AFC East
Miami #1, they had some awful luck with injuries down the stretch, but this is a talented young improving team that added a lot of quality veteran depth.
Buffalo #6, losing Diggs will hurt, but the real issue is they have no depth anymore. No team asks more of their QB. That can get dangerous.
NY Jets, gives me a bit of an "Eagles dream team" vibe. Looks great on paper, but they are relying on a lot of old injury prone guys, headlined by a 40-year-old Achilles tear QB.
New England, I like Drake Maye, but I think they are still a ways off, and I'm not sure how much I like Mayo. Need their rookie class to pay instant dividends.
AFC North
Baltimore #2, love the Henry addition and getting Andrews back will make the offense scarier, but the defense could really miss Queen's quicks, and they have pass rusher issues.
Pittsburgh #5, I like both the QBs for the minimal investments, and I thought they had the best draft in the NFL. Can Arthur Smith be the latest good OC, bad HC?
Cleveland, I think we've seen enough to know Texans Watson isn't coming back. Defense needs to stay elite for them to snag a wildcard, defense is more unpredictable than offense.
Cincinnati, some believe if Burrow were healthy, they would have never missed the playoffs last year. I think that dismisses a lot of issues this team has. Could win 8 and finish last.
AFC South
Houston #4, division is theirs for the taking, but playoffs are another story. Defense is sketchy, as is OL. Stroud needs to be MVP level, which may happen, but isn't a wise bet.
Jacksonville, brought in a couple decent vets, but look similar to last year, also not sure Lawrence takes the next step. Could see Houston being only 9+win team.
Indianapolis, we have next to nothing to go on with Richardson. Back 7 on defense is a mess. I like Steichen, but I'm not seeing it this season.
Tennessee, Levis gave me a bit of a Jameis vibe last year, great arm, questionable everything else. Secondary is nice, but rest of D is sketchy.
AFC West
Kansas City #3, nobody has ever won 3 in a row. Defense is likely to regress losing Snead. Who knows Rice's status? Reid/Mahomes is enough to win the division, but another title?
LA Chargers #7, should stop losing games on stupidity like they have in recent years, but the overall talent is there for a run yet. Look out in 2025.
Las Vegas, building from the trenches out, but QB is a massive issue. Ideally O'Connell wins, because we know Minshew's ceiling isn't high.
Denver, hot take maybe, but I am wondering how good Payton is, or if Brees carried him? Rebuilding team across the board.
NFC East
Dallas #2, I find their demise greatly exaggerated. I think this team is better than last year, as none of the losses are as big as getting Trevon Diggs back.
Philadelphia #7, I have a lot of concerns about their defense, as its very dependent on young guys. I think they'll be very boom/bust as a team.
NY Giants, offense is rough, but I think they have a good front 7, and maybe Nabers hits the ground running? Daboll is worth a few wins by himself.
Washington, I think this is the worst pass defense in the NFL. Not a fan of the offense either, though Daniels should have some moments, likely more in the run game.
NFC North
Detroit #3, I think the offense takes a slight step back, just on natural regression. Also worry Campbell's aggressive nature hurts more than helps.
Minnesota #5, they are a playoff team last year if Cousins/JJ stay healthy. Defense improved a lot with Flores, and KOC is a great playcaller. Best rookie QB situation.
Chicago, taking steps in the right direction. Might quietly be the best back 7 in the NFL. Is Eberflus the right HC is the biggest question?
Green Bay, my pick for most overrated team. They eked into the playoffs, with a loss to NYG and almost CAR in December. Like Bengals, could see 8-9 being last place.
NFC South
Atlanta #4, probably was the best team in the division the last 2 years but got sunk by QB. That won't happen this year. Elite OL should keep Cousins upright.
Tampa Bay, took advantage of easiest division in the NFL last year, then drew crumbling Eagles. Offense will miss Canales.
Carolina, offense should be better with OL, HC upgrades. Defense has some talent. Not writing off Bryce Young yet. Think they'll be feisty.
New Orleans, this feels like the bill has become due. The tear it down rebuild needs to start next year. I think they are more in need of a new HC than anyone.
NFC West
San Francisco #1, improved their depth across the board, and I think Purdy is still on the upswing. 1 more year with both Aiyuk/Deebo.
LA Rams #6, losing Donald hurts (duh) but this is a top offense, with a defense that just needs to not being among the league's worst. I trust in McVay.
