RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) – Fear not football fans – your favorite football prognosticators are back for another season of stone cold locks. In our inaugural season, Robb Crocker took home the title (and the only person who congratulated him was Chip Brierre). Here’s a look at last year’s standings:
Robb Crocker – 91-45
Will Armbruster – 84-52
Amada Malkowski – 83-53
Chip Brierre – 82-54
Mitch Carr – 82-54
Kerri O’Brien – 77-59
This season, we have two new additions: Editor Ron Carthen and reporter Tracey Smith.
As always, feel free to play along at home.
Robb Crocker, 8News Digital Content Manager:
NFC
East: Until Tony Romo went down, I had the Cowboys winning it the East. Dak Prescott has looked good in the preseason (he has been enshrined in the preseason Hall of Fame) but he needs to show that he can do it week-to-week in full speed NFL games. The Giants went the free agency route in rebuilding their defense. And, their offensive line has a lot of question marks, but they still have Eli Manning throwing the ball to a strong receiving corps. The Eagles are in a rebuild, anything above five wins will be a success story. The Redskins have questions at running back and linebacker depth. In addition, they have a tough schedule. But, I think that they have the best offensive weapons in the division.
Predicted order of finish: Washington Redskins*, Dallas Cowboys*, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles
North: Even before Teddy Bridgewater went down, I felt that the Packers were the best team in the division. Now Sam Bradford will be leading the Vikings – all he needs to do is stay healthy and hand the ball off to Adrian Peterson. The Bridgewater injury will cost the Vikings a playoff berth. The problem is he won’t stay healthy. Jordy Nelson is back for the Pack – this is a big difference maker. Chicago and Detroit have too many questions to be in the conversation.
Predicted order of finish: Green Bay Packers*, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears
South: There are the Carolina Panthers and the rest of the division. Tampa Bay will continue to improve. New Orleans will continue to slide and I have no idea what to think about when it comes to the Atlanta Falcons. They have the offensive weapons but are really missing a lot on defense.
Predicted order of finish: Carolina Panthers*, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints
West: It will be a dogfight this season between the Cards and Seahawks. The difference will be which offense, which Arizona has plenty of. The Rams and 49ers will be participation ribbons – thanks for playing this season.
Predicted order of finish: Arizona Cardinals*, Seattle Seahawks*, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers
NFC Playoffs: The Redskins will drop another playoff game to the Seahawks. No repeat run for the Panthers. The Packers and the Cardinals are on a collision course to meet in the NFC Championship. The more balanced team – the Cardinals – will be headed to the Super Bowl.
AFC
East: The Jets will continue to improve but the Patriots have at least one more run in them. Miami is one season away from a massive rebuild as are the Bills.
Predicted order of finish: New England Patriots*, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills
North: The best division in football. Three of the four teams will make the playoffs. Pittsburgh may struggle out the gate but their experience will carry them far. Andy Dalton is one of the best regular season quarterbacks and the Bengals’ defense will have another strong season. Joe Flacco is back for the Ravens and the defense will be an improvement. Cleveland might win two games and should be relegated to the CFL – take that Canada.
Predicted order of finish: Cincinnati Bengals*, Pittsburgh Steelers*, Baltimore Ravens*, Cleveland Browns
South: Common sense says the Colts should be at the top of the division – for once, I will follow common sense. I like what Tennessee is doing but I think that they are at least a year away. I don’t like what Houston is doing – too many questions at quarterback and the health of J.J. Watt. And then there is Jacksonville – a sexy pick for a lot of predictors this year. Year four will be Gus Bradley’s make or break year. Expect better things from the Jags, but don’t let your imagination run away from you.
Predicted order of finish: Indianapolis Colts*, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans
West: Speaking of sexy picks, everyone loves the Raiders this season. The Raiders have showed some improvement but they will also reap the rewards of the poorly run team in San Diego and the quarterback situation in Denver. Denver will have one of the best defenses in the NFL, but no Peyton Manning. Once again, Andy Reid has built a perennial regular season winner in Kansas City. Expect the Chiefs to run away with the division.
