20117 NFL Predictions:Part 2-The AFC

AFC EAST
1) New England Patriots:
What I Like: What else can you say about the defending Super Bowl champs? Tom Brady is back and looks better than ever. Bill Belichick is the greatest head coach in the history of the NFL and he is back for another year on the sidelines. And, the Pats loaded up their roster in the offseason and might be just as good as last year's 14-2 team. Although they lost Julian Edelman to an ACL injury in the third preseason game, they still have TE Rob Gronkowski and WR Chris Hogan. The Pats also made shrewd moves in trading for TE Dwayne Allen and WR Brandin Cooks. They added Patriot-type RBs in Mike Gillislee and Rex Burkhead to go with James White and Dion Lewis. Their offensive line, which was excellent last year, returns intact. On defense, they signed LB David Harris, and added CB Stephon Gilmore in free agency. Those veterans go with a group that include Alan Branch, Trey Flowers, Donta Hightower, Malcolm Butler, and Devin McCourty. The point is that although the Pats lost some key pieces to last year's team, they replaced them with quality upgrades. They still own this weak division, so that's at least five wins right there. I like the opening part of their schedule. They host KC on the Thursday night kickoff September 7th, then have 10 days off to get ready for a trip to New Orleans in Week 2. They host Houston and Carolina in Weeks 3 and 4 and travel to Tampa Bay (On TNF) and the Jets in Weeks 5 and 6, and they return home for back-to-back games against the Falcons and Chargers before their bye in Week 9. That looks like 7-1 to me and at worst 6-2. They finish with the Bills and Jets at home in Weeks 16 and 17, and they will probably have homefield, which means they might not have another road game after Week 15. The Pats are loaded and primed to make a run at another Super Bowl title. Can anyone in the AFC get in their way?

What I Don't Like: How can I nitpick this team? The loss of TE Martellus Bennnett could be costly if Dwayne Allen doesn't step in to replace him and Rob Gronkowski gets hurt again. Will the loss of Edelman kill their underneath passing game? Can Trey Flowers provide enough of a pass rush in a big spot? The loss of Logan Ryan could be another detriment if they can't get someone to step up and play nickel corner. The depth of the secondary could be an issue if injuries take a toll. As great as Tom Brady looked last year, what if his health just starts to deteriorate and his play starts to slip just a little? Look what happened to Peyton Manning in a span of a year. Their schedule has one tricky section in the second half of the year. From Weeks 10-15, five out of their six games are on the road. They head to Denver on SNF in Week 10, travel to Mexico City to take on the Raiders in Week 11, host Miami, and then have a three game roadtrip that features Buffalo, Miami and Pittsburgh in Weeks 13-15. That is a pretty tough stretch right there. They will have one home game from Halloween to Christmas Eve. Maybe that trips them up a bit in the second half of the year.

Prediction: 13-3 and winners of the AFC East

2) Miami Dolphins:
What I Like: You have to give credit to head coach Adam Gase for guiding the Dolphins into the playoffs for the first time since 2008 last year. It is still early, but maybe Gase is one of the next, young coaches to be a star coach in the NFL. The season ending injury to QB Ryan Tannehill in August was a tough blow, but this team was able to get into the playoffs after Tannehill went down with a knee injury late last season, and I don't think it will affect them that much this season. Signing Jay Cutler was definitely an upgrade over Matt Moore, and might even be an upgrade over Tannehill. The offense features a burgeoning star in RB Jay Ajayi. Ajayi had three 200 yard rushing games in 2016. In addition, they have a star receiver in WR Jarvis Landry, so the weapons are there to be an explosive offense. Defensively, you still have Cameron Wake and Ndamukong Suh up front and they added Lawrence Timmons at ILB, and Reshad Jones at Free Safety. The really didn't lose anything in free agency, and they added some help to the defense with OLB Charles Harris in Round 1, LB Raekwon McMillian in Round 2, and CB Cordrea Tankersley in Round 3 in the draft, so they've added some pieces to a 10-6 playoff team. Maybe they can finally slay the dragon of the Patriots in the AFC East in 2017.

