If you've followed us here at TSE at all, you know we like our predictions. We enjoy taking a deep dive into every single team and agonize over all of the individual season awards. But that's not going to happen this time. Instead, we're going to make some rapid-fire predictions for the upcoming season. Why? Because it's nice to mix things up every now and then (and also because the season starts tomorrow and there isn't time for a full predictions post). We'll predict the final standings for each division, the postseason seeding, the postseason itself, and all of the awards. Ready? Then let's get started.
NFC North:
4. Chicago Bears- This all depends on how well Mitchell Trubisky does this year. At least their defense is stacked.
3. Detroit Lions- Remember, they came super close to making the playoffs last year. Their defense is still a major question mark but at least their run game should be a lot better.'
2. Green Bay Packers- Without Aaron Rodgers, the Packers are a middling team at best. With him, they're pretty much a lock to make the playoffs.
1. Minnesota Vikings- Some pundits think the Vikings are the best team in football. I don't think they're that good, but they're definitely Super Bowl contenders, especially with a healthy Dalvin Cook.
NFC East:
4. Washington Redskins- The Redskins are years away from the team that won this division three years ago. The injury-ridden Redskins are going to need a lot of luck to make the playoffs.
3. Dallas Cowboys- The biggest question in Dallas is about the receiving corps. Michael Gallup, Tavon Austin, and the others are going to have to step up big time.
2. New York Giants- It seems unlikely that a team who won three games last season can contend for a playoff spot but it's definitely possible here. New HC Pat Shurmur can revitalize Eli Manning, OBJ is healthy, and Saquon looks like the real deal.
1. Philadephia Eagles- It's hard to rank the defending Super Bowl champions any lower than this. They have an absolutely loaded roster and will be even better when Carson Wentz returns.
NFC South:
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- All of the Hard Knocks hype has disappeared. Both starting QB Jameis Winston and head coach Dirk Koetter need big seasons to potentially save their jobs.
3. Carolina Panthers- The Panthers are a great team but it feels like they may get shut out of the playoffs simply because the NFC South is so loaded.
2. Atlanta Falcons- The Falcons managed to avoid the dreaded Super Bowl runner-up hangover and made it to the divisional round next year. Unless second-year offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian steps up in a big way, that's where their ceiling probably is.
1. New Orleans Saints- I really think the Saints might be the best team in the NFC. Drew Brees is an all-timer, they have the best RB tandem in the league, and that defense is to die for. What's not to love?
NFC West:
4. Arizona Cardinals- The Cards will only be interesting when Josh Rosen takes over for Sam Bradford.
3. Seattle Seahawks- Even with Earl Thomas back, Seattle's defense is full of question marks. Meanwhile, Russell Wilson is the only true positive on the offensive side of the football.
2. San Francisco 49ers- There's no way Jimmy Garoppolo continues his undefeated streak the entire year (probably). Still, he should have a very good season and develop into the franchise QB John Lynch believes him to be.
1. Los Angeles Rams- There's a chance that the Rams' Frankenstein defense implodes. There's also a chance that it's the league's best.
NFC Seeding:
1. Los Angeles Rams 2. Philadelphia Eagles 3. Minnesota Vikings 4. New Orleans Saints 5. Green Bay Packers 6. Atlanta Falcons
AFC North:
4. Cleveland Browns- The Browns most likely will not go winless this year, which is obviously a great thing. Four or five wins should be enough to save Hue Jackson's job.
3. Cincinnati Bengals- The Bengals might be one of the least interesting teams in the NFL. They're also miles away from the playoffs.
2. Baltimore Ravens- Will Lamar Jackson replace Joe Flacco this year? That all depends if the Ravens are in the playoff hunt.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers- Not having Le'Veon Bell seriously hurts the Steelers. If he does return partway through the year, their fortunes immediately take an upturn.
AFC East:
4. Buffalo Bills- I still can't believe the Bills made the playoffs last year. They should be a nothing team this year.
3. Miami Dolphins- This could be the last year of Ryan Tannehill starting for the Dolphins. He'll at least need to get them into the playoff hunt to keep his job.
2. New York Jets- The Jets seriously overachieved last year and won five games. Adding Sam Darnold and Isaiah Crowell should increase that number.
