by NFC West
- Los Angeles Rams 11-6 (4-2 vs NFC West)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: vs Texans – W
- Week 2: @ Titans – W
- Week 3: @ Eagles – L
- Week 4: vs Colts – W
- Week 5: vs 49ers – W
- Week 6: @ Ravens – L
- Week 7: @ Jaguars – L
- Week 8: BYE
- Week 9: vs Saints – W
- Week 10: @ 49ers – L
- Week 11: vs Seahawks – W
- Week 12: vs Buccaneers – W
- Week 13: @ Panthers – W
- Week 14: @ Cardinals – L
- Week 15: vs Lions – L
- Week 16: @ Seahawks – W
- Week 17: @ Falcons – W
- Week 18: vs Cardinals – W
Going into last season, I didn’t believe in the young Rams defense. Despite some strong pieces on offense, it felt like defense could be their Achilles heel in tandem with questions about Matthew Stafford’s health and long-term longevity. They proved me wrong and did enough to go 10-7, win the NFC West and even advance past the Wild Card round in convincing fashion.
At the start of training camp with preseason just beginning, Stafford’s health is in question once again. However, that’s not going to scare me away even if he misses some time this year. Jimmy Garoppolo is a veteran quarterback, who should be able to win some games with Puka Nacua, Davante Adams and Kyren Williams as his main offensive weapons.
The defense didn’t undergo many changes this offseason, which means Jared Verse, Byron Young and crew have been able to build more chemistry. I expect this to be a tough team with playoff aspirations, even though they aren’t quite at the level of several other NFC powerhouses.
- Arizona Cardinals 10-7 (4-2 vs NFC West)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: @ Saints – W
- Week 2: vs Panthers – W
- Week 3: @ 49ers – W
- Week 4: vs Seahawks – L
- Week 5: vs Titans – W
- Week 6: @ Colts – L
- Week 7: vs Packers – L
- Week 8: BYE
- Week 9: @ Cowboys – L
- Week 10: @ Seahawks – W
- Week 11: vs 49ers – W
- Week 12: vs Jaguars – W
- Week 13: @ Buccaneers – L
- Week 14: vs Rams – W
- Week 15: @ Texans – L
- Week 16: vs Falcons – W
- Week 17: @ Bengals – W
- Week 18: @ Rams – L
The rise of the Arizona Cardinals continues. Last season, this group stayed in the playoff hunt of a wide-open division until the very end. Ultimately, they fell short and finished third with an 8-9 record. However, that was a nice building block towards higher goals in 2025.
A healthy Kyler Murray is a playmaker and this year is shaping up to be his best supporting cast in his NFL career. Trey McBride is in my opinion, the best tight end in the league right now. Murray and McBride showed great chemistry last season, but Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. were a little off. Some weeks were really good, but in general everyone but opposing defenses wanted a little more. Marvin looks big after adding muscle and weight to his frame this offseason. If the chemistry is there this time around, then good luck stopping both of these receiving weapons. At the same time, don’t discredit the backfield duo of James Conner and Trey Benson. If the passing attack is clicking, then there should be room to run for these two.
Finally, what can help propel the Cardinals to the playoffs is the revamped defense. Last year was a huge step in the right direction and Arizona’s front office only added more assets this offseason. Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson will add a veteran defensive line presence next to Darius Robinson, while Akeem Davis-Gaither and rookie Cody Simon help bolster the middle linebacker spots. Rookie cornerbacks Will Johnson and Denzel Burke add much needed depth in the secondary as well. The biggest addition is Josh Sweat at outside linebacker. The edge rusher knows how to get to a quarterback and should be a star opposite of Baron Browning.
- San Francisco 49ers 9-8 (2-4 vs NFC West)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: @ Seahawks – W
- Week 2: @ Saints – W
- Week 3: vs Cardinals – L
- Week 4: vs Jaguars – W
- Week 5: @ Rams – L
- Week 6: @ Buccaneers – L
- Week 7: vs Falcons – W
- Week 8: @ Texans – L
- Week 9: @ Giants – L
- Week 10: vs Rams – W
- Week 11: @ Cardinals – L
- Week 12: vs Panthers – W
- Week 13: @ Browns – W
- Week 14: BYE
- Week 15: vs Titans – W
- Week 16: @ Colts – L
- Week 17: vs Bears – W
- Week 18: vs Seahawks – L
Fresh off a Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the 49ers had high expectations going into last season. Those expectations quickly dissipated after the wheels fell off the bus. Injuries to Christian McCaffrey and other stars became too much for Brock Purdy and company to overcome. There is still plenty of talent on this roster including Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. The new question should be that if they do stay healthy this time around, did John Lynch put enough additional talent around these players to succeed?
No. I can’t look at this roster and say they got better on paper. They should win more than six games this year and be in the playoff hunt. This isn’t a Super Bowl contender though and they aren’t that close either.
If this team had a star quarterback, they could probably win two or three more games – making them a playoff team and even division winner. With Brock Purdy at the helm, they’ll still be too dependent on stellar defensive performances and McCaffrey. This shapes up for an up and down season with some great wins and really bad losses.
- Seattle Seahawks 6-11 (2-4 vs NFC West)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: vs 49ers – L
- Week 2: @ Steelers – L
- Week 3: vs Saints – W
- Week 4: @ Cardinals – W
- Week 5: vs Buccaneers – L
- Week 6: @ Jaguars – L
- Week 7: vs Texans – L
- Week 8: BYE
- Week 9: @ Commanders – L
- Week 10: vs Cardinals – L
- Week 11: @ Rams – L
- Week 12: @ Titans – L
- Week 13: vs Vikings – L
- Week 14: @ Falcons – W
- Week 15: vs Colts – W
- Week 16: vs Rams – L
- Week 17: @ Panthers – W
- Week 18: @ 49ers – W
Sam Darnold found some magic last season in Minnesota and will be looking to do the same in Seattle. There are some potential issues with how this roster was constructed though. Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp don’t quite complement each other’s games like JSN and DK Metcalf. Without a very strong vertical threat, I don’t expect the same type of space in coverage underneath for the possession receivers to operate. In a full PPR fantasy football league, JSN and possibly even Kupp should have great value this season, but I don’t expect as many big plays or touchdowns as Seattle would like.
Also, Kenneth Walker is an excellent running back when healthy, but he’s yet to play a full 17-game schedule in his first three years in the league. In fact, his availability is trending in the wrong direction. What I would argue is a pretty good defense, won’t be able to overcome a one-dimensional air raid on offense if Walker is out of commission.