Predicted order of finish: Kansas City Chiefs*, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers
AFC Playoffs: Expect the Bengals and Chiefs to exit after only one playoff game. As I said earlier, the Pats have at least one more run in them. Standing in their way will be the Steelers. Look for the Pats to win big in the conference championship game.
Super Bowl: As long as they are not playing the New York Giants, the Patriots are untouchable in the Super Bowl – expect the same when they beat the Arizona Cardinals 38 – 20 in this year’s big game.
Will Armbruster, 8News Digital Content Producer:
NFC
East: With zero confidence whatsoever, I had originally tabbed the Cowboys as my NFC East favorites. But in light of the Romo injury (and still with very little confidence … ) I’m picking the G-Men. The Giants’ offense has the potential to be one of the most explosive in the league, but their defense is a huge concern. Meanwhile, with so much hype carrying over from last season’s surprise playoff run (and division title), I like Washington to finish 7-9 and give their fans plenty of head-scratching fits along the way.
Predicted order of finish: New York Giants*, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Eagles
North: Backed by arguably the easiest scheduled in the league, I like the Packers to win the division, secure home field advantage and return to the Super Bowl. Jordy Nelson is back, and A-Rod is hungry. If AP can stan healthy, I like the Vikings as a sleeper in the NFC to secure one of the Wild Card spots.
Predicted order of finish: Green Bay Packers*, Minnesota Vikings*, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions
South: After picking Carolina to finish dead last in the South last season, Cam Newton and Co. proved me wrong. The Panthers are for real, and while I see Tampa Bay making significant strides under sophomore QB Jameis Winston, this division is the Panthers for the taking.
Predicted order of finish: Carolina Panthers*, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints
West: Last season was fun, Arizona, but I don’t see another sluggish start to the season for Seattle. I do think the Cardinals are a force to be reckoned with, though, and will snag the NFC’s second Wild Car spot.
Predicted order of finish: Seattle Seahawks*, Arizona Cardinals*, St. Louis Rams, San Francisco 49ers
NFC Playoffs:
I like the Green Bay and Seattle to reach the NFC title game, with the Packers avenging that 2015 debacle where they blew a 16-point lead in the second half.
AFC
East: Are the Pats the shoe-in Super Bowl candidate they once were? No. But can anyone in this challenge them? Not a chance. Simply put, the other three teams in this division are not as talented or as well-coached as New England.
Predicted order of finish: New England Patriots*, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills
North: This is the hardest division to gauge, in my opinion. Cincinnati is arguably the best regular-season team in the league, and while I like them to repeat as division champs, I don’t see them running away with the title the way they did last fall. Pittsburgh is always a tough out and Baltimore has finally provided Joe Flacco with the deep threat he so covets in Mike Wallace.
Predicted order of finish:
Cincinnati Bengals*, Pittsburgh Steelers*, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns
South: Will Andrew Luck finally stake his claim as one of the NFL’s elite QBs and help Indy run away with the division? I think so. I’m not writing off Tennessee, though. Mariota will be better and the Demarco Murray pickup will help, too.
Predicted order of finish: Indianapolis Colts*, Tennessee Titans*, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars
West: I like Kansas City to win its first division title since 2010. Even with stud RB Jamaal Charles playing in only five games, the Chiefs finished 11-5 last year. Oh, and that defense is really, really good.
Predicted order of finish: Kansas City*, Oakland, San Diego Chargers, Denver Broncos
AFC Playoffs:
It’s so hard to bet against New England especially in a year when the AFC appears to lack a handful of Super Bowl caliber teams. I’ll pick the Pats against Indianapolis (Kansas City) in the AFC championship, with the Colts moving on to play Green Bay in the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl:
The league’s two best QBs put on a show, with Green Bay coming away on top, 31-27.
Amanda Malkowski, Good Morning Richmond Anchor:
NFC
East: I totally blew it with this division last year. I thought the Redskins would blow it, and they did much better than I expected. I am going to give them the top spot this year. If the Cowboys are healthier I think they’ll do well. Let’s be honest though… this division is awful.
Predicted order of finish: Washington Redskins*, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles
North: I’m picking almost the same, but I’m moving Detroit down the line. They aren’t looking so good. The other teams look decent so far. No good running backs for Detroit makes them “blah.”