1. New England Patriots- Yes, the Patriots are arguably the best team in football but they also play in what is probably the league's worst division. It'll be interesting to see how Tom Brady does without Danny Amendola and Brandin Cooks.
AFC South:
4. Indianapolis Colts- Getting Andrew Luck back is obviously huge, but the Colts need more than that. They're seriously lacking on both sides of the ball and face incredibly long odds of making the playoffs.
3. Tennessee Titans- Even though the Titans won a playoff game last year, it's hard to see them making the playoffs this year. Marcus Mariota has struggled as of late and he doesn't have anyone elite to throw it to.
2. Houston Texans- This all depends on how well Deshaun Watson does. He played like a Pro Bowler in limited action last year but that could fall apart if he gets injured again. Remember, he has torn two ACLs.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars- The Jaguars were one of last year's big surprises last year and look to continue that trend. It will certainly help if Leonard Fournette can stay out of trouble.
AFC West:
4. Oakland Raiders- Without Khalil Mack, the Raiders defense is about as useful as stopping the run as aluminum foil. Derek Carr will probably need to have a lot of big games in order for the Raiders to contend for the playoffs.
3. Denver Broncos- The Broncos' QB situation is an utter mess and has been so for many years. Is Case Keenum the answer?
2. Kansas City Chiefs- The Chiefs have built up an offense that will allow new QB Patrick Mahomes to hit the ground running. He should feel very comfortable with weapons like Tyreke Hill, Travis Kelce, and Kareem Hunt.
1. Los Angeles Chargers- The ancient Aztec curse that causes the Chargers to underachieve and suffer notable injury losses has to be kept at bay here. If it lies dormant, then the Chargers are division favorites.
AFC Seeding:
1. New England Patriots 2. Pittsburgh Steelers 3. Jacksonville Jaguars 4. Los Angeles Chargers 5. Houston Texans 6. Kansas City Chiefs
Wild-Card Round:
#6 Atlanta Falcons at #3 Minnesota Vikings- The talent gap is really close here and home-field advantage just might be the decider here. Pick: Minnesota
#5 Green Bay Packers at #4 New Orleans Saints- I trust the Saints defense much more than the Packers defense, Rodgers or no Rodgers. Pick: New Orleans
#6 Kansas City Chiefs at #3 Jacksonville Jaguars- Mahomes may be a better QB than Blake Bortles but Bortles has proven playoff experience. Pick: Jacksonville
#5 Houston Texans at #4 Los Angeles Chargers- If the Texans are healthy, they can go with the best of 'em. There's always at least one upset in the first round and this seems the most likely. Pick: Houston
Divisional Round:
#4 New Orleans Saints at #1 Los Angeles Rams- The Saints were a fluke play away from meeting the Eagles in last year's NFC title game. They should make it this year. Pick: New Orleans
#3 Minnesota Vikings at #2 Philadelphia Eagles- As much as I want to pick the Vikings, I can't forget about the beating they received in last year's NFC Title game against the Eagles. This game should be closer though. Pick: Philadelphia
#5 Houston Texans at #1 New England Patriots- I really think the Texans could upset the Pats here but Tom Brady changes everything. The man has engineered more postseason comebacks than Deshaun Watson has had pro starts. Pick: New England
#3 Jacksonville Jaguars at #2 Pittsburgh Steelers- The Jaguars handily beat the Steelers last year and have only gotten better since then. I just can't see the Steelers overcoming their internal strife. Pick: Jacksonville
Conference Championships:
#4 New Orleans Saints at #2 Philadelphia Eagles- The Philly fans will be absolutely ravenous but Drew Brees is experienced enough to not let it faze him. Super Bowl champions rarely repeat and this will probably be where the champs fall. Pick: New Orleans
#3 Jacksonville Jaguars at #1 New England Patriots- The Jaguars came close to beating the Pats last year and while they've gotten better, you can't say the same about the Patriots, who have big questions about the o-line and defense. Pick: Jacksonville
Super Bowl:
New Orleans Saints vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
On paper, these two teams are evenly matched. This should be an excellent and competitive game with the Saints squeaking out a close one.
