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AFC East
Division Winner: Buffalo Bills
The ghost of Scott Norwood came back to haunt Tyler Bass last season—he missed a field goal wide right in the playoffs, ending Buffalo’s Super Bowl dreams. More magic is needed from the mighty arm and legs of Josh Allen, who will be without temperamental Stefon Diggs (off to Houston) and deep threat Gabe Davis, who signed with Jacksonville. Look for more two-tight end sets. The secondary also lost three starters, all salary cap victims, but the Bills have stud running back James Cook returning after a 1,122-yard season. The Bills Mafia are eager for more.
2. New York Jets
The Jets scored a mere 18 offensive TDs last season, the fewest for any team since 2012, and extended their playoff drought to 13 years. But now 40-year-old QB Aaron Rodgers will attempt his Achilles comeback with help from new left tackle Tyron Smith, an eight-time Pro Bowler. Running back Breece Hall just missed the 1,000-yard mark, and wideout Garrett Wilson is destined for stardom. The elite defense anchored by Quinnen Williams, C.J. Mosley and Sauce Gardner could land coordinator Jeff Ulbrich a head coaching job. Coach Robert Saleh and GM Joe Douglas are on the hot seat and will find themselves in Rodgers’ darkness retreat if they miss the playoffs again.
3. Miami Dolphins
Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, who move even faster than the hordes of hungry diners heading to Joe’s Stone Crab, welcome Odell Beckham Jr. to the Fish. Tua Tagovailoa led an offense that averaged a league-best 401.3 total yards a game, a first since the Dan Marino days 30 years ago. Can the rebuilt offensive line keep him healthy? Running back Raheem Mostert returns after his 1,012-yard, 18-TD season and will again be ed by electric second-year dynamo De’Von Achane. This tropical team is rooting for global warming—they have night games in Green Bay on Thanksgiving and in Cleveland on December 29.
4. New England Patriots
Life after Bill Belichick begins under coach Jerod Mayo, one of four rookie bosses. Mayo needs Rhamondre Stevenson to return to his 2022 (1,000-yard) form because Randy Moss and Julian Edelman won’t be in his receiving room. Drake Maye is the quarterback of the future, but veteran Jacoby Brissett will likely start.
AFC North
Division Winner: Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore is a run-heavy team, and now that running will be handled by the tree trunk legs of Derrick Henry, who has eclipsed 1,000 yards in each of his five full seasons since 2018. He s quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has dropped 25 pounds over the past two years, so he can feel better about treating himself to the New York Strip alla Pizzaiola at La Scala. He’s desperate to improve his 2-4 postseason record. Stud left tackle Ronnie Stanley and center Tyler Linderbaum anchor an offensive line that lost three starters. No defense recorded more sacks than Baltimore.
2. Cincinnati Bengals
Smokin’ Joe Burrow will return under center after missing the final seven games of a 9-8 season with calf and wrist injuries. He couldn’t be happier throwing again to his wideouts, particularly gamebreaker Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The defense here is a mixed bag: Trey Hendrickson recorded 17.5 sacks, tied for second most in the NFL, but the defense is suspect. The Bengals need to find a quality replacement for departed run-stuffing nose tackle D.J. Reader, who left for Detroit.
3. Cleveland Browns
How did Cleveland make the playoffs last year? Quarterback Deshaun Watson needed shoulder surgery after starting and finishing only five games and they lost running back Nick Chubb to a knee injury in week two. No wonder Kevin Stefanski was named Coach of the Year. A top-ranked defense (led by Myles Garrett, with 14 sacks), helped the Browns outscore their opponents by 34 points. Defensive end Za’Darius Smith returns, but the Browns have never won a Super Bowl.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers fired offensive coordinator Matt Canada after the team failed to gain 400 yards in any of the 45 games he coached. Now, it’s Arthur Smith’s turn. Head coach Mike Tomlin acquired nine-time Pro Bowl QB Russell Wilson for little more than the price of a Primanti’s sandwich and traded for former Chicago starter Justin Fields. Linebacker Patrick Queen was swiped in free agency from Baltimore, and Tomlin bolstered his offensive line with draft picks. But the Steelers (who have gone seven years without a playoff win) have the third-toughest slate in the league.
