Predictions for the NFC North… and every other division
Jacob Clary
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2020 has the potential to be one of the most intriguing seasons in recent memory. Because of that, it will be difficult to think about overarching predictions for the season, but I am going to try nonetheless. These predictions, also, will not include any injuries, and will move forward with the hope that every player will stay healthy.
AFC
East
Buffalo Bills-Division winner
New England Patriots-Wild card team
Miami Dolphins
New York Jets
The AFC East has been absolutely dominated by the New England Patriots for all of the 2000s. However, that will change this season, not only thanks to transition in those Patriots, but the Bills getting better and better. The Dolphins will improve significantly, thanks to a successful offseason. The New York Jets will be at the bottom with a downgrade in their defense due to the loss of Jamal Adams.
West
Kansas City Chiefs-Division winner
Denver Broncos-Wild card team
Las Vegas Raiders
Los Angeles Chargers
The Kansas City Chiefs are still the class of the AFC West, with the best player in the league, Patrick Mahomes. The Broncos, however, are getting better, and will see an improvement this season. The Raiders, on the other hand, were close to making the playoffs last season, and will be close again. The Chargers are getting much better, but there will still be some time before they are serious contenders for a playoff spot.
North
Baltimore Ravens-Division winner
Cleveland Browns-Wild card team
Pittsburgh Steelers
Cincinnati Bengals
Unless something catastrophic happens to Lamar Jackson, the Ravens will continue their hold over the AFC North. The Cleveland Browns will finally see their playoff drought end this season thanks to a new and energized coaching staff and an improved roster. The Steelers missed the postseason last year, and Ben Roethlishberger’s regression will continue this season as well. Then, the Bengals may have an extremely improved season compared to last year, but there will still be time before they are contenders. The team’s offense could already be good, but their defense needs multiple years to come together.
South
Tennessee Titans-Division winner
Indianapolis Colts
Houston Texans
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Tennessee Titans will sit atop the AFC South this season, thanks to Derrick Henry and new free agent signing Jadaveon Clowney. The Colts signed Philip Rivers over the offseason but Father Time will have to come for him eventually and this could be the season. The Texans lost some of their most important players over the offseason, such as D.J. Reader and DeAndre Hopkins who went to the Bengals and Cardinals respectively. The Jaguars will be the worst team in the NFL this season.
NFC
East
Dallas Cowboys-Division winner
Philadelphia Eagles
New York Giants
Washington Football Team
The Cowboys improved their offense with the addition of CeeDee Lamb, but did lose one of their best defensive players, Byron Jones. The Eagles still have a chance to contend, however, thanks to Carson Wentz and the defense improving with multiple new acquisitions. The Giants are a team that could be up-and-coming because of Saquon, and now the addition of Andrew Thomas. Washington will take a lot of time to get better, but Chase Young will immediately help the defense.
West
Arizona Cardinals-Division winner
Seattle Seahawks-Wild card team
San Francisco 49ers
Los Angeles Rams
The Cardinals are one of the few teams I’m extremely excited to watch this season, on both sides of the ball. The team added Isaiah Simmons and DeAndre Hopkins, as well as Kyler Murray getting another season under center. Then, the Seahawks will be the first wild card seed thanks to Russell Wilson, but also new safety Jamal Adams. There is always a team that did outstanding a season before, but then does much worse the next season. I think that will be the 49ers. The team’s rushing attack will regress and Jimmy G won’t improve to replace it. The Rams will finish last thanks to Jared Goff being a hindrance for the team not only on the field but off it thanks to his contract.
North
Green Bay Packers-Division winner
Minnesota Vikings-Wild card team
Chicago Bears
Detroit Lions
Unless Aaron Rodgers gets injured, he will continue to lead the Packers to the postseason, unfortunately for all Vikings fans out there. He is all the team needs to succeed. The Vikings added Yannkick Ngakoue, however, the team did lose multiple players in the secondary like Trae Waynes, Mackenzie Alexander and Xavier Rhodes. The Bears could be great, if only Mitch Trubisky wasn’t the starter. He hurts the whole offense, and until they move on, he will continue to hinder the team. The Lions have the talent to do well, but continually can’t put it all together, but Matthew Stafford is back, and should help the team do better than last season.
South
New Orleans Saints-Division winner
Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Wild card team
Atlanta Falcons
Carolina Panthers
The New Orleans Saints have consistently been my Super Bowl pick, and that continues this season with them winning the division and going for the Lombardi Trophy. The Buccaneers added Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Tristin Wirfs in the draft and Le’Sean McCoy. They have the chance to go deep in the postseason. The Falcons haven’t been good since losing the Super Bowl, and now the team will look to improve without massively improving the team. The Panthers are much like the Jaguars, but not necessarily going all in on the tank. They signed Teddy Bridgewater, Tahir Whitehead and Robby Anderson, but lost Vernon Butler, Gerald McCoy, Cam Newton, Greg Van Roten and Eric Reid.