Way Too Early 2018 Regular Season Predictions

THE AFC

AFC EAST

 

Bills 4th in AFC East: Tough schedule for this young team. I think Allen will take over the offense sooner than later. Front of schedule too much to overcome & too many questions on the roster. There is also the McCoy drama looming over right now. 
Offensive Stud- Shady McCoy if n/a on suspension, Kelvin Benjamin  Defensive Stud- Micah Hyde  Best Newcomer- Tremaine Edmunds  

Biggest win- Titans week 5 @ home- 20-17

Dolphins 3rd in AFC East: First half of schedule before bye gives hope, but last half is brutal. They have allowed a lot to leave on this roster the last year. Do like some of their young core, but they have a lot of work to do. They have a quarterback situation to figure out as well.

Offensive Stud- Kenyon Drake Defensive stud- Cameron Wake Best Newcomer- Minkah Fitzpatrick

Biggest win this year- Patriots Week 14 @ Home- 27-24

 

Jets 2nd in AFC East: This roster had some losses & improvements. Hard to trust them to win a lot of games with their quarterback stable and will they give the keys to Sam Darnold at some point? They are young, but a team I think is well coached and moving the right way.

Offensive Stud- Billal Powell  Defensive Stud- Leonard Williams  Best Newcomer- Terelle Pryor

Biggest win- @ Jacksonville Week 14 23-20

Pats 1^st in AFC East: Still have Brady, still have Bill. Still little threat in their division and should coast to the playoffs, while winning division again. If they get home field in the playoffs again, good luck AFC. Terrific Tom still has a few left in him. 

Offensive Stud- Tom Brady  Defensive Stud- Kyle Van Noy Best Newcomer- Sony Michel

Biggest win- Vikings Week 14 @ Home 31-27
2nd seed in AFC

AFC WEST

 

Broncos 3rd in AFC West: I like the signing of Case Keenum and the defense is still elite w/ the drafting of Bradley Chubb. The O-Line & Running game is my worry with this team. Can they score enough to contend w/ the better teams in this division and conference? How well will Keenum fit in this scheme?

Offensive Stud- Demaryius Thomas  Defensive Stud- Von Miller  Best Newcomer- Bradley Chubb

Biggest win- @ Chargers Week 11- 24-17

Chargers 1st in AFC West: This team is solid on both sides of the ball. We saw them get hot the last half of the season last year and I believe they pick up where they left off. They win the win the division for the first time since 09'.

Offensive Stud- Phillip Rivers Defensive Stud- Melvin Ingram Best Newcomer- Derwin James

Biggest win- @ Steelers Week 13- 34-30
3rd seed in AFC

Chiefs 2nd in AFC West: Andy Reid is handing it over to his 2017' 1st round pick and I think Mahomes will impress. Their offense will be hard to stop, my worry is with their defensive side of the ball. Loss of big names could make an impact, who will step up? Will Berry be back to his pro bowl form? Tough schedule for KC, but they will be around come playoff time.
Offensive Stud- Kareem Hunt Defensive Stud- Eric Berry Best Newcomer- Sammy Watkins
Biggest win- @ Seattle Week 16- 27-21
6th seed in AFC

Raiders 4th in AFC West: Oakland has a lot to overcome in the West, but I think they will fall behind the others. I do like their receiving unit and new coach.Will Lynch and Martin give them enough in the run game? Can their secondary make stops?
Offensive Stud- Derek Carr Defensive Stud- Kahlil Mack Best Newcomer- Jordy Nelson
Biggest win- @ Chiefs Week 13- 34-30


AFC SOUTH


Colts 4th in the AFC South: This is a roster still in rebuild mode. Without Frank Gore, is there enough in the backfield to move the ball on the ground? Quentin Nelson will be a big part in putting this team in the right direction, but still so much work. Who is going to make plays defensively? I think Luck is going to play all season, but is he at all? Who knows...
Offensive Stud- Andrew Luck (Hopefully for their sake) Defensive Stud- Malik Hooker Best Newcomer- Eric Ebron 
Biggest win- Bengals @ Home Week 1- 24-17



