2020 NFL Predictions
As the Coronavirus canceled most sporting events this summer, it seems like the NFL is committed to bring us a strong season minus the spread of Covid-19. The league released the schedule for all 32 teams, I’ve picked records for all teams and division champions for the upcoming season. These projections are based on the rosters as they stand currently. No injuries or trades were factored in. Let’s have some fun with this. It’s not like we have anything else to do.
AFC North
Cincinnati Bengals 4-12
Pittsburgh Steelers 8-8
Cleveland Browns 6-10
Baltimore Ravens 13-3
Division Overview: This division belongs to the Ravens. They have the number one rushing attack in the NFL. Lamar Jackson will still be as dynamic as he was last season. They were able to upgrade their run defense by acquiring Calais Campbell, and they arguably had the best draft in the NFL. Pittsburgh could make things interesting depending on the health of Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger but I think the Ravens take this division.
AFC South
Houston Texans 8-8
Indianapolis Colts 9-7
Jacksonville Jaguars 3-13
Tennessee Titans 10-6
Division Overview: This division is always competitive. I think the Texans are out of the picture after another trade by Bill O’Brien, that is questionable at best. Who is Deshaun Watson going to throw to?! I think it will come down to Tennessee and Indianapolis (Jacksonville is a dumpster fire) Ultimately, Derrick Henry, Ryan Tannehill, and AJ Brown will get it done for the Titans this season.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills 12-4
Miami Dolphins 7-9
New England Patriots 7-9
New York Jets 5-11
Division Overview: For the first time since 2009 the AFC east champions will NOT be the New England Patriots. The departure of Tom Brady to Tampa Bay, the mass exodus of key players in their front 7, will leave the Patriots out of the playoffs. This division belongs to the Buffalo Bills. Assuming Quarterback Josh Allen continues to develop, the addition of Steffon Diggs, and an elite defense, the Bills will run away with this division and secure one of the top seeds in the AFC playoffs.
AFC West
Denver Broncos 6-10
Kansas City Chiefs 12-4
Las Vegas Raiders 7-9
Los Angeles Chargers 8-8
Division Overview: This division belongs to the defending Super Bowl champions. The Kansas City Chiefs own this division as long as they have Patrick Mahomes. No doubt in my mind.
NFC North
Chicago Bears 5-11
Detroit Lions 8-8
Green Bay Packers 12-4
Minnesota Vikings 10-6
Division Overview: The NFC North is one of the most unpredictable divisions in the NFL. The Packers and Vikings are the teams to watch here. I wouldn’t be shocked if. Healthy Matt Stafford has the Lions making some noise, but ultimately I’m going with the Packers even though they’ve done nothing to help Aaron Rogers.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons 9-7
Carolina Panthers 6-10
New Orleans Saints 12-4
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 11-5
Division Overview: The NFC South will be the most compelling division in the NFL this season. We will get to two of the greatest QBs (Brady and Brees) of all time go head to head twice. Are the Bucs overrated? Is Brady washed? Will the Saints be able to overcome their recent post seasons shortcomings? Only time will tell, for now I’m rolling with the Saints to win the division.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys 9-7
New York Giants 7-9
Philadelphia Eagles 10-6
Washington Football Team 5-11
Division Overview: The NFC is always interesting and unpredictable. 3 out of the 4 teams in the division have Head Coaches. Only the Eagles have a returning coaching staff. I think that will help them secure some wins early in the season. The Cowboys and their explosive offense will make things interesting, I’m giving the Eagles a slight edge right now.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals 6-10
Los Angeles Rams 5-11
San Francisco 49ers 11-5
Seattle Seahawks 11-5
Division Overview: The top of the NFC West has the potential to be the NFC’s representative in the Super Bowl. The 49ers and Seahawks are both elite football teams. It will be interesting to see how the 49ers look this season, considering the struggles of Super Bowl runner ups in the past. Russell Wilson is a top 5 Quarterback and will sure have the Seahawks in a position to take the division. Assuming their backfield stays healthy it’s hard for me to bet against Russell Wilson. I think Seattle will win the division this season.