Pick: Saints
Super Bowl MVP: Drew Brees
Regular Season Awards:
MVP: Aaron Rodgers
Offensive Player: Todd Gurley
Defensive Player: Joey Bosa
Offensive Rookie: Saquon Barkley
Defensive Rookie: Bradley Chubb
Coach: Pat Shurmur
Comeback Player: Andrew Luck
Thanks for reading everyone. Comment below and let me know your NFL predictions.
NFC North:
4. Chicago Bears- This all depends on how well Mitchell Trubisky does this year. At least their defense is stacked.
3. Detroit Lions- Remember, they came super close to making the playoffs last year. Their defense is still a major question mark but at least their run game should be a lot better.'
2. Green Bay Packers- Without Aaron Rodgers, the Packers are a middling team at best. With him, they're pretty much a lock to make the playoffs.
1. Minnesota Vikings- Some pundits think the Vikings are the best team in football. I don't think they're that good, but they're definitely Super Bowl contenders, especially with a healthy Dalvin Cook.
NFC East:
4. Washington Redskins- The Redskins are years away from the team that won this division three years ago. The injury-ridden Redskins are going to need a lot of luck to make the playoffs.
3. Dallas Cowboys- The biggest question in Dallas is about the receiving corps. Michael Gallup, Tavon Austin, and the others are going to have to step up big time.
2. New York Giants- It seems unlikely that a team who won three games last season can contend for a playoff spot but it's definitely possible here. New HC Pat Shurmur can revitalize Eli Manning, OBJ is healthy, and Saquon looks like the real deal.
1. Philadephia Eagles- It's hard to rank the defending Super Bowl champions any lower than this. They have an absolutely loaded roster and will be even better when Carson Wentz returns.
NFC South:
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- All of the Hard Knocks hype has disappeared. Both starting QB Jameis Winston and head coach Dirk Koetter need big seasons to potentially save their jobs.
3. Carolina Panthers- The Panthers are a great team but it feels like they may get shut out of the playoffs simply because the NFC South is so loaded.
2. Atlanta Falcons- The Falcons managed to avoid the dreaded Super Bowl runner-up hangover and made it to the divisional round next year. Unless second-year offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian steps up in a big way, that's where their ceiling probably is.
1. New Orleans Saints- I really think the Saints might be the best team in the NFC. Drew Brees is an all-timer, they have the best RB tandem in the league, and that defense is to die for. What's not to love?
NFC West:
4. Arizona Cardinals- The Cards will only be interesting when Josh Rosen takes over for Sam Bradford.
3. Seattle Seahawks- Even with Earl Thomas back, Seattle's defense is full of question marks. Meanwhile, Russell Wilson is the only true positive on the offensive side of the football.
2. San Francisco 49ers- There's no way Jimmy Garoppolo continues his undefeated streak the entire year (probably). Still, he should have a very good season and develop into the franchise QB John Lynch believes him to be.
1. Los Angeles Rams- There's a chance that the Rams' Frankenstein defense implodes. There's also a chance that it's the league's best.
NFC Seeding:
1. Los Angeles Rams 2. Philadelphia Eagles 3. Minnesota Vikings 4. New Orleans Saints 5. Green Bay Packers 6. Atlanta Falcons
AFC North:
4. Cleveland Browns- The Browns most likely will not go winless this year, which is obviously a great thing. Four or five wins should be enough to save Hue Jackson's job.
3. Cincinnati Bengals- The Bengals might be one of the least interesting teams in the NFL. They're also miles away from the playoffs.
2. Baltimore Ravens- Will Lamar Jackson replace Joe Flacco this year? That all depends if the Ravens are in the playoff hunt.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers- Not having Le'Veon Bell seriously hurts the Steelers. If he does return partway through the year, their fortunes immediately take an upturn.
AFC East:
4. Buffalo Bills- I still can't believe the Bills made the playoffs last year. They should be a nothing team this year.
3. Miami Dolphins- This could be the last year of Ryan Tannehill starting for the Dolphins. He'll at least need to get them into the playoff hunt to keep his job.
2. New York Jets- The Jets seriously overachieved last year and won five games. Adding Sam Darnold and Isaiah Crowell should increase that number.
1. New England Patriots- Yes, the Patriots are arguably the best team in football but they also play in what is probably the league's worst division. It'll be interesting to see how Tom Brady does without Danny Amendola and Brandin Cooks.