One of the best things Seattle did this offseason was select former Colorado State wide receiver Tory Horton on day three of the draft. He was fantastic in college prior to his injury in 2024. A flyer on his health is well worth the late-round pick. If he pans out, Seattle fans will have something additional to cheer about. Aside from that, it feels like a major step back is imminent for this team and they will fall short in a ton of close games.
NFC South
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10-7 (3-3 vs NFC South)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: @ Falcons – L
- Week 2: @ Texans – L
- Week 3: vs Jets – W
- Week 4: vs Eagles – L
- Week 5: @ Seahawks – W
- Week 6: vs 49ers – W
- Week 7: @ Lions – L
- Week 8: @ Saints – L
- Week 9: BYE
- Week 10: vs Patriots – W
- Week 11: @ Bills – W
- Week 12: @ Rams – L
- Week 13: vs Cardinals – W
- Week 14: vs Saints – W
- Week 15: vs Falcons – W
- Week 16: @ Panthers – W
- Week 17: @ Dolphins – W
- Week 18: vs Panthers – L
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are nowhere near as talented as the Super Bowl winning Buccaneers not all that long ago. Despite the average to slightly above average roster, they have been the beneficiaries of the weakest division in football in recent memory. The Atlanta Falcons will once again likely flirt with the playoff hunt, but they’re the only potential threat in the division. With virtually the same group returning from last season, the Buccaneers are still the team to beat in the NFC South.
To the credit of Baker Mayfield, he has matured as a person and player in Tampa. With a guaranteed Hall of Fame receiver in Mike Evans, a potentially healthy Chris Godwin returning and Ohio State’s all-time reception leader Emeka Egbuka as his top three targets, there is no shortage of weapons. Not to mention a dynamic running back room with Bucky Irving, Rachaad White and Sean Tucker.
The Buccaneers have a good defense, but not a great one at this point in time. However, even if they give up some points each week, they should score enough to win plenty of games. I expect them to find a rhythm in the second half of the season and take control of the NFC South when it really matters.
- Atlanta Falcons 8-9 (4-2 vs NFC South)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: vs Buccaneers – W
- Week 2: @ Vikings – W
- Week 3: @ Panthers – L
- Week 4: vs Commanders – L
- Week 5: BYE
- Week 6: vs Bills – L
- Week 7: @ 49ers – L
- Week 8: vs Dolphins – W
- Week 9: @ Patriots – W
- Week 10: @ Colts – W
- Week 11: vs Panthers – W
- Week 12: @ Saints – W
- Week 13: @ Jets – L
- Week 14: vs Seahawks – L
- Week 15: @ Buccaneers – L
- Week 16: @ Cardinals – L
- Week 17: vs Rams – L
- Week 18: vs Saints – W
The Falcons were good enough to win their division last year, but they started to stumble around Week 10. This allowed the Buccaneers to take control in the second half of the season. Headed into the 2025 season, I still think the Falcons are good enough to win their division – the end result will probably look the same though.
Michael Penix Jr. is the starting quarterback now and the lefty shows promise to be an excellent franchise quarterback for the Falcons. His performance versus the Washington Commanders at the end of last season was fantastic and should give Atlanta plenty of confidence with the ball in his hands. Joining him in the backfield is one of the best running backs in the NFL, Bijan Robinson. An elite ball carrier with strong receiving skills helps serve as a safety valve, especially when the receiving weapons are lacking. Drake London will be an excellent fantasy football play this year, but I’ve never been sold on him being a true No. 1 wide receiver. He has to be that in Atlanta because tight end Kyle Pitts has never met expectations and there is a big drop off in talent behind Darnell Mooney as the No. 2 receiver.
If Atlanta really wanted to make a playoff run, they needed to add more receiving weapons in the draft and also bolster the defense. Neither really happened. Jalon Walker was a fine addition but trading up to select another edge rusher in James Pearce Jr. didn’t make a whole lot of sense. Missed opportunities in the offseason will result in a similar look Falcons in 2025 and likely a collapse sometime after Week 10.
- Carolina Panthers 6-11 (3-3 vs NFC South)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: @ Jaguars – W
- Week 2: @ Cardinals – L
- Week 3: vs Falcons – W
- Week 4: @ Patriots – L
- Week 5: vs Dolphins – W
- Week 6: vs Cowboys – L
- Week 7: @ Jets – L
- Week 8: vs Bills – L
- Week 9: @ Packers – W
- Week 10: vs Saints – W
- Week 11: @ Falcons – L
- Week 12: @ 49ers – L
- Week 13: vs Rams – L
- Week 14: BYE
- Week 15: @ Saints – L
- Week 16: vs Buccaneers – L
- Week 17: vs Seahawks – L
- Week 18: @ Buccaneers – W
The Panthers are improving slowly but surely. Even six wins will feel like an accomplishment after being so bad for a while. It’s not yet time to give up on Bryce Young because he showed some flashes late last year and I expect some more flashes this season as well. There will be plenty of downs for him and this team, but they have the opportunity to catch some opposing teams by surprise.
In addition to Young’s performances, there are three other storylines to watch for in my books. Will Tetairoa McMillan instantly become a star No. 1 wide receiver thanks to his size and route running ability? How will Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard blend as a one-two punch? Can this defense become more than a bottom-five group?
One thing is for sure, this group should be a bit more watchable this season and thanks to the Saints, they definitely shouldn’t be the worst team in the NFC South.
- New Orleans Saints 2-15 (2-4 vs NFC South)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: vs Cardinals – L
- Week 2: vs 49ers – L
- Week 3: @ Seahawks – L
- Week 4: @ Bills – L
- Week 5: vs Giants – L
- Week 6: vs Patriots – L
- Week 7: @ Bears – L
- Week 8: vs Buccaneers – W
- Week 9: @ Rams – L
- Week 10: @ Panthers – L
- Week 11: BYE
- Week 12: vs Falcons – L
- Week 13: @ Dolphins – L
- Week 14: @ Buccaneers – L
- Week 15: vs Panthers – W
- Week 16: vs Jets – L
- Week 17: @ Titans – L
- Week 18: @ Falcons – L
The Saints with Derek Carr were disappointingly bad. Without Carr, they were atrocious. This organization either accidently shot themselves in the foot this offseason or intentionally set this team up to fail by not walking out of the draft with a better quarterback than Tyler Shough. Carr then announced his retirement shortly after the draft, citing a shoulder injury as the main cause for the decision.
The sad part for Saints fans is that they have a pretty strong defense led by Cameron Jordan. Not only is their starting group very respectable, but they also have valuable depth pieces especially at linebacker and on the defensive line. Even if they perform up to their standard defensively, it will likely be a wasted season because there is no one to get their offensive weapons the ball and score points.
