It's time for the not-at-all anticipated release of my first SFL prediction. Considering I don't know much of anything in regards to managing or how to be successful -- note the two consecutive years on the hot seat -- these predictions are meaningless! But I'm bored, could use the activity points and love football, even if it isn't real. Without further ado, here's how I see the season playing out.
AFC EAST
1. Patriots
2. Jets
3. Dolphins
4. Bills
Analysis: The Patriots were the best team in football last season, and I don't see any reason for that to be different this season. The Jets had a lot of roster movement but got markedly better. My guess is these two teams will finish with the same record, tiebreaker going to the Pats. The Dolphins made some significant changes to their defense, particularly in their linebacking corps, that in my mind makes them a formidable opponent. Bringing up the rear, as has become the norm, is Buffalo. Additions of Shawn Springs and Warrick Dunn should improve the team at their respective positions, but without dominating the trenches, the team is likely destined for failure. Hopefully they can get their required 7 wins so the GM can hang on another year.
AFC NORTH
1. Browns
2. Bengals
3. Ravens
4. Steelers
Browns GM Tom Collins made me scratch my head a few times this offseason, but the end result, in my mind, is they've created a really good team. On offense, especially. The only thing that would improve is trading me Antonio Bryant for scraps 🤣. The Bengals return 18 of 22 starters from a really good team a season ago, so no reason to expect a much different outcome from them. They were able to trade the big contract of Justin Smith, and found a dynamite replacement in the draft. The Ravens have been in a sort of free fall since their Super Bowl, but I think the team will be better than their 5-10-1 record from a season ago. The Steelers had massive turnover from last year's roster to this one and will be relying on a group of untested and unproven guys in their defensive backfield.
AFC SOUTH
1. Titans
2. Colts
3. Jaguars
4. Texans
Something weird always happens in this game, right? Despite losing a bunch of key pieces, the Titans added some dynamic players that could single-handedly change the outcomes of close games. The Colts have Peyton Manning and two incredible playmakers and the potential for a third in Demetrius Williams. Losing Edgerrin James will be a blow, but I think the team bounces back from down year. The Jags, to me, could end up running away with the division or really mediocre. McNabb will be an upgrade from Eli Manning, but are there enough pieces there to win and win consistently? Time shall tell. Texans have some good acquisitions but I don't know if they were enough.
AFC WEST
1. Chiefs
2. Raiders
3. Chargers
4. Broncos
I think the Chiefs surprise some people this season with an improved passing attack and a year of experience under the GM's belt. Raiders letting Woodson go -- to the Jets, no less!! -- will prove to be a big loss, the upgrade (in my eyes) of Garcia to Pennington will help the team finish better than .500. The Chargers will slightly regress from last season, for no other reason than it's my gut feeling. Lastly is the Broncos who are still in rebuild mode for the future.
Playoffs:
1. Patriots
2. Browns
3. Chiefs
4. Titans
5. Jets
6. Dolphins
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