What I Don't Like: Let's be honest: The Dolphins were very lucky to make it to the playoffs in 2016. They beat Cleveland, the Jets twice, the Rams, the Bills twice, the Chargers, the Niners, and barely beat the Cardinals. Their one quality win was over the Steelers in Week 6, and Pittsburgh promptly destroyed them in the Wild Card round. Their offensive line is still suspect, and their defense isn't exactly a dominant group in the back end. Jay Cutler is who he is and even being reunited with Adam Gase won't change that this year. I could see the Cutler signing turning into a disaster. He basically admitted he wasn't in shape when he signed in August and he was throwing to his little kids in the backyard before he showed up for camp. That doesn't sound like a ringing endorsement for his chances to succeed in this situation. They are still in a division with the Patriots and their schedule is very difficult this year. They host Tampa Bay in Week 1, then go cross-country to take on the Chargers in Week 2, head to the Jets in Week 3, and go to London to take on the Saints in Week 4. They don't get a bye after the London trip, and host Tennessee in Week 5, then go to Atlanta in Week 6. That is a very rough stretch to start the season. They travel to Baltimore in Week 8 on a Thursday night, host Oakland in Week 9, travel to Carolina in Week 10. Then, they have the Pats in New England, host Denver, and host New England again in the span of three weeks. Trips to Buffalo and Kansas City are also on the docket in Weeks 15 and 16. That is about as tough of a schedule as any team in the NFL this year. The schedule is going to sink the Dolphins chances in 2017.

Prediction: 8-8 and second place in the AFC East

3) Buffalo Bills:
What I Like: The Bills got rid of the Rex Ryan clown show, and they hired Sean McDermott as their new head coach. I like what I have seen out of McDermott so far, and I think his hiring will be a positive for this team. Their offensive line is actually a strength for this team, and RB LeSean McCoy was very productive last year with 1,267 yards and 13 TDs. He adds a dynamic element to this team and QB Tyrod Taylor doesn't get enough credit for his play. In a league, where it is hard to find consistent QB play, Taylor is a pretty solid option for the Bills. He can definitely do enough to lead a team to 10 wins and a playoff berth. They also rid themselves of the Sammy Watkins enigma by trading him to the Rams in the preseason, and they added WR Jordan Matthews in another trade with the Eagles.  Defensively, they still have DTs Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus, but the breakout star last year was LB Lorenzo Alexander. They drafted first round CB Tre'Davious White from LSU to come in start at the other corner spot. They also added S Micah Hyde to their secondary. Their schedule is tough with the AFC West and NFC South as non-division foes, but they have a three game homestand in December in Weeks 13-15 with home games against the Pats, Colts and Dolphins. Plus, their one Thursday night game is at the Jets in Week 9. The Bills have been close to the playoffs the last few years, there might be the year they breakthrough and get in for the first time since 1999.

What I Don't Like: They are still stuck in the division behind the Patriots, so getting to the playoffs requires getting a wild card spot. Also, you do have a first-time head coach in McDermott, and as much as I like him, you still don't know about how he will transition to being a first year coach. Also, the addition of Rick Dennison as offensive coordinator isn't exactly an upgrade. He didn't do a very good job in Denver, so it will be interesting to see how his offense works in Buffalo. It seems like the organization isn't sold on Tyrod Taylor and that could be an issue going forward. I would worry about their receivers on offense. Outside of Jordan Matthews, they are relying on second round pick Zay Jones to come in and be a big part of the passing game. You also worry about their secondary. If Tre'Davious White struggles as a rookie in replacing Stephon Gilmore, their defense could be in big trouble. Their schedule has tough spots all throughout the year. At Carolina in Week 2 and back-to-back road games at Atlanta and Cincy in Weeks 4 and 5. Back-to-back road games in Weeks 11 and 12 at the Chargers and at KC are not going to be easy, and they finish the season with two straight games on the road: New England and Miami. Plus, they have home games against Denver, Tampa Bay, Oakland and Indy. The Bills could easily go 8-8, 6-10, or 10-6. They are a team that is very hard to predict in 2017.

Prediction: 7-9 and third place in the AFC East

4) New York Jets:
What I Like: Make no mistake about it: The Jets are in a rebuilding mode in 2017. What do they have to look forward to this year? Their defensive line, if motivated, can be a force with Muhammad Wilkerson, Sheldon Richardson, and Leonard Williams. They got a steal when S Jamal Adams fell to them at #6 overall in the 1st Round of the draft. He might be the best player in the draft, and someone that they can build the backend of their defense with. Their QB situation is going to start with Josh McCown. Perhaps McCown can keep them afloat for awhile. If all else fails, and the Jets have a really bad season this year, at least they have the luxury of picking at the top of the draft with a great QB class coming in.

What I Don't Like: When you look at the roster, there just isn't a lot of talent there. Nick Mangold, Darrelle Revis (Although he looks like he is done), Eric Decker, David Harris, and Brandon Marshall are all gone. They are not tanking the season, but they gutted a lot of the big contracts, and they are obviously looking to build for the future. One of their best receivers, Quincy Enunwa, was lost during the preseason. They just won't have enough to compete this year. They have trips to Oakland (Week 2), Tampa Bay (Week 10), and Denver (Week 14) in addition to their divisional games. Also, they have to host Atlanta, Carolina and Kansas City in non-division games. It is a very difficult schedule for a team that is not talented enough. This could be a very long year for Gang Green.

