Hello Everyone,

Welcome to my annual NFL season preview. In this year’s edition,we’ll do as we always do and give you a summary of all 32 NFL teams, how well I think they’ll do and even playoff and Super Bowl predictions. Without further adieu,let’s begin!

AFC West

L.A. Chargers (11-5)

Last season the Chargers were close to a postseason berth in their first season back in Los Angeles. This year I think they get in. Philip Rivers is still an efficient signal caller with great weapons like Keenan Allen,Travis Benjamin,and Mike Williams to throw to as well as a one-two tight end punch in Virgil Green and Hunter Henry. Melvin Gordon hopes to have another 1,000 yard season after netting his first one last season. The defense with Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram anchoring the line looks to be stellar along with the secondary of Casey Hayward and rookie Derwin James. Head coach Anthony Lynn has a good squad that’s ready to make a splash in the division and in Hollywood where they’ve been trying to get noticed by the L.A. faithful there. They’ll win this division this year in my opinion.

Kansas City (10-6)

The Patrick Mahomes era in Kansas City has arrived. The second year pro with a very strong arm will try and lead the Chiefs back to another division title and he’ll have Kareem Hunt in the backfield with him toting the rock. He also has great wideouts in Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins as reliable targets to throw to,as well as perennial All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce. Justin Houston anchors the linebacking core and Eric Berry stars a great secondary. I think the Chiefs will be as good as they have been,but not division champions like in seasons prior. I’m interested to see what Mahomes does with this offense,though. He has all the weapons at his disposal to succeed.

Oakland (9-7)

Jon Gruden returns to Oakland after 16 years away and is hoping to get the Raiders back to postseason play in what may be their last season in the Bay Area. Derek Carr looks to have a much better season after having an injury-plagued 2017. Marshawn Lynch returns to the backfield with Doug Martin hoping to share time with him. Amari Cooper is hoping to bounce back this year and Jordy Nelson comes over from Green Bay to be a reliable target for Carr and company as does Martavis Bryant from Pittsburgh. Donald Penn anchors the Raiders’ offensive line along with rookie Kolton Miller. Bruce Irvin anchors the defensive line along with Tank Carradine while fans are hoping Khalil Mack ends his holdout at some point and stars the linebacking core along with Derrick Johnson. The secondary with Karl Joseph, Reggie Nelson,and Leon Hall looks to be strong. I think the Raiders will be much better than last season,but will have a tough time with the Chargers and Chiefs looking as strong in the division as well.

Denver (8-8)

It’s now the Case Keenum era in Denver and it’s up to him to get this team back to its winning ways and he’ll do so with great targets like Demariyus Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders and a backfield of Devontae Booker and Royce Freeman. The defense looks to continue its stellar play with Derek Wolfe leading the way on the defensive line and Von Miller,Shane Ray,and Brandon Marshall in a solid group of linebackers who add Bradley Chubb to the mix. Chris Harris headlines a good secondary with Tramaine Brock and Bradley Roby. The Broncos certainly will be a little bit better,but I think they have a little ways to go before they are a playoff team. I do,feel,however that they won’t be a 5-11 team like last year. That was a fluke!

AFC North

Pittsburgh (12-4)

Last season the Steelers’ Super Bowl hopes were dashed by the Jaguars in the divisional round,but they’re more than talented enough to try and get back to contending for another Super Bowl berth. Ben Roethlisberger continues to head a great offense along with Antonio Brown,JuJu Smith-Schuster,and LeVeon Bell (once his holdout ends). Vance McDonald looks to make a splash as the top Pittsburgh tight end this year while the defensive line looks to continue to be strong with Cameron Hayward anchoring the front four. T.J. Watt looks to add to his stellar rookie year with an even stronger sophomore campaign while the rest of the linebacking core will miss Ryan Shazier this year while he recovers from a life-threatening injury that took him out of action last season. Artie Burns and Joe Haden headline the secondary. I think the Steelers are a model of consistency that is second to none and their winning ways will continue.