Predicted order of finish: Green Bay*, Minnesota, Chicago, Detroit
South: Cam Newton and Co. will continue to reign, in my opinion. The Bucs and Falcons are still mediocre. I predict both do well on offense but not so much on defense. I am hesitant to give the Saints slot number 2. They let me down last year, but I’m giving them a shot.
Predicted order of finish: Carolina Panthers*, New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
West: I’m going with my same picks as last year. I’m only going with Seattle because they won last year. Both the Cardinals and Seahawks are amazing teams. This will be a fun conference to watch.
Predicted order of finish: Seattle Seahawks*, Arizona Cardinals, St. Louis Rams, San Francisco 49ers
NFC Playoffs:
I think Cardinals will get one wild card and the Vikings the other. I’m thinking Cardinals vs. Seahawks, and as I said I think Seahawks will come out on top.
AFC
East: Deflate-gate is OVER! I think Patriots will come out on top again. I’m moving the Bills and Jets up because of the rookie coach for the Dolphins.
Predicted order of finish: New England Patriots*, New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins
North: I’m pretty bummed out about how Pittsburgh is looking. I’m going to put them first anyways because it’s my city and I can’t betray them. The Ravens looked weak at the end of last season, so I’m bumping them down one spot. This will also be fun to watch. The Browns, well, ugh.
Predicted order of finish: Pittsburgh Steelers*, Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns
South: Andrew Luck’s injury hurt the Colts, but I have faith that he can bring them back. The Texans also look good. These will be fun games to watch. Titans look terrible. I am interested to see how it all plays out.
Predicted order of finish: Indianapolis Colts*, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
West: The Broncos still have a great defense. No Manning, which means things are in flux at the QB positions. The Chiefs have been doing well, and I think this might be their year for the conference. The Raiders are doing better than they have in a long time.
Predicted order of finish: Kansas City Chiefs*, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers
AFC Playoffs: Tried and true… Colts and Patriots. I’m not taking any risks this year and jinxing my Steelers. I think the Patriots will do it again and win.
Super Bowl: The Patriots will beat the Seahawks.
Chip Brierre, 8News Weekend Sports Anchor:
NFC
East: The Washington Redskins baffled us all last season under the command of Captain Kirk. Cousins and Gruden led a prolific offense to the team’s 2nd division title in the last four seasons. Looking at the rest of the division with the rebuilding Eagles, new look Giants under Ben MacAdoo and Cowboys defense being swiss cheese (plus another inevitable Romo back injury, who didn’t see that coming?), I’ll stick with the Redskins winning the division again since they’re the only team that really improved in key areas, adding Josh Norman, Vernon Davis and drafting Kendall Fuller and Su’a Cravens.
Predicted Finish: Washington Redskins*, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles
South: The Carolina Panthers may have lost Norman to DC, but their defense still is led by Keuchley and Davis Sr., and even though the dab is dead Super Cam Newton will provide a new fad that will get Carolina another division title.
Predicted Finish: Carolina Panthers*, Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Drew Brees
North: This will be the most thrilling division to keep an eye on because the Vikings have a brand new shiny stadium, Adrian Peterson is the ageless wonder not named Frank Gore. Of course that was before Teddy Bridgewater went down with a season ending knee injury, yet still I think the big dudes in purple will make the NFC wild card. Jordy Nelson’s return only means more aerial assaults and Lambeau leaps in Cheesehead world, Aaron Rodgers still owns the North.
Predicted Finish: Green Bay Packers*, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears
West: This is going to come down to Seattle and Arizona. The Cards should have gone to the Super Bowl, I truly believe that. Carson Palmer may never get another chance at it. Russell Wilson just keeps getting better. No Beast Mode, no problem keep an eye out on Thomas Rawls Jr. y’all, kid has the chance to be a star. Seahawks get back the division title.
Predicted Finish: Seattle Seahawks*, Arizona Cardinals, St. Louis Rams, San Francisco 49ers
NFC Playoffs:
However it all matches up, I believe it is the Seattle Seahawks making the return to the Super Bowl. Russell Wilson is the best QB in the NFL in my opinion right now, I know Packers fans will call for my head. Rodgers has the track record, but Wilson is about to explode after he had the best finish to a season in this decade, even better than Rodgers.
