Before I begin my predictions, I need to do a quick recap of last year. I was pretty awful last year. I only guessed five teams correctly. Two of those were division winners (Patriots and Steelers) and another was in last place (the 49ers). Definitely my worst performance in years. I did predict one the teams in the AFC Championship game, so do I get points for being smart about New England? Probably not. Okay, enough of the past, onto the present.
AFC
East
Patriots
Dolphins
Bills
Jets
The Patriots are still the team to beat, even if Tom Brady is 50 years old. The rest of the teams have some QB issues that need sorted out.
North
Steelers
Ravens
Browns
Bengals
The Steelers have so much talent, they should easily run away with this division, but for some reason they never make it easy. I do not think the rest of the division is very good. I think the Browns will surprise some people this year and win a few games.
South
Texans
Jaguars
Titans
Colts
I think a year of a healthy Watson and that defense should be enough to put Houston back on top. I think the Jaguars will be good again, but I do not know if they are AFC Championship caliber good.
West
Chargers
Raiders
Broncos
Chiefs
The Raiders regressed without Carr last year, but I think if he stays healthy, they can challenge for the division. I do not think any of these teams are great, so it would not shock me if this division is a tossup with everyone finishing around 9-7.
WILD CARDS: Jaguars, Raiders
NFC
East
Eagles
Giants
Cowboys
Redskins
The reigning Super Bowl champs should be able to win their division. I think the addition of Barkley makes the Giants a legit team. The Cowboys and Redskins will be there too. The NFC is deep in pretty much every division.
North
Vikings
Packers
Lions
Bears
Another very deep division (minus the Bears). Cousins should be a definite upgrade on Case Keenum (although, how pissed will Vikings fans be if Keenum leads the Broncos to the playoffs and the Vikings miss?).
South
Panthers
Saints
Falcons
Buccaneers
Not to sound repetitive, but another deep one. The Falcons or Saints could easily win the division.
West
Rams
49ers
Seahawks
Cardinals
Easily the weakest division in the NFC. The Rams are legit (although, they need to play better at home, 4-4 is pathetic). I think 49ers were a much better team than people realized last year. Four of their losses were decided by a total of 13 points. They could have easily finished with a 10-6 record.
WILD CARDS: Saints, Packers
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: Steelers over Patriots
NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: Panthers over Vikings
SUPER BOWL LIII: Steelers! I know, I said it last year, but I really think this is the year.
LINDSEY’S SUPER BOWL PREDICTION: 49ers over Steelers! She must really be a big believer in San Francisco.
If you are betting on division winners, then perhaps you should switch a few things up. The division favorites in the AFC are the Patriots (-800), Steelers (-230), Jaguars (+175), and Chargers (+150). In the NFC, the Eagles (-155), Vikings (+125), Saints (+155), and Rams (-160) are on top. When it comes to the Super Bowl odds these top betting sites have you covered as the season opener approaches, meanwhile only two AFC teams crack the top eight, as the Jaguars and Chargers are narrowly behind the four projected NFC division winners plus the Falcons and Packers, reflecting the significant imbalance between conferences at this juncture.