Prediction: 3-13 and last place in the AFC East

AFC NORTH:

1) Baltimore Ravens:
What I Like: The Ravens have missed the playoffs three out of the last four seasons after winning Super Bowl XLVII in 2012. Last year, they missed out because they had two road games at New England and at Pittsburgh late in the year, and they probably were more deserving to get in than the Dolphins. The point is that this organization is too good and too solid with GM Ozzie Newsome and Head Coach John Harbaugh to miss out on the playoffs once again. Joe Flacco is solid and you know he can get you into the playoffs. I like the addition of RB Danny Woodhead and WR Jeremy Maclin in free agency. Mike Wallace had a solid first year with them last year, and I like the young combo at TE with Crockett Gilmore and Maxx Williams. They have some studs on the offensive line with Marshall Yanda and Ronnie Stanley. Defensively, I like their secondary a lot. They added S Tony Jefferson to go with Eric Weddle at SS, and Jimmy Smith and newly acquired Brandon Carr mans the other corner. I love the selection of CB Marlon Humphrey in the first round of the draft. Brandon Williams is back on NT and they still have OLB Terrell Suggs and ILB C.J. Mosley. The schedule is favorable to start the year. At Cincy in Week 1, home to Cleveland in Week 2, and Jacksonville in London in Week 3. They don't get a bye after the London game, but they come back home to host Pittsburgh. That feels like at least a 3-1 start to the year. They finish with four out of six games at home (Houston and Detroit in Weeks 12-13 and Indy and Cincy in Weeks 16 and 17). Those game sandwich trips to Pittsburgh and Cleveland. That feels like a 5-1 stretch at the end of the year. There is enough talent on this roster to get back into contention and I have a hard time thinking they will be on the outside looking in again.

What I Don't Like: They did lose some key contributors to free agency in the offseason. Elvis Dumervil, Tim Jernigan, Zach Orr, Ricky Wagner, Jeremy Zuttah, Kyle Juszczyk, and Steve Smith are all gone. Outside of Yanda and Stanley, there are some question marks on the offensive line. Also, can Terrence West carry the load at RB? You also wonder about them generating enough of a pass rush outside of Suggs. What role will the Joe Flacco back issue have to start the season? Can Flacco be effective while missing virtually the entire preseason and training camp? That will be the most pressing issue for this team going into the season. Their schedule does present some challenges in terms of road games. They have to go to London to play Jacksonville, but they also have trips to Oakland, Minnesota, Tennessee, Green Bay, and of course Pittsburgh. Do they have enough to overtake the Steelers in the division?

Prediction: 11-5 and winners of the AFC North

2) Pittsburgh Steelers:
What I Like: I say this every year, but when you have Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown, and Le'Veon Bell on offense, you have the chance to simply outscore and overwhelm the opponent. Throw in the return of WR Martavis Bryant and emerging Eli Rogers to go along with TE Ladarius Green, and the Steelers passing offense should be explosive. I also love the pick of WR JuJu Smith-Schuster in the 2nd round of the draft. The Steelers do a great job of getting a lot out of their young receivers. The offensive line is now a strength for this team. Defensively, Stephon Tuitt and Cameron Heyward anchor the defensive line, and Ryan Shazier is a stud at LB and Bud Dupree is emerging. Also, James Harrison is back for another year. If first round pick T.J. Watt can contribute, then the defense will be in good shape. The late preseason addition of Joe Haden can only help the Steelers usually suspect secondary.  I still think that Mike Tomlin is on the top tier of head coaches in the NFL. Their schedule is very favorable. Obviously they have road games at Cincy and Baltimore, but their other six road games are not bad at all (Cleveland, Chicago, KC, Detroit, Indy, and Houston). Also, they get Minnesota, Tennessee on a short week on Thursday Night Football, Green Bay, and New England all at home. Their last seven games feature five at home and they finish with the layup at home against Cleveland in Week 17. It seems hard to see how the Steelers won't be back in the playoffs once again in 2017.

What I Don't Like: The blowout loss to the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game showed that they are not as close to getting through to the Super Bowl as they thought they were. Their defense got shredded and their secondary is still a concern even with the addition of Haden. Can that group hold up to prolific passing offenses in big games? The loss of LB Lawrence Timmons could affect that unit as well. Will the contract situation with Le'Veon Bell affect his play this year? There is always going to be some doubt about how healthy Big Ben can stay over the course of a season. The Steelers also could fall into the trap of one of those teams that just has a down year for whatever reason. Maybe it is injuries or just the hangover of falling flat in the playoffs last year that could sink their chances in 2017.