Baltimore (7-9)

Last season the Ravens were very close to a playoff berth,but were upended by the Bengals in Week 17 and the Bills got in. This year they hope things are different than the previous three seasons. Joe Flacco is still the starting quarterback but Lamar Jackson is waiting in the wings to maybe one day take over. Alex Collins is hoping to have a productive season and will share time with Javorius Allen in the backfield. Michael Crabtree and Willie Snead IV join Breshad Perriman to give Baltimore some reliable targets to throw to. Terrell Suggs anchors the Ravens linebacking crew along with C.J. Mosley and Jimmy Smith,Brandon Carr,and Eric Weddle headline an outstanding secondary. I think this team has enough talent to try and make a postseason run again for their coach,John Harbaugh,but I don’t know that it’ll be enough.

Cincinnati (5-11)

It’s the same old,same old in Cincinnati. Marvin Lewis is still the head coach,Andy Dalton is the starting quarterback,and A.J. Green is the top receiver. The results have been far from stellar. They do have other talented pieces on the team such as tailback Joe Mixon,tight ends Tyler Eifert and Tyler Kroft,and rookie center Billy Price. Defensive standouts include defensive end Geno Atkins, linebacker Vontaze Burfict and cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick. Overall, I think it’s going to take a lot to get the Bengals back in the postseason,specifically keeping the team healthy and I just don’t see it happening until new coaching and better players come to the team in the future. Expect a dreary season in the Queen City.

Cleveland  (4-12)

It can only get better from here for the Browns, who failed to notch a victory in 2017. There’s always hope that things will get better and that starts with Baker Mayfield,the first overall pick this year who may be the team’s opening day starting quarterback but will likely sit behind Tyrod Taylor. Carlos Hyde comes over from San Francisco in the hopes that he can provide a spark in the Cleveland backfield and can have a career resurgence as well. Nick Chubb and Duke Johnson will share the tailback duties with him as well. Jarvis Landry was traded over to give the Browns a weapon to throw to on offense along with Josh Gordon and David Njoku. Defensively the Browns have Myles Garrett leading the defensive line and Jamie Collins headlining the linebackers. Denzel Ward joins a young Browns secondary with Jabrill Peppers. I think they will have a much better season and won’t go winless like last year,but it wouldn’t surprise me if they repeated that. Anything is possible.

AFC South

Jacksonville (11-5)

Last season the Jaguars were oh,so close to nabbing their first Super Bowl berth and are hoping to get that close,maybe even further this season. Blake Bortles is back as the Jags’ signal caller and he’ll have Leonard Fournette and T.J. Yeldon behind him toting the rock while Marqise Lee and Donte Moncrief will be Bortles’ primary target receivers. Austin Seferian-Jenkins will vie for the starting tight end position. Jacksonville’s stellar defense has veterans Marcell Dareus and Calais Campbell on the defensive line as well as rookie Taven Bryan. Myles Jack headlines a young group of linebackers while A.J Bouye, Jalen Ramsey,D.J. Hayden and Barry Church help form the Jaguars’ solid secondary. I think this team will definitely be as good as they were last year,though a lot of that depends on the team being healthy and consistent.

Houston (9-7)

Last year saw a promising year for the Texans go down once their flashy rookie quarterback,Deshaun Watson,was done for the year with injury. Watson is back and hopes to lead Houston back to the postseason. He’ll have tailbacks Lamar Miller,D’ Onta Foreman,and Alfred Blue to carry the ball while perennial All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins leads the receiving core along with Will Fuller V and Braxton Miller. J.J. Watt leads a strong defense with Jadaveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilus at linebacker and a secondary featuring Johnathan Joseph,Tyrann Mathieu,and Aaron Colvin. I think the Texans will have a bounce back season and will vie for a playoff berth so long as their signal caller stays healthy. That’s the key!

