2018 NFL Predictions

Here are my predictions for the 2018 NFL Season.

AFC East
1. New England Patriots (12-4)
2. Buffalo Bills (6-10)
3. New York Jets (5-11)
4. Miami Dolphins (5-11)

The New England Patriots will be the team to beat in this division as long as Tom Brady and Bill Belichick still reside. Their offense will be good although they made some changes. I expect Sony Michel will see a lot of playing time running the ball to go with James White, Rex Burkhead, and Jeremy Hill. Julian Edelman is back from a torn ACL and Brady also has Chris Hogan and Rob Gronkowski to throw to. They did lose Nate Solder on the offensive line although that unit isn't bad without him with guys like Shaq Mason and Trent Brown. The Pats defense is their achilles heel although they have solid pass rushers with Trey Flowers and Dont'a Hightower. Their secondary lost Malcolm Butler but still has Patrick Chung, Devin McCourty, and Stephon Gilmore. The Buffalo Bills will take a step back after making the playoffs a season ago. Josh Allen should start over AJ McCarron and that offense won't be good although LeSean McCoy is still a solid running back. Kelvin Benjamin and Andre Holmes are their starters at receiver and Charles Clay is their tight end. Their offensive line isn't great after the trading of Cordy Glenn. Their defense will keep them in games with a solid defensive line led by Jerry Hughes and Kyle Williams. Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds was a steal in the first round and the secondary is solid with Micah Hyde and Tre'Davious White. The New York Jets are a team in rebuilding mode as well. Sam Darnold will be their starting quarterback, but his supporting cast is among the worst in the league. Isaiah Crowell and Bilal Powell are the running backs that will see most of the action, Robby Anderson and Jermaine Kearse are the projected starting receivers, and they don't know who their starting tight end will be. Their offensive line isn't good either although free agent adds James Carpenter and Kelvin Beachum should help. The defense will be the strength of their team with a solid defensive line led by Leonard Williams. Avery Williamson, Jordan Jenkins, and Darron Lee lead the linebacking core and the secondary should be better with the addition of Trumaine Johnson. The Miami Dolphins are another team that's rebuilding in the division. Ryan Tannehill returns from a torn ACL and his supporting cast is not great either. Kenyon Drake is coming off a breakout season and Frank Gore was an offseason pickup. Danny Amendola, Kenny Stills, and DeVante Parker are the receiving core and they don't know who their tight end is. They do have a nice offensive line led by Laremy Tunsil. Their pass rush isn't bad either led by Cameron Wake and Robert Quinn. Their secondary will be better with first round pick Minkah Fitzpatrick joining Reshad Jones.

AFC North
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)
2. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)
3. Baltimore Ravens (6-10)
4. Cleveland Browns (4-12)

The Pittsburgh Steelers are yet again the team to beat in this division. Ben Rothlisberger is still around and this will probably be Le'Veon Bell's final season as a Steeler so this may be the end of their window. Antonio Brown is still around and Ju-Ju Smith-Schuster is a good number 2 receiver. Their offensive line is among the best in the game led by Maurkice Pouncey and David DeCasrto. Their pass rush is decent led by Cameon Hayward, but their defense will miss Ryan Shazier although TJ Watt shined as a rookie. Their secondary is solid led by Joe Haden and Artie Burns. The Cincinnati Bengals are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season. Andy Dalton is still around and I expect his supporting cast to improve. Joe Mixon is a solid running back and AJ Green is still around and I expect John Ross to make a leap. Tyler Eifert is one of the more underrated tight ends in the league. Their offensive line should be improved with the trading of Cordy Glenn and the drafting of Billy Price. Their defensive line is solid with Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap. Vontaze Burfict leads their linebacking core and their secondary is solid too led by Dre Kirkpatrick and William Jackson III. The Baltimore Ravens also look to bounce back from a disappointing season from a year ago. Joe Flacco is still around and I don't love his offense. Alex Collins is starting at running back and Willie Snead and Michael Crabtree are the starting receivers. Their offensive line is not great, but I do like Ronnie Stanley. Their pass rush is still the strength of the team led by Terrell Suggs. Their secondary isn't bad with guys like Eric Weddle and Jimmy Smith. The Cleveland Browns are a team that wants to badly improve. Baker Mayfield should start over Tyrod Taylor, but I doubt it. Carlos Hyde will be a nice addition at running back to the team as well as Jarvis Landry at receiver. The offensive line should be improved with the drafting of Austin Corbett. Their pass rush will be better with expected growth from Myles Garrett. Their secondary will be better with the trading of Damarious Randall and the drafting of Denzel Ward.