Jaguars 2nd in AFC South: This Defense is elite and only got better. Offensively they have a solid rushing attack with Fournette and Yeldon. The concern I have with them is their passing offense. They have lost "The Allen Brothers" and they have a young receiving core and a tough schedule. Look for their defense to win games in big moments.
Offensive Stud- Leonard Fournette Defensive Stud- Jalen Ramsey  Best Newcomer-Ronnie Harrison
Biggest win- Eagles @ Home Week 8- 28-20
5th seed in AFC


Titans 3rd in AFC South: This is an up and coming team and much of the success this year will rely on Mariota. His statistics were down last season and their season schedule is pretty rough. Defensively they were in the middle of the pack last year and the D will need to step up, just like Mariota and the offense to be a threat. Derrick Henry could emerge as a top 5 back this year.
Offensive Stud- Derrick Henry Defensive Stud- Kevin Byard  Best Newcomer- Deion Lewis
Biggest win- @ Texans Week 12 23-21


Texans 1st in AFC South: I like where they have gotten their roster and looks as if they finally have their franchise QB in Watson. Hopefully Watson can comeback strong from his injury, along with captain JJ Watt. I see this team having a really good season, if they can run the ball well and Watson comes back the same. Look for Jadaveon Clowney to have his best year yet, due to Watt coming back on the otherside.
Offensive Stud- Deshaun Watson Defensive Stud- JJ Watt Best Newcomer- Tyrann Mathieu
Biggest Win- Jaguars @ Home Week 17 31-23
4th Seed in AFC

AFC NORTH


Bengals 4th in AFC North: I think this will be the final year of the Marvin Lewis Era. The Defense is aging and don't see them having enough on the offensive line and running game to win many games. Andy Dalton will be relied on to do a lot more than he should. Throw it up to AJ I suppose and hope for the best?
Offensive Stud- AJ Green Defensive Stud- Geno Atkins Best Newcomer- Jessie Bates
Biggest Win- @ Ravens Week 11 28-24


Browns 3rd in AFC North: They will get some wins this season, yes plural. I like some of the off-season moves they made and will take some steps forward. They finally have some weapons across the board on offense and should be an intriguing team in 18'. Tyrod Taylor will have a lot of weapons to look to and hopefully they can prep Mayfield for next season.
Offensive Stud- Carlos Hyde Defensive Stud- Myles Garrett Best Newcomer- Jarvis Landry
Biggest Win-@ Buccaneers Week 7 30-20


Ravens 2nd in AFC North: They have a great coach and their defense is their core. Collins looks like he could be a solid running back and passing should be improved with Crabtree and Snead. Which Joe Flacco will we get this year? Can they get over Pittsburgh though? Idk about that one..
Offensive Stud- Alex Collins Defensive Stud- Terrell Suggs Best Newcomer- Michael Crabtree
Biggest Win-Saints @ Home, Week 7 20-17


Steelers 1st in AFC North: So many weapons offensively, improved defense and a really good coach. Always some drama with the Black & Yellow, they can be their worst enemies at times . I see them coasting through the North this season, call them Jon Snow.
Offensive Stud- Ben Roethlisberger Defensive Stud- Cameron Hayward Best Newcomer- Morgan Burnett
Biggest Win- Patriots @ Home Week 15 38-34
1st seed in AFC

THE NFC

NFC EAST

Cowboys 2nd in NFC East: Did some good things in the off-season, but nothing huge. The O-line got depth and got stronger and this is the strength of this team. With Ezekiell Elliott running behind it with something to prove, that could be bad news for any opponent. Will Dak have a comeback year and what receivers will step up? There is some concern at the safety position for me, will they go get ET? Rough schedule for Big D, but they will stay in the mix.
Offensive Stud- Ezekiell Elliott Defensive Stud- Jaylon Smith Best Newcomer- Allen Hurns
Biggest win- Eagles @ Home Week 14 30-28
5th seed in NFC