Tennessee (7-9)

The Titans were playoff participants a season ago and are hoping to be that way again. Doning their sweet new uniforms, the Titans,led by quarterback Marcus Mariota,is joined with a backfield of Derrick Henry and new addition Dion Lewis who comes over from New England. Corey Davis is looking to have a breakout season playing alongside Rishard Matthews and Delanie Walker looks to have another outstanding year at age 34. Taylor Lewan and Jack Conklin anchor the Tennessee offensive line while Jurrell Casey and Austin Johnson headline the defensive line. Wesley Woodyard and Brian Orakpo star the linebacking core with rookie Harold Landry coming aboard. Malcolm Butler comes over from New England along to join his former teammate Logan Ryan and the Tennessee secondary,which also features Kenny Vaccaro and Kendrick Lewis. With the Jaguars and Texans looking strong in the division I don’t think the Titans will be as good as last year,but may be a surprise playoff team again if things go well and Mariota stays healthy.

Indianapolis (5-11)

The Colts were not very good at all last season,due in part because of Andrew Luck being gone all last season. He is back and is hoping to show he’s the same,efficient guy he once was. Luck is starting opening day,but the main question is who will start at tailback. Marlon Mack seems to be the favorite going in,but don’t count out Christine Michael, Robert Turbin, and Jordan Wilkins who will also vie to get that spot as well. T.Y. Hilton is still the deep threat for Indianapolis and main target along with a two tight end punch with Jack Doyle and Eric Ebron. Quentin Nelson,the team’s first round pick,will help anchor the offensive line with Ryan Kelly while second rounder Tyquan Lewis will help bolster the defensive line with Denico Autry and Jabaal Sheard. Malik Hooker and Quincy Wilson headline the young secondary. Coach Frank Reich has a tall task of getting this team back to prominence and it’s going to take some time. They need to fill several holes before this team takes a giant leap forward.

AFC East

New England (11-5)

Last season the Pats were close to a sixth Lombardi trophy but fell short in Super Bowl LII. They will continue that quest this year with 41-year-old Tom Brady leading the way. His backfield will look different with Sony Michel,their first round pick this year,expected to be the starting tailback. Rex Burkhead and Mike Gilleslie will also share time there. Julian Edelman will start the year with a four-game suspension,so in his absense Chris Hogan, Malcolm Mitchell and Cordarelle Patterson will have to step up and make plays at receiver. Rob Gronkowski and Dwayne Allen will provide a double attack at tight end. Malcom Brown, Trey Flowers,and Derek Rivers headline a stellar defensive line and Dont’A Hightower and Kyle Van Noy are the main linebackers on this New England defense. Jason McCourty joins his twin brother Devin in the secondary along with Patrick Chung and Eric Rowe. Stephen Gostkowski will kick the PATs and field goals and put points on the board. I think the Patriots will be good,but not as good as years past. You’re going to see this team slip a little as Brady gets older. They’ll win the division,but I don’t expect a Super Bowl this year.

N.Y. Jets (8-8)

The Jets were once again at the bottom of the division standings last season and are hoping things change course this season. Sam Darnold is the team’s quarterback of the future,but Teddy Bridgewater looks like he’ll be the team’s signal caller for the time being. He’ll be joined in the backfield by Bilal Powell,Isaiah Crowell,and Thomas Rawls. Jermaine Kearse along with Terrelle Pryor and Robby Anderson headline the team’s receiving core. Leonard Williams is the team’s leading man on the defensive line while Avery Williamson and Darron Lee headline the linebackers. Jamal Adams,Trumaine Johnson and Morris Claiborne help form the New York secondary. I think this team will be a few wins better than last season and may even be a dark horse playoff team,but that’s really about it. They will be scrappy but competitive.

