The halfway point of the NFL season has come and gone, which means it's time to check in with some midseason predictions for the rest of the way. Most of my preseason predictions look silly now, of course, so now with each team having played at least half their schedule, let's take a look at what the prognostication looks like now!
AFC East
New England (16-0), Buffalo (10-6), NY Jets (9-7), Miami (3-13).
The last time the Patriots felt slighted was 2007 when they went 16-0. Deflategate has made Tom Brady mad, and this time they'll go the perfect 19-0. An underwhelming first year for Rex Ryan so far will conclude with a 6th-seeded Wild Card spot. As long as Ryan Fitzpatrick can stay healthy, the defense is good enough to get the Jets to a winning record, but no playoffs. Dan Campbell is not the answer in Miami.
AFC South
Houston (6-10), Tennessee (6-10), Indianapolis (6-10), Jacksonville (3-13).
Do the Texans win this one by default with Andrew Luck out? This division just might be the worst in NFL history. Whisenhunt was 3-20 as a coach for the Titans. Guess why he’s gone now. The Colts defense won't be able to survive without Luck. The Jaguars have a legitimate shot at getting another high draft pick.
AFC North
Cincinnati (14-2), Pittsburgh (8-8), Baltimore (6-10), Cleveland (2-14).
The Bengals are the real deal, and my midseason pick has them losing the AFC Championship game to an undefeated New England team. Without Le’Veon Bell, will the Steelers’ offense be able to play at playoff caliber form while the defense continues to drag its feet? Nope. This feels like a bad year for the Ravens, who've already lost their best receiver to a torn Achilles tendon. I’d love for the Browns to one day be relevant, but so far it hasn’t happened in my lifetime!
AFC West
Kansas City (11-5), Denver (11-5), Oakland (9-7), San Diego (4-12).
The Chiefs were my preseason Super Bowl pick, and I think they're not going to lose again and make a deep playoff run before ultimately losing in Cincinnati in the divisional round. The way the defense is playing, Peyton Manning only has to turn back the clock a few times and this team will roll - before hitting New England, that is. The Raiders should be able to get a winning record, but will just miss the playoffs yet again. Injury-depleted San Diego will be playing in Los Angeles next year.
NFC East
NY Giants (10-6), Philadelphia (8-8), Dallas (6-10), Washington (3-13).
Perhaps the second worst division in the NFL, and it has to go to the Giants by default. The Eagles' offense is so slow, but their defense is underrated. Chip Kelly needs a strong second-half run to regain legitimacy. Too many losses sans Tony Romo hurts the Cowboys’ chance. The Redskins aren't going to win another game this year.
NFC South
Carolina (16-0), Atlanta (10-6), New Orleans (7-9), Tampa Bay (6-10).
The Panthers will lose to the Seahawks in the Divisional Round after a perfect season. At least, that's how I see it. I'd like the Falcons to steal the a wild card spot. Dan Quinn has been a revelation for this team, but the NFC West is too strong. Drew Brees won’t tie or break records every single week, but when he does, his defense keeps it interesting. The Jameis Winston show continues, and he’s looking better and better by the week.
NFC North
Minnesota (10-6), Green Bay (8-8), Chicago (8-8), Detroit (1-15).
I like the Vikings to nab the division with some solid play down the stretch. Teddy Bridgewater and Mike Zimmer take the next step in their careers. Toughest call to make, but the Packers will continue to slide and miss out on the playoffs altogether. I feel like this Bears team is apathetic right now. They should be so much better, what with Jay Cutler's fourth quarter heroics and all! Oh, and the Lions. Nearly feels like 2008 all over again.
NFC West
St. Louis (12-4), Seattle (11-5), Arizona (11-5), San Francisco (5-11).
The Rams will be the champs, but the question is, can they make noise in the playoffs? I say they can, beating the Seahawks in the NFC Championship and losing to the Pats in Super Bowl 50. The Seahawks have been disappointing this year, yet I think they go on a run and lose only to the Rams the rest of the way. The Cardinals, despite the hype, will be one-and-done in January as the 6th seed, and lose twice to Seattle during the regular season. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the 49ers make a coaching change come January.