AFC South
Division Winner: Houston Texans
It was a Cinderella story as the Texans went from worst to first, going from a 3-13 season with a basement finish to 10-7 and a division crown. Credit goes to Offensive Rookie of the Year quarterback C.J. Stroud, who ed for an average of 273.9 yards a game, tops among QBs who played more than half of the season. There was also a star on the other side of the ball in Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. Now a trade for former Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs and the free agent g of rusher supreme Danielle Hunter from the Vikings (16.5 sacks) makes this tough team even more dangerous.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
Virtually everyone but owner Shahid Khan enjoyed a hearty chuckle when news broke of the Jaguars failed attempt to recoup $20 million that was stolen by a former employee and bet on FanDuel. Considering how Jacksonville lost five of its last six games and blew the division title, you wonder if some of that action was on the Jags. An assortment of injuries (concussion, shoulder, high ankle sprain) stymied franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who comes back healthy this year and gets help with new deep-threat receivers Gabe Davis from Buffalo and No. 1 pick Brian Thomas Jr. from LSU. Blossoming linebacker Josh Hines- Allen signed a five-year deal and s Travon Walker and Arik Armstead to strengthen the defense.
3. Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis is winless in its past 10 openers, the longest such streak in the league. They are counting on quarterback Anthony Richardson to be ready to go after a shoulder surgery cost him 13 games last year. The receiving crew gets help from Adonai Mitchell of Texas. Jonathan Taylor is healthy and happy again, and the defense gets Laiatu Latu, the draft’s best rusher.
4. Tennessee Titans
Titanic changes abound in Tennessee. So many familiar names are gone, including star running back Derrick Henry, wideout A.J. Brown and coach Mike Vrabel. There’s new talent on the field, but Calvin Ridley is no Brown, and Tony Pollard (4.0-yard rushing average) is no Henry. Six-foot-six, 342-pound JC Latham, the seventh overall pick out of Alabama, addresses the glaring need at left tackle. Not enough new blood? Rookie Brian Callahan is now calling the shots.
AFC West
Division Winner: Kansas City
Chiefs Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, stud tight end Travis Kelce, and the rest of the Chiefs got to yuk it up with President Biden at the White House. They hope to return to D.C. as they eye a threepeat. No team has won three Super Bowls in a row. Patrick Mahomes has more targets this season with a pair of new deep threats, first-round draft Xavier Worthy of Texas and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown from Baltimore. Worthy will be called upon immediately, especially with receiver Rashee Rice facing a potentially lengthy suspension for his role in an automobile accident. The Chiefs remain tough on defense and coach Andy Reid is 32-0 when he wins the turnover battle. Amazingly, local voters delivered a stinging rebuke of a proposed tax measure that would have helped fund improvements to Arrowhead Stadium. Is that any way to treat a football dynasty?
2. Los Angeles Chargers
Goodbye Austin Ekeler, adios Keenan Allen and see you later Mike Williams—and their combined 178 receptions and nearly 2,000 receiving yards. The salary cap can be cruel. Also goodbye head coach Brandon Staley, who has been replaced by Jim Harbaugh, the favorite on sports betting odds boards to earn his second NFL Coach of the Year award. Fifth overall pick right tackle Joe Alt will protect QB Justin Herbert, second-round receiver Ladd McConkey helps replace Allen, and ex-Raven Gus Edwards comes in to replace Ekeler. Can Joey Bosa stay healthy?
3. Las Vegas Raiders
Coach Antonio Pierce is stuck in Sin City with second-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell, the 27th-rated er in the NFL, and journeyman ex-Colt Gardner Minshew, who ranked 25th. Perhaps the Snake River Farms Wagyu Ribeye at Spago can ease his pain. Sack leader Mad Maxx Crosby sacked a rich deal and will have a stud playing beside him in ex-Dolphin Christian Wilkins.
4. Denver Broncos
The Broncos are fortunate that Sean Payton is an elite coach. He drafted Bo Nix of Oregon with the 12th pick to unseat Jarrett Stidham. Because of salary cap hell—an $85 million dead-money-charge for the nightmare Russell Wilson trade—Payton had to unload wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. One day he will get this operation turned around, but don’t expect it to be anytime soon.
NFC East
Division Winner: Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles swooped into New Jersey to sign star running back Saquon Barkley away from the rival Giants, giving him a three-year deal worth $37.8 million. Head coach Nick Sirianni has already heckled Giants fans with the taunt “We got your best player.” Jalen Hurts wasn’t elite at the QB position (23 TDs, 15 INTs) during the Eagles’ late 2023 implosion, and Philly’s porous defense was vulnerable in the secondary, so GM Howie Roseman drafted cornerback Quinyon Mitchell of Toledo in the first round and Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean in the second to add some Tony Luke’s-style beef to the defense. There are new faces in the coaching staff as well, with Kellen Moore (formerly with the Chargers) as offensive coordinator and highly-regarded Vic Fangio coming from the Dolphins to be the new defensive coordinator.
2. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys hope to become the first team since the Eagles to win back-to-back NFC East crowns. Dak Prescott threw a league-high 36 TD es, 12 to CeeDee Lamb, whose 135 receptions led the league, but his critics point to his unimpressive 2-5 postseason record. This team hasn’t been to the NFC Championship since 1996, when Bill Clinton was president. Jerry Jones didn’t put his money where his all in mouth is, spending only $16.5 million in free agency, and the ’Boys were the league’s lowest-spending ($93.4 million) team. Running back Ezekiel Elliott returns to replace Tony Pollard, and Tyler Guyton of Oklahoma replaces left tackle Tyron Smith. Mike McCarthy, already on the hot seat, is reportedly getting fed up with the owner. Is that Bill Belichick lurking in the wings? Sources say he’s not opposed to barbecue or ten-gallon hats.
3. New York Giants
After bickering over a new contract for more than a year, Saquon Barkley is gone, replaced by cost-effective Devin Singletary. The Giants offense surrendered a league-high 85 sacks last year, and failed to reach 100 gross ing yards in a game three times. Daniel Jones (torn ACL, stinger) is back at quarterback, and if he gets off to a slow start, free agent signee Drew Lock could replace him. Coach Brian Daboll’s new svelte look will enable him to try the delicious French fries at Mark’s Off Madison or any dish at Elio’s as he attempts to rebound from a 6-11 season.
4. Washington Commanders
Heisman winner and dual threat Jayden Daniels, the second overall pick, is a much-needed symbol of hope at quarterback for a team that managed an unimpressive 4-13 record, their seventh consecutive non-winning season. Good riddance to former owner Dan Snyder. Welcome Josh Harris and Magic Johnson.
NFC North
Division Winner: Detroit Lions
Popular head coach Dan Campbell will keep biting kneecaps. His starting quarterback Jared Goff has won over Motown, and star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (who pulled in 119 catches for 1,515 yards) was rewarded with a new four-year deal worth $120 million. Detroit was the only team with two running backs ranked in the top 20 in yards gained, with David Montgomery ranked ninth (1,015 rushing yards) and rookie sensation Jahmyr Gibbs 17th (945). The already stout run defense gets even better with the additon of standout nose tackle D.J. Reader, who comes from the Bengals. The secondary needed help and gets it with a pair of new cornerbacks, No. 1 draft pick Terrion Arnold and No. 2 Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
2. Green Bay Packers
The post-Aaron Rodgers era began in strong fashion with Jordan Love leading his team to a stunning wild card playoff upset at Dallas. No. 1 draft pick Jordan Morgan replaces injury-plagued three-time Pro Bowl David Bakhtiari at left tackle. Josh Jacobs, the 2022 rushing champ, takes over for Aaron Jones, now in Minnesota. Free agent safety Xavier McKinney comes from the Giants, and will help with the tackling problem. Lambeau Field has a young team on the rise.
3. Chicago Bears
The Bears landed prized quarterback Caleb Williams and receiver Rome Odunze with the first overall and ninth picks, respectively, and general manager Ryan Poles added prolific Keenan Allen (from the Chargers) at receiver and running back D’Andre Swift, who rushed for 1,049 yards last year with the Eagles. Chicago’s slam-dunk decision to take Williams—a mural of him went up in downtown in June—marked the third time across the past eight seasons that the Bears selected a quarterback in the first round. Still, don’t expect miracles. These just aren’t the ’85 Bears.
4. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikes cratered while Kirk Cousins was out with an Achilles injury. They also lost Za’Darius Smith and Eric Kendricks on defense and running back Dalvin Cook in free agency. The future depends on how quickly first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy (from Michigan) rehabs from a torn meniscus suffered in training camp. Until then, Sam Darnold will try to hold down the fort.