AFC
East: I deeply regret my pick from last year, fallen from grace and accepted the inevitable reality that the Miami Dolphins are hapless. I pray Adam Gase is the answer for my Fins, but as many of us fans of South Florida’s team knows, Ryan Tannehill is not the answer until proven otherwise and Cameron Wake is getting old. Jimmy Garoppolo will do admirably in his resume builder for the first four games of the season in Brady’s absence, because the Pats have that physical embodiment of “The Thing”, Rob Gronkowski. Pats (god kill me) will win the East again.
Predicted Finish: New England Patriots*, New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins
South: I’ve said this multiple times and will continue to do so: DON’T SLEEP ON JACKSONVILLE. This team is built across the board to thrive in the future, this season will be their first true year of optimism as a franchise with the makings of a potent offense that one day could match the Colts in Indy. That said, this is a tighter division than in past seasons. Texans improved across the board with Lamar Miller and the over rated but better than Brian Hoyer, Brock Osweiler and Andrew Luck is back with a mega-deal and a better offensive line. Push for the Colts.
Predicted Finish: Indianapolis Colts*, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
North: Oh boy, I really, really, really hate picking this division. I don’t like any of these teams from a fan standpoint except for maybe Baltimore (Ed Reed and Ray Lewis, Canes All Day). But the Bengals are built for the long haul, the Steelers are patchwork at times each season. No denying Ben Roethlisberger to Antonio Brown is the most beautiful connection in the NFL this generation has seen aside from Manning to Harrison. Just so I don’t upset the Steeler in the room, #TerribleTowels.
Predicted Finish: Pittsburgh Steelers*, Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns
West: The Broncos have Von Miller and the best defense in football, but they have a James Bond villain name (Trevor Siemian) and Fuente’s QB from Memphis who at times I swear looks like a wannabe hipster (Paxton Lynch). That’s not to say they won’t do a good job in the Mile High City, but good luck having a solid outing when you play the Kansas City Chiefs who have a good quarterback in Alex Smith and an elite running back, when healthy, Jamal Charles.
Predicted Finish: Kansas City Chiefs*, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers
AFC Playoffs
Is it the Kansas City Chiefs year to finally make the Super Bowl? Unfortunately no, my money is still on Tom Brady even if I picked Indianapolis last year. I’m going with New England, but I’ll take a consolation of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Super Bowl
Russell Wilson hands the ball off instead of throwing it to win the game, Seahawks win their 2nd Super Bowl in last 4 seasons. Not too shabby for a kid who grew up in RVA.
Mitch Carr, 8Sports Director:
NFC
East: I can’t believe I get to write this, but the Washington Redskins enter the season as defending NFC East Champions. I called them putrid last year, and I called this entire division mediocre. One of those statements was true. This year, I see much more than mediocrity. I see a competitive division once again. That’s bad for Washington. What’s worse is that their championship has earned them a first place schedule via the NFL’s scheduling formula. They have to play every division champ from last season. Ouch. I predict the Redskins will be a better team this year but actually finish with a worse record. The Giants, meanwhile, get to play a third place schedule and the Cowboys get to play a last place schedule. I originally wrote that this would come down to the Giants and Cowboys, but with Dak Prescott in for Tony Romo for a half a season, it will more than likely come down to the Giants and Redskins. I think the Redskins will beat the Giants twice and yet lose the division on overall record.
Oh, right… the Eagles. Totally forgot about them. That is an accurate appraisal about how this season will go for them: forgettable; nothing to see here.
Predicted order of finish: New York Giants*, Washington Redskins, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles
North: Green Bay is going to be one of the best teams in the league this year, but Minnesota should not be far behind. Any time you can hand the ball to Adrian Peterson, you’re bound to be pretty good. Sam Bradford is a wildcard, but Mike Zimmer has the Vikings’ defense improving, and I believe Bradford is at least good enough to play the Trent Dilfer (Ravens) and Mark Sanchez (Jets) role of not screwing it up. The Lions weren’t good WITH Calvin Johnson, and now he’ll be on the couch. They’ve replaced him with Marvin Jones; advantage: every team they play. Chicago still has Jay Cutler and no longer has Matt Forte. That’s bad.
