Ladies and gentlemen, the NFL is back. Last year was one hell of a ride. From Joe Burrow and the Bengals winning the AFC to Matthew Stafford, Jalen Ramsey, Aaron Donald and Odell Beckham Jr. winning their first Super Bowls, we’ve seen it all. This year has a lot of new faces in some new places. The AFC has gotten incredibly stronger in the span of the last few months and some exciting new rookies are entering the league looking to wreak havoc. Sunday’s in America aren’t going to be the same for the next six months. Let’s get into it.

AFC East

1. Buffalo Bills (projected record: 13-4)

Key additions: LB Von Miller, RB James Cook (draft), OL Rodger Saffold and CB Kaiir Elam (draft)

Key departures: WR Cole Beasley, Brian Daboll (offensive coordinator), DE Jerry Hughes and CB Levi Wallace

It pains me to say this, but the Buffalo Bills are serious. Josh Allen has claimed his spot as one of the top quarterbacks in the league and the partnership with him and wideout Stefon Diggs has opposing defenses tossing and turning in their sleep. Allen is coming off arguably his best year at the helm. And after the tough loss the Bills endured at the hands of Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs last year, they’ll have their sights set on revenge. Tre’Davious White starting off on the PUP list and Jordan Poyer dealing with injury isn’t going to help, but the roster is strong enough to make that seem forgettable. Ken Dorsey’s first year as offensive coordinator will be something to keep an eye on but until proven otherwise, this is the Buffalo Bills division to lose.

2. New England Patriots (projected record: 11-6)

Key additions: WR DeVante Parker, LB Mack Wilson & S Jabrill Peppers

Key departures: LB Dont’a Hightower, OL Shaq Mason, RB James White (retired), CB J.C. Jackson & LB Kyle Van Noy

A recent trend that I’ve been seeing on social media with the Patriots is that they “don’t know their identity.” That makes no sense at all, considering their identity has been the same for over 20 years. Their identity is constructed and executed by the man in the hoodie, Bill Belichick. After some key departures in this offseason the Patriots may have a “new-look” roster, but the formula has never changed. Mac Jones will be looking to take a big step in year two as the starting quarterback and with new deep threat DeVante Parker, the future is looking bright for the former Alabama standout. Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson round out one of the best running back tandems in the league while Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry are both returning for their second year as well. On the defensive side of the ball, Christian Barmore and Davon Godchaux will anchor a defensive front that needs to improve in defending the run (22nd in the league last year). However, the safety group will have newcomer Jabrill Peppers hopefully make an immediate impact in a rover-type role that Belichick has also found with both Kyle Dugger and Adrian Phillips. Losing Shaq Mason, James White and J.C. Jackson is big, but I believe in the guys and I know that we can play better than we did last year.

3. Miami Dolphins (projected record: 9-8)

Key additions: WR Tyreek Hill, OL Terron Armstead, WR Cedrick Wilson, RB Chase Edmonds and RB Raheem Mostert

Key departures: WR Will Fuller V, WR Preston Williams & Brian Flores (head coach)

First off, I want to say that this organization did Brian Flores extremely dirty. I don’t know but something about their owner Stephen Ross is not right I think that he definitely tried to get Flores to tank in 2019. However, they are looking for their first playoff appearance since the Ryan Tanehill days and this roster has a good shot at doing that. Superstar wideout Tyreek Hill arrived in a massive trade from Kansas City, forming one of the best wide receiver duos between him and Jaylen Waddle. Pro-Bowl tackle Terron Armstead has arrived in Miami from New Orleans to help protect Tua Tagovailoa for his third season in the league. The Dolphins roster is solid all-around, Xavien Howard and Jevon Holland are very underrated and would start on most teams in the league. New coach Mike McDaniel will have his hands full with the newfound expectations surrounding this squad. Will he deliver? That’s the million-dollar question.

4. New York Jets (projected record: 5-12)

Key additions: RB Breece Hall (draft), WR Garrett Wilson (draft), CB Sauce Gardner (draft), S Jordan Whitehead, OL Laken Tomlinson, TE C.J. Uzomah

Key departures: S Marcus Maye, OL Morgan Moses and WR Jamison Crowder

The New York Jets are almost there. It just won’t be this year. Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh have brought this team so far from the point where fans WANTED them to lose every week. However, the injury bug has already started to take its bite on the Jets. 2020 first-round pick Mekhi Becton is already out for the season due to a right knee injury and starting quarterback Zach Wilson is currently recovering from a knee bruise/torn meniscus. The Jets do have a lot of young talent that will thrive this year including first-round selections Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson, but I don’t think they are at the point where they can compete for a playoff spot. Especially in the ultra-competitive AFC East.