Miami (7-9)

Ryan Tannehill was lost for the season in 2017 and the Dolphins missed the playoffs. He is back this season and hopes to regain his old form. Frank Gore returns to the town where he went to college and at 35 continues to show he’s still very serviceable as an NFL tailback. Kenyan Drake will also share time with Gore in the Miami backfield. Devante Parker is now the top wideout for Tannehill’s offense along with Kenny Stills and newly acquired Danny Amendola. On the defensive side of the ball Robert Quinn comes over from the L.A. Rams to join Cameron Wake on the line while Kiko Alonso anchors the Dolphins linebacking core. Minkah Fitzpatrick, their first round draft choice hopes to add depth to the secondary along with T.J. McDonald. I think the Dolphins will be a little better,but not quite a playoff team. Expect them to maybe get to the postseason in a year or so.

Buffalo (3-13)

The Bills were playoff participants for the first time in the 21st century last season,but this year may be a different story. Josh Allen was drafted to be the quarterback of the future,but will he be the guy to start now? Probably not,but A.J. McCarron and/or Nathan Peterman will have that job to start out with. LeSean McCoy remains the starting tailback with Chris Ivory sharing time with him in the Buffalo backfield. Kelvin Benjamin and Zay Jones will be the primary targets for the Bills’ signal caller as well as Charles Clay. Kyle Williams and Shaq Lawson anchor the defensive line for Buffalo and rookie Tremaine Edmunds hopes to add talent to the linebacking core. Tre’ Davious White headlines the secondary. With all that the Bills are going through change-wise I don’t see them as anywhere as good as they were last year. I think there will be some growing pains,especially for the offense.

NFC West

L.A. Rams (12-4)

Last season the Rams were one of the biggest surprises in the NFL and made their first postseason in 13 years and their first since they made their return to Los Angeles. This year, Jared Goff and company are hoping to contend. Goff will have one of the league’s best rushers in Todd Gurley in the backfield. Brandin Cooks comes over from New England and he along with Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods will be the primary targets for Goff. Veteran Andrew Whitworth anchors the Rams’ offensive line while on the defensive line, Ndamukong Suh comes over from Miami to add depth while the team is hopeful they can reach a deal with Aaron Donald soon so that they have him this year. Mark Barron amd Matt Longacre star the linebackers while the secondary has new stars in Marcus Peters and Aqib Talib as well as Sam Shields who hopes to bounce back. Greg “The Leg” Zuerlein will kick the field goals and extra points and place points on the board. I think the Rams will definitely be a contender who wouldn’t surprise me if they went to the Super Bowl to represent the NFC.

San Francisco (10-6)

The 49ers had a strong finish to the 2017 season that they’re hoping carries over to 2018. Jimmy Garoppolo will call the plays at quarterback with new tailbacks Jerick McKinnon and Alfred Morris in the backfield. Pierre Garçon and Marquise Goodwin look to be the primary wideouts for San Francisco and George Kittle should be the lock to start at tight end. Anchoring the offensive line is veteran Joe Staley and newcomer Mike McGlinchey while DeForest Buckner, Arik Armstead and Solomon Thomas form part of the San Francisco defensive line. Reuben Foster will lead the linebackers while Jaquiski Tartt,Jimmie Ward and Ahkello Witherspoon welcome Richard Sherman to the 49ers secondary. I think Kyle Shanahan’s team is going to surprise a lot of people and will be a playoff team. They have a lot going for them and you can just tell something good is brewing in the city by the Bay.

Seattle (7-9)

After several consecutive playoff berths since 2012,the Seahawks missed the postseason in 2017 and hope to try and get back in 2018. Russell Wilson will lead his squad with C.J. Prosise, Chris Carson,and Rashaad Penny in the backfield. Doug Baldwin will be Wilson’s primary target at wide receiver along with Brandon Marshall,who is still searching for his first playoff trip,and the versatile Tyler Lockett. Duane Brown and Germain Ifedi anchor the offensive line for Seattle while Bobby Ingram stands out on the linebacking core. The secondary featuring Byron Maxwell hopes to pick up where the Legion of Boom left off while the team waits for Earl Thomas to report to camp and Kam Chancellor to return from injury. I think the Seahawks are in too much of a decline to make it back to the postseason, I think they’ll be an okay team,just not very good.