NFC South
Division Winner: Atlanta Falcons
After missing the playoffs for the past six years, the Falcons are favorites to win the division. They are blessed with an easy schedule. The team signed free agent Kirk Cousins at quarterback and also drafted Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth pick. Cousins has young weapons at hand: running back Bijan Robinson, the eighth pick in the 2023 draft; wideout Drake London, No. 8 in 2022; and tight end Kyle Pitts, the fourth pick in 2021. Adding to the new talent is incoming head coach Raheem Morris, who replaces Arthur Smith.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quarterback Baker Mayfield meshed well with first-year offensive coordinator David Canales, who is now the Panthers’ rookie head coach. Liam Coen is the new coordinator. Mayfield has a familiar target in perennial 1,000-yard receiver Mike Evans. But Tampa’s three-year run of division titles is likely to end because of a brutal schedule midway through the season. The Bucs host Baltimore on Monday Night Football, play Atlanta the following Sunday and go to Kansas City to face the champion Chiefs for another Monday night game. After that, it’s a short-rest outing at home against San Francisco. At least head coach Todd Bowles can search for solace in the vast wine list at Bern’s Steak House.
3. New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr’s hefty contract ($37.5 million a year) is even richer than the shrimp remoulade at Galatoire’s. Even after voidable years were added to the deal, the club remained $40 million over the salary cap, barely enough room to add ex-Washington defensive end Chase Young to the roster. A home game against Vegas could be revenge for Carr and head coach Dennis Allen—both lost their jobs with the Raiders.
4. Carolina Panthers
Maybe owner David Tepper is trying to recoup the $300,000 he was fined during the season for throwing a drink at a Jaguars fan in Jacksonville who was giving him guff. He had the audacity to raise ticket prices following an abysmal 2-15 season. Since Tepper bought the team in 2018, the Panthers haven’t had a winning record or qualified for the playoffs. But he fired three head coaches and the general manager. Who does he think he is, George Steinbrenner? Rookie coach Dave Canales might want to win quickly. The Panthers are rebuilding around 2023 first overall pick Bryce Young, who may be closer in height to Danny DeVito than Tommy Devito. The Panthers is the only team that doesn’t play in prime-time. Thankfully.
NFC West
Division Winner: San Francisco
49ers Brock Purdy, once Mr. Irrelevant, is now the top-rated er in the NFL, and he’s just one of many deadly weapons in San Fran. Christian McCaffrey literally ran away with the rushing title (1,459 yards), earning his two-year extension at $19 million a year. All-purpose threat Deebo Samuel and receiver Brandon Aiyuk (who has requested a trade) create matchup nightmares. The 49ers win when elite left tackle Trent Williams stays on the field. Fred Warner is a tackling machine who tied for the most INTs in the league by a linebacker, and defensive end Nick Bosa (10.5 sacks) is a game-wrecker. Kyle Shanahan’s team will play four teams coming off byes. No other team has more than two.
2. Los Angeles Rams
A healthy Cooper Kupp (he missed 13 games over the past two seasons) and Puka Nacua (105 receptions and runner-up for the AP’s Offensive Rookie of the Year) will make a dynamic duo of receivers for quarterback Matt Stafford. It’s been an offensive revival under coordinator Mike LaFleur. Kyren Williams emerged with six 100-yard rushing games. Head coach Sean McVay added three defensive starters in free agency, cornerbacks Tre’Davious White and Darious Williams and safety Kamren Curl. The Rams drafted edge rusher Jared Verse in the first round following the retirement of future first-ballot Hall of Famer Aaron Donald.
3. Seattle Seahawks
Gone is 72-year-old head coach Pete Carroll, replaced by 37-year-old Mike MacDonald, formerly with the Ravens. His challenge will be to shore up an open door rushing defense that allowed 138.4 yards a game. Geno Smith returns at quarterback, trying to hold off newcomer Sam Howell, last season’s interception king at Washington. The targets include D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
4. Arizona Cardinals
Arizona has won only eight games over the last two seasons. Second-year head coach Jonathan Gannon needs to do something about a Maginot Line run defense that was worst in the league (143.2 yards a game). One faint sign of hope is the return to health of quarterback Kyler Murray and blue-chip wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., the fourth pick in the draft.
Super Bowl LIX Prediction
Baltimore Over Philadelphia 34-31 (OT)
Lamar Jackson finally exorcises his playoff demons by throwing a trio of touchdown es and rushing for more than 100 yards to neutralize Saquon Barkley’s three touchdowns in the second straight Super Bowl to go to overtime. John Harbaugh gets his second championship in New Orleans and Jalen Hurts gets his second heartbreak in three years at the Caesars Superdome.
Danny Sheridan appears frequently in newspapers and on TV.