If Chris Olave can avoid more head injuries and either Kendre Miller or Devin Neal can prove themselves as an adequate successor to Alvin Kamara at running back, that bodes well for the Saints in the future. However, expect one of these names under center for the Saints in 2026: Arch Manning, Garrett Nussmeier, Cade Klubnik or Drew Allar.
NFC East
- Philadelphia Eagles 14-3 (5-1 vs NFC East)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: vs Cowboys – W
- Week 2: @ Chiefs – L
- Week 3: vs Rams – W
- Week 4: @ Buccaneers – W
- Week 5: vs Broncos – W
- Week 6: @ Giants – W
- Week 7: @ Vikings – W
- Week 8: vs Giants – W
- Week 9: BYE
- Week 10: @ Packers – L
- Week 11: vs Lions – W
- Week 12: @ Cowboys – W
- Week 13: vs Bears – W
- Week 14: @ Chargers – W
- Week 15: vs Raiders – W
- Week 16: @ Commanders – W
- Week 17: @ Bills – W
- Week 18: vs Commanders – L
The defending Super Bowl champs are back with a strong, well-rounded offense and a defense with perhaps the most depth in the entire league. Injuries might be the only thing to slow this team down, but if they stay healthy then the playoffs should basically be a guarantee.
Making it to the Super Bowl and even going back-to-back is a totally different challenge, but not out of the realm of possibilities if Jalen Hurts protects the football and efficiently utilizes his weapons in A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley and his own running ability.
- Washington Commanders 13-4 (4-2 vs NFC East)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: vs Giants – W
- Week 2: @ Packers – W
- Week 3: vs Raiders – L
- Week 4: @ Falcons – W
- Week 5: @ Chargers – W
- Week 6: vs Bears – W
- Week 7: @ Cowboys – W
- Week 8: @ Chiefs – L
- Week 9: vs Seahawks – W
- Week 10: vs Lions – W
- Week 11: @ Dolphins – W
- Week 12: BYE
- Week 13: vs Broncos – W
- Week 14: @ Vikings – W
- Week 15: @ Giants – L
- Week 16: vs Eagles – L
- Week 17: vs Cowboys – W
- Week 18: @ Eagles – W
The revamped Commanders were excellent last season and fell one game short of a Super Bowl appearance. Even though they should be in the hunt as a contender once again, it will be difficult to get over the hump that is the divisional rival Philadelphia Eagles.
Jayden Daniels was a star in his rookie season and the possibility of a sophomore slump is certainly there, especially after Terry McLaurin was absent for most of the preseason due to contract negotiations taking a while to settle. The addition of Deebo Samuel at wide receiver is intriguing, yet McLaurin is absolutely still the wide receiver no. 1. If the chemistry is off to start the year, Washington doesn’t have a ton of quality depth at this position.
On defense, if Von Miller still has some gas left in the tank, then maybe the Commanders will be able to generate a little bit of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. There are plenty of experienced veterans on this side of the ball, but at this stage of many of their careers, this is the home stretch to hanging up the cleats. It’s really win now time and I do expect lots of wins. However, I see the strong possibility of losing in the NFC Championship game once again.
- Dallas Cowboys 5-12 (2-4 vs NFC East)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: @ Eagles – L
- Week 2: vs Giants – W
- Week 3: @ Bears – L
- Week 4: vs Packers – L
- Week 5: @ Jets – L
- Week 6: @ Panthers – W
- Week 7: vs Commanders – L
- Week 8: @ Broncos – L
- Week 9: vs Cardinals – W
- Week 10: BYE
- Week 11: @ Raiders – W
- Week 12: vs Eagles – L
- Week 13: vs Chiefs – L
- Week 14: @ Lions – L
- Week 15: vs Vikings – L
- Week 16: vs Chargers – L
- Week 17: @ Commanders – L
- Week 18: @ Giants – W
The Dallas Cowboys always have high expectations. However, in recent times it feels like delusional expectations when the front office isn’t taking roster improvements all that seriously. Last season, Dallas had an awful running back room. Although all the faces have changed in that room, they’re once again lacking a star. Javonte Williams didn’t work out in Denver due to injuries, Miles Sanders had some good seasons in Philadelphia but stumbled in Carolina and Jaydon Blue was way down my list of quality running backs in a loaded draft class. This doesn’t feel like a reliable group week in and week out.
To add insult to injury, Micah Parsons was just traded to the Green Bay Packers. With the cornerstone piece of their defense gone, it’s hard to tell where they’ll replace that level of production and impact. Frankly, this is at best an average defense this season and could end up being one of the worst in the league if Trevon Diggs can’t stay healthy.
The Cowboys will likely have some stumbles along the way this year, but the wheels will officially fall off during their tough three game stretch against the Eagles, Chiefs and Lions. Will Dak Prescott still be the quarterback in 2026 if the team secures a top 10 pick? I’ll say, “probably not,” even though Dak won’t be the problem in 2025.
- New York Giants 4-13 (1-5 vs NFC East)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: @ Commanders – L
- Week 2: @ Cowboys – L
- Week 3: vs Chiefs – L
- Week 4: vs Chargers – L
- Week 5: @ Saints – W
- Week 6: vs Eagles – L
- Week 7: @ Broncos – L
- Week 8: @ Eagles – L
- Week 9: vs 49ers – W
- Week 10: @ Bears – L
- Week 11: vs Packers – L
- Week 12: @ Lions – L
- Week 13: @ Patriots – L
- Week 14: BYE
- Week 15: vs Commanders – W
- Week 16: vs Vikings – L
- Week 17: @ Raiders – W
- Week 18: vs Cowboys – L
The best summary of the Giants headed into the 2025-26 season is that they have a strong defense with an elite pass rush rotation and the offense is disappointing aside from one player specifically – Malik Nabers.
Starting on the defensive side of the ball, Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux are about to wreak havoc while also remaining pretty fresh due to a fluid rotation during games. Other players like Dexter Lawrence, Tyler Nubin and Jevon Holland should only strengthen this potentially stout defense. This team will rely heavily on low scoring games in order to even have a chance to pick up wins.
Russell Wilson is getting the nod as the starting quarterback, but Jaxson Dart and Jameis Winston are both looking over his shoulder if things don’t go well. Aside from Nabers, the wide receiver room doesn’t impress me, the tight end room lacks stars, and I don’t know if Tyrone Tracy Jr., Devin Singletary and Cam Skattebo will make much of an impact in the ground game compared to most other backfields in the league. With a tough first couple games, this season could head in the wrong trajectory fast.