Prediction: 10-6 and a Wild Card berth

3) Cincinnati Bengals:
What I Like: Even after missing the playoffs last year, the Bengals avoided the temptation to fire head coach Marvin Lewis, thus providing stability after one down year. You could have a lot worse of a QB-Coach combo than the Bengals tag team of Lewis and Andy Dalton. They still have A.J. Green, who is still top-flight at his position after almost gaining 1,000 receiving yards in only 10 games last year. I like the Jeremy Hill and Giovanni Bernard tandem at RB, and although the guy has a very checkered past, rookie second round pick Joe Mixon could provide another weapon in the backfield. You still have Tyler Eifert at TE, and if 1st Round pick John Ross can get acclimated quickly, there are some explosive skill players on this team. Defensively, the defensive line is solid with Geno Atkins in the middle, and pass rushers Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson on the edge. Vontaze Burfict and Vincent Rey are back at LB, and the secondary is still solid with Adam Jones, George Iloka, and Dre Kirkpatrick. Their schedule gives them some breaks. Their Thursday night game is at home in Week 2 against visiting Houston. They also get a crucial three game homestand in Weeks 12-14 when they host Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Chicago. Maybe last year was just an aberration and the Bengals are ready to get back into the playoff mix in 2017.

What I Don't Like: They lost a ton of talented players in the offseason. Rex Burkhead, Karlos Dansby, Rey Maualuga, Domata Peko, Andrew Whitworth, and Kevin Zeitler are all gone. The biggest question mark on this team will be replacing Whitworth and Zeitler on the offensive line. You won't survive the season if your offensive line is a mess, and the Bengals only signed retread OT Andre Smith as a solution. That won't be enough. Also, Lewis on the hot seat, and if the team stumbles early on, he could be fired during the year. You also have to wonder about the mental makeup of this team. After getting to the playoffs all those years and never winning a playoff game, is this team headed in the wrong direction? Their division is always tough, and their non-division games are very tough-especially on the road. Road trips include Green Bay (Week 3), Pitt (Week 7), Tennessee (Week 10), Denver (Week 11), Minnesota (Week 15), and Baltimore (Week 17). They have a three-game road swing with Jacksonville, Tenn, and Denver. The Bengals might not be ready to get back to the playoffs for the second year in a row, and that could lead to some major organizational decisions.

Prediction: 10-6 and a Wild Card berth.

4) Cleveland Browns:
What I Like: The Browns are in the middle of rebuilding, so the roster is still thin but their offseason provided some hope. They signed OG Kevin Zeitler to go with OT Joe Thomas on the offensive line, and they added possible offensive cornerstones like TE David Njoku in Round 1 of the draft and QB DeShone Kizer in Round 2. On defense, they made the right move by selecting DE Myles Garrett #1 overall, and added versatility with S Jabril Peppers late in the same round. Those young players join Jamie Collins. The only way to go is up for a team that went 1-15 last year, and at least Head Coach Hue Jackson has kept a very positive frame of mind for this group. They would be the ultimate sleeper if they found themselves in the wild card mix come December.

What I Don't Like: The Browns enter the season underdogs in every game. They are going with Deshone Kizer at QB, and you know that he is going to go through his struggles as the year goes on. There aren't enough weapons at the receiver position and Isaiah Crowell isn't there yet at RB. They just don't have enough talent on this roster to compete this year. They open with Pitt, at Baltimore, at Indy and Cincy in the first four weeks. They lose a home game by having to go to London to play Minnesota in Week 8, and their last five games are very tough: At Chargers, GB, Baltimore, at Chicago, and at Pittsburgh. They are at least a year away from contending, and it looks like they will be preparing for 2018 rather than competing in 2017.

Prediction: 5-11 and last place in the AFC North

AFC SOUTH
1) Tennessee Titans:
What I Like: They should have made the playoffs last year, but lost out on a tiebreaker at 9-7 to Houston and just missed the postseason. Marcus Mariota looks like he can be a very good QB at this level, and his passing developed enough to compliment his running ability to give them hope. DeMarco Murray was very good as well at RB, and I like Derrick Henry as a compliment to him. Delanie Walker and Rishard Matthews give them some solid weapons for Mariota, and if they get any kind of solid production from the newly acquired Eric Decker, then this offense could be very dynamic. The key for this team is the fact that their offensive line is one of best units in the AFC led by OTs Taylor Lewan and Jack Conklin. I like their defense with Dick LeBeau running that unit. It is led by DEs Jurrell Casey and Daquan Jones and added Sylvester Williams at NT is free agency. Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan are a solid pass rush duo, and I like the addition of CB Logan Ryan from the Patriots and selection of CB Adoree Jackson in the first round of the draft. They are in a weak division and they get Oakland, Seattle, Indy, and Baltimore all at home in their non-division games. They also finish with at San Francisco, home to the Rams, and home against Jacksonville the last three games of the year. I think this is the year the Titans break through and get back into the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

