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NFL Predictions!

Writer's picture: Robert McGinleyRobert McGinley

Welcome to the 2024 NFL Season!

 

Once again I’m presenting you with my annual predictions sure to go wrong! The NFL is in a very interesting place this season compared to some of the last couple seasons where the favorites were easy to pick out. Yes, the Chiefs and 49ers who met in last year’s Super Bowl will definitely be back in the mix again but there are some question marks for many of the remaining contenders:

 

Can the Bengals and Joe Burrow stay healthy enough to compete in the AFC North?

Can Lamar Jackson and the Ravens get over the playoff hump?

Were the Texans and Packers for real last season or was it a fluke?

Can the Bills overcome the loss of some of Josh Allen’s key weapons?

Can the Eagles rebound from some key chemistry issues last season?

Can the Lions bounce back after getting so close last year?

Do Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins have one more run left in them?

 

And on top of these questions, there is the excitement on the influx of young quarterback talent in the league – Jordan Love, CJ Stroud, Jayden Daniels, Caleb Williams and others are representing an exciting time in the league. With that said, let’s get to the predictions!

 

AFC West:

 

1. Chiefs

2. Chargers

3. Broncos

4. Raiders

 

Divisional Outlook: The Chiefs are once again the team to beat not only in the AFC West but in the entire league. An aging Travis Kelce and off field issues with Rahsee Rice may cause potential issues but Patrick Mahomes is in the prime of his career and can help offset most issues that arise. The Chargers are a few years away as they are remaking themselves in the image of new head coach Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh believes in a physical style of play but that sometimes comes at the expense of scoring so it will be interesting to see how that affects QB Justin Herbert. The Broncos rid themselves of Russell Wilson and while I do like new QB Bo Nix, I have some reservations on his supporting cast. Their skill position group is amongst the worst in the league. The Raiders are rolling with QB Gardner Minshew who has a career record of 15-22 – been there done that, passing on the silver and black this year.

 

AFC South:

 

1. Jaguars

2. Texans

3. Colts

4. Titans

 

Divisional Outlook: I love the addition of Brian Thomas to the Jaguars this year and I think this is the year Trevor Lawrence puts it all together and improves upon last year’s slight dip. I may take a big L on the Texans prediction this year and I love CJ Stroud – but the difference with last year and this year is a matter of expectations, and they will not catch anyone by surprise this year. I still think they are a playoff contender, but I just think that a regression is going to be in play. There is a lot about the Colts I like including the explosiveness of Anthony Richardson but he still lacks the experience and I wish they would have drafted him another wideout this year. The Titans have some nice receivers but the rest of their team is a mess. Will Levis was very average in his first season last year and is actually a year older than the previously mentioned Lawrence.

 

AFC North:

 

1. Ravens

2. Browns

3. Bengals

4. Steelers

 

Divisional Outlook: This division produced 4 teams with a winning record last season. I don’t see that happening again this season – more on that in a minute. The Ravens have a fantastic roster and head coach, and despite their disappointment in the playoffs last season, they are primed to repeat as division champ. The toughest decision for me was determining what order the Browns and Bengals would fall. This was a gut but I just think the depth of the Browns roster and having two time head coach Kevin Stefanski provides them a slight edge over the Bengals. If I felt the Bengals were healthy it may be a different story, but there are already dealing with injury woes, the offensive line is suspect, and both of their top receivers are dealing with contract disputes. Steelers fans you may want to look away but this is going to be the season that finally gives Mike Tomlin his first losing record. Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, I don’t think it matters much – the defense is going to be worn out midway through the season from being on the field 2/3 of every game. I think this is going to end ugly for the yellow and black.

 

AFC East:

 

1. Dolphins

2. Jets

3. Bills

4. Patriots

 

Divisional Outlook: There are so many wildcards in this division – let’s state the obvious out the gate. The Patriots are finishing last. Drake Maye will be starting halfway through the season, but this team has many other holes other than QB that they need to fill. That will hopefully get addressed next offseason. You can make an argument for each team remaining between the Dolphins, Jets and Bills – all should have good (not spectacular) offensive lines, all have solid QB’s – but the Bills are trying to replace Stefon Diggs AND Gabe Davis. I believe Aaron Rodgers can bounce back from his injury and the Jets defense should be fantastic this year. The Dolphins have a strong defense as well though, and a ton of speed on offense. The difference? I trust Head Coach Mike McDaniel of the Dolphins much more than Jets coach Robert Saleh. Either way, I think this is going to be a fascinating race to watch.