NFC North
- Green Bay Packers 14-3 (5-1 vs NFC North)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: vs Lions – W
- Week 2: vs Commanders – L
- Week 3: @ Browns – W
- Week 4: @ Cowboys – W
- Week 5: BYE
- Week 6: vs Bengals – W
- Week 7: @ Cardinals – W
- Week 8: @ Steelers – W
- Week 9: vs Panthers – L
- Week 10: vs Eagles – W
- Week 11: @ Giants – W
- Week 12: vs Vikings – W
- Week 13: @ Lions – L
- Week 14: vs Bears – W
- Week 15: @ Broncos – W
- Week 16: @ Bears – W
- Week 17: vs Ravens – W
- Week 18: @ Vikings – W
The Green Bay Packers have a strong chance of taking control of this division from the Detroit Lions. They’ll do that by first beating the Lions to open the season and never look back.
Even prior to the Micah Parsons trade, this roster was primed and ready to go for a playoff push. However, Parsons now gives them a star pass rusher which will come in handy against some of the best in the NFC.
On offense, Jordan Love has settled in quite well as the starting quarterback, but this year should be his best yet. Tucker Kraft should get even more action as the starting tight end and Matthew Golden should offer some field-stretching ability on the outside with Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed to start the year before Christian Watson returns. In the backfield, Josh Jacobs is coming off a stellar year and will tote the rock once again. They should be high-powered enough to win lots of shootouts if necessary.
- Detroit Lions 10-7 (4-2 vs NFC North)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: @ Packers – L
- Week 2: vs Bears – W
- Week 3: @ Ravens – L
- Week 4: vs Browns – W
- Week 5: @ Bengals – W
- Week 6: @ Chiefs – L
- Week 7: vs Buccaneers – W
- Week 8: BYE
- Week 9: vs Vikings – W
- Week 10: @ Commanders – L
- Week 11: @ Eagles – L
- Week 12: @ Giants – W
- Week 13: vs Packers – W
- Week 14: vs Cowboys – W
- Week 15: @ Rams – W
- Week 16: vs Steelers – L
- Week 17: @ Vikings – W
- Week 18: @ Bears – L
Last year was Detroit’s best opportunity to make it to the Super Bowl and hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Ultimately, they missed that mark and failed despite being the most dangerous team in the regular season. Now, without Ben Johnson as offensive coordinator, the offense will likely take a bit of a step back.
This is still a good team and a playoff team at that, but they might have to establish a slightly different identity. It will be hard for Jared Goff to replicate last season even with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. They’ll still score some points though without a doubt.
On defense, they need to stay healthy. Injuries caught up to this group and cost them dearly versus the Washington Commanders. This will be a strong squad with the addition of Tyleik Williams next to DJ Reader, Aiden Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport on the defensive line. The Packers just have something in works that I think will result in them knocking the Lions down a peg.
- Chicago Bears 7-10 (2-4 vs NFC North)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: vs Vikings – L
- Week 2: @ Lions – L
- Week 3: vs Cowboys – W
- Week 4: @ Raiders – W
- Week 5: BYE
- Week 6: @ Commanders – L
- Week 7: vs Saints – W
- Week 8: @ Ravens – L
- Week 9: @ Bengals – L
- Week 10: vs Giants – W
- Week 11: @ Vikings – W
- Week 12: vs Steelers – L
- Week 13: @ Eagles – L
- Week 14: @ Packers – L
- Week 15: vs Browns – W
- Week 16: vs Packers – L
- Week 17: @ 49ers – L
- Week 18: vs Lions – W
Once again, the Chicago Bears are getting overhyped when they are clearly well behind both the Packers and the Lions. On offense, Caleb Williams will be looking to take some more steps in the right direction, but he doesn’t have a great group of running backs to ease the pressure. Expect Kyle Monangai to steal the starting job from D’Andre Swift before the end of the season.
On defense, the Bears have a good roster with players like Montez Sweat, Tremaine Edmunds, Tyrique Stevenson and Jaquon Brisker. I’m not sure if it’s enough to consistently slow down or stop the higher-powered offenses this season.
Maybe the Bears will start to look better by the end of the first season with Ben Johnson, but don’t expect it to be right away.
- Minnesota Vikings 5-12 (1-5 vs NFC North)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: @ Bears – W
- Week 2: vs Falcons – L
- Week 3: vs Bengals – L
- Week 4: @ Steelers – L
- Week 5: @ Browns – L
- Week 6: BYE
- Week 7: vs Eagles – L
- Week 8: @ Chargers – L
- Week 9: @ Lions – L
- Week 10: vs Ravens – W
- Week 11: vs Bears – L
- Week 12: @ Packers – L
- Week 13: @ Seahawks – W
- Week 14: vs Commanders – L
- Week 15: @ Cowboys – W
- Week 16: @ Giants – W
- Week 17: vs Lions – L
- Week 18: vs Packers – L
The Minnesota Vikings officially turned to J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison upon return from his suspension are great targets for the young quarterback to have, but McCarthy will likely need to rely on the run game with Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason a lot early on.
Aside from a few pieces on defense, the Vikings lack the fire power necessary to be dominant on this side of the football. The combination of a young quarterback and a weak defense will come back to bite this team.
In fact, the Vikings overperformed last year and proved what they really were in the first round of the playoffs. This year, they won’t even have much of a chance to fool many people aside from getting a week one victory.
AFC West
- Kansas City Chiefs 13-4 (3-3 vs AFC West)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: @ Chargers – L
- Week 2: vs Eagles – W
- Week 3: @ Giants – W
- Week 4: vs Ravens – W
- Week 5: @ Jaguars – W
- Week 6: vs Lions – W
- Week 7: vs Raiders – L
- Week 8: vs Commanders – W
- Week 9: @ Bills – L
- Week 10: BYE
- Week 11: @ Broncos – W
- Week 12: vs Colts – W
- Week 13: @ Cowboys – W
- Week 14: vs Texans – W
- Week 15: vs Chargers – W
- Week 16: @ Titans – W
- Week 17: vs Broncos – L
- Week 18: @ Raiders – W
The Kansas City Chiefs made it to the Super Bowl once again last season yet are coming off a loss where the Philadelphia Eagles dominated the game. Most people, especially the Chiefs wouldn’t have expected the game to look quite like that. Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes and company will be looking for redemption and another return to the big game in February.
At some point, another team nipping at the heels of the Chiefs in the AFC will finally make it past them, but it’s a matter of how soon that will actually happen. This year, the Chiefs will look virtually identical on offense aside from a nice addition at left tackle with Josh Simmons. In addition to helping buy time for Mahomes in the pocket, Rashee Rice will be back following a season-ending injury last year and a six-game suspension to start this season. Until he’s back, Mahomes will lean on Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown and Travis Kelce, but the return of Rice will be helpful in the long run.