What I Don't Like: The health of Mariota is a concern because he fractured his fibula in Week 16 last year. You also worry about the other receiver spot if rookie first round pick Corey Davis doesn't produce right away, and if Decker doesn't respond well to offseason surgery. Their secondary is a question mark as well because they were forced to replace three of the four spots on that unit. I'm also not sold on head coach Mike Mularkey. He did a nice job last year with this team, but he still has to prove he can be a winning coach. The one thing about their schedule is they have back-to-back road games three different times and their TNF game is at Pittsburgh. It might be one of those situations where they are a year away from breaking through and they fall short of the positive season they had a year ago.

Prediction: 10-6 and winners of the AFC South

2) Houston Texans:
What I Like: They rid themselves of the Brock Osweiler albatross and will have a QB battle between Tom Savage and rookie first round pick Deshaun Watson. Watson could be the best QB in this draft class and he certainly has the resume from college, and if he comes in and plays right away, he might be an upgrade over Osweiler. Getting rid of Osweiler was key because it was the main issue that was hanging over this franchise all last season. This offense has too many weapons to be poor again. DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller provide a solid combination at the receiver spot and Lamar Miller is back at RB. The strength of this team is the defense. They will get J.J. Watt back from injury and Jadeveon Clowney had a breakout season last year, so they are very solid up front. Bernard McKinney, Whitney Mercilus, and Brian Cushing lead the LB corps, and that gives the Texans a very talented front seven. They could ride this defense all season long. They are in a weak division and four out of their first six games are at home: Jax (Week 1) Tenn (Week 4), KC (Week 5) and Cleve (Week 6), so there is the possibility of them getting off to a good start.There is a lot of optimism that Watson can come in and start right away for Bill O'Brien, play well, and lead this team to another AFC South crown.

What I Don't Like: The problem with the Texans is that although they had to get rid of Osweiler, they are relying on an unknown in Tom Savage or a rookie in Deshaun Watson, who comes from a spread system in college and might not be ready for Week 1 or any part of this season. This is a team that has made the playoffs the last two years, and they have high expectations heading into this season, and their QB situation is not ideal at all. I also believe that Bill O'Brien's status as this team's head coach is going to be an issue this year. I don't think he gets along with management and that will be a storyline for this team in 2017. Their offensive line is a concern and their secondary lost two starters: A.J. Bouye, who was fantastic last year, and Quintin Demps. I think they might be in for a down year. Their schedule has given them some very tough road games. Of course, they have to travel to Tenn (Week 13) and Indy (Week 17), but they have trips to Cincy (Week 2), New England (Week 3 on TNF), Seattle (Week 8), and Baltimore (Week 12). Those games are not going to be easy-especially if Watson is starting as a rookie. I just see the Texans on the outside looking in come playoff time.


Prediction: 8-8 and second place in the AFC South

3) Indianapolis Colts:
What I Like: New GM Chris Ballard comes from Kansas City with a very solid reputation in the league. He is a considerable upgrade over previous GM Ryan Grigson. Andrew Luck had offseason shoulder surgery, and no one is sure if he will be ready for Week 1. If Luck is healthy, then he will put this team on his back and carry them to a winning season all by himself. They still have Frank Gore at RB and the selection of RB Marlon Mack in the 4th Round could be a steal. T.Y. Hilton has established himself as a perennial Pro Bowl playmaker at WR, and Jack Doyle is a quality threat at TE. Their offensive line is improved and that can only help Luck. I love the pick of S Malik Hooker in the first round and they got NT Jonathan Hankins in free agency to bolster the defensive line. The additions of Jabaal Sheard and John Simon in free agency should help the LB unit and Vontae Davis is still there at Corner. I really like the way their schedule broke for them. At the Rams, Arizona and Cleveland at home, at Seattle, and San Francisco are their first five games and that looks like 4-1 to me. Their December is also favorable as they head to Jacksonville and Buffalo in Weeks 13 and 14, host Denver on a short week on TNF, and travel to Baltimore and host Houston in Weeks 16 and 17. That looks like a 4-1 stretch as well. Throw in the fact that the division isn't as great and this team has a chance to rebound and get back to the playoffs in 2017, but it all comes down to the status of Andrew Luck.

