2021 NFL Predictions

AFC East

Buffalo (12-5)- Buffalo continuing to build upon a strong score should lead to another big year. Josh Allen breaking out last year was huge, and they better hope it was real as they already cashed him out.

New England (11-6)- The decision to cut Cam Newton was surprising, but the heavy run game and the improved defense should make it easy on Mac Jones. The narrative starting to be built by talking heads that Bill Belichick is somehow overrated is nonsense. This is a playoff caliber team.

Miami (10-7)- A weird offseason filled with rumors has me confused about what this team is. The Tua hate has begun far too early so I would give it more time to buy into that. I trust Flores’ defense, and this should be a playoff team.

New York (5-12)- I like new HC Robert Saleh a lot but he does not have a lot to work with on the roster, especially since some of his new acquisitions are already hurt. Should be another tough year for the Jets.

AFC North

Cleveland (11-6)- Coming off of a huge year for the franchise, I think they continue it again. They pad the defense along with getting OBJ back, they should definitely be an elite team this year.

Baltimore (10-7)- Baltimore was looking to come back big with adding more weapons, but injuries have killed them already. They should start slow but should gain momentum as they get healthier. Should be a playoff team.

Pittsburgh (9-8)- I’m not sold on this roster, particularly the offense, but I’m not betting against Mike Tomlin to finish under 500. They could challenge for the playoffs, but I’m not sure about that.

Cincinnati (5-12)- I’m just hoping the keep Joe Burrow healthy. Not drafting an offensive lineman in the top ten was certainly a bold strategy, but either way they should have another tough year, but they should be competitive.

AFC South

Tennessee (12-5)- This team I think has figured out the regular season, but they have to prove it in the post season. Offense should keep rolling with the addition of Julio, but I’m still not sold on the defense. Nonetheless, they should win the division.

Indianapolis (9-8)- Injuries have already hurt this team too. I’m worried I have this team undervalued, as I think Frank Reich is a great coach and they have a really solid roster, but I think they just miss the playoffs.

Jacksonville (4-13)- I didn’t like the Urban Meyer hire to begin with, and nothing has changed my mind so far. Trevor Lawrence has a good skill position core, but the o-line isn’t good. This team should struggle but the somehow aren’t the worst team in the division.

Houston (3-14)- This team is bad. Roster is really bad. Not to mention the one bright spot, Deshaun Watson, is in the midst of a lawsuit and a police investigation and won’t be playing anytime soon. This is likely the worst team in the NFL.

AFC West

Kansas City (14-3)- Kansas City should roll once again. I really like what they’ve done rebuilding the offensive line to protect the dominant offense led by Patrick Mahomes. I’m not super sold on the defense, but DC Steve Spagnuolo has done a good job with this unit. They should cruise through the regular season.

Los Angeles (10-7)- A lot of people are very high on the Chargers, but I’m skeptical due to their cursed nature (only partly kidding). But the roster is very solid and Justin Herbert surprised a lot of people, including me with how good he is. They should compete for a playoff spot.

Denver (8-9)- This is a playoff caliber roster, minus the quarterback position. They likely aren’t a playoff team unless Bridgewater or Lock surprise me, but Vic Fangio is a good coach and they should be competitive.

Oakland (4-13)- I think Oakland bottoms out this year. This just isn’t working. I could be completely wrong about this, but a tough division and the poor drafting should catch up and make them one of the worst teams in the NFL.

NFC East

Washington (10-7)- I think the football team wins the arguably worst division in football. I’m not in love as much as others with Ryan Fitzpatrick, but the defense should carry them to the division crown.

Dallas (8-9)- I’m not sold on Dallas as others. I like Dak but I’m concerned coming off of injury, while I’m also just not sold on the rest of the roster. Wouldn’t surprise me if it clicks and they win the division.

New York (6-11)- I like coach Joe Judge and the defense should be pretty good but I really do not like the combo of Daniel Jones and Jason Garrett calling plays. Unless things change, they should finish below 500.

Philadelphia (5-12)- I’m just not sold on the coach and the roster which is a recipe for a rough season. The best players are good, but they are old and oft-injured. I just don’t see a winning season for the Eagles.

NFC North

Green Bay (12-5)- The Rodgers offseason controversy makes this team confusing but pretty much everyone is back from a team a few plays away from a super bowl. I trust Rodgers to continue to be great and they should cruise through this division.

Minnesota (7-10)- I really don’t like Kirk Cousins and I don’t think they have success with him at QB. They could be better than this, but I don’t expect the playoffs.

Chicago (5-12)- Andy Dalton isn’t good and with a rough o-line and a potentially aging defense, I think they struggle and Nagy/Pace likely gets fired. I think they will likely be better than this, but this is the way the schedule shook out.

Detroit (4-13)- Biting kneecaps will only get this team so far. I actually like Dan Campbell and think he will be a better leader than most people think, but the roster is too bad for them to have any success.

NFC South

Tampa Bay (13-4)- This roster is essentially the same as a super bowl winner last year, and they should continue to dominate through the regular season.

Carolina (9-8)- I think Sam Darnold improves under Joe Brady and the young guys take a step and they sneak into the playoffs.

Saints (8-9)- I think injuries and a fall-off from last year has the Saints on the outside looking in. I think Jameis is an upgrade over last years’ version of Drew Brees, and honestly this could be a playoff team, but I think they just miss.

Atlanta (5-12)- They struggle again this year. Matt Ryan keeps them at a competitive level, but the rest of the roster isn’t good enough to compete.

NFC West

San Francisco (12-5)- Whether its Jimmy G or Trey Lance, I think a rebound is in order for San Francisco. Most years a team finishes in last rebounds to 1st place, and I think with not terrible injury luck they do it this year.

Los Angeles (12-5)- Stafford is quite an upgrade and they should continue to be great in the regular season. I really like McVay and the top of the roster, but injuries could derail this season.

Seattle (11-6)- Russell Wilson should carry this team to another playoff berth. Nothing really changes from last years’ team.

Arizona (8-9)- Arizona is a playoff caliber roster stuck in a brutal division. They could finish better but the roster isn’t that good to get over the hump and get to the playoffs.

AFC Playoff Picture

1. Kansas City

2. Tennessee

3. Buffalo

4. Cleveland

5. New England

6. Baltimore

7. Miami

NFC Playoff Picture

1. Tampa Bay

2. San Francisco

3. Green Bay

4. Washington

5. Los Angeles

6. Seattle

7. Carolina

Super Bowl- Buffalo over Tampa Bay