West, with teams led by young high-potential QBs and veterans alike. While Russel Wilson and co. still make the Seahawks regular playoff favorites, the 49ers are looking increasingly promising. Jimmy Garoppolo may be undefeated as a stater, but defense wins championships. The Seahawks know that well. Nowadays, so do the L.A. Rams — boasting a stout defense led by a dominant Aaron Donald. Plus, with key additions to bolster an already stacked offense, the Rams look to be the team to beat.
Predicted Winner: Los Angeles Rams
Wild Card Predictions
AFC – The way Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins connect is one of many areas that showcases how the Texans have the quality to push for an appearance in the AFC Wild Card. For the other AFC Wild Card spot, an upgraded Oakland offense can pave the way for Derek Carr and the Raiders to slide in and face the Texans.
Predicted Matchup: Houston Texans vs. Oakland Raiders
NFC – There are so many good teams in the NFC with good odds of making the playoffs. The NFC Wild Card race will be a tough one, but the Falcons and Vikings are too talented on both sides of the ball to miss out on the playoffs. Minnesota is looking to build on the success of last season, while the Falcons are always deservedly in the conversation.
Predicted Matchup: Atlanta Falcons vs. Minnesota Vikings
