8/29/17-Season Predictions

By: Mike Pelaia

AFC:
EAST:
1. New England Patriots – They could be better than last year. Bellichick and Brady aren’t slowing down.
2. Miami Dolphins – After New England, this division isn’t very good. Jay Cutler is the QB for this team, how good can they really be?
3. Buffalo Bills – This team isn’t very good but they play in a division with the NY Jets.
4. NY Jets – Vying for the #1 pick in next years draft. They are bad.
NORTH:
1. Pittsburgh Steelers – This team is primed for a Super Bowl run. They are loaded offensively and are playing for Mr. Rooney.
2. Cincinnati Bengals – Still have the talent to give the Steelers the biggest challenge for the division. They will get a Wild Card.
3. Baltimore Ravens – I could see this team going either way this year. I’m thinking they just aren’t ready for a true run yet.
4. Cleveland Browns – They are, in fact, the Browns.
SOUTH:
1. Houston Texans – I’m banking on their defense carrying them a long way this season.
2. Tennessee Titans – I’m expecting big improvements from this team. Marcus Marriotta is a good QB and this team will steal the second Wild Card.
3. Indianapolis Colts – Andrew Luck appears to be a question mark coming back from injuries and this team just doesn’t appear to be very good, even if he’s playing.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars – Chad Henne is their starting QB, need I say more?
WEST:
1. Oakland Raiders – Derek Carr is on the verge of becoming elite. I think this team could be a top team in the NFL this season.
2. Kansas City Chiefs – He may not be flashy but Alex Smith wins games. This team will be a playoff contender.
3. Los Angeles Chargers – I don’t expect much from this team but I do think Philip Rivers will have a solid season.
4. Denver Broncos – They have a top defense but the QB situations is too much of a mess.
AFC Championship:
Pittsburgh Steelers over the New England Patriots – It’s just their time. The Steelers finally best their long time nemesis.

NFC:
EAST:
1. NY Giants – They are a loaded offense and much improved defense. Eli may finally cut down on the turnovers.
2. Dallas Cowboys – With Zeke out for six weeks and my expectation that Dak will step back, the Cowboys will fall back too but they will grab a wild card.
3. Washington Redskins – I think Kirk Cousins is a very solid QB and this team can give the rest of the division fits.
4. Philadelphia Eagles – I believe Carson Wentz will fall back to reality this season and the Eagles will feel the pain.
NORTH:
1. Green Bay Packers – Aaron Rodgers is just too good for this team not to be great again.
2. Detroit Lions – Matt Stafford is going to put up monster numbers this season.
3. Minnesota Vikings – I don’t expect Sam Bradford to be as consistent as he was in 2016.
4. Chicago Bears – They are just a bad football team.
SOUTH:
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – I believe in Jameis Winston and the progression of this team. I think they will surprise the division and come out on top.
2. Atlanta Falcons – The super bowl loser will take a step back but will get the top Wild Card.
3. Carolina Panthers – Cam Newton can do a lot but this team isn’t good enough for him to get them to the playoffs this season. Ron Rivera on the hot seat.
4. New Orleans Saints – Could this be the end of the Sean Peyton/Drew Brees marriage?
WEST:
1. Seattle Seahawks – They are still the class of the West. Solid QB, good defense.
2. Arizona Cardinals – A lot depends on Carson Palmer but the defense is still good, they will be competitive.
3. Los Angeles Rams – I don’t believe in Jared Goff but I think Sean McVey is a good young coach and this team will improve over time.
4. San Francisco 49ers – Kyle Shanahan will be a great coach in this league but he has no talent on this team.
NFC Championship:
Green Bay Packers over the NY Giants – I think Aaron Rodgers is going to carry this team to the Super Bowl and win the league MVP along the way.

SUPER BOWL:
Pittsburgh Steelers over the Green Bay Packers – A rematch of the 2010 season with a different outcome. The Steelers offense is just too unstoppable this year and the defense will be much improved. Big Ben and James Harrison go out on top!