Seattle, I like the Macdonald hire, but I think they take a step backward in order to take 2 steps forward. OL may be NFL's worst. New OC was deep ball heavy, is that doable?
Arizona, probably NFL's worst defense (sorry Budda Baker) offense is ok, with upside if Harrison blows up right away, but hard to see more than 6 wins.
Playoffs
Round 1:
Ravens over Chargers (probably the subscription game, gets all the Harbaugh's to get Peacock)
Bills over Chiefs (they finally slay the dragon)
Steelers over Texans (I think Steelers pass rush overwhelms Texans OL)
Cowboys over Eagles (too many question marks on Eagles back end)
Lions over Rams (not as close as last year)
Vikings over Falcons (nobody knows more about Cousins weaknesses)
Round 2:
Dolphins over Bills (emotional letdown after beating KC)
Ravens over Steelers (nailbiter)
49ers over Vikings (vast difference in talent)
Cowboys over Lions (tight game, but think Dallas D makes the difference)
Round 3:
Dolphins over Ravens (Dolphins offense works a lot better when its not frostbite weather, too much speed for Ravens D, Ravens don't excel at chasing)
49ers over Cowboys (Cowboys biggest issue, and this is probably the most talented 49ers team yet)
Super Bowl:
49ers over Dolphins (SBMVP Christian McCaffrey, Dolphins D weakness is elusive RBs who catch)
NFL MVP: Brock Purdy (just in time for a monster extension)
OPOY: Tyreek Hill
DPOY: Micah Parsons
OROY: JJ McCarthy
DROY: Nate Wiggins
COY: Kevin O'Connell
CPOY: Kirk Cousins
Top-5 2025 draft order:
1.Washington=James Pearce DE Tennessee
2. New England=Will Campbell OT LSU
3. Denver=Deone Walker DT Kentucky
4. Tennessee=Will Johnson CB Michigan
5. Arizona=Mason Graham DT Michigan
Coaches fired (and replaced by) after the season:
Robert Saleh (Todd Monken)
Matt Eberflus (Ben Johnson)
Dennis Allen (Bobby Slowik)
What does everyone else think will happen?
Miami #1, they had some awful luck with injuries down the stretch, but this is a talented young improving team that added a lot of quality veteran depth.
Buffalo #6, losing Diggs will hurt, but the real issue is they have no depth anymore. No team asks more of their QB. That can get dangerous.
NY Jets, gives me a bit of an "Eagles dream team" vibe. Looks great on paper, but they are relying on a lot of old injury prone guys, headlined by a 40-year-old Achilles tear QB.
New England, I like Drake Maye, but I think they are still a ways off, and I'm not sure how much I like Mayo. Need their rookie class to pay instant dividends.
AFC North
Baltimore #2, love the Henry addition and getting Andrews back will make the offense scarier, but the defense could really miss Queen's quicks, and they have pass rusher issues.
Pittsburgh #5, I like both the QBs for the minimal investments, and I thought they had the best draft in the NFL. Can Arthur Smith be the latest good OC, bad HC?
Cleveland, I think we've seen enough to know Texans Watson isn't coming back. Defense needs to stay elite for them to snag a wildcard, defense is more unpredictable than offense.
Cincinnati, some believe if Burrow were healthy, they would have never missed the playoffs last year. I think that dismisses a lot of issues this team has. Could win 8 and finish last.
AFC South
Houston #4, division is theirs for the taking, but playoffs are another story. Defense is sketchy, as is OL. Stroud needs to be MVP level, which may happen, but isn't a wise bet.
Jacksonville, brought in a couple decent vets, but look similar to last year, also not sure Lawrence takes the next step. Could see Houston being only 9+win team.
Indianapolis, we have next to nothing to go on with Richardson. Back 7 on defense is a mess. I like Steichen, but I'm not seeing it this season.
Tennessee, Levis gave me a bit of a Jameis vibe last year, great arm, questionable everything else. Secondary is nice, but rest of D is sketchy.
AFC West
Kansas City #3, nobody has ever won 3 in a row. Defense is likely to regress losing Snead. Who knows Rice's status? Reid/Mahomes is enough to win the division, but another title?
LA Chargers #7, should stop losing games on stupidity like they have in recent years, but the overall talent is there for a run yet. Look out in 2025.
