AFC East
1.
Miami Dolphins
2.
Buffalo Bills
3.
New York Jets
4.
New England Patriots
Analysis: The first season of predictions is always interesting because it often meshes similar to how real NFL play correlates. That being said, I give the
Miami Dolphins a large edge in the moves they've made so far. They've added two complete studs to their defensive line in Javon Kinlaw and David Onyameta who should prove to be dominant against the weaker offensive lines we currently see in the league. Miami wins this division.
The
Buffalo Bills have adequately added some receiver for Josh Allen, but I worry that their defense will lose them some games. The Bills are very likely in the playoff conversation, but I think they're second place in this division.
The window for the
New York Jets is very small with Aaron Rodgers very likely retiring after this season to crowdfund some juice cleansing business. I like the additions they've made, especially Garett Bolles to defend Rodgers. It's obvious they intend to win now, but I worry the rest of the squad might not be there yet.
And we've had a switch-up with Bill Ryan stepping in to be the new GM of the
New England Patriots. The previous GM was very active and brought in some talented players (Darrell Taylor, David Ojabo), but the rest of the roster isn't ready. It's a long season for the returning GM.
AFC North
1.
Baltimore Ravens
2.
Cincinnati Bengals
3.
Cleveland Browns
4.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Analysis: There are those of us in the league (okay, one of us) who think that it's an absolute sin that Wade Pearce is the GM of the
Baltimore Ravens. You know who won't think it's a sin? Ravens fans after they win the AFC North this season. While I haven't been a fan of their moves so far, I think the inherent talent is still there to win the division.
Brady Tinnin will call this heresy that I didn't pick his
Cincinnati Bengals first, but he should be happy that I'm predicting them to be better than their real life counterpart.
I like this team. It's been a quiet start to their tenure in the GGL, but the Bengals should definitely be competing for a playoff spot.
The biggest question for the
Cleveland Browns is who they start at quarterback. No, not for the same reasons as the NFL -- Deshaun Watson doesn't like happy endings in the GGL. Jameis Winston may just be better. This team could be tough though, and GM Garth Pearce has something brewing. He acquired 6'4" Israel Mukuama for cornerback and I'd bet he starts him.
The
Pittsburgh Steelers get one year of Russell Wilson, so it's boom or bust. Unfortunately for Brad Barber he chose a bad team, so his misery in our leagues must continue and the Steelers likely find themselves in the cellar with questions as to their future.
AFC South
1.
Houston Texans
2.
Jacksonville Jaguars
3.
Indianapolis Colts
4.
Tennessee Titans
Analysis: I hate this so much. Who gave the Emperor Palpatine a young
Houston Texans roster that should be good for 10 seasons? We're cooked, that's all I have to say.
I do think the
Jacksonville Jaguars will be sneaky good, however. Nathan Jones liked what he saw when he chose Jacksonville and the talent is present on the roster. This seems like the type of team he succeeded with in the SFL and while I doubt they blitz to the Super Bowl this year, if he's active and makes smart moves he can be there soon.
There has been some chatter in the league about how tough the
Indianapolis Colts will be. I like their long-term outlook, but I don't think this is the season that we seem them pop. I do think this tenure ends better for Ian than his SFL tenure.
Poor Tim Miller got stuck with a really bad roster with the
Tennessee Titans, but he's made some good moved. Kaleb McGary will help keep the young QB upright, whereas Daniel Hardy will be an absolute stud. Carson Steele was a homer trade and we all know that Tim needs to get rid of his emotions for real life Chiefs and KSU Wildcats...
AFC West
1.
Kansas City Chiefs
2.
San Diego Chargers
3.
Denver Broncos
4.
Oakland Raiders
Analysis: Enjoy it while it lasts AC, this will be your only season atop the division with the
Kansas City Chiefs. Mahomes starts to regress immediately so it's boom or bust for the Red and Gold out of Arrowhead. You can only survive so long on initial roster talent.
The
San Diego Chargers need to be careful of the same thing as the Chiefs. They'll have to find ways to stay relevant moving forward, but their window is larger than Kansas City's.
I might be biased, but I like the moves the
Denver Broncos have made so far. They're getting younger, allowing the roster to build with Bo Nix. Schoonmaker, Booth Jr. and McDonald IV are all solid additions that should be long time starters in the Mile High City.
I love the trade for Azeez Ojulari, but you have to wonder what the long term plan on offense is for the
Oakland Raiders. I imagine they're looking for a quarterback right away, but it will be a long season for the Silver and Black faithful.
AFC Playoff Seedings
1.
Houston Texans
2.
Baltimore Ravens
3.
Miami Dolphins
4.
Kansas City Chiefs
5.
Cincinnati Bengals
6.
San Diego Chargers
