AFC East:
The Patriots should be absolute favorites to win the division and perhaps even get the number one seed in the conference, short of Tom Brady suddenly getting much worse or he gets injured. The Dolphins are obviously getting last place and I think the Jets have most potential for second, but they aren't contending with the Pats to win the division. Not unless, as I said, Tom Brady falls off a cliff.
AFC North: People are sleeping on the Steelers, who finally have a strong defense (much better than it's been in a while) that will keep them in games. I think the Browns and Steelers are the only teams in the division that could win the division... or even get a wildcard spot for that matter. I'm not impressed with Lamar Jackson as a pocket passer at all, and their defense got worse everywhere except the secondary. And I shouldn't even need to elaborate on why the Bengals are garbage.
AFC South: Most people think the Texans are the favorite, but if you see the video I just posted, you would know I don't have that opinion. I think the Colts shouldn't be taken seriously either after Luck went down. So from there, it's between the Titans and Jags. Between those two I think the Titans will be the best team in the division at the first part of the year, but the Jags will gradually get better as the season goes on. Frankly, I wouldn't be surprised if the Titans win the division but the Jags get a wildcard spot.
AFC West:
By far the most stacked division in the conference (not close). The Chiefs will probably be about the same as they were last year. I will think more of them if their defense plays better, but I'm not counting on that. Chargers: Possibly better than last year, honestly. They are contenders to go all the way. Broncos: The ultimate sleeper team. They are MUCH better than a year ago and it will take awhile for the rest of the league to wake up and realize just how good they are. They're contenders to get a wildcard spot. And while the Raiders obviously have no chance to win the division, they're still much better than they were a year ago, thus making AFC West the most dangerous division in the AFC.
NFC:
NFC East:
The Giants are hopeless (not enough talent on the roster), and the Redskins have the talent but it will take Haskins time to develop. So it's really only between the Cowboys and Eagles. Both of which are thoroughly solid teams. Cowboys might have an edge but not by much.
NFC North: By far the most stacked team in the NFC. Every single team has a chance of having at least an even record. Yes, that includes the Lions. Their defense has made great strides, and on the other side of the ball, Matthew Stafford now has two legit tight ends.
The Packers defense is better than it has been a good while (though I'm unsure what to make of their head coach), the Bears will be about the same as last year, and the Vikings have the potential to really take off if their offense improves to the extent I think it will.
NFC South:
The Saints are the only clear choice here, short of Drew Brees getting injured or falling off a cliff. The Falcons be better than last year (better offensive lineman and starting defenders returning from injuries), and the Bucs will be better than last year (New head coach who can get the most out his quarterbacks) but neither will be in a position to threaten the Saints. The Panthers are hard to predict because so much of it depends on Cam Newton. If Cam Netwon plays to his potential then they could be a very good team, but I'm betting that he won't. The Panthers have such a deep defensive line, but if Cam is a train wreck than that will stop them.
NFC West:
Seahawks should be considered favorites here. The formula of how to shut down the Rams offense is now out, so they are expected to regress. 49ers will improve, they have better players on both sides of the ball. That said, they aren't really contenders to win the division. Cardinals: Better than last year, but not nearly good enough to win the division.
Playoffs:
AFC division champs:
Patriots, Browns, Titans, Chiefs
AFC Wildcard: Jags, Chargers
NFC division champs:
Cowboys, Bears, Saints, Seahawks:
wildcard: Eagles, Vikings