Arizona (6-10)

The Cardinals missed out on a postseason berth for the second straight season and are hoping new changes will pay off. Sam Bradford comes over from Minnesota to hold the fort down until rookie Josh Rosen is ready to take over the starting job. David Johnson hopes to rebound after injury cut his season short and reclaim his place as one of the league’s top tailbacks. Larry Fitzgerald remains the team’s top target at wideout with rookie Christian Kirk coming aboard. Chandler Jones anchors the defensive line while Haason Reddick takes charge at linebacker. Patrick Peterson continues to excel in Arizona’s secondary along with Antoine Bethea and Tre Boston. I think the Cards will be in a rebuilding season and look like they’ll be a season or two away from being a playoff team once again.

NFC North

Minnesota (13-3)

Last season the Vikings had their Super Bowl dreams dashed at the hands of the Eagles and are hoping to get even further this season. Kirk Cousins is the new signal caller in Minnesota. He hopes to lead the way for the Vikings to get to the Super Bowl. In the backfield is Dalvin Cook whose season ended too early due to injury. Lavatius Murray will share time at tailback with Cook. Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen will be the primary pass catchers along with Kyle Rudolph. Sheldon Richardson comes over from Seattle to help bolster the defensive line. Anthony Barr is a great anchor for the linebacking core of Minnesota while Xavier Rhodes,Harrison Smith,and Trae Waynes headline the secondary. I think this team is going to pick up where they left off and will have a great year,new quarterback and all.

Green Bay (9-7)

The Packers were not in the postseason for the first time in forever and hope to get back to where they usually are every year. Aaron Rodgers hopes to bounce back after being gone a good chunk of last season with injury. He’ll have Ty Montgomery and Aaron Jones in the backfield. Randall Cobb and Devante Adams will be primary targets for Green Bay along with newcomers Jimmy Graham and Marcedes Lewis at tight end. Clay Matthews III headlines an inexperienced group of linebackers while Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Josh Jones lead a secondary welcoming Jaire Alexander and Joshua Jackson to the group. Mason Crosby hopes to continue to be one of the league’s best kickers. I think the Packers will be back in the postseason conversation,but will fall short. They do,however,have the ability to prove me wrong.

Detroit  (8-8)

Last season the Lions were close to making another postseason. New coach Matt Patricia hopes to pick up and get this team back in. Matthew Stafford hopes to continue to put up great numbers. He’ll have a mixed bag of tailbacks in the backfield such as Ameer Abdullah, LeGarrette Blount, Kerryon Johnson,and Theo Riddick. Marvin Jones Jr. and Golden Tate will continue to be Stafford’s favorite targets at receiver and both hope to have great seasons as well. Ezekiel Ansah anchors the Detroit defensive line while Jarrad Davis is part of a linebacking core that hopes to get noticed more. Darius Slay hopes to continue to make great plays in the secondary along with Glover Quin, Teez Tabor,Tavon Wilson and Sterling Moore. I think this team could be a darkhorse team to get to the postseason,but there are too many teams ahead of them that may get to the playoffs instead.

Chicago (6-10)

Last season the Bears were not very good and I think there’s a lot they need to do to grow into being a better team. Mitchell Trubisky hopes to have a better second year and in the backfield with him are two good tailbacks in Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen. Allen Robinson comes over from Jacksonville and is now the de-facto top receiver for Chicago and Taylor Gabriel comes over from Atlanta to be a good target for Trubisky as well. Kyle Long anchors the Bears offensive line and rookie James Daniels joins the team to help bolster. Akiem Hicks hopes to continue his stellar play after having a great season last season to anchor the defensive line while rookie Roquan Smith will add talent to the core of linebackers. The secondary features outstanding players such as Prince Amakamura and Kyle Fuller. I think this team will still be rebuilding but will play in a lot of close games like last season.

