NFL 2019 SEASON PREVIEW

Another NFL season is upon us and I make my projections on how the teams finish in each division.

AFC EAST

Patriots: No one is knocking the Brady-Belichick duo out of the top spot in this division any time soon

Jets: Le’Veon Bell certainly gives the offense a much-needed shot in the arm but it won’t be enough to get them into the playoffs

Bills: Hard to believe that this team was in playoffs two years ago. Looks like it will be three years

Dolphins: They traded for Josh Rosen to see if they can build around him after they tank 2019 for better draft positioning

AFC NORTH

Steelers: Last season’s drama is behind them. Should return to the playoffs

Ravens: Have the supporting cast to keep things interesting in the AFC North

Browns: Will the hype around this team translate to their first playoff appearance in 17 years?

Bengals: The streak of not winning a playoff game since the HW Bush administration continues on

AFC SOUTH

Texans: By default, they are the favorite to win the division. That offensive line though…

Jaguars: Nick Foles is a significant upgrade at quarterback

Titans: Make or break year for Mariota

Colts: Luck was one of the reasons why they had their turnaround in 2018. It won’t be as bad as 2011’s Suck For Luck, but it will still be painful

AFC WEST

Chiefs: Mahomes and company certainly makes them a championship contender, but defensive concerns could stall hopes of winning a Super Bowl since 1969

Chargers: Lots of talent on this roster to make the playoffs, but is it enough to win the division?

Broncos: New coach, new quarterback, but same result as last year

Raiders: Final season in Oakland will certainly be drama filled

NFC EAST

Eagles: This is Carson Wentz’s team

Cowboys: Contract disputes, Jason Garrett might need to make the NFC Championship Game to save his job. Honestly, I don’t think the Cowboys will luck their way into making the playoffs again like last season.

Giants: When do they pull the plug on Eli Manning as the starter?

Washington: Haskins will be starting games this season

NFC NORTH

Bears: Defense will carry them to another division championship

Packers: A healthy and happy Aaron Rodgers plus the team bolstered their lineup via free agency in the offseason

Vikings: Tough for this team to breakthrough in this division

Lions: Stafford has to do better than his sub-.500 record against teams with a winning record if the Lions are to win the NFC North

NFC SOUTH

Saints: Though Brees is 40, their supporting cast is strong enough to make them winners of the division for the third straight season

Falcons: Injuries plagued them throughout 2018. 2019 could be a rebound

Panthers: Since their Super Bowl appearance, Carolina has gone 24-24

Buccaneers: After a year in the broadcast booth, Bruce Arians returns to the NFL sidelines

NFC WEST

Rams: Todd Gurley’s knees are a concern going into the season

Seahawks: Clowney gives the defense an upgrade

49ers: Trendy pick again to make the playoffs, won’t make the playoffs

Cardinals: Larry Fitzgerald’s reward for loyalty is blowing it up again. New coach and rookie QB – this time Kyle Murray – at the helm.