Projected standings

1. Buffalo Bills: 13-4
2. New England Patriots: 11-6 (wildcard)
3. Miami Dolphins: 9-8
4. New York Jets: 5-12

AFC North

1. Baltimore Ravens (projected record: 12-5)

Key additions: WR DeMarcus Robinson, CB Kyle Fuller, S Marcus Williams, S Kyle Hamilton (draft) and DE David Ojabo (draft)

Key departures: WR Marquise Brown, WR Sammy Watkins, OL Bradley Bozeman and CB Anthony Averett

Dear Baltimore Ravens, please pay Lamar Jackson. Without him, your team is simply not the same. After being seriously injured for the first time in his NFL career, Lamar Jackson is coming with a vengeance. After an insanely injury-riddled season for the boys in Baltimore, they are finally getting to the point of fully recovering. Ronnie Stanley, Marcus Peters, J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards are all coming back from season-ending injuries and the team has also gotten noticeably stronger from the draft. Tyler Linderbaum, Kyle Hamilton and David Ojabo are all “pro-ready” picks and will flourish under John Harbaugh’s staff. The AFC North is a very tough division, but if Lamar Jackson stays healthy I see this team claiming the division title.

2. Cincinnati Bengals (projected record: 11-6)

Key additions: OL La’El Collins, OL Alex Cappa, OL Ted Karras, TE Hayden Hurst and S Daxton Hill (draft)

Key departures: TE C.J. Uzomah, DT Larry Ogunjobi and OL Riley Reiff

Last year’s AFC champions put on one hell of a show on their run to the Super Bowl. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase were a polarizing duo that took the league by storm in the first week of the season. Burrow lost a big weapon in C.J. Uzomah but with a greatly improved offensive line, look for Burrow to go even crazier this year. Just one thing to watch for is first-round pick Daxton Hill. A super versatile safety that can thrive learning under one of the game’s best in Jessie Bates III.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (projected record: 8-9)

Key additions: QB Kenny Pickett (draft), WR George Pickens (draft), QB Mitch Trubisky, LB Myles Jack and CB Levi Wallace

Key departures: WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, OL Trai Turner & QB Ben Roethlisberger (retired)

A HUGE question mark has arrived in Pittsburgh with the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger. However, Mike Tomlin usually gets the boys in order every season. The battle for QB1 has come down to Mitch Trubisky vs. Kenny Pickett with the advantage slightly favoring the former Bears quarterback due to his experience. Wideouts George Pickens and Diontae Johnson are players that I really like and I think have a long future in this league. Meanwhile the reigning Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt and newly extended safety Minkah Fitzpatrick are anchoring the defensive side of the ball for the black and gold. However, the uncertainty at quarterback in this tough conference is something that I simply can’t overlook. I think that Mike Tomlin endures his first ever losing season this year.

4. Cleveland Browns (projected record: 6-11)

Key additions: QB Jacoby Brissett, QB Deshaun Watson, WR Amari Cooper and EDGE Chase Winovich

Key departures: J.C. Tretter (retired), EDGE Takk McKinely, LB Mack Wilson and QB Baker Mayfield

The Baker Mayfield era in Cleveland has officially come to an end. And the Browns replaced him for the most mature and unproblematic quarterback in the league. Deshaun Watson. Who is also suspended for the first 11 games of the season for being such a great guy. I have nothing else to say about this organization. I think this is the year that they truly suffer the consequences and they go back to the Browns of old. Maybe it will be better next year with Watson playing a full season. What a switch in culture and hope from the playoff win in Pittsburgh against the Steelers.

Projected standings

1. Baltimore Ravens: 12-5
2. Cincinnati Bengals: 11-6 (wildcard)
3. Pittsburgh Steelers 8-9
4. Cleveland Browns: 6-11

AFC South

1. Indianapolis Colts (projected record: 10-7)

Key additions: WR Alec Pierce (draft), QB Matt Ryan, CB Stephon Gilmore and S Rodney McLeod

Key departures: QB Carson Wentz, TE Jack Doyle (retired), OL Eric Fisher, WR T.Y. Hilton and S George Odum