NFC South

New Orleans (12-4)

The Saints were a surprise last season and won’t be a secret this year. Drew Brees continues to perform well even at age 39. He’ll have Alvin Kamara,who was a surprise player last season, as well as Mark Ingram to carry the ball in the backfield. Michael Thomas ,Ted Ginn Jr.,and Michael Floyd headline the receiving core for New Orleans. Marcus Davenport,the team’s first round pick this year,will help bolster the team’s defensive line along with Sheldon Rankins and Cameron Jordan. Marshon Lattimore leads the secondary along with Marcus Williams. I think the Saints are definitely going to be a team that will bring all they’ve got. Their pass game and run game is excellent and their defense is getting better. This team might surprise some folks this year.

Atlanta (11-5)

The Falcons are trying to do what no team has ever done-host their own Super Bowl as Super Bowl LIII comes to their house. Matt Ryan will try and lead his team to that NFL first along with the running attack of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman. Julio Jones remains one of the league’s best wideouts who stars a receiving core featuring Mohammed Sanu and rookie Calvin Ridley. Jake Matthews and Alex Mack headline a strong offensive line for Atlanta and Takkarist McKinley hopes to improve in his second year on the defensive line. Vic Beasley remains a beast in the linebacker core and the secondary hopes to remain potent with Ricardo Allen, Desmond Trufant,and Keanu Neal. I think it’s going to be a fight between the Falcons and Saints for who wins the division and I think the Saints get it,but the Falcons come close.

Carolina (9-7)

Last year the Panthers got back to the postseason,but were bounced early by the Saints in the Wild Card round. Can Cam Newton and company try and get back and go further? They’ll need to be healthy and productive if they do and it starts with their backfield with the versatile Christian McCaffrey. He’ll share time with C.J. Anderson at tailback. Torrey Smith joins the Carolina receiving core fresh off a Super Bowl season with Philadelphia along with Devin Funchess,Curtis Samuel,and rookie D.J. Moore. Greg Olsen remains one of the league’s best tight ends and hopes to stay healthy throughout the season. The Kalils,Matt and Ryan,help anchor the offensive line and Dontari Poe and 38-year-old Julius Peppers help man the defensive line. Luke Keuchly, Thomas Davis,and Shaq Thompson will continue to dominate on that solid linebacking core for the Panthers while Mike Adams and the secondary hope rookie Donte Jackson can contribute in the defensive backfield. I think Carolina can be a playoff team,but they fall just short.

Tampa Bay (3-13)

Fans in Tampa are wondering if their team will ever turn the corner. Well, I think they’re going to keep wondering. Jameis Winston is suspended the first three games of the season so it’s up to Ryan Fitzpatrick to start the season in his place. If that’s not enough, Charles Sims starts the season on injured reserve so it’ll be up to Jacquizz Rodgers and rookie Ronald Jones to shoulder the load at tailback. Mike Evans is one the bright spots on offense along with DeSean Jackson on the receiving core. The tight end spot should be held by Cameron Brate,but O.J. Howard should see some time there as well. Gerald McCoy gets some help on the defensive line in the form of veteran Jason Pierre-Paul and rookie Vita Vea and the secondary with Vernon Hargreaves III and Brent Grimes welcome rookie Carlton Davis. I think Tampa Bay is going to be a very underachieving squad. They have good players on both sides of the ball,but not much in the consistency departments in recent years.