On defense, Steve Spagnuolo should once again have plenty to work with and his group will make big plays whenever the team needs it. Whenever there is a close game, the Chiefs always seem to manage to pull it off on offense, defense or via the officials. I’d expect no different this season during the regular season. However, this could be the year they fall sooner in the playoffs.
- Denver Broncos 11-6 (4-2 vs AFC West)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: vs Titans – W
- Week 2: @ Colts – L
- Week 3: @ Chargers – W
- Week 4: vs Bengals – W
- Week 5: @ Eagles – L
- Week 6: @ Jets – W
- Week 7: vs Giants – W
- Week 8: vs Cowboys – W
- Week 9: @ Texans – W
- Week 10: vs Raiders – W
- Week 11: vs Chiefs – L
- Week 12: BYE
- Week 13: @ Commanders – L
- Week 14: @ Raiders – L
- Week 15: vs Packers – L
- Week 16: vs Jaguars – W
- Week 17: @ Chiefs – W
- Week 18: vs Chargers – W
Going into last season, I felt like the Broncos had a terrible roster void of stars and that they’d hover close to the bottom of the pack. They proved me wrong. Sean Payton and Bo Nix have something brewing in Denver and the defense made me a believer.
Courtland Sutton is looking like a true wide receiver no. 1 again, Marvin Mims Jr. is more than just a returner and the additions of J.K. Dobbins and Evan Engram only makes this offense better. If the offense is clicking and the defense once again performs at an elite level, then this team will win a ton of games early with a relatively easy start to the year.
The only catch is that being in the AFC West means they need to contend with the Chiefs and still find themselves behind Kansas City. However, if this is sustainable long term then they can strike when the Chiefs start slipping eventually.
- Los Angeles Chargers 9-8 (3-3 vs AFC West)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: vs Chiefs – W
- Week 2: @ Raiders – W
- Week 3: vs Broncos – L
- Week 4: @ Giants – W
- Week 5: vs Commanders – L
- Week 6: @ Dolphins – L
- Week 7: vs Colts – W
- Week 8: vs Vikings – W
- Week 9: @ Titans – W
- Week 10: vs Steelers – W
- Week 11: @ Jaguars – L
- Week 12: BYE
- Week 13: vs Raiders – W
- Week 14: vs Eagles – L
- Week 15: @ Chiefs – L
- Week 16: @ Cowboys – W
- Week 17: vs Texans – L
- Week 18: @ Broncos – L
With Jim Harbaugh, Justin Herbert, Khalil Mack and Derwin James, the Chargers are likely expected by most to make the playoffs as a wild card. This is a good team that should finish with a winning record, but I see gaps that will result in them missing the playoffs.
Losing Joey Bosa and Asante Samuel Jr. will probably hurt more than Chargers fans might think. Both players when healthy made a huge impact. On the flip side with bringing Keenan Allen back and changing up the running back room with Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris, those players won’t make as strong of a positive impact as Chargers fans would hope. Allen might have some left in the tank, but not a ton. Hampton in my opinion was overhyped coming into this past draft and his way of playing at one speed makes me think he’ll struggle more than many other rookie running backs. Najee doesn’t offer a different dynamic which means there are really no strong receiving backs on this roster to help Herbert.
No one will love playing the Chargers because they’ll be tough and make you work for a win, but at the same time, they themselves won’t win as many games as they feel they should win.
- Las Vegas Raiders 7-10 (2-4 vs AFC West)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: @ Patriots – L
- Week 2: vs Chargers – L
- Week 3: @ Commanders – W
- Week 4: vs Bears – L
- Week 5: @ Colts – W
- Week 6: vs Titans – W
- Week 7: @ Chiefs – W
- Week 8: BYE
- Week 9: vs Jaguars – W
- Week 10: @ Broncos – L
- Week 11: vs Cowboys – L
- Week 12: vs Browns – W
- Week 13: @ Chargers – L
- Week 14: vs Broncos – W
- Week 15: @ Eagles – L
- Week 16: @ Texans – L
- Week 17: vs Giants – L
- Week 18: vs Chiefs – L
Pete Carroll is back in a new city with Geno Smith as his starting quarterback. What a weird twist in the NFL. To make matters even more strange, an aging Amari Cooper who is quickly losing his footing in this league is back as wide receiver depth for this organization.
The Raiders have two really huge assets on offense, Brock Bowers at tight end and rookie sensation Ashton Jeanty at running back. It might take Jeanty a little time to adapt to the league, but with a heavy workload coming his way, he’ll have plenty of opportunities to make plays and put up numbers.
Maxx Crosby is still the leader of a defense that puts too much on his shoulders. If he doesn’t make plays happen, then they probably won’t impact the game enough in Las Vegas’s favor. With a defense lacking difference makers and my belief that Geno Smith in Vegas won’t be as good as Geno Smith in Seattle, the Raiders are absolutely the worst team in the AFC West. Not nearly the worst in the entire AFC though.
AFC South
- Houston Texans 10-7 (4-2 vs AFC South)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: @ Rams – L
- Week 2: vs Buccaneers – W
- Week 3: @ Jaguars – L
- Week 4: vs Titans – W
- Week 5: @ Ravens – L
- Week 6: BYE
- Week 7: @ Seahawks – W
- Week 8: vs 49ers – W
- Week 9: vs Broncos – L
- Week 10: vs Jaguars – W
- Week 11: @ Titans – W
- Week 12: vs Bills – L
- Week 13: @ Colts – L
- Week 14: @ Chiefs – L
- Week 15: vs Cardinals – W
- Week 16: vs Raiders – W
- Week 17: @ Chargers – W
- Week 18: vs Colts – W
The Houston Texans once again find themselves as front runners in the worst division in the AFC. That bodes well for their chances of making the playoffs. Last season C.J. Stroud went through the dreaded sophomore slump no thanks to all the wide receiver injuries. This year, Nico Collins shouldn’t be the only receiver to throw to with the additions of Christian Kirk and former Iowa State rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. Stroud is typically good about spreading the love with the football and should get plenty of players involved.
The biggest concern on offense for Houston has typically been the offensive line. Once again, this is the position group I’m paying the most attention to this year. Not only do they need to give Stroud time, but to start the year, Joe Mixon won’t be available due to injury. In turning to a no longer nearly as explosive Nick Chubb, the offense will need to pave the way for some open running lanes or else the ground game will be nonexistent.
The strength of this team should once again be the defense. DeMeco Ryan and Matt Burke will look to get some major impact from Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter rushing off the edge. In the secondary, Derek Stingley Jr., Calen Bullock, Kamari Lassiter and Jalen Pitre are now joined by veteran C.J. Gardner-Johnson. This defense should be tough, but still this team doesn’t quite feel to the same level as Kansas City, Buffalo and Baltimore.