Giants 3rd in NFC East: Saquon Barkley and Odell Beckham healthy will make for some good weapons. Nate Soldier was a great addition as well, but is it enough to make that O-line good? Which Eli will show up this year? The defense has a number of play-makers, but NFC East is stacked and see them falling to 3rd.
Offensive Stud- Odell Beckham Jr Defensive Stud- Landon Collins Best Newcomer- Saquon Barkley
Biggest Win- @ Falcons Week 7 38-34



Eagles 1st NFC East: The Eagles only got stronger this season and have a Super Bowl MVP as their backup, is that a first? Carson Wentz is coming off a tough injury and they are facing a first place schedule. Fortunately for them the whole NFC East has a tough road. Their defensive unit and pass rush rotation is elite and will be giving teams fits. Across the board, they are as solid as it gets.
Offensive Stud- Carson Wentz Defensive Stud- Brandon Graham Best Newcomer- Michael Bennett
Biggest Win- @ Rams Week 15 23-20
3rd seed NFC 


Redskins 4th in NFC East: I liked the Skin's draft and the pick up of Alex Smith and Paul Richardson. I do see this as the end of the Jay Gruden era, too much competition in the East and not enough firepower. Derrius Guice I see being a star in the making. Alex Smith will have another productive season.
Offensive Stud- Alex Smith Defensive Stud- Ryan Kerrigan Best Newcomer- Derrius Guice
Biggest Win- Giants @ Home Week 14 27-21

NFC NORTH


Bears 3rd in NFC North: Da Bears! I see this team taking a step forward and finishg 3rd in the stacked north. It is not a bad season for this team to finish there after the last few seasons. I see Nagy meshing well with this young offense and this defense is on it's way to being a top defense in the league. The combo of Howard/Cohen is sneaky good and a improved receiving corp will help the young Trubisky.
Offensive Stud- Jordan Howard Defensive Stud- Akiem Hicks Best Newcomer- Allen Robinson
Biggest Win- Packers @ Home Week 14 23-21



 Lions 4th in NFC North: I see this squad taking last this season, but won't have an awful record. The North faces the AFC East which should benefit them all, but I see Detroit falling back. Matt Stafford will carry the offense as always and hopefully Blount  and Kerryon Johnson can help this run offense. They have a good secondary, but I have concerns with their front seven bringing pressure.
Offensive Stud- Matthew Stafford Defensive Stud- Darius Slay Best Newcomer- Kerryon Johnson
Biggest Win- @ Vikings 30-28



Packers 2nd in NFC North: With the loss of Jordy Nelson the Pack went out and grabbed Jimmy Graham. This passing game is going to be dangerous with their weapons and will put up points. Aaron Rodgers coming back off injury will be hungry and have a chip on his shoulder (no pun) . On the flip, will they be able to get a run game going? Will their defense be a bigger force this year or will they flop? Either way with Rodgers back, they are in the playoff mix.
Offensive stud- Aaron Rodgers Defensive Stud- HaHa Clinton-Dix Best Newcomer- Jimmy Graham
Biggest Win- @ Patriots Week 9 41-38
6th seed in NFC 



Vikings 1st in NFC North: The Vikes improved their roster even more this off-season. Probably the surprise team of the NFC last season, looks as if they can repeat this year as the Kings of the North. Bringing in names like Sheldon Richardson and Kirk Cousins and getting back a healthy Dalvin Cook, they will be in the mix at the end of the season. Look for Cousins to fit in well with this offense.
Offensive Stud- Dalvin Cook Defensive Stud- Erick Kendricks Best Newcomer- Kirk Cousins
Biggest Win- Packers @ Home Week 12 27-23
1st seed NFC

NFC SOUTH


Buccaneers 4th in NFC South: Regardless of the Winston 4 game suspension, I still would put Tampa in fourth. They are too far behind the other teams in the division. They have pieces, but just not enough on either side of the ball to compete against the big dogs in the NFC South.
Offensive Stud- Mike Evans Defensive Stud- Jason Pierre-Paul Best Newcomer- TJ Ward
Biggest Win- @ Panthers Week 9 28-24