NFC East

Philadelphia (13-3)

Last season the Eagles won their first Lombardi Trophy and they,along with their fans,are hoping to do it again. Will Carson Wentz be ready to go for the first week? If he isn’t, Nick Foles, your Super Bowl LII MVP will be more than able to lead the way. Jay Ajayi and Corey Clement will carry the rock in the backfield while Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholor lead the receivers and welcome veteran Mike Wallace into the fold. Zach Ertz looks to remain one of the best tight ends in the league. Jason Peters returns from injury to help anchor the offensive line along with Chance Warmack and Jason Kelce. Chris Long, Fletcher Cox,and Haloti Ngata headline the steady and stellar defensive line. Malcolm Jenkins,Corey Graham,and Sidney Jones stand out in the secondary. I think the Eagles will be in the conversation for NFC contention and could make their second Super Bowl in a row. The key is having consistency at the quarterback position and making all the right moves.

Dallas (9-7)

Last season the Cowboys took some steps backwards despite being 9-7,but they missed the postseason nonetheless. Dak Prescott hopes to show the world he can lead his team back to the postseason. He’ll have Ezekiel Elliott to carry the ball from the backfield for Dallas,assuming he stays healthy and not on suspension. Tavon Austin comes over from Los Angeles to help carry the load. The receiving core begins life without Dez Bryant with Cole Beasley, Terrance Williams and Allen Hurns,who comes over from Jacksonville to gi ve the Cowboys weapons in the pass game. Travis Frederick, Zach Martin,and Tyron Smith head the offensive line while Randy Gregory and Taco Charlton star on the defensive line. Sean Lee and Jaylon Smith welcome Leighton Vander Esch,the rookie,to the linebacking core. I think the Cowboys will be in the mix for a playoff berth but fall short yet again. They’ll be right there until about the final week when another team gets in while they look in from the outside.

Washington (8-8)

Alex Smith is the new quarterback in D.C. and hopes to take his new team to the playoffs. Unfortunately his new tailback,rookie Derrius Guice,will miss the season with an ACL tear. That means guys like Samaje Perine,Chris Thompson will help carry the load at tailback along with newly signed Adrian Peterson,who put up some good numbers in Arizona last season. Josh Doctson, Paul Richardson,and Brian Quick will provide Smith with some great targets to throw to along with Vernon Davis and Jordan Reed. Trent Williams and Brandon Scherff anchor the Washington offensive line with Jonathan Allen holding it down on the defensive line. Ryan Kerrigan headlines the linebacking core while Josh Norman leads the way in the secondary. I think Smith will help the Redskins be better,but it’s going to take a little more talent to be a postseason team again. Maybe next year,fellas.

N.Y. Giants (5-11)

Thought to be a contender last season,the Giants were anything but that. Will a new coach and a new tailback and a new contract for their top receiver be enough to get this team going? Time will only tell and time is not on Eli Manning’s side at age 37. He’s maybe got a little left,but we’ll see. What he does have is an exciting new tailback lining up behind him in rookie Saquon Barkley. Jonathan Stewart will also carry the rock in the backfield. Odell Beckham Jr. was just rewarded with a large contract to continue to make great catches in the regular season and if the Giants make the postseason he’ll drop them there. Sterling Shepard is their strong second wide receiver. Evan Engram hopes to continue to make his mark as New York’s tight end. Nate Solder comes over from New England to help aid a struggling offensive line while Alec Ogletree headlines the linebacking core after coming over from Los Angeles. Janoris Jenkins and Landon Collins will headline the secondary. I think this team is going through a lot of transition at the moment and I don’t see them being in the playoffs this year. In fact,it may take them until after Manning retires to go. Just my opinion,though.

AFC Wild Card Weekend

L.A. Chargers over Houston

Kansas City over Jacksonville

NFC Wild Card Weekend

New Orleans over San Francisco

Atlanta over L.A. Rams

AFC Divisional Playoff

Pittsburgh over Kansas City

L.A. Chargers over New England

NFC Divisional Playoff

Atlanta over Philadelphia

Minnesota over New Orleans

AFC Championship Game

Pittsburgh over L.A. Chargers

NFC Championship Game

Minnesota over Atlanta

Super Bowl LIII

Minnesota over Pittsburgh

Enjoy the season,fans!