- Jacksonville Jaguars 8-9 (4-2 vs AFC South)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: vs Panthers – L
- Week 2: @ Bengals – L
- Week 3: vs Texans – W
- Week 4: @ 49ers – L
- Week 5: vs Chiefs – L
- Week 6: vs Seahawks – W
- Week 7: vs Rams – W
- Week 8: BYE
- Week 9: @ Raiders – L
- Week 10: @ Texans – L
- Week 11: vs Chargers – W
- Week 12: @ Cardinals – L
- Week 13: @ Titans – W
- Week 14: vs Colts- W
- Week 15: vs Jets – W
- Week 16: @ Broncos – L
- Week 17: @ Colts – L
- Week 18: vs Titans – W
The Jacksonville Jaguars have been so average in recent times. Trevor Lawrence is for sure a franchise quarterback, but at the same time he hasn’t turned into a top 10 quarterback like many expected when he came out of Clemson. Entering the 2025-26 season, I struggle to see things looking much better. Brian Thomas Jr. was excellent last season but Travis Hunter being drafted doesn’t move the needle for me. He’ll make some plays on offense, but I think he’s a much better cornerback than receiver. In the backfield, no one really knows who the starter long term will be. Is it Travis Etienne, Tank Bigsby or even Bhayshul Tuten? That will be a fantasy football nightmare.
On defense, all eyes will be on Travis Hunter with him playing both ways but really Josh Hines-Allen is still the star here. Jacksonville will likely finish somewhere between 15-24 in total defense and that’s not enough to make the playoffs when the offense ends up being average as well.
After a slow start to the year against some tough opponents and with new head coach Liam Coen getting his feet wet, the Jaguars will be too far behind once they hit their stride. The 8-9 record isn’t exactly what the Browns will be hoping for though considering they hold that first round pick next year.
- Tennessee Titans 5-12 (2-4 vs AFC South)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: @ Broncos – L
- Week 2: vs Rams – L
- Week 3: vs Colts – W
- Week 4: @ Texans – L
- Week 5: @ Cardinals – L
- Week 6: @ Raiders – L
- Week 7: vs Patriots – W
- Week 8: @ Colts – W
- Week 9: vs Chargers – L
- Week 10: BYE
- Week 11: vs Texans – L
- Week 12: vs Seahawks – W
- Week 13: vs Jaguars – L
- Week 14: @ Browns – L
- Week 15: @ 49ers – L
- Week 16: vs Chiefs – L
- Week 17: vs Saints – W
- Week 18: @ Jaguars – L
The Tennessee Titans won’t win a lot of games this year but they’ll look better and take steps in the right direction with Cam Ward at quarterback. Ward’s ability to scramble will be an asset, but his arm talent will be most prevalent if veteran wide receivers Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett find ways to get open regularly. In the backfield, Tony Pollard will need to should a heavy workload until Tyjae Spears returns and they can share duties.
Like the offense, I see the potential for growth on defense. New additions like Dre’Mont Jones and L’Jarius Sneed should make an impact. However, this group will still give up a ton of points due to a lack of depth when the starters wear down or are sideline with injuries.
The only reason Tennessee won’t be last in the division is thanks to an undefeated season versus the Indianapolis Colts. That’s the silver lining for this group.
- Indianapolis Colts 5-12 (2-4 vs AFC South)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: vs Dolphins – L
- Week 2: vs Broncos – W
- Week 3: @ Titans – L
- Week 4: @ Rams – L
- Week 5: vs Raiders – L
- Week 6: vs Cardinals – W
- Week 7: @ Chargers – L
- Week 8: vs Titans – L
- Week 9: @ Steelers – L
- Week 10: vs Falcons – L
- Week 11: BYE
- Week 12: @ Chiefs – L
- Week 13: vs Texans – W
- Week 14: @ Jaguars – L
- Week 15: @ Seahawks – L
- Week 16: vs 49ers – W
- Week 17: vs Jaguars – W
- Week 18: @ Texans – L
The Colts have benched Anthony Richardson and are proceeding with Daniel Jones as the starting quarterback. This is the correct decision if they want to have a shot at winning games. Despite Jones being the marginally better quarterback, this team is not set up for success this season. The wide receiver room is average, there isn’t a good backup behind Jonathan Taylor and the defense is just a carbon copy of last year’s defense.
Drafting Tyler Warren to be the starting tight end was the best decision this front office made during the offseason. Aside from getting a star tight end, they have to rely on Jonathan Taylor running the ball constantly. His durability is the concern and that will likely get fully tested this season.
Even though this defense is also typically pretty good, they needed some splashe moves to shake things up. Since that didn’t really happen, some weeks the Colts will look better than the Titans, but in others they’ll look just as bad as the low points last year. It’s time for a hard reset in Indy.
AFC East
- Buffalo Bills 12-5 (4-2 vs AFC East)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: vs Ravens – L
- Week 2: @ Jets – W
- Week 3: vs Dolphins – W
- Week 4: vs Saints – W
- Week 5: vs Patriots – W
- Week 6: @ Falcons – W
- Week 7: BYE
- Week 8: @ Panthers – W
- Week 9: vs Chiefs – W
- Week 10: @ Dolphins – W
- Week 11: vs Buccaneers – L
- Week 12: @ Texans – W
- Week 13: @ Steelers – W
- Week 14: vs Bengals – W
- Week 15: @ Patriots – L
- Week 16: @ Browns – W
- Week 17: vs Eagles – L
- Week 18: vs Jets – L
To no surprise the Buffalo Bills will be at the top of the AFC East and even nipping at the heels of the Kansas City Chiefs once again in the full complexion of the AFC Conference. Josh Allen should get off to a very fast start thanks to a relatively easy schedule the first eight weeks of the season. I’d even expect him to be the front runner for MVP for quite a while.
James Cook will once again be a dynamic threat in the backfield and it would be nice to see Ray Davis step up in year two as the second running back. As for the other weapons at wide receiver, it’s still hard to tell who Josh Allen’s no. 1 will be. Regardless, he’ll spread the love and Joshua Palmer, Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel, Elijah Moore and Gabe Davis should all get reps.
On defense, the Joey Bosa acquisition could be massive and the depth on the defensive line should be much better with rookies Landon Jackson, T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker on the second string. With a well-rounded roster, this team will cruise to the playoffs.