Falcons 3rd in the NFC South: The NFC is a crowded room and I see the Atlanta Falcons falling ou of the playoff picture. They have a good roster and the Ridley pick-up will add more firepower. Dan Quinn has really done a good job with this team, but they just miss the playoffs due to the strength of schedule and the Saints having a year.
Offensive Stud- Matt Ryan Defensive Stud- Takkarist McKinley Best Newcomer- Calvin Ridley
Biggest Win- @ Saints Week 12- 34-30


Panthers 2nd in the NFC South: I like the direction this franchise is moving in. They are putting more pieces around Cam offensively and the defense is competitive. Look for Cam to have a great season, but due to the schedule and NFC competition, they miss postseason.
Offensive Stud- Cam Newton Defensive Stud- Luke Kuechly Best Newcomer- CJ Anderson
Biggest Win- Falcons @ Home Week 16- 37-31


Saints 1st in the NFC North: Too many options for Drew Brees on this squad and Kamara and Ingram are a dangerous duo. This defense is getting better over the last couple years as well and may have the best home field advantage league imo. The Saints are a big time contender this season and Sean Payton may be the best coach besides Bill up North.
Offensive Stud- Alvin Kamara Defensive Stud- Cameron Jordan Best Newcomer- Marcus Davenport
Biggest Win- Carolina @ Home Week 17 38-30
2nd seed NFC

NFC WEST


Cardinals 2nd in NFC West: I like a lot of things about the Cardinals and they could be a sleeper team. I just don't have enough trust to consider them a playoff team this year, but they are not far off. The return of David Johnson will be big and Larry Fitzgerald ages like fine wine. Can Sam Bradford stay healthy? Or will the rookie be getting the keys early on? I believe the loss of Tyrain Mathieu will hurt them on the back end. I think Rosen takes over mid-season and shines.
Offensive Stud- David Johnson Defensive Stud- Chanlder Jones Best Newcomer- Christian Kirk
Biggest Win- @ Chargers Week 12 31-30


49ers 4th in NFC West: I think this team get's better, but at the same time they still have spots they need to fill on the roster. I am not as sold as a lot of people on Jimmy G, but I do think he is the guy in the Bay. He should have a decent year, but I think he will come down to earth after logging a full season. They are getting young players defensively and I like the Richard Sherman signing. I believe the loss of Gore will hurt their productivity, but this team is a couple years away from being a playoff team.
Offensive Stud- Jimmy Garoppolo Defensive Stud- Solomon Thomas Best Newcomer- Richard Sherman
Biggest Win- Seahawks @ Home Week 15 24-20


Rams 1st in NFC West: This team brought in some big names in the off-season and the roster is loaded with talent. They have all the best ingredients, but that doesn't always mean the dinner is going to be good. Repeat of the 2010-2011 "Dream Team" Eagles? Not likely to me. The NFC West does not have a team that will threaten their division title and this team is well coached. Look for the Rams to repeat as West Champs.
Offensive Stud- Todd Gurley Defensive Stud- Aaron Donald Best Newcomer- Marcus Peters
Biggest Win- Eagles @ Home Week 15 31-24
4th seed in NFC


Seahawks 3rd in NFC West: I have never been a huge fan of Russel Wilson, but in all honesty there is not anyone I respect more in the league. There is not a player who does more for his team, than Wilson does. I said last year that the front office did not have enough around him and this year they just stripped more away. Loosing defensive leaders Sherman and Chancellor and offensively Richardson and Graham, is going to hurt them without question. I have so much faith in Wilson, I wanted to put them in second, but could not do it reviewing the roster. This could be the tear it down year in Seattle.
Offensive Stud- Russel Wilson Defensive Stud- Bobby Wagner Best Newcomer- Rashaad Penny
Biggest Win- @ Rams Week 10- 27-21

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