Las Vegas, building from the trenches out, but QB is a massive issue. Ideally O'Connell wins, because we know Minshew's ceiling isn't high.
Denver, hot take maybe, but I am wondering how good Payton is, or if Brees carried him? Rebuilding team across the board.
NFC East
Dallas #2, I find their demise greatly exaggerated. I think this team is better than last year, as none of the losses are as big as getting Trevon Diggs back.
Philadelphia #7, I have a lot of concerns about their defense, as its very dependent on young guys. I think they'll be very boom/bust as a team.
NY Giants, offense is rough, but I think they have a good front 7, and maybe Nabers hits the ground running? Daboll is worth a few wins by himself.
Washington, I think this is the worst pass defense in the NFL. Not a fan of the offense either, though Daniels should have some moments, likely more in the run game.
NFC North
Detroit #3, I think the offense takes a slight step back, just on natural regression. Also worry Campbell's aggressive nature hurts more than helps.
Minnesota #5, they are a playoff team last year if Cousins/JJ stay healthy. Defense improved a lot with Flores, and KOC is a great playcaller. Best rookie QB situation.
Chicago, taking steps in the right direction. Might quietly be the best back 7 in the NFL. Is Eberflus the right HC is the biggest question?
Green Bay, my pick for most overrated team. They eked into the playoffs, with a loss to NYG and almost CAR in December. Like Bengals, could see 8-9 being last place.
NFC South
Atlanta #4, probably was the best team in the division the last 2 years but got sunk by QB. That won't happen this year. Elite OL should keep Cousins upright.
Tampa Bay, took advantage of easiest division in the NFL last year, then drew crumbling Eagles. Offense will miss Canales.
Carolina, offense should be better with OL, HC upgrades. Defense has some talent. Not writing off Bryce Young yet. Think they'll be feisty.
New Orleans, this feels like the bill has become due. The tear it down rebuild needs to start next year. I think they are more in need of a new HC than anyone.
NFC West
San Francisco #1, improved their depth across the board, and I think Purdy is still on the upswing. 1 more year with both Aiyuk/Deebo.
LA Rams #6, losing Donald hurts (duh) but this is a top offense, with a defense that just needs to not being among the league's worst. I trust in McVay.
Seattle, I like the Macdonald hire, but I think they take a step backward in order to take 2 steps forward. OL may be NFL's worst. New OC was deep ball heavy, is that doable?
Arizona, probably NFL's worst defense (sorry Budda Baker) offense is ok, with upside if Harrison blows up right away, but hard to see more than 6 wins.
Playoffs
Round 1:
Ravens over Chargers (probably the subscription game, gets all the Harbaugh's to get Peacock)
Bills over Chiefs (they finally slay the dragon)
Steelers over Texans (I think Steelers pass rush overwhelms Texans OL)
Cowboys over Eagles (too many question marks on Eagles back end)
Lions over Rams (not as close as last year)
Vikings over Falcons (nobody knows more about Cousins weaknesses)
Round 2:
Dolphins over Bills (emotional letdown after beating KC)
Ravens over Steelers (nailbiter)
49ers over Vikings (vast difference in talent)
Cowboys over Lions (tight game, but think Dallas D makes the difference)
Round 3:
Dolphins over Ravens (Dolphins offense works a lot better when its not frostbite weather, too much speed for Ravens D, Ravens don't excel at chasing)
49ers over Cowboys (Cowboys biggest issue, and this is probably the most talented 49ers team yet)
Super Bowl:
49ers over Dolphins (SBMVP Christian McCaffrey, Dolphins D weakness is elusive RBs who catch)
NFL MVP: Brock Purdy (just in time for a monster extension)
OPOY: Tyreek Hill
DPOY: Micah Parsons
OROY: JJ McCarthy
DROY: Nate Wiggins
COY: Kevin O'Connell
CPOY: Kirk Cousins
Top-5 2025 draft order:
1.Washington=James Pearce DE Tennessee
2. New England=Will Campbell OT LSU
3. Denver=Deone Walker DT Kentucky
4. Tennessee=Will Johnson CB Michigan
5. Arizona=Mason Graham DT Michigan
Coaches fired (and replaced by) after the season:
Robert Saleh (Todd Monken)
Matt Eberflus (Ben Johnson)
Dennis Allen (Bobby Slowik)
What does everyone else think will happen?
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