AFC South
1. Houston Texans (10-6)
2. Tennessee Titans (10-6) (Wild Card #2)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (9-7)
4. Indianapolis Colts (5-11)

The Houston Texans are my pick to win the AFC South with the return of DeShaun Watson coming off his ACL tear. Lamar Miller is still a serviceable running back and DeAndre Hopkins is one of the top receivers in the game. The offensive line is among the worst in football. Their defense is the strength of their team and the pass rush is among the best in the league led by JJ Watt, Jadeveon Clowney, and Whitney Mercilus. Their secondary will be better with the addition of Tyrann Mathieu. The Tennessee Titans are a team that also likes to build on last years success under new coach Mike Norvell. Marcus Mariota is a quarterback I expect to be a lot better under Norvell and with Derrick Henry in the backfield along with Dion Lewis. Rashan Matthews, Corey Davis, and Delanie Walker are solid receiving and tight end options. The offensive line is solid led by Taylor Lewan. The pass rush is pretty good led by Jurrell Casey. The secondary should be better with the addition of Malcolm Butler. The Jacksonville Jaguars are coming off an incredible season and look to build on it. Blake Bortles got paid by the team, but I'm still not convinced he's the answer long term. Leonard Fournette is one of the elite running backs in the game. Their receivers are not that great, but I do like Dede Westbrook and rookie DJ Chark. Austin Seferian-Jenkins is a nice addition at tight end. The offensive line will be improved with the signing of Andrew Norwell. Their pass rush is among the leagues best led by Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue. Their secondary is among the best in the league too led by Jalen Ramsey. The Indianapolis Colts have a new coach in Frank Reich and finally get Andrew Luck back from injury. Luck does not have a good supporting cast though as Marlon Mack is their projected starting running back although TY Hilton is a solid receiver. The offensive line is actually not bad with rookie Quinton Nelson, Anthony Castonzo, and Ryan Kelly. Their defense is still among the worst in football. Their best pass rusher could very well be Jabaal Sheard. Former first round pick Malik Hooker better improve in year two as well.

AFC West
1. Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)
2. Kansas City Chiefs (10-6) (Wild Card #1)
3. Denver Broncos (7-9)
4. Oakland Raiders (5-11)

The Los Angeles Chargers probably should have won this division a year ago, but bad luck in close games derailed them. Phillip Rivers still plays at a high level and has a lot of talent around him. Melvin Gordon is one of the better running backs in the league and Keenan Allen is one of the more underrated receivers in the league. Tight end Hunter Henry is out for the season due to a torn ACL though. The offensive line is solid too led by Russell Okung. Their pass rush is among the best in the league led by Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. Their secondary is solid too despite the torn ACL of Jason Verrett as they'll rely heavily on Casey Heyward and rookie Derwin James. The Kansas City Chiefs are a team that people are mixed on. I'm high on Patrick Mahomes, who has a ton of potential and a solid supporting cast. Kareem Hunt was great as a rookie a year ago and Tyreek Hill is a solid deep threat. Travis Kelce is one of the better tight ends in the league. Their offensive line is good with guys like Mitchell Schwartz and Eric Fisher. Their pass rush isn't what it was a few years ago, but it is solid led by Justin Houston. Their secondary is solid too led by Eric Berry and trade acquisition Kendall Fuller. The Denver Broncos look to bounce back from a very disappointing season from a year ago under second year coach Vance Joseph. Case Keenum should be an upgrade over Trevor Siemian. Rookie running back Royce Freeman will have an impact and DeMaryus Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders are two solid receivers. Their offensive line should be good with Ronald Leary back and healthy and Garrett Bolles. Their pass rush is the strength of the team led by Vonn Miller and first round pick Bradley Chubb. Their secondary is solid too led by Chris Harris and Darian Stewart. The Oakland Raiders are in Jon Gruden's first season coaching in a decade. Derek Carr looks healthy and has a nice supporting cast. Marshawn Lynch and Doug Martin are both past their peaks, but are serviceable running backs. Amari Cooper and Jordy Nelson are solid wideouts and Jared Cook is a nice tight end. Their offensive line is very good led by Donald Penn, Rodney Hudson, and Kelechi Osemele. Their pass rush is awful now after the trading of Khalil Mack. Bruce Irvin might be their best pass rusher right now. The secondary has former first round picks with Karl Joseph and Gareon Conley.

NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
2. Dallas Cowboys (8-8)
3. New York Giants (7-9)
4. Washington Redskins (6-10)

The reigning champion Philadelphia Eagles are still the team to beat in this division even though Carson Wentz is not back yet and Nick Foles will start week one. Jay Ajayi and Darren Sproles is a solid running back combo and they are just loaded at that position too. Alshon Jeffery proved to be a great add last year to the offense and Nelson Agholor was solid last year too. Zach Ertz is one of the better tight ends in the game. The offensive line is among the best in the league led by Jason Peters, Lane Johnson, and Jason Kelce. Their pass rush is a good one too led by Fletcher Cox. Their secondary ain't bad either led by Malcolm Jenkins and Jalen Mills. The Dallas Cowboys are a team that people feel will take a step back due to offseason losses and injuries. Dak Prescott didn't have a great season last year and he looks to rebound but outside of Ezekiel Elliott, he doesn't have much. Allen Burks, Terrance Williams, and Cole Beasley are the projected starters at receiver and they lost Jason Witten. The offensive line is dealing with injuries to Zack Martin, Travis Frederick, and La'El Collins and they cannot afford to lose Tyron Smith to injury now too. Their pass rush has talented guys in DeMarcus Lawrence and Sean Lee. The secondary has talent too like Byron Jones and Chidobe Awuzie, but they need to make strides. The New York Giants look to rebound from a
disastrous season a year ago. Eli Manning is still around as they opted to draft Saquon Barkley over one of the quarterbacks and Barkley is a transcendent talent who is a heavy Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite. Odell Beckham Jr is back after coming off a leg injury. Evan Ingram was solid as a rookie last year at tight end. Their offensive line should be improved with second rounder Will Hernandez and free agent pickup Nate Solder. Their pass rush is a question with the health of Olivier Vernon and new trade acquisition Alec Ogltree needs to step up at linebacker. Eli Apple is the key to their secondary and he has to improve or else this unit is in major trouble. The Washington Redskins have undergone some changes. Alex Smith replaces Kirk Cousins at quarterback and after they lost rookie Darrius Guice for the season due to a torn ACL, they signed Adrian Peterson. Josh Doctson, Jamison Crowder, and Paul Richardson are their starters at receiver and Jordan Reed is a solid tight end. Their offensive line is really good led by Trent Williams and Brandon Scherff. Their pass rush has some talent with Jonathan Allen and Ryan Kerrigan. I don't love their secondary and I don't think Josh Norman is the same guy as he was with Carolina.

NFC North
1. Minnesota Vikings (11-5)
2. Green Bay Packers (9-7)
3. Chicago Bears (6-10)
4. Detroit Lions (6-10)

The Minnesota Vikings are the team to beat in this division thanks to a loaded roster all around. Kirk Cousins is a quarterback upgrade over Case Keenum. Dalvin Cook is back from a torn ACL and he should have an impact. Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs are a very good receiving duo. Kyle Rudolph is one of the underrated tight ends in the league. The offensive line is not that great but has solid guys like Pat Elfein and Riley Reiff. Their pass rush is the strength of the team led by Everson Griffen, Danielle Hunter, and Linval Joseph. Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr are solid linebackers that can't be overlooked either. The secondary is solid too led by Harrison Smith and Xavier Rhodes. The Green Bay Packers get Aaron Rodgers back from a collarbone injury and expect to bounce back from a disappointing season a year ago. Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery have shown flashes in the past running the ball. Randall Cobb and DeVante Adams are solid receivers although I feel they'll miss Jordy Nelson. Jimmy Graham is a tight end upgrade, but my fear is that he's a player in decline. Their offensive line has some good players in David Bakhtiari and Bryan Bulaga. Their pass rush should be better with Muhammad Wilkerson joining Clay Matthews. Their secondary is banking on guys like Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Kevin King. The Chicago Bears are a team that's looking to improve with new coach Matt Nagy. Mitch Trubisky's development is the biggest key to this team to improve. Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen is a good running back combination and the addition of Allen Robinson at receiver is significant as well as the drafting of Anthony Miller. The offensive line still isn't great outside of Kyle Long. Their pass rush will be significantly better with the addition of Khalil Mack to go with some of their younger players. Their secondary has some talent too with Kyle Fulmer, Eddie Jackson, and Adrian Amos. The Detroit Lions quietly went 9-7 a year ago, but have a new head coach in Matt Patricia and expect them to regress. Matthew Stafford is still one of the better statistical quarterbacks in the game despite not much around him. LeGarrette Blount and Theo Riddick will get most of the running back reps although I wouldn't sleep on rookie Kerryon Johnson. Golden Tate and Marvin Jones are slated as the starting receivers. The offensive line should be better with rookie Frank Ragnow joining Taylor Decker. Their pass rush isn't great outside of Ziggy Ansah. Their secondary is not bad though with Darius Slay and Glover Quin.