What I Don't Like: This team needed a major overhaul and it might take time for everything to come together. If Luck's shoulder isn't ready to go early in the season and he can't stay healthy, then they have no chance of making the playoffs. The entire fate of the franchise rides on Luck's shoulder-LITERALLY!  I also have no faith in head coach Chuck Pagano. If this team falls apart early, then he is a prime candidate to get canned during the season. Do they have enough weapons around Luck and Hilton to put fear in opposing defenses? Is there enough talent on defense to absorb the losses of SS Mike Adams, LB D'Qwell Jackson, DT Arthur Jones, and LB Robert Mathis?  Their secondary still scares me outside of Vontae Davis. It will be interesting to see how all these new pieces fit on this team, and on paper they look like they aren't as good as Tennessee and Houston in their division.

Prediction: 7-9 and third place in the AFC South.


4) Jacksonville Jaguars:
What I Like: There are definitely some young pieces on this defense. Malik Jackson returns upfront, and he gets paired with free agent signee Calais Campbell. I like the tandem of Paul Posluszny and Myles Jack at LB, and Jalen Ramsey looks like a stud at CB. Throw in the free agent signing of CB A.J. Bouye, and the Jags have some players on defense. The big move on offense was drafting RB Leonard Fournette #4 overall in the draft with the thoughts that he might be the next big star running back in the NFL. Fournette joins WRs Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns, and Marqise Lee to give the Jags some weapons for QB Blake Bortles. The Jags have had at least 11 losses the last six years, and anything positive can give them hope to turn this franchise around. After many years of free agent signings and high draft picks, maybe this is the year it all clicks and they make a wild card run.

What I Don't Like: It starts with the QB. Blake Bortles hasn't shown that he can live up to the stature of a franchise quarterback. He hasn't played well in his time in Jacksonville, and he is a turnover machine. He puts up big numbers when the Jags are behind by a lot and late in games. If Bortles doesn't play well, and many people don't think he will, then the Jags talent on defense will not help. Also, I have to see more from head coach Doug Marrone. He came on late last year as an interim coach when Gus Bradley was fired. I'm not sold on Marrone being a quality HC in the NFL. Also, the Jags have to travel to London again and they lost another home game in the process. The schedule is tough once again because of the London trip. The Jags have five out of their first seven games away from Jacksonville and that includes the game in London against the Ravens in Week 3. They don't get a bye the next week and instead they have to travel to the Jets and then to Pittsburgh the week after. After a home game against the Rams in Week 6, they get back on the road at Indy in Week 7. They also finish with a back-to-back road trip at SF and at Tenn in Weeks 16 and 17. I think the Jags have more talent than in years past, but I still think the Jaguars are at least another year away.

Prediction: 6-10 and last place in the AFC South

AFC WEST
1) Oakland Raiders:
What I Like: The Raiders have a potential franchise QB and possible star in Derek Carr. If you watched Carr last year, you saw the impact he had on this team. Plus, he looks like he is a real leader for this franchise. Carr looks like the real deal, and that will help this team be a contender in the next few years. They also have another franchise player and another star on defense with Khalil Mack. The combo of Carr and Mack is something that could propel this team to new heights this year. Plus, a lot of teams would be envious of the offensive line that the Raiders have. That is a strength of their team and that offensive line should be able to help this offense once again. Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree return and Marshawn Lynch comes out of retirement to come back and play for his hometown team. Maybe the year off will help Lynch be a very effective back this year for them. The Raiders schedule gives them a chance to get off to a hot start. They travel to Tenn in Week 1, then host the Jets in Week 2 before back-to-back trips to Washington and Denver in Weeks 3 and 4. Then, they get a three game homestand in Weeks 5-7 (Balt, Chargers, KC). They could get off to a 5-2/6-1 start right away and be off to the races in the AFC West.

What I Don't Like: The whole moving to Las Vegas in three years is something that could be a distraction. They are playing in Oakland the next two years, and I really wonder how that is going to affect their homefield situation. If they are playing well, then it could be okay this year, but what happens if they play poorly and start to stumble. The Las Vegas/Oakland thing is definitely worth watching. Do you really trust Jack Del Rio as a head coach even after last season? As much as they have some young talents in spots (Carr, Cooper, Mack, Gabe Jackson etc..) they have some question marks on their defense. Does anyone scare you besides Bruce Irvin on that defense? 1st round pick Gareon Conley is still dealing with legal issues, so that could affect his status this year. Also, their schedule is very tricky down the stretch. Their last seven games feature a trip to Mexico to take on the Patriots in Week 11, then Denver and the Giants at home. Then, their last four feature a trip to KC, hosting Dallas, at Philly on Christmas night, and at the Chargers in Week 17. Maybe the Raiders aren't going to be ready for all the hype going into this season.