Predicted order of finish: Green Bay Packers*, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions
South: The Panthers caught lightning in a bottle last year, and there’s no reason to believe they’ll take a step back. In fact, with Kelvin Benjamin returning from injury, that offense could be even better. They were asking in the preseason “Why can’t someone else around here be what Josh Norman is?” If they had another Josh Norman on the team we’d know about him already, so the defense won’t be as nasty, but the offense will be even better. In New Orleans, it’s tough to know if Brees/Payton are past their prime as a combination or if they’ve just had some rough years. I think they’re still good. I’m pretty excited for year two of Jameis Winston. I feel like the longer the season went on the better he got and the better he made everyone around him, Doug Martin included. The Falcons are just mediocre. Devonta Freeman was incredible last season, but I don’t think he’ll have two seasons like that. I think last year may end up being the best year of his career, and Matt Ryan seems to have hit his ceiling as well. I don’t see much to believe in there.
Predicted order of finish: Carolina Panthers*, Tampa Bay Buccaneers*, New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons
West: Seattle has to fall off eventually, right? They kind of did last season, as Arizona won the division, but they still made the playoffs and won a playoff game. Exit: Marshawn Lynch. Enter: Thomas Rawls. Rawls may be good, but he’s no Money Lynch. The ‘Hawks will rely more on Russell Wilson, and he seems ready for the increased workload. I believe Arizona will be just as good as last season if Carson Palmer stays healthy. The Rams have 8-8, 7-9, or 6-10 written all over them because Jeff Fisher is still the head coach and rookie QB Jared Goff doesn’t know from the sun rises in the east. He went to Cal? How? San Francisco has Chip Kelly and will pick either Blaine Gabbert or Colin Kaepernick to lead the offense. YIKES.
Predicted order of finish: Arizona Cardinals*, Seattle Seahawks*, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers
NFC Playoffs:
The Giants are definite first round fodder for some wild card, and I’m guessing it will be Seattle, so the Seahawks beat the Giants on the road to open the playoffs. That pits the Bucs against the Cardinals. I’ll take Arizona to advance.
Green Bay will be the NFC’s top seed, and they will beat Seattle at home. Carolina will eliminate Arizona again. The Packers will get the best of the Panthers this year, and Aaron Rodgers and company will reach Super Bowl LI.
AFC
East: Tom Brady is actually suspended for the first four games of the season this year. I don’t expect Jimmy G to go 4-0, but I also don’t expect him to go 0-4. No other team in the division has given me a reason to think New England’s division championship run is over. Buffalo has committed to former Hokie Tyrod Taylor, and that’s great, but that doesn’t mean they’ll unseat the Pats. The Bills do have playoff potential, though. The Jets nearly made the playoffs last year, and given Ryan Fitzpatrick’s career, all signs point to this being a poor year, since last season was so far above expectations. They have Matt Forte, now, and he can be a QB’s best friend. That defense will be really good even without Antonio Cromartie, who is now in Indianapolis. The Dolphins will be the Dolphins again, which means they’ll make you scratch your head a lot.
Predicted order of finish: New England Patriots*, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins
North: Baltimore was the team last year that was just so far below expectations that it had to be a fluke. Everyone got hurt. They should bounce back this year, but I can’t say they look like a playoff team. The Browns will be better, but choosing RGIII at QB means you better have a good backup ready for week four and after. Griffin will get hurt. Josh McCown will come in. Who knows what happens next? That leaves us with the Bengals and Steelers. I expect both teams to return to form as they did last season. Both were playoff teams, and both should be again. I give the division title edge to Cinci because Le’Veon Bell will miss the first three games.
Predicted order of finish: Cincinnati Bengals*, Pittsburgh Steelers*, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns
South: The Colts had a down year last year, and it coincided directly with Andrew Luck’s lacerated kidney and other injuries. Think about that: a lacerated kidney. Football is rough, man. I can’t believe that was the new now for the Colts. That has to have been a down year. The Texans won the division, and then they got Brock Osweiler and Lamar Miller. Those are definite upgrades (Miller is an upgrade over Arian Foster because Foster couldn’t stay healthy). I think both of them have playoff potential. The Titans and Jags are in the same boat: they’ve got young promising talent, but it’s not quite there yet. The Jags definitely showed some signs of improvement, and I think either them or the Texans will snag a wild card.