NFC South
1. Carolina Panthers (12-4)
2. New Orleans Saints (10-6) (Wild Card #1)
3. Atlanta Falcons (10-6) (Wild Card #2)
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12)

This division has three legit Super Bowl contenders and I like the Carolina Panthers to win this division. Cam Newton is one of the more under appreciated quarterbacks in the game. I expect a breakout for Christian McCaffrey who will bring a different dimension to the offense. Devin Funchess has shown flashes and rookie DJ Moore will have a big impact. Greg Olsen is one of the better tight ends in the league. The offensive line loses Andrew Norwell, but Trai Turner and Ryan Kalil are good lineman. Their pass rush is among the leagues best led by Luke Kuechly. Their secondary isn't great though although I do like young corner James Bradberry. The New Orleans Saints won the division a year ago and they'll be good agin this season. Drew Brees is still playing at a high level and Alvin Kamara is a great security blanket on offense who brought a new dimension to that they didn't have before and Mark Ingram will be suspended the first four games of the season. Michael Thomas and Ted Ginn Jr are the top receivers on this roster. The offensive line is solid led by Max Unger and Ryan Ramczyk. Their pass rush is actually solid led by Cameron Jordan. Their secondary is on the rise led by Marshon Lattimore and Marcus Williams. The Atlanta Falcons are the third contender from this division. Matt Ryan is still playing at a high level and DeVonta Freeman is a very good back. Rookie Calvin Ridley joins Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu to form a great receiving trio. The offensive line is solid led by Alex Mack and Jake Matthews. Their pass rush isn't too shabby led by Vic Beasley. Their secondary isn't bad either led by Keanu Neal and Desmond Trufant. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going to be awful and head coach Dirk Koetter is on the hot seat. Jameis Winston is suspended to start the season so Ryan Fitzpatrick will start the first three games. Rookie Ronald a Jones couldn't even win the starting running back job over Peyton Barber. The receivers aren't bad with Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson and neither are their tight end duo in OJ Howard and Cameron Brate. Their offensive line is not great although I do like Ali Marpet. Their pass rush looks to improve with the additions of Jason Pierre-Paul and Vinny Curry. Their secondary is among the worst in the league and their best defensive back is Chris Conte.

NFC West
1. Los Angeles Rams (12-4)
2. Seattle Seahawks (8-8)
3. San Francisco 49ers (7-9)
4. Arizona Cardinals (6-10)

