By the time this article is posted, Week 1 of the NFL Regular Season will have come and gone, and this list will probably somehow already be wrong. Regardless, this season has a lot of teams on the rise, and only twelve playoff spots up for grabs, so let's just dive into my predictions for how the playoff picture will end up shaking out by January.
NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles
The defending champs still have one of the most talented rosters in football, and if Carson Wentz comes back at full strength, this team should be contending yet again.
NFC South: New Orleans Saints
This team is built to win now, and have already mortgaged their future to do so. This year it's Super Bowl or bust, and I expect the Saints to be in contention.
NFC North: Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers is still the best in the game, and with a better team around him this year, the Pack could make some noise.
NFC West: Los Angeles Rams
Coming off an amazing season, I think the Rams will take a small step back this season.That being said, they're still the best team in their division by a mile.
NFC Wild Card #1: Carolina Panthers
Cam Newton is the key. If he doesn't turn the ball over this team has a chance to surprise people this year.
NFC Wild Card #2: Minnesota Vikings
They've gotten better at every position, and I still don't believe in them. Prove me wrong Minnesota. Break the legacy of failure!
AFC South: Jacksonville Jaguars
Sacksonville won't be a one year wonder, even if they have to drag Blake Bortles to glory.
AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers
Even without Bell, the Steelers are still head and shoulders above the rest of their division.
AFC West: Los Angeles Chargers
This is my dark horse candidate to get to a Super Bowl. Just watch them be awful because I jinx everything I touch but I still believe!
AFC Wild Card #1: Houston Texans
If this team doesn't turn into a walking infirmary they have a shot to make playoffs this season.
AFC Wild Card #2: Tennessee Titans
This team was awful last year and still made the playoffs, and they've gotten even better this offseason. If they can just maintain status quo, they'll be fine.
Well, there you have it! I can't wait until January when I reread this article and laugh at how wrong I was.