Predicted order of finish: Indianapolis Colts*, Houston Texans*, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
West: This is a division that gave us two playoff teams in 2015, but I think they only get one this season, and it’s the defending Super Bowl champs. Denver is the cream of this crop, but it won’t be like last year. Mark Sanchez has made the AFC Championship with a good defense and a running game before, but my goodness he is bad, now. The preseason hasn’t changed my mind at all about that. The Broncos are a playoff team, but they are not a Super Bowl team. Everyone wants to talk up the Raiders, but Derek Carr really fell off toward the end of the season. He seems like a guy like Sanchez that when he does the things he does when he’s young, you’re like, “ He’ll get better,” but then he doesn’t. I hate watching Alex Smith play quarterback, and I’m not excited about the Chiefs. The Chargers may have whiffed with Melvin Gordon last year, and this year they can’t get a deal done with their first round pick Joey Bosa. What a mess. It makes me feel bad for Philip Rivers.
Predicted order of finish: Denver Broncos*, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers
AFC Playoffs: The Pittsburgh Steelers will take out Indianapolis in the first round, and the Broncos will defeat the Texans in the first round. In the divisional round, the Bengals will beat Denver, guaranteeing a new Super Bowl champ, and New England will take out Big Ben and the Steelers. Now it gets interesting: Cincinnati travels to Foxborough for the AFC Championship. Is this the year for Cinci? Probably not but I’d rather be interesting, and nothing is more boring than picking the Patriots every year.
Super Bowl: Aaron Rodgers and the Packers climb the mountain again, defeating Andy Dalton the Bengals. Rodgers then throws up a big middle finger to his estranged brother and Bachelorette “winner” Jordan. “You think YOU’RE famous? LOLOLOLOLOLOL”
Kerri O’Brien, 8News Investigative Reporter:
If I was doing my dream predictions it would be Eagles vs. Patriots in the Super Bowl. Eagles crush, Brady cries and Eagles get a ring!
But ok now to reality….
NFC
NFC East: Sam Bradford is not the future of the Eagles. He will continue to be a deer in headlights with each throw. Carson Wentz is already hurt he only sees the field in garbage time and turns out to be another Eagles QB mistake.
With that said, once again the NFC East looks like the weakest division.
Dallas Cowboys Tony Romo already on the ground in the preseason, ouch! He’s broken.
It’s a rebuilding year for them.
As for the Giants, they look horrible in preseason too and Eli is done too.
Redskins stand to have the best year and build off of last year’s mild successes. I say mild, because folks, it’s the NFC East , and there just isn’t much competition here.
Predicted order of finish: Washington Redskins*, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys
North: Despite a rough year last season, I think Aaron Rogers has a good year. He uses his bitterness over brother and Bachelorette winner Jordan Rogers publicizing the family drama for all the world to see to fuel a winning season.
Vikings, unless Teddy Bridgewater breaks out I think it will be a lackluster year for them.
I think it’s a transition year for Detroit and Da Bears..not much to say, they bring up the rear.
Predicted order of finish: Green Bay Packers*, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears.
South: I still like the Panthers here. Cam Newton just wins games. I think he’s still hot and it will be another good year for them.
Brandon Cooks will have a great season for the Saints but I don’t see it being enough for a winning season.
No more losing seasons in Tampa. I predict a big improvement from the Bucs. They won’t win the division but will win more games than they lose.
The Falcons, another troubled bird team. They fly in last
Predicted of Order of Finish: Carolina Panthers*, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons
West: Now this is a tough division. The Cardinals and the Seahawks might just be the two best teams in the NFL.
The Seahawks still bitter over that terrible Superbowl lose against the Patriots in 2015 may have had enough time to recover and get back to the Bowl.
Russell Wilson is still hungry.
But the Cardinals made some moves to improve offense getting rid of some duds. They will be strong.
The 49ers – Chip Kelly enough said!
The Rams, they get star stuck in LA and lose focus.
