Way-Too-Early 2018 NFL Predictions

Way-Too-Early 2018 NFL Predictions

Our lives are a little bit darker this week. After the amazing Super Bowl that gave us thrills, Monday morning brought us grief over the fact that football is over until August. But why wait until then to start talking about the season? Here are my 2018 NFL Predictions:

AFC North

The Steelers are still loaded with weapons, but a lot of attention will be on how they handle Le’Veon Bell this offseason. Will he play for the franchise tag? Will they finally reach an agreement on a long-term plan? The Ravens will compete like they always do, as they just narrowly missed the playoffs this year. The Bengals are bringing back Marvin Lewis, much to the surprise of everyone. And the Browns still suck.

Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers

AFC South

The AFC South, which has been one of the weakest divisions in football for several years, is quickly becoming one of the most competitive. I believe that 3 teams, the Jags, Titans, and Texans, could be competing for playoff spots in 2018, while I believe the Colts are still a few pieces away, especially as they’ve just gotten snubbed by Josh McDaniels. The Texans have Deshaun Watson and JJ Watt coming back from injury, as they are poised to make a run at the AFC South title. The Titans made the playoffs and beat the Chiefs in 2017, but have a new head coach in Mike Vrabel. With an improved offense in 2018, they could be even more dangerous. The Jaguars are looking to make another run in the playoffs, as they will be back with their young and fiery defense.

Winner: Houston Texans

AFC West

Who will be the Broncos QB? Andy Reid gives keys to Patrick Mahomes. Jon Gruden is getting paid how much??? There are a lot of good storylines from out west this upcoming season. The Chargers improved mightily over the season, falling just short of the playoffs. Jon Gruden could do wonders with Derek Carr and the Raiders offense. They could return to the top of the division. It will be very interesting to see who is the quarterback in Denver in 2018. Will it be Kirk Cousins, or will they look to get one from the draft? Chiefs Kingdom is excited for what Mahomes could bring to the offense in 2018. That’s a young dangerous backfield in KC.

Winner: Oakland Raiders

AFC East

We all agree the Patriots are just fine right? As long as Belichick and Brady are still there, they’ll be just fine. I give them one more year together. It will also help them to keep McDaniels around as OC. The Bills, coming off their first playoff appearance since 1999, could surprise some people, but they have to continue to improve. The Dolphins and Jets could both have new faces at quarterback but have young talent that could be decent in the coming years.

Winner: New England Patriots

NFC North

The NFC is loaded. This division could be a toss-up between 3 teams. If the Packers can get some big boys up front to protect Aaron Rodgers, they could get back on top in 2018. We have no clue who the Vikings will have at quarterback, but their talent is so obvious that they could easily repeat as division champs. The Lions have a new head coach and a dangerous quarterback, and they could easily win enough division games to sneak up top. This division has 3 teams who could compete in the playoffs as well. The Bears are young and not good, but they could get better now as they have moved on from John Fox.

Winner: Minnesota Vikings

NFC South

Yet another loaded division, as the NFC South got 3 teams in the playoffs in 2017. The Saints are filthy on offense with Brees, Thomas, Ingram, and Kamara. They could easily be playing in late January 2019. The Panthers look to build off a bounce-back year in 2017, as they ride Cam Newton and McCaffrey. The Falcons are still a very dangerous offensive teams, and when they get going, they could beat anyone. The Buccaneers are still trying to get Jameis Winston healthy and built into an efficient quarterback, but have young talent to build around him.

Winner: New Orleans Saints

NFC West

This division is FULL of young and exciting talent. Everyone will be eager to watch a full season of Jimmy G in San Francisco. The 49ers could go from laughing stock to the league’s hottest young team. The Rams and Sean McVay are still young and could still be one of the best offenses in football, but they will have to play a much harder schedule. The Seahawks look to get healthy and give Russell Wilson some more weapons. The Cardinals will be excited to get David Johnson back on the field, but they need to get a new quarterback as Carson Palmer has retired.

Winner: San Francisco 49ers

NFC East

The Eagles are now coming in as Super Bowl champs and have a firm hold on the division, although the Cowboys should be back to normal with Ezekiel Elliot not suspended. We will see if they can bring back the magic from their rookie season. With Carson Wentz returning, the Eagles are not going anywhere. The Redskins have Alex Smith as their quarterback now, who will look to get Washington on track under Jay Gruden. The Giants could improve drastically if they can improve in key areas in the draft. The NFL needs Odell Beckham Jr. back.

Winner: Philadelphia Eagles

Wild Cards

AFC: Tennessee Titans, Oakland Raiders

NFC: LA Rams, Green Bay Packers

2018 Awards

MVP: Todd Gurley, LA Rams

OPOY: Todd Gurley, LA Rams

DPOY: JJ Watt, Houston Texans

Comeback POY: Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans

OROY: Saquan Barkley

DROY: Minkah Fitzpatrick

Coach of the Year: Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints

Playoffs

NFC Title Game: New Orleans Saints defeat Philadelphia Eagles

AFC Title Game: New England Patriots defeat Houston Texans

Super Bowl: New Orleans Saints over New England Patriots

Drew Brees gets his 2nd ring while handing Tom Brady his 2nd straight ‘L’ in the Super Bowl. I think the Saints have the talent to get back to deep in the playoffs and get over the top. The Patriots will finish off Belichick’s tenure with yet another AFC Title but will fall short in the Super Bowl again. This may be the end of the Belichick-Brady era and could be the last chance for Brady to get his 6th ring. After winning in 2010, Drew Brees and his high-powered arm will finally get back on top of the NFL world.