- New England Patriots 10-7 (5-1 vs AFC East)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: vs Raiders – W
- Week 2: @ Dolphins – W
- Week 3: vs Steelers – L
- Week 4: vs Panthers – W
- Week 5: @ Bills – L
- Week 6: @ Saints – W
- Week 7: @ Titans – L
- Week 8: vs Browns – W
- Week 9: vs Falcons – L
- Week 10: @ Buccaneers – L
- Week 11: vs Jets – W
- Week 12: @ Bengals – L
- Week 13: vs Giants – W
- Week 14: BYE
- Week 15: vs Bills – W
- Week 16: @ Ravens – L
- Week 17: @ Jets – W
- Week 18: vs Dolphins – W
The Patriots have been in the gutter for quite a while, but if any franchise is going to rise from the ashes to prevalence once again then to no surprise it would be the Patriots. Now, they aren’t going to go win a Super Bowl anytime soon, but they have done enough to be a dark horse playoff team. First of all, Mike Vrabel is an excellent head coach who will bring passion and toughness to New England. Pair that with Josh McDaniels at offensive coordinator and there might be something here.
Drake Maye might not have the best wide receiver room to work with in the whole NFL, but they should have enough with Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas and Kyle Williams to spread the wealth. Not to mention, tight end Hunter Henry always is good for a few big games every year. The big key on offense though is the running back room. Rhamondre Stevenson is still a tough runner between the tackles and drafting TreVeyon Henderson adds an explosive dimension. His home run ability outside the tackles, as a receiver out of the backfield and even as a return man could pack the spark and juice everyone else needs.
As the offense gets fired up, the defense has the potential to be stout in their own respects. Like Denver, they might not be loaded with big name stars, but they play the system well. With everything coming together, the Patriots will pick up half their wins versus the AFC East and find a way to get the seventh seed in a tough conference.
- New York Jets 7-10 (1-5 vs AFC East)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: vs Steelers – W
- Week 2: vs Bills – L
- Week 3: @ Buccaneers – L
- Week 4: @ Dolphins – L
- Week 5: vs Cowboys – W
- Week 6: vs Broncos – L
- Week 7: vs Panthers – W
- Week 8: @ Bengals – L
- Week 9: BYE
- Week 10: vs Browns – W
- Week 11: @ Patriots – L
- Week 12: @ Ravens – L
- Week 13: vs Falcons – W
- Week 14: vs Dolphins – L
- Week 15: @ Jaguars – L
- Week 16: @ Saints – W
- Week 17: vs Patriots – L
- Week 18: @ Bills – W
The New York Jets will get their best moment of the season when they stick it to Aaron Rodgers with a win over the Steelers in week one. After that, they’ll struggle versus their division and suffer plenty of losses despite being better than last season.
Justin Fields will certainly be looking Garrett Wilson’s way regularly as the two Ohio State teammates link up in New York. Not only will Wilson thrive this season with Davante Adams out of the way and Fields under center, but Breece Hall will also thrive. It will be hard for defenses to defend a running quarterback with an explosive running back lined up next to the quarterback.
Defensively, Sauce Gardner, Jermaine Johnson and Quinnen Williams headline the group with expectations of making life difficult on opposing offenses. New head coach Aaron Glenn and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks should get the best out of this group. The problem is that this team is still way behind Buffalo, trending to be behind New England and can’t afford to lose pace early in the year. That’s what will happen without a doubt.
- Miami Dolphins 5-12 (2-4 vs AFC East)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: @ Colts – W
- Week 2: vs Patriots – L
- Week 3: @ Bills – L
- Week 4: vs Jets – W
- Week 5: @ Panthers – L
- Week 6: vs Chargers – W
- Week 7: @ Browns – L
- Week 8: @ Falcons – L
- Week 9: vs Ravens – L
- Week 10: vs Bills – L
- Week 11: vs Commanders – L
- Week 12: BYE
- Week 13: vs Saints – W
- Week 14: @ Jets – W
- Week 15: @ Steelers – L
- Week 16: vs Bengals – L
- Week 17: vs Buccaneers – L
- Week 18: @ Patriots – L
Miami Dolphins supporters should prepare for a long season. To be fair, the offense might be interesting if De’Von Achane is healthy, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle both bounce back, Malik Washington and Tua Tagovailoa develop some more chemistry and Darren Waller proves he can come off the couch rapping to be a productive tight end. The offense is never where the problem was under Mike McDaniel. This team lacks toughness on both sides of the ball and fall apart late in the season on the road in cold weather games.
This year, it won’t even get to that point. I expect Jaylen Waddle to bounce back and Malik Washington and Tua will develop some chemistry for the future. However, Tyreek Hill will no longer be an elite wide receiver and Darren Waller is more of a name than a starting tight end. On defense, they’re going to have some struggles even with the additions of Minkah Fitzpatrick and Kenneth Grant.
Come Week 12, the bye week, that could be the end of Mike McDaniel as the head coach of the Dolphins. Beating the Jets twice and firing the head coach will be the biggest two wins from this year.
AFC North
- Baltimore Ravens 13-4 (5-1 vs AFC North)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: @ Bills – W
- Week 2: vs Browns – W
- Week 3: vs Lions – W
- Week 4: @ Chiefs – L
- Week 5: vs Texans – W
- Week 6: vs Rams – W
- Week 7: BYE
- Week 8: vs Bears – W
- Week 9: @ Dolphins – W
- Week 10: @ Vikings – L
- Week 11: @ Browns – W
- Week 12: vs Jets – W
- Week 13: vs Bengals – W
- Week 14: vs Steelers – W
- Week 15: @ Bengals – L
- Week 16: vs Patriots – W
- Week 17: @ Packers – L
- Week 18: @ Steelers – W
The Baltimore Ravens are loaded on offense and defense once again. They haven’t been able to get over the Kansas City hump but this is a great opportunity to finally do it. Lamar Jackson will once again have Derrick Henry in the backfield with him, offering some power and quickness which is already tough to defend. Not to mention, Zay Flowers might have a huge year entering year three with Jackson. Flowers has over 100 targets in each of the last two seasons, but expect something even bigger as Rashod Bateman, DeAndre Hopkins and Mark Andrews still command some attention.
The defense might be the strongest defense on paper in the league with talent at every level. Rookie safety Malaki Starks and veteran cornerback Jaire Alexander will only strengthen the back end of the defense behind star linebacker Roquan Smith. If this group is flying all over the field, the rest of the AFC better watch out.
The biggest change is Tyler Loop at kicker with Justin Tucker no longer on the roster. Tucker was so clutch for Baltimore in the past and Loop may need to make some big kicks late in the year. If he can be a steady leg, then Baltimore will make a run at the Super Bowl.