AFC South:
4. Indianapolis Colts- Getting Andrew Luck back is obviously huge, but the Colts need more than that. They're seriously lacking on both sides of the ball and face incredibly long odds of making the playoffs.
3. Tennessee Titans- Even though the Titans won a playoff game last year, it's hard to see them making the playoffs this year. Marcus Mariota has struggled as of late and he doesn't have anyone elite to throw it to.
2. Houston Texans- This all depends on how well Deshaun Watson does. He played like a Pro Bowler in limited action last year but that could fall apart if he gets injured again. Remember, he has torn two ACLs.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars- The Jaguars were one of last year's big surprises last year and look to continue that trend. It will certainly help if Leonard Fournette can stay out of trouble.
AFC West:
4. Oakland Raiders- Without Khalil Mack, the Raiders defense is about as useful as stopping the run as aluminum foil. Derek Carr will probably need to have a lot of big games in order for the Raiders to contend for the playoffs.
3. Denver Broncos- The Broncos' QB situation is an utter mess and has been so for many years. Is Case Keenum the answer?
2. Kansas City Chiefs- The Chiefs have built up an offense that will allow new QB Patrick Mahomes to hit the ground running. He should feel very comfortable with weapons like Tyreke Hill, Travis Kelce, and Kareem Hunt.
1. Los Angeles Chargers- The ancient Aztec curse that causes the Chargers to underachieve and suffer notable injury losses has to be kept at bay here. If it lies dormant, then the Chargers are division favorites.
AFC Seeding:
1. New England Patriots 2. Pittsburgh Steelers 3. Jacksonville Jaguars 4. Los Angeles Chargers 5. Houston Texans 6. Kansas City Chiefs
Wild-Card Round:
#6 Atlanta Falcons at #3 Minnesota Vikings- The talent gap is really close here and home-field advantage just might be the decider here. Pick: Minnesota
#5 Green Bay Packers at #4 New Orleans Saints- I trust the Saints defense much more than the Packers defense, Rodgers or no Rodgers. Pick: New Orleans
#6 Kansas City Chiefs at #3 Jacksonville Jaguars- Mahomes may be a better QB than Blake Bortles but Bortles has proven playoff experience. Pick: Jacksonville
#5 Houston Texans at #4 Los Angeles Chargers- If the Texans are healthy, they can go with the best of 'em. There's always at least one upset in the first round and this seems the most likely. Pick: Houston
Divisional Round:
#4 New Orleans Saints at #1 Los Angeles Rams- The Saints were a fluke play away from meeting the Eagles in last year's NFC title game. They should make it this year. Pick: New Orleans
#3 Minnesota Vikings at #2 Philadelphia Eagles- As much as I want to pick the Vikings, I can't forget about the beating they received in last year's NFC Title game against the Eagles. This game should be closer though. Pick: Philadelphia
#5 Houston Texans at #1 New England Patriots- I really think the Texans could upset the Pats here but Tom Brady changes everything. The man has engineered more postseason comebacks than Deshaun Watson has had pro starts. Pick: New England
#3 Jacksonville Jaguars at #2 Pittsburgh Steelers- The Jaguars handily beat the Steelers last year and have only gotten better since then. I just can't see the Steelers overcoming their internal strife. Pick: Jacksonville
Conference Championships:
#4 New Orleans Saints at #2 Philadelphia Eagles- The Philly fans will be absolutely ravenous but Drew Brees is experienced enough to not let it faze him. Super Bowl champions rarely repeat and this will probably be where the champs fall. Pick: New Orleans
#3 Jacksonville Jaguars at #1 New England Patriots- The Jaguars came close to beating the Pats last year and while they've gotten better, you can't say the same about the Patriots, who have big questions about the o-line and defense. Pick: Jacksonville
Super Bowl:
New Orleans Saints vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
On paper, these two teams are evenly matched. This should be an excellent and competitive game with the Saints squeaking out a close one.
Pick: Saints
Super Bowl MVP: Drew Brees
Regular Season Awards:
MVP: Aaron Rodgers
Offensive Player: Todd Gurley
Defensive Player: Joey Bosa
Offensive Rookie: Saquon Barkley
Defensive Rookie: Bradley Chubb
Coach: Pat Shurmur
Comeback Player: Andrew Luck
Thanks for reading everyone. Comment below and let me know your NFL predictions.
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