NFL - My Playoff and Super Bowl Predictions
AFC PLAYOFF PICTURE
Number 1 Seed - NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 13-3
This looks like a really weak AFC East this year, and I wouldn't be surprised if the Pats win all 6 Division games. They will have a cakewalk towards the Division Title, however won’t have it all their own way against a tough AFC West and NFC South opponents. 13 wins should put them close to the Number 1 seed in the AFC and home field advantage once more. I think they are headed for another Super Bowl appearance.
Number 2 Seed - PITTSBURGH STEELERS 12-4
This division has teams on the slide for mine, and Pittsburgh appears a sure bet to win the Division and rack up a good win record in the process. I think their defence will improve with a number of younger players showing potential, and their offence is dynamic.
Number 3 Seed - TENNESSEE TITANS 10-6
I think this could be the breakthrough year for the Titans. They were on track to make the playoffs last season before Mariota went down with two games to go. I expect further improvement from him at quarterback, and this side has recruited well through the draft and free agency. The Titans could win a playoff game, however I see them falling short of the AFC Championship game.
Number 4 Seed - OAKLAND RAIDERS 10-6
The Raiders won so many close games last year, with seven 4th Quarter comebacks, so it's hard to see them matching their 12-4 record from last season. However, I still think they can win the Division as they have the best quarterback in the division and a dynamic, young offense that should be even better this season. With the side moving to Las Vegas in two years, it will be interesting to see how the dynamic of playing in Oakland in that lame duck stadium plays out.
Wild Card - CINCINNATI BENGALS 9-7
I think this team can at least get back into the playoff hunt this season, after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2010 last year. Discipline, not lack of talent, was the problem for the Bengals at times last year, and I think behind an improved defence and strong offensive cast, they can win 2nd spot in the division and fight for a Wild Card position. I think this team can finally make a big run into the playoffs.
Wild Card - KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 9-7
The Chiefs will be a hard-nosed football team that is hard to beat, as always, under Andy Reid. However, I think Alex Smith and the offence will hold them back once again. Whilst they won’t lose them games, I just don’t think they have the points in them to match it with the more explosive teams in the NFL. Once again, the Chiefs will be very hard to beat at home with their chaotic crowd noise and cold temperatures.
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME - New England Patriots v Cincinnati Bengals
No surprise with tipping the Patriots to make the AFC Championship game. My big surprise is I think the Bengals can finally make a run this year after sneaking in from a Wild Card position. I think they can knock over their arch rivals, the Steelers, to get there. However, the Patriots reach the Super Bowl for mine.
NFC PLAYOFFS PICTURE
Number 1 Seed - GREEN BAY PACKERS 12-4
I think this team are ready to explode this year and really dominate what looks like a weak Division. If the Packers stay healthy, they have an explosive offence capable of getting the Number 1 seed in the NFC. This is a side that can go all the way this season.
Number 2 Seed - ATLANTA FALCONS - 11-5
I just think this is really talented team. The mental hurdle of getting over that devastating Super Bowl loss will prove their biggest challenge for mine. This offence looks like the best in the NFL, and the defence has added speed and youth. They are a genuine Super Bowl contender again in my opinion.
Number 3 Seed - DALLAS COWBOYS 10-6
I think Dallas has enough to get by without Elliott in the first 6 weeks and win this Division again. I think Dak Prescott will prove, this year, he is a legitimate star of not only the future, but today, by leading this offence to another big season. This year the Cowboys have a tougher fixture list so I expect them to drop a few games on the road, but I think they are still the best team in the Division.
Number 4 Seed - SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 10-6
I see this being the year the Seahawks fall in a bit of a hole. They have been up for a long time and I'm not sure they can get away with the terrible protection they provide for Russell Wilson up front again. Their defence has a lot of stars, but I’m not sure it is quite what it used to be.
Wild Card - NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 10-6
I'm tipping the Saints to be perhaps the biggest surprise in the NFL this year and make the playoffs. Mostly considered the favourite to run last in this Division, this is a side stacked with young talent. However, plenty of it is unproven. The Saints will be wildly entertaining again as per usual, and I expect Drew Brees to be elite once again. The biggest improvement I am expecting is in their defence which, if they can just get to being half decent, will enable the offense to carry this team into the playoffs.
Wild Card - PHILADELPHIA EAGLES Prediction - 9-7
I think the Eagles can improve this year as I think their quarterback is a really solid NFL starter, already likely to improve sharply. They had plenty of close losses last season and, if they can turn a couple of them into close wins, then this team can challenge for a Wild Card berth.
NFC Championship Game - Green Bay Packers v Dallas Cowboys
Not too many surprises here in that I think the Packers will host the Cowboys in the NFC Championship game. My only surprise is I think the Cowboys can knock the Packers off in revenge for last year's exit.
SUPERBOWL PREDICTION - New England Patriots v Dallas Cowboys
I'm tipping two of the NFL's most storied franchises to lock horns in Super Bowl 52 this season. Dallas were the clear Number 1 seed in the NFC in 2016 and look just as good a side on paper this season. The Patriots look even stronger than last season and don't have a whole heap of competition in the AFC. I'm going for Dallas to break a 23-year Super Bowl drought and win the big prize this season, off the back of their outstanding young quarterback Dak Prescott, a great running game, offensive line and improved defence.