Prediction: 11-5 and winners of the AFC West

2) Kansas City Chiefs:
What I Like: They have been a very consistent team since Andy Reid took over. Last year, they went 12-4, and they basically kept most of the roster intact. Alex Smith returns and we know how dynamic WR Tyreek Hill was last year as an all-purpose threat. TE Travis Kelce is about as good as you get at that position, and their offensive line is solid. Defensively, they lost Dontari Poe, but added DT Bennie Logan, and they still have Chris Jones up front. Lamar Houston is a stud as a pass rusher, Dee Ford is a rising player, and Tamba Hali is still a guy that can generate a pass rush from the edge. Eric Berry is an All-Pro safety and CB Marcus Peters is a one of the best young CBs in the league. The talent is certainly there for this team to breakthrough and make a deep playoff run and possibly a Super Bowl trip. Their schedule helps them down the stretch with a very favorable run the last six games. They host Buffalo in Week 12, at the Jets in Week 13, host Oakland, the Charger and Miami for three straight home games in Weeks 14-16, then finish at Denver in Week 17. They could use that slate of games to propel them to another division title.

What I Don't Like: For a team that was very close to being a Super Bowl contender in the AFC, they did little to put themselves over the top. Their biggest free agent signing was Bennie Logan, and they traded up in the draft to select QB Pat Mahomes at #10 overall. Mahomes is probably not ready to start this year, but we know what will happen once Alex Smith starts to struggle. The Mahomes/Smith situation could end up burying this team. How did this help this team rise above the Patriots and Steelers in the AFC this year? It didn't and it might cost them dearly. You have to worry about offensive weapons surrounding Hill and Kelce with the departure of Jeremy Maclin. Their running back situation does scare anyone, and what happens if Houston, Hali, and Derrick Johnson don't play at the level they are used due to injuries and age? I like what Andy Reid has done with the direction of this team, but we all know his struggles in game management in big games. Their division is very tough and they have to deal with road games New England in Week 1 for the season opener on Thursday night, and trips to Dallas, the Giants and Houston in non-divisional games. I don't know how much grown they covered over the other contenders in the AFC.

Prediction: 8-8 and second place of the AFC West

3) Los Angeles Chargers:
What I Like: Phillip Rivers is still at QB for the Chargers, and he is a better option than most teams have in the AFC. You know you are going to get everything from him every week. Melvin Gordon had a breakout season last year, and Keenan Allen returns to go along with TEs Antonio Gates and Hunter Henry. Defensively, they feature one of the best pass rushing duos in the AFC with Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram coming off the edges. Denzel Perryman is one of best MLBs that no one has heard about, and CBs Jason Verrett and Casey Hayward are one of the best tandems in the AFC. Their defense could be their strength this year. Now in the intimate Stub Hub Center in Los Angeles, their schedule features three straight home games in Weeks 2-4 (Miami, KC, and Philly). They also have home games against Buffalo, Cleveland, Washington, and Oakland in the last seven games. They lost so many close games last year, that their 5-11 record is very deceiving. If you are looking for a possible sleeper in the AFC, the Chargers might be a prime candidate.

What I Don't Like: Teams that move have a hard time being successful their first year. It is an adjustment for everyone involved in the organization. I find it hard to believe that playing in a stadium that holds 30,000 and is primarily a soccer stadium in a city that doesn't care about the Chargers is going to be beneficial this season. They might need a year to adjust to the move to Los Angeles before they can contend for a playoff spot. The Chargers have this "Battle for LA" marketing thing going, but the fanbase just hasn't been there in the preseason. They have holes on that offensive line, and they signed OT Russell Okung and drafted Dan Feeney and Forrest Lamp to come in and fix that, but Lamp will miss the entire regular season after tearing his ACL in training camp. That is a lot to ask, and if you saw how Okung played last year in Denver, then that could be a problem once again. 1st Round pick WR Mike Williams is dealing with back issues already, and there might not be enough firepower in the receiving corps to help out Rivers. Rivers was solid last year, but he has shown a little bit of decline in play the last few seasons. New coach Anthony Lynn takes over for Mike McCoy, and this is Lynn's first time being a head coach in the NFL. I would worry about the combo of a first-time head coach and a team moving to a new city. The Chargers road games are going to be very tough. They open on MNF at Denver in Week 1, then they have trips to the Giants (Week 5), Oakland (Week 6), New England (Week 8), Dallas (Week 12), and KC (Week 15). I know a lot of people are making the Chargers the sexy, sleeper pick this year, but I think they are a year away from making a run to the playoffs.