After last year’s embarrassing end to the season, the Indianapolis Colts went to work in the offseason. Bringing in some key pieces that will immediately up the level in Indy (Stephon Gilmore and Matt Ryan). After years of suffering in Atlanta Matt Ryan has finally found himself an offensive line to block for him. Quentin Nelson and Ryan Kelly anchor one of the league’s best fronts coming off of a year where they also had the league leader in rushing yards in Jonathan Taylor (1,811). Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce will spearhead a up and coming receiving corps and the defense speaks for itself. Lead by (formerly Darius) Shaquille Leonard, DeForest Bucker and Kenny Moore II they were second in the league in takeaways (33). They’ll need Matt Ryan to be on his best and I think that the former Falcons quarterback can do it.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (projected record: 8-9)

Key additions: WR Christian Kirk, DE Travon Walker (draft), OL Brandon Scherff, TE Evan Engram, CB Darious Williams and LB Devin Lloyd (draft)

Key departures: OL Brandon Linder (retired), LB Myles Jack, WR D.J. Chark and OL Andrew Norwell

I know. This is a very bold prediction. Just hear me out though. The Jaguars have been freed from the disease known as Urban Meyer and I think they’ll finally turn a new page in their franchise. While Doug Pederson didn’t end his time in Philadelphia in the best fashion, he knows how to compete in the NFL. With the new signings that they have made in the offseason, finally putting some serious pieces around Trevor Lawrence, they can get back to their winning ways. Let’s not forget how great Trevor Lawrence is at the quarterback position. With a new-look offense and defense I think they can grab that second spot in the division.

3. Tennessee Titans (projected record: 7-10)

Key additions: WR Treylon Burks (draft), QB Malik Willis (draft), TE Austin Hooper and WR Robert Woods

Key departures: WR A.J. Brown and WR Julio Jones

Yes, I have the Titans finishing third in their division and missing the playoffs. Yes, I know that they finished first in the AFC last year. And yes, Derrick Henry is still the scariest human being in the NFL. However, this team has not had the greatest of off-season’s. First off they lost their top two wideouts in A.J. Brown and Julio Jones. Second, they managed to require Robert Woods who is still a solid player but is coming off an ACL injury. And lastly, they just lost their best pass-rusher Harold Landry III to a torn ACL in practice. The downfall of this team is that they can only go as far as Ryan Tanehill can take them and I think he’s taken them as far as he could. With a weakened offensive line, defense and receiving corps I think this is the year that the Titans miss the playoffs. I just hope that they don’t run Derrick Henry into the ground I want him to play full seasons to truly show his dominance.

4. Houston Texans (projected record: 3-14)

Key additions: CB Derek Stingley Jr. (draft), RB Dameon Pierce (draft) and TE O.J. Howard

Key departures: QB Deshaun Watson, S Justin Reid, WR Chris Conley and LB Jake Martin

What a wild off-season it was for the Houston Texans. The Deshaun Watson saga has officially ended in Houston and the crazy part is he is probably their best quarterback of all time. Now, the Davis Mills era has officially begun. The former Stanford quarterback has his hands full in a competitive AFC and will have to do it this year without one of his best weapons in John Metchie III who was unfortunately diagnosed with a form of leukemia. Prayers up for Metchie and hopefully we can see him one day on a football field again because when healthy he is truly a special talent. New coach Lovie Smith returns to the NFL, hopefully he can stay longer then his predecessor David Culley did.

Projected standings

1. Indianapolis Colts: 10-7
2. Jacksonville Jaguars: 8-9
3. Tennessee Titans: 7-10
4. Houston Texans: 3-14

AFC West

1. Los Angeles Chargers (projected record: 13-4)

Key additions: LB Khalil Mack, CB J.C. Jackson, DT Sebastian Joseph-Day, TE Gerald Everett, LB Kyle Van Noy and OL Zion Johnson (draft)

Key departures: DE Uchenna Nwosu, CB Chris Harris, OL Bryan Bulaga and TE Jared Cook

After narrowly missing the playoffs last year, the Chargers went and had themselves an incredible offseason. Trading for Khalil Mack and signing J.C. Jackson would be a dream off-season for any other team, but the Chargers went out and got even better. First-round pick Zion Johnson is another big body needed to protect franchise quarterback Justin Herbert who can play both inside and outside on the line while TE Gerald Everett replaces Jared Cook as TE1. They didn’t lose any super important pieces and with a second year looming under head coach Brandon Staley I think this is the year they take the big leap. I mean, only two quarterbacks have ever had multiple 5,000 yard passing seasons (Brees & Brady) and Herbert already had one in year two. The future is very, very bright in Los Angeles.

