AFC East
1.
Miami Dolphins
2.
Buffalo Bills
3.
New England Patriots
4.
New York Jets
Analysis: Scott Gardiner and the
Miami Dolphins confidently cemented themselves as the division frontrunners last year and have had very little turnover. A Miami insider was caught on tape stating "only missing 2 starters from last year, but depth has improved everywhere else." I'd say they are right.
I think the
Buffalo Bills will still be good in the post-Josh Allen era. It was inevitable and they got a good price for Tom Collins' package. It may be a couple seasons before they get really strong, but I think we'll see some good results on the field this season.
I think the
New England Patriots will continue to improve too. There's a bit of a long-form strategy for them, but progression seems like it will work in their favor if they can be patient and improve systematically.
Lastly, we have the
New York Jets. Aaron Rodgers wasn't going to be around forever and Tramon Baldridge is their new signal caller. It's going to be a rough year in the Big Apple, but GM Peter Fenger is a proven champion who will get them winning again in no time.
AFC North
1.
Cincinnati Bengals
2.
Baltimore Ravens
3.
Cleveland Browns
4.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Analysis: I have no idea how neither the
Cincinnati Bengals or the Baltimore Ravens won this division in 2024, but I think the Bengals are one of the most improved teams in the league -- and I already considered them a contender last year. They went out and massively improved their offensive line and even though some draft pundits nailed them HARD, I think they'll have the last laugh.
The
Baltimore Ravens will likely be neck and neck with the Bengals this season, but I do think they will fall a bit short. GM Wade Pearce seems to still be figuring out what to do with a real franchise instead of a sub-par franchise like the Pittsburgh Steelers (that was for the CHAMP, Norbert).
I think the
Cleveland Browns come back down to earth this season after winning the division last year. The team just doesn't have the legs to win back to back division titles and I think they're trying to figure out what they will be doing in the long run.
Last place is the
Pittsburgh Steelers. There is a new GM in charge, but the roster is very rough. Kofi Odenigbo is the new man behind center and I get the sense he is going to be on the ground a lot.
AFC South
1.
Jacksonville Jaguars
2.
Houston Texans
3.
Indianapolis Colts
4.
Tennessee Titans
Analysis: Watching the
Jacksonville Jaguars win the division last season was *chef's kiss*. The truth is their team is even better this year and when GM Nathan Jones gets a team clicking, they really click. This feels a lot like a back-to-back division champion especially since none of the other three teams seem to be threatening much.
The only other team I think that stands a chance to win the division is the
Houston Texans but their washed up GM seems to not understand how to build a winner in these leagues anymore. It almost seems like it's been......20 seasons since he made it to a Super Bowl? No, that can't be right, is it? Is he the GGL version of the real-life Dallas Cowboys?! Oh no!
Pick your poison for next up, but I think the
Indianapolis Colts will see some improvement this year. They started with too many holes to have arrived by this point, but they look to be improved.
Last is the
Tennessee Titans. If a team were to surprise us this season, you have to remember the titans (heh heh). The potential is there, but I still think they are about 16 games of progression away from being the team that their GM wants to see.
AFC West
1.
Kansas City Chiefs
2.
Oakland Raiders
3.
Denver Broncos
4.
San Diego Chargers
Analysis: The
Kansas City Chiefs screwed the pooch in the playoffs last year, but they are one of the easiest picks for division champs, right before their stars all begin to regress at the same time. They'll take it though, no doubt.
The surprising second place team, however, would be the
Oakland Raiders, who despite having a suspect offense, seem to have a pretty tout defense. I think they are a team that could give people fits and win some games they shouldn't on paper. I doubt they compete for the playoffs, but they'll win some games.
Third place is my
Denver Broncos. Bo Nix is still developing and the team is still too young. I have a plan in place, but we're not there yet. Hopefully we are a bit more consistent than last year, but the opening schedule is a gauntlet and I could see us falling well behind .500 very quick.
And the defending champions are in last place. The
San Diego Chargers roster is solid across the board, but I can't predict any team with a rookie quarterback to do well. If anyone will, it's them, but give them another year to develop Castille.
AFC Playoff Seedings
1.
Kansas City Chiefs
2.
Miami Dolphins
3.
Jacksonville Jaguars
4.
Cincinnati Bengals
5.
Buffalo Bills
6.
Houston Texans