Prediction: 8-8 and third place of the AFC West

4) Denver Broncos:
What I Like: The Broncos still feature a roster that has the following All-Pro players on offense and defense: Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, C.J. Anderson, Matt Paradis, Von Miller, Derek Wolfe, Brandon Marshall, Aqib Talib, Chris Harris, and Darian Stewart. Throw in young and up and coming players like Shane Ray, who starts the year on IR, and Bradley Roby, and the roster is not depleted as some national experts have alluded to. John Elway signed a contract extension right before training camp, so that potential distraction is out of the way. Their defense is still very, very good. Von Miller is good enough to carry this team on his back at times. The defense could be good enough to win at least eight games on their own. QB Trevor Siemian will have the benefit of playing behind a remodeled offensive line, and a new scheme under new OC Mike McCoy. The offense just has to be average, avoid turnovers and mistakes, and let the defense take over, and they could win plenty of games. I like the energy that new head coach Vance Joseph brings to the table, and it might be a infectious for the rest of the team. Their draft was solid with OT Garrett Bolles in the first round and DeMarcus Walker in Round 2. Both guys are expected to come in and play major roles on this team. Their schedule gives them a chance to get off to a good start with a lot of home games early on. They only have one road game in the first six weeks (Home against Chargers, Dallas, at Buffalo, Oakland, Bye, Giants). In fact, they are home for six out of their first 10 games of the year. That could help them early on, and the Broncos are getting no respect from the national media, and that plays into their favor.

What I Don't Like: For a team that has had a lot of success the past six seasons, there has been a lot of turnover. Gary Kubiak retired due to health concerns, and in steps Vance Joseph as head coach. The problem with Joseph's hiring is that he is a first-time head coach on a team that has playoff aspirations. That is a lot of pressure for him in year one. Also, the QB situation is going to be interesting. We know the ceiling for Trevor Siemian, and he might not be good enough to help this team win 10 or more games. Put it this way: They have the weakest starting QB in their division. Outside of the signing of guard Ronald Leary, the offensive line has a lot of question marks-especially at OT. A combination of a young QB and a shaky offensive line is a very dangerous combo to go into a season with. Have they improved their run defense enough with the additions of Zach Kerr and Domata Peko? I'm not sure about that. I also worry about the release of T.J. Ward right before the season started. The players in the locker room were not happy about that move, and you can't replace Ward's leadership and locker room presence. I just don't know if they are good enough to overtake the Raiders and the Chiefs in their division. After getting so many home games early in the schedule, they have some tough road trips the rest of the way. They have a three-game road trip in Weeks 7-9 (at Chargers, at KC, at Philly). They also have back-to-back road games in Weeks 12 and 13 (Oakland and Miami) and Weeks 15 and 16 (at Indy on TNF and Washington on Christmas Eve). There will be some real tough tests down the stretch of the season-especially with a young QB at the helm.

Prediction: 7-9 and last place in the AFC West

AFC EAST
1-NE 13-3
2-Miami 8-8
3-Buffalo 7-9
4-NY Jets 3-13

AFC NORTH
1-Baltimore 11-5
2-Pittsburgh 10-6*Wild Card
3-Cincy 10-6 *Wild Card
4-Cleveland 5-11

AFC SOUTH
1-Tennessee 10-6
2-Houston 8-8
3-Indy 7-9
4-Jacksonville 6-10

AFC WEST
1-Oakland 11-5
2-KC 9-7
3-LA Chargers 8-8
4-Denver 7-9

AFC Playoff Seeds
1) New England (13-3) East
2) Oakland (11-5) West
3) Baltimore (11-5) North
4) Tennessee (10-6) South
5) Pittsburgh (10-6) Wild Card
6) Cincinnati (10-6) Wild Card

Wild Card Weekend:
3) Baltimore over 6) Cincy: The Ravens get back into the playoffs for the first time since 2014, and they take on their division rival, Bengals, who are back in the playoffs after a one year hiatus. Unfortunately, it is one and done for the Bengals once again as the Ravens advance to the Divisional Round.

5) Pittsburgh over 4) Tennessee: The young Titans make the playoffs for the first time since 2008, but fall at home to the Steelers, who advance to the Divisional Round for the third straight year.

Divisional Round:
1) New England over 5) Pittsburgh: In a rematch of the 2016 AFC Championship Game, the Patriots take down the Steelers once again, and advance to the AFC Title Game for the seventh consecutive year.

3) Baltimore over 2) Oakland: The Raiders make the playoffs for a second straight year, and host their first playoff game since the 2002 AFC Championship, but the Ravens continue their dominance in the playoffs on the road with the upset win to send them back to the AFC Championship for the first time since the 2012 season. This

AFC Championship Game:
1) New England over 3) Baltimore: In a rematch of classic playoff battles from 2011, 2012, and 2014, the Pats upend the Ravens in Foxboro to punch another ticket to the Super Bowl in the Brady-Belichick Era.

SUPER BOWL LII
Seattle over New England: In a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX, the Seahawks vanquish the Patriots and get revenge for the classic ending three years ago. The Seahawks get their second Super Bowl title in franchise history.