The first weekend of the 2016 NFL season begins Thursday night, September 8, when the Broncos host the Panthers and it ends on Monday night with the Redskins welcoming the Steelers. The other teams all play on Sunday. So that can only mean one thing – it is time for my season outlook. This week, I will analyze the AFC and do the NFC next week. Remember everyone is 0-0 at the moment and the aspirations of the fans are running high. If I dampen your spirit with my thoughts, just remember I don’t know any more than you do and, quite possibly, even less.
AFC EAST
- New England – Tom Brady will miss four games and Jimmy Garoppolo will take over. It probably will not matter. Brady comes back stronger and fresher than ever; Garoppolo makes his case to get a big contract and start somewhere else; and, surprise, surprise the Patriots win the division.
- Buffalo – They had a great draft; will get New England without Brady in one game; and have a good shot at making the playoffs.
- Jets – Ryan Fitzpatrick has settled his differences and the back-up situation seems muddled at best with three other QB The schedule is murderous at the beginning and they get Brady for both games.
- Miami – Adam Gase is the new head coach and the Dolphins have had a good preseason. The Dolphins just seem to underachieve. If Gase can change that mindset, perhaps they can move ahead of the Jets.
AFC NORTH
- Pittsburgh – Their offense is virtually unstoppable as long as they stay healthy and avoid any more suspension problems (Le’Veon Bell). They need to improve in the secondary, but if the defense gets even a little better, the Steelers will not only win the division, but could have a shot at another Super Bowl ring.
- Baltimore – They were really banged up last season placing 20 players on the injured reserve list. Since they finish the season with the Patriots, and the Steelers, their final game with the Bengals could be for the playoff spot.
- Cincinnati –They are better than the Ravens and they have reached the playoffs for five consecutive years, but something always seems to go wrong here. Their final game with the Ravens could move them up to #2.
- Cleveland – It’s Cleveland!
AFC SOUTH
- Jacksonville – This team is solid – QB Blake Bortles is really good. If they can beat out the Texans, they could do well in the playoffs.
- Houston – This team could be VERY good. Only playing with a new QB and a new RB could cause some early problems as well as the absence of JJ Watt until his back heals.
- Indianapolis – Andrew Luck makes them competitive; their defense does not.
- Tennessee – A tough schedule and an overall improved division keeps them at the bottom.
AFC WEST
- Kansas City – Jamaal Charles is back and he may be just enough to push them over the top. Andy Reid has a winner here.
- Denver – Plenty of lost personnel here starting with Peyton Manning, but my gut says they will not miss an offensive beat; defense was hurt more by free agency and the division got tougher.
- Oakland – The Raiders have an easier schedule than most, especially at the start. If they get confidence and momentum, they could crack the playoffs.
- San Diego – If you can run the ball and stop the run, you can win. The Chargers can’t do either; ergo, they won’t win.
ABOVE THE EARS (SOME MUSINGS)
AFC Playoffs
Championship Game – Steelers vs Patriots
AFC Champions – The Pittsburgh Steelers
My Week One NFL predictions are coming next week.