- Cincinnati Bengals 10-7 (4-2 vs AFC North)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: @ Browns – W
- Week 2: vs Jaguars – W
- Week 3: @ Vikings – W
- Week 4: @ Broncos – L
- Week 5: vs Lions – L
- Week 6: @ Packers – L
- Week 7: vs Steelers – W
- Week 8: vs Jets – W
- Week 9: vs Bears – W
- Week 10: BYE
- Week 11: @ Steelers – L
- Week 12: vs Patriots – W
- Week 13: @ Ravens – L
- Week 14: @ Bills – L
- Week 15: vs Ravens – W
- Week 16: @ Dolphins – W
- Week 17: vs Cardinals – L
- Week 18: vs Browns – W
Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals would like to make it back to the playoffs, but poor defensive performances have been their Achilles heel. Last season, Burrow was impressive along with Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Chase Brown. It’s safe to expect much of the same this season.
Did the defense improve enough? Unfortunately, I don’t think they’re much better, yet the schedule might align for plenty of early season wins and getting a Wild Card spot. Advancing far into the playoffs is another issue though when you’re so heavily dependent on offensive explosions.
This might be a baby step in the right direction and also be a false sense of confidence at the same time. Cincinnati needs to find a way to stop wasting Burrow’s best years.
- Pittsburgh Steelers 9-8 (2-4 vs AFC North)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: @ Jets – L
- Week 2: vs Seahawks – W
- Week 3: @ Patriots – W
- Week 4: vs Vikings – W
- Week 5: BYE
- Week 6: vs Browns – W
- Week 7: @ Bengals – L
- Week 8: vs Packers – L
- Week 9: vs Colts – W
- Week 10: @ Chargers – L
- Week 11: vs Bengals – W
- Week 12: @ Bears – W
- Week 13: vs Bills – L
- Week 14: @ Ravens – L
- Week 15: vs Dolphins – W
- Week 16: @ Lions – W
- Week 17: @ Browns – L
- Week 18: vs Ravens – L
The never-ending carousel under Mike Tomlin continues for the Pittsburgh Steelers. They’re always good enough for a winning record but not a threat to make a playoff run – even just missing the playoffs regularly. This is thanks to a stellar defense with Cameron Heyward, T.J. Watt and countless other stars. An abysmal offense is the part that holds this group back.
The Steelers will be interesting with Aaron Rodgers at the helm, but they shot themselves in the foot by getting rid of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields for Rodgers. He’s a 41-year-old quarterback who used to be elite but suffered an Achilles tear and didn’t look that good after returning last year with the Jets. How is he supposed to lead them to the Super Bowl? He won’t. The addition of DK Metcalf is the main point of interest for me and I expect him to have a good year, but that’s not enough to change the trajectory.
Honestly, the Steelers need a year where they tank and win like four or five games to get a top five pick. Then they can do a hard reset, so every season isn’t like Groundhog Day. Tanking isn’t in the Steelers’ DNA though and they don’t like to make earth shattering moves. Enjoy 9-8.
- Cleveland Browns 4-13 (1-5 vs AFC North)
Predicted Results:
- Week 1: vs Bengals – L
- Week 2: @ Ravens – L
- Week 3: vs Packers – L
- Week 4: @ Lions – L
- Week 5: vs Vikings – W
- Week 6: @ Steelers – L
- Week 7: vs Dolphins – W
- Week 8: @ Patriots – L
- Week 9: BYE
- Week 10: @ Jets – L
- Week 11: vs Ravens – L
- Week 12: @ Raiders – L
- Week 13: vs 49ers – L
- Week 14: vs Titans – W
- Week 15: @ Bears – L
- Week 16: vs Bills – L
- Week 17: vs Steelers – W
- Week 18: @ Bengals – L
One team that loves hard resets is the Cleveland Browns. However, Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski are getting some time to prove themselves, which isn’t a bad thing by any means. Berry has certainly had his hand in some big moves that have panned out and other that have fallen flat. Stefanski is two-time NFL Coach of the Year in Cleveland. So, even if this year goes South, I’m open to one more chance.
Unfortunately for the Cleveland Browns, everyone knows this isn’t the year for success. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah won’t be suiting up, Jordan Hicks surprised everyone by retiring right before camp, Martin Emerson Jr. is out for the year as the result of an injury in practice and the team is starting a 40-year-old Joe Flacco.
Flacco is two seasons removed from a magical run leading Cleveland to the playoffs. Now that he’s back after one year in Indianapolis, he gives this team the best chance to win. The schedule is brutal though – the hardest in the NFL. That means the writing is on the wall for what will probably happen this season. Flacco starts the first six weeks and even plays well at times. After going 1-5 the season is already pretty much over with Baltimore, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh already far ahead. With nothing to play for but the future, Dillon Gabriel gets his shot to start and prove himself. If he plays well, the Browns likely select a player like Caleb Downs at the beginning of the 2026 NFL Draft, but if he doesn’t play well then Shedeur Sanders gets a shot before the end of the season and the Browns will select a quarterback early in the 2026 NFL Draft.
It could be another long season in Cleveland, but hopefully the young talent like Harold Fannin Jr., Quinshon Judkins (if finally signed), Dylan Sampson, Mason Graham and Carson Schwesinger give some hope for the 2026-27 season.
Regular Season Standings + Playoff Predictions
AFC:
- Kansas City Chiefs 13-4
- Baltimore Ravens 13-4
- Buffalo Bills 12-5
- Houston Texans 10-7
- Denver Broncos 11-6
- Cincinnati Bengals 10-7
- New England Patriots 10-7
- Los Angeles Chargers 9-8
- Pittsburgh Steelers 9-8
- Jacksonville Jaguars 8-9
- Las Vegas Raiders 7-10
- New York Jets 7-10
- Miami Dolphins 5-12
- Tennessee Titans 5-12
- Indianapolis Colts 5-12
- Cleveland Browns 4-13
NFC:
- Green Bay Packers 14-3
- Philadelphia Eagles 14-3
- Los Angeles Rams 11-6
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10-7
- Washington Commanders 13-4
- Detroit Lions 10-7
- Arizona Cardinals 10-7
- San Francisco 49ers 9-8
- Atlanta Falcons 8-9
- Chicago Bears 7-10
- Seattle Seahawks 6-11
- Carolina Panthers 6-11
- Minnesota Vikings 5-12
- Dallas Cowboys 5-12
- New York Giants 4-13
- New Orleans Saints 2-15
Wild Card Round:
2 Baltimore
7 New England
3 Buffalo
6 Cincinnati
4 Houston
5 Denver
2 Philadelphia
7 Arizona
3 Los Angeles
6 Detroit
4 Tampa Bay
5 Washington
Divisional Round:
1 Kansas City
5 Denver
2 Baltimore
3 Buffalo
1 Green Bay
6 Detroit
2 Philadelphia
5 Washington
Conference Championships:
1 Kansas City
2 Baltimore
1 Green Bay
5 Washington
Super Bowl:
Baltimore
Green Bay
Champion:
Baltimore Ravens