 

NFC West:

 

1. Rams

2. 49ers

3. Cardinals

4. Seahawks

 

Divisional Outlook: I still think the 49ers have a very formidable roster and no one is going to look forward to playing them come playoff time. But a lot rides on Christian McCaffrey’s health and last year he touched the ball over 340 times – more than any other player. I love the Rams roster and I think they build on last year’s momentum to surprise and win the division. The Cardinals are a dark horse to keep an eye on this year. If Kyler Murray is healthy all year they may very well surprise. I don’t love their offensive line though and the Seahawks also resemble that remark. I don’t love their defense and I just think their division is going to overwhelm them this year by matter of attrition. Not as bad as some of the other last place teams however.

 

NFC South:

 

1. Falcons

2. Buccaneers

3. Saints

4. Panthers

 

Divisional Outlook: Buzz your girlfriend, woof. The NFC South leaves a lot to be desired. I do like the new look Atlanta Falcons and while I’m not a huge fan of new head coach Raheem Morris, I do think the new addition of Kirk Cousins and a host of extremely talented skill position players will move them to the top of the standings. The Bucs were a bit of an aberration last year that I’m not buying - Baker Mayfield is going to make the playoffs two years in a row? Doubtful. I absolutely hate the Saints offensive line and I don’t trust their skill position players outside of Chris Olave – I would rank them last in almost any other division, but lucky for them they play in the same division as the Panthers and Bryce Young. The Panthers were terrible last year and I’m just not sure I see anything to make me think that they won’t repeat the same performance. Owner David Tepper needs to trust his front office and butt out of personnel decisions.

 

NFC North:

 

1. Lions

2. Packers

3. Bears

4. Vikings

 

Divisional Outlook: One of the most fun divisions in all of football. The Vikings will turn to Sam Darnold after the injury to rookie QB JJ McCarthy. After Justin Jefferson it’s hard to find much to like, and I think the division will be more competitive than years past. The Lions and Packers will not only fight for control of the division but will also be in the mix for NFC champion. I do think that the Packers still have a lot to prove, so I’m not putting them ahead of Detroit just yet. The Lions have talent on both sides of the ball and the window is now for them to make it to their first Super Bowl. The Bears have every reason for optimism with new QB Caleb Williams at the helm. The vibes are right and the future is bright in Chicago. Just going to take a little bit of time.

 

NFC East:

 

1. Cowboys

2. Eagles

3. Commanders

4. Giants

 

Divisional Outlook: It’s important to state – while I have the Eagles finishing second, they’re a very strong second. I do think there is going to be some growing pains. I just think with new coordinators and some of last year’s issues, I’m not quite ready to assume they’ll be off to a hot start. They have one of the best rosters in football though, and in the end I can see them absolutely contending. The Cowboys though have a great defense, Dak Prescott is playing for a new contract, and while I don’t love their running game, I think they’re going to be flying a little bit under the radar this year for the first time in years. The Commanders still have a long way to go, but they’re moving in the right direction. I really love the addition of new QB Jayden Daniels. They need to make sure he’s protected and make sure they move him along slowly to ensure his long term success.

 

I’ll get to the elephant in the room – I’ve been accused year in and year out by some of my fellow Giants fans of being a hater, not being supportive, negative, etc. Let’s address facts:

 

Since their Super Bowl win following the 2011 season:

 

They have won ONE playoff game

They’ve made the playoffs TWICE

In those 12 seasons, 10 of them have resulted in a 3rd or 4th place finish

6 of those 12 seasons the Giants have ranked 26th or worse in offense

6 of the last 7 seasons the Giants have finished 22nd or WORSE in Plus/Minus Scoring

Last stat – in the last 12 seasons, the Giants have finished no better than 20th in Plus/Minus yards

 

So please – don’t tell me I don’t support Daniel Jones, don’t tell me I don’t support Tommy DeVito (who like I stated right away was NOT a starting QB), don’t tell me I hate this team. This team has been resting on it’s reputation as a premium brand for way too long and it’s time to turn things around. Daniel Jones needs to excel this year or he’s gone. Not play average, not play serviceable – it’s year 6. It’s time to show up. I love the defensive line, I don’t love our DB. I think Nabers is going to be great, but I don’t have a ton of faith after him with our receivers. I’ll be pulling for the Giants every step of the way, but I don’t see with this roster how there is going to be much reason for optimism at the end of the year. I would love to be wrong – Go Giants!

 

Playoffs:

 

NFC:

 

  1. Rams

  2. Cowboys

  3. Lions

  4. Falcons

 

Wild Card: Packers, Eagles, 49ers

 

AFC:

 

  1. Chiefs

  2. Ravens

  3. Dolphins

  4. Jaguars

 

Wild Card: Jets, Texans, Browns

 

AFC Championship: Ravens over Chiefs

NFC Championship: Lions over Eagles

 

Super Bowl: Ravens over Lions

Time for talk is over - let's ball!



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