The Los Angeles Rams are the team to beat in this division and could represent the conference in the Super Bowl. Jared Goff looks to build on his breakout season from a year ago as well as Todd Gurley. Brandin Cooks will be a great addition to this offense and Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods were big for this team a season ago. The offensive line is solid too led by Andrew Whitworth. Their pass rush is phenomenal led by Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh. The Seattle Seahawks are a team entering a bit of a transition although Russell Wilson is still a great quarterback. Rookie Rashaad Penny didn't even win the starting running back job over Chris Carson. Doug Baldwin and Tyler Lockett aren't bad receiving options. Their offensive line is among the worst in football so Wilson better be ready. Their pass rush is not great anymore although Bobby Wagner is still around. Their secondary is in shambles with Earl Thomas on IR and their best defensive back is Shaquill Griffin. Their secondary will be better with the additions of Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters. The San Francisco 49ers are a team many folks have high expectations for thanks to having Jimmy Garappolo a full season. Garappolo's supporting cast is not great, especially now that Jerick McKinnon is out for the season with a torn ACL so Alfred Morris should start at running back now. Pierre Garçon and Marquise Goodwin are the starting receivers. The offensive line should improve with the drafting of Mike McGlinchey and the signing of Weston Richburg. The pass rush has some young talent with guys like Solomon Thomas and DeForest Buckner. Their secondary should improve with the addition of Richard Sherman although he may not be the same player he was 4-5 years ago. The Arizona Cardinals do have some talent and have a new coach in Steve Wilkes. Josh Rosen should start at quarterback but it looks like Sam Bradford will be their starter. David Johnson is back after missing most of the year with a wrist injury. Larry Fitzgerald is still around and rookie Christian Kirk will have an impact. Tight end Ricky Seals-Jones had a nice season a year ago too. The offensive line should be better with the addition of Justin Pugh. Their pass rush is solid led by Chandler Jones. The secondary will be very good led by Patrick Peterson and Budda Baker.

NFL Playoffs
- Wild Card
(A6) Tennessee Titans vs (A3) Los Angeles Chargers: Fun game between these two talented teams. I like that Chargers pass rush led by Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram to get to Marcus Mariota to lead them to the next round.
Prediction: Chargers

(A5) Kansas City Chiefs vs (A4) Houston Texans: This should be a fun game featuring two young quarterbacks in Patrick Mahomes and DeShaun Watson. I like Watson's Texans and that pass rush of Jadeveon Clowney and JJ Watt to get to Mahomes.
Prediction: Texans

(N6) Atlanta Falcons vs (N3) Philadelphia Eagles: Rematch of last seasons NFL Divisional Round. With Wentz back and healthy, give me the Eagles.
Prediction: Eagles


(N5) New Orleans Saints vs (N4) Minnesota Vikings: Rematch of last seasons "Minneapolis Miracle". Should be a good one and I like the Vikes this time around too.
Prediction: Vikings

- Divisional Round
(A3) Los Angeles Chargers vs (A2) Pittsburgh Steelers: This should be a super fun game with these two offenses led by Phillip Rivers and Ben Rothlisberger respectively. Here's where the Chargers will miss Jason Verrett as Rothlisberger throws on their secondary to lead them to the AFC Championship for the second time in three seasons.
Prediction: Steelers

(A4) Houston Texans vs (A1) New England Patriots: This would be a fun game and these teams ironically face off in week one in Foxboro too. I really love the Texans and that pass rush to get to Tom Brady and for DeShaun Watson to make plays to lead the Texans to the AFC Championship game for the first time in franchise history.
Prediction: Texans

(N3) Philadelphia Eagles vs (N2) Carolina Panthers: This should be a fun matchup between these two talented squads. I like the Eagles here to advance to their second straight NFC Championship game thanks to Carson Wentz making plays and their defense getting stops.
Prediction: Eagles

(N4) Minnesota Vikings vs (N1) Los Angeles Rams: Two of the most talented teams in the sport we have here. The difference in this game is the Rams pass rush with Aaron Donald and Ndamokung Suh to lead them to the NFC Championship and their first playoff win in Los Angeles since they moved back.
Prediction: Rams

- Championship Round
(A4) Houston Texans vs (A2) Pittsburgh Steelers: This should be a fun matchup between these two teams. I like the idea of the Texans pass rush getting to Big Ben and Watson making throws and the Texans being a surprise representative in Super Bowl LIII.
Prediction: Texans

(N3) Philadelphia Eagles vs (N1) Los Angeles Rams: This should be a fun championship game between two of the leagues most talented teams and the top two picks in the 2016 draft with Wentz and Jared Goff. This is such a hard call, but I like Goff and the Rams here with Todd Gurley and that defense stepping up too to go to the Big Game.
Prediction: Rams

- Super Bowl III
(A4) Houston Texans vs (N1) Los Angeles Rams: This would be a fun Super Bowl. The last few years we've seen an unexpected Super Bowl rep and I'm taking my chance with the Texans and their roster being healthy. DeShaun Watson against the Rams pass rush will be fun, but the Texans offensive line is suspect and the Rams pass rush as we know is excellent and that's the difference here as the Rams will win the Lombardi Trophy for the first time in seventeen years.
Prediction: Rams