Predicted order of finish: Seattle Seahawks*, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams
NFC Playoffs: The Redskins win the NFC East but lose the first playoff game. The Seahawks easily win the NFC.
AFC
East: Brady will do his time for cheating and I think it will deflate the Patriots season.
The Jets have Fitz back, Brandon Marshall continues to be a beast (hope I secure him again on my fantasy team) It’s the Jets year!
I think things gel a little more for sexy Rexy and the Buffalo Bills but not enough win the division.
Miami, not buying them.
Predicted order of finish: New York Jets*, New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins
North: I think the redhead Andy Dalton is healthy and finally doesn’t choke. Although, he can be a little Donovan McNabb like at times, smiling and laughing when he messes up. Boy, do I hate that! But I think the hunger is there this year. Plus, I am a sucker for animal print.
The Steelers will put up a fight but I think thy will suffer from injuries, we know Big Ben can go down. (Sorry Amanda!) Plus, that Martavis Bryant suspension was a blow.
Ravens, building back but probably another draft away from their return to glory.
And the Browns, we all know Robert Griffin III and let’s be honest we know he’s just not going to get it done. I predict he’s hurt by game three and out for several games.
Predicted order of finish: Cincinnati Bengals*, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns
South: I love me some Brock Osweiler and think he will make it tight between the Texans and the Jags.
The Jaguars have talent all over the field.
I also think the Colts return to glory with a healthy Andrew Luck.
I do like Mariota (still mad the Eagles didn’t make that happen) but I think the Titans need some more time yet.
Predicted order of finish: Houston Texans*, Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans
West:
Hate to admit it but Andy Reid’s Chiefs look great. Alex Smith and Jamaal Charles, what a force.
The Broncos are the reigning Super Bowl Champs but they have lost a lot of talent.
The Raiders have been on the rise and a team to watch.
The Chargers can’t possibly be this bad as they were last year or can they?
Predicted order of finish: Kansas City Chiefs*, Oakland Raiders*, Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers
AFC Playoffs:
Raiders are a wild card team and make a good run.
The Chiefs win AFC West but as usual Andy Reid can’t coach for the big game and the team chokes.
The Jets win the AFC playoffs.
Super Bowl: Jets vs. Seahawks.
Jets choke against stud Russell Wilson.
Seahawks win, finally getting over that depressing loss in the Bowl against the cheating Patriots.
Ron Carthen, 8News Editor & Vlogger:
NFC:
East: This is the most division in the NFL but I have to pick New York simply because I think the new additions on defense will keep them in games. There O-Line scares me with awful offensive tackles even with signing back Will Beatty for a season. I think Eli Manning will have enough time to get it to his receivers but he needs to be quick.
Predicted order of finish: New York Giants*, Washington Redskins, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles
North: This will be a rebound season for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense. Jordy Nelson will have a great comeback year after missing a whole season due to a torn ACL. But Eddie Lacy has to be far better then his disappointing 3rd season (758 yards, 3 TD). They can’t rely on the defense to keep them in games like they did last season.
Predicted order of finish: Green Bay Packers*, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears
West: Cardinals were a game away from advancing to the Super Bowl but of course they were destroyed by the Panthers in the NFC Championship. This year look for Carson Palmer to have another great season and get ready for David Johnson to have a breakout year. Plus Tyrann Mathieu will return after his torn ACL last season. Also keep an eye on Robert Nkemdiche.
Predicted order of finish: Arizona Cardinals*, Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers
South: Cam Newton and the Panthers were a win away from winning Super Bowl 50 until Von Miller and the Broncos defense dominated Carolina’s offense. I don’t see any sign of their offense, which led the league with 31.3 ppg, to slow down. The return of Kelvin Benjamin from a torn ACL will give this team a huge boost. Their front-seven will have to be more dependable then usual due to a young secondary that have to grow up fast thanks to the franchise rescinding Josh Norman’s franchise tag.
Predicted order of finish: Carolina Panthers*, New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFC Playoffs: Cardinals over Packers
Cardinals pass rush will be too strong for the Packers O-line. Arizona receivers will dominate the Green Bay secondary.
