With my Pick of the Arizona Cardinals to go to the big game out of the NFC, it is only fair to see whom will represent the AFC and also pick the Super Bowl Champion. Will Denver repeat or could it be a dark horse?
Read below to find out.
AFC EAST
- New England 12-4 @
- Buffalo 7-9
- New York Jets 6-10
- Miami 6-10
@ Division Winner
% Playoff Team
The Patriots, even though they lose Brady for the first 4 games, still have Belichick who is the magic man when it comes to surviving. The Bills are improved on defense but the offense is still a question mark because of the uncertainty. In Gotham, the Jets have made too many key changes in the running game and on defense to compete at the top level. Fans in south Florida, or should we say Eagles south with all the ex- birds traded down there, can’t think a team that traded for Kiko Alonso will be any good.
AFC North
1, Cincinnati 13-3@
- Pittsburgh 10-6 %
- Baltimore 9-7
- Cleveland 1-15
@ Division Winner
% Playoff Team
If the Bengals can keep Dalton healthy, they can go deep into the postseason. They have a championship caliber defense in addition to a high powered offense. Bell’s suspension will hurt the Steelers to start the season and while they will recover to make the playoffs, Ben is getting older and is on the down side of his career. Flacco is back but the Ravens still have concerns with the offensive skill positions along with the line to keep them out of the playoffs. The Browns are the Browns. When the big offseason signing was RG3, fans there will be counting down the days until the Cavs hit the hardwood.
AFC South
1. Houston 10-6@
- Indianapolis 8-8
- Jacksonville 7-9
- Tennessee 2-14
@ Division Winner
% Playoff Team
Bill O’Brien has gotten some play makers on offense which will enhance the Texans big play capability. The Colts have Luck back to lead the team and he should help stabilize the record until they get him more play makers. One of the youngest offensive teams in the league, the Jaguars need to learn how to finish off opponents. Until then, no love for Jacksonville. Signing Demarco Murray looks good on paper but if they can’t get consistent passing game, he’ll be no improvement.
AFC West
1, Kansas City 11-5 @
- Oakland 10-6 %
- Denver 8-8
- San Diego 7-9
@ Division Winner
% Playoff Team
The Chiefs will take the next step forward, just like Andy Reid did in Philly. David Carr is the rising young QB in the league and they added a wealth of talent to go with him on both sides of the ball. With Peyton retiring, Broncos have a major hole at quarterback, however, the defense is still strong enough to keep them in games. The Chargers are in limbo and too many question marks on both lines for them to make a serious run in the league’s toughest division.
As for the Team to make it to the Super Bowl LI from the AFC? I see the Bengals. They have the defense to make it out of the AFC and also defense does win championships along with having home field throughout the playoffs. I don’t see them getting passed Arizona in the big game, but hey at least they are losing to a team that isn’t quarterbacked by Joe Montana.
Just some food for thought. So with kick off on September 11, I wish good football to all.