AFC
East: Even with Tom Brady suspended 4 games for deflated footballs, New England will win their 13th AFC East Title in 14 years. They will enjoy two-tight end sets with Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett, which they acquired (Along with a 2016 6th Rd pick) in a trade from the Bears in exchange for a 2016 4th Rd pick). Malcom Butler and the secondary will be a unit to keep an eye on.
Predicted order of finish: New England Patriots*, New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins
North: Despite Le’Veon Bell being suspended 3 games due to missing drug tests and Martavis Bryant suspended a year for violating the league’ssubstance-abuse policy, I think Pittsburgh will find a way to win this division with Ben Roethlisberger throwing to Antonio Brown as many times as possible.
Predicted order of finish: Pittsburgh Steelers*, Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns
South: Very tough call to make but I have to go with Houston. I like the upgrade of Brock Osweiler at QB and Lamar Miller as the starting RB. I think the O-Line will do just enough in pass blocking that Osweiler will have the time to throw the ball out to DeAndre Hopkins. When you have J.J. Watt in your pass rush you will be fine.
Predicted order of finish: Houston Texans*, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
West: I really was thinking about going with Oakland because I think their pass rush will be better with Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin in the front-seven but I can’t see them getting past Kansas City. Alex Smith will have Jamaal Charles back with a great group of running backs and he will have Travis Kelce and Jeremy Maclin as weapons. Despite Justin Houston (knee) on the reserve/PUP for 6 weeks their pass rush will be fine and Marcus Peters and Eric Berry secondary will be one of the best in the league.
Predicted order of finish: Kansas City Chiefs*, Oakland Raiders, Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers
AFC Playoffs: Patriots over Chiefs
Tom Brady will do enough to figure out how to his passes to his 2-tight end targets and will prevail against the Kansas City pass rush.
Super Bowl: Cardinals over Patriots
New England O-line will struggle against the Cardinals front-seven. Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald short window for a Super Bowl will come to a close with a smile on their face lifting the Lombardi trophy.
Tracey Smith, 8News Reporter:
NFC
East: It breaks my heart to do this to my dad, but I just don’t believe redskins have their team together.
Predicted order of finish: New York Giants*, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins.
North: Packers — because Aron Rodgers is Aaron Rodgers. Personally, they are the only team in this division I would pay attention to.
Predicted order of finish: Green Bay Packers*, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions
South: I think Cam Newton is going to come back stronger than ever. Last year’s Super Bowl was definitely a learning lesson. If Falcons come back this year strong I think they have potential too.
Predicted order of finish: Carolina Panthers*, Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints.
West: Cardinals have been good lately and I think they may surprise us over the Seahawks.
I’m interested to see what it’s like having a team back in Los Angeles but I don’t think a new home will make a difference.
Predicted order of finish: Arizona Cardinals*, Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers
NFC Playoffs: Green Bay vs. Arizona. Green Bay will have the team to make it far in the playoffs but I think Arizona will take the NFC title this year.
AFC
North: I will always pick my Steelers to take the AFC North. This division is my favorite because the games are always intense. As much as I want to root against the Ravens I know they always give us a run for our money.
Predicted order of finish: Pittsburgh Steelers*, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals
South: If I had to put my money on a quarterback in this division I’d pick Andrew Luck. I’m also a terrible gambler, so we’ll see.
Predicted order of finish: Indianapolis Colts*, Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans
East: I am not a fan of the Patriots but you can’t ignore how good they are. As the Virginia girl I am, I love seeing our college athletes make it big. So for that I’m rooting for Tyrod Taylor and the Bills
Predicted order of finish: New England Patriots*, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins
West: Even without Peyton Manning, I think the Broncos will do well. Their receivers have been great for some time now.
Predicted order of finish: Denver Broncos*, San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs
AFC Playoffs: Steelers vs. Patriots — I think as long as Antonio Brown and Big Ben make their connections all season, you will see go far this season. IF and only IF their running game improves, they will go to the Super Bowl. Maybe I am just being a preseason optimist but I think it’s our year! Steelers win.
Super Bowl: We are going to see a repeat of 2008 season Super Bowl, and I am hoping for the same outcome. Cardinals will give Steelers a run for their money until the end. And in true Steelers fashion, they will keep every Terrible Towel waving fan on the edge of their seat.