2. Denver Broncos (projected record: 11-6)

Key additions: QB Russell Wilson, EDGE Randy Gregory, LB Nik Bonitto (draft) and DT D.J. Jones

Key departures: QB Teddy Bridgewater, LB Von Miller, CB Kyle Fuller and Vic Fangio (ex-coach)

BRONCOS COUNTRY… LET’S RIDE. There’s going to be a big shift in the NFL this year and it’s going to start in this division. You guys remember the last time that Russell Wilson had a solid defense? Think of the Legion of Boom. This is the place for Russell Wilson to thrive. Two great running backs in Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon III, a wideout corps of Jerry Jeudy, Cortland Sutton and K.J. Hamler and he also has a strong offensive line (something that he didn’t have in his last years in Seattle). Former Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett will bring Wilson to his best play and I think this Broncos team overtakes Mahomes and the Chiefs this year.

3. Kansas City Chiefs (projected record: 9-8)

Key additions: S Justin Reid, WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, DE George Karlaftis (draft) and RB Ronald Jones II

Key departures: WR Tyreek Hill, LB Melvin Ingram, CB Charvarius Ward, S Tyrann Mathieu and WR Byron Pringle

To be fair to the Chiefs, they’ve previously given me no reason to pick against them like this. However, you know when you just have that gut feeling that something isn’t going to go right for a team? I have that feeling with the Chiefs this year. We are so used to Andy Reid & Co. to keeping themselves at such a high standard but with this insanely competitive division and losing two massive players in Tyreek Hill and Tyrann Mathieu, I think they falter and miss the playoffs for the first time with Mahomes at the helm. I think that fans are underestimating the impact of those two players alone. We’ll see what happens though.

4. Las Vegas Raiders (projected record: 7-10)

Key additions: WR Davante Adams, DE Chandler Jones and RB Zamir White (draft)

Key departures: CB Casey Hayward, WR Zay Jones, QB Marcus Mariota and DE Solomon Thomas

The days of Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock are officially over in the dessert. The Las Vegas Patriots will now begin their new era. The reunion of Derek Carr and Davante Adams is something that I never expected, but in this league truly anything can happen. Chandler Jones will make an exceptional duo with Maxx Crosby but I honestly don’t know how far Josh McDaniels can take this team. I’ll never forget when the Patriots had a 75 yard drive last year and when we got to the red zone he called three straight screen passes. However, he did contribute to a lot of Super Bowls so thank you Josh McDaniels. I wish you all the best, unless you’re playing the Patriots.

Projected standings

1. Los Angeles Chargers: 13-4
2. Denver Broncos: 11-6 (wildcard)
3. Kansas City Chiefs: 9-8
4. Las Vegas Raiders: 7-10

NFC East

1. Philadelphia Eagles (projected record: 11-6)

Key additions: WR A.J. Brown, S C.J Gardner-Johnson, CB James Bradberry, LB Haason Reddick, DT Jordan Davis and LB Nakobe Dean

Key departures: S Anthony Harris

The NFC East has not had a repeat winner since 2004. So why would I pick a repeat winner now? After a playoff berth last year with Jalen Hurts, the Eagles went in the off-season and got an even stronger squad. The Eagles won six of their last eight games last year to make a late season playoff push and I think that they have what it takes to win the division. First-round pick Jordan Davis will team up with Fletcher Cox in the middle to become one of the best run-stopping duos in the league and new wideout A.J. Brown will round off a great set of weapons for Hurts. I like this Eagles squad and see no reason why they can’t take the NFC East crown.

2. Dallas Cowboys (projected record: 8-9)

Key additions: WR Jalen Tolbert (draft), DE Dante Fowler Jr., WR James Washington and LB Anthony Barr

Key departures: WR Cedrick Wilson, WR Amari Cooper, OL Connor Williams, OL La’El Collins and LB Randy Gregory

Just look at the names on the additions vs. departures. The Cowboys were decent, not amazing last year, and they got worse over the off-season. And what’s even more daunting than that is the fact that starting tackle Tyron Smith tore his hamstring completely off the bone making him out indefinitely. They lost Amari Cooper, La’El Collins and Randy Gregory, and they were three of their top 10 best players. Bottom line is Cowboys fans should be concerned, and you’re not going to win anything with Mike McCarthy as your head coach.

3. Washington Commanders (projected record: 7-10)

Key additions: WR Jahan Dotson (draft), OL Trai Turner and QB Carson Wentz

Key departures: DT Matt Ioannidis, OL Brandon Scherff and S Landon Collins

Commander Carson has arrived. After an up-and-down season with the Indianapolis Colts, Carson Wentz has landed on his third team in three years. The Commanders are in a weird spot right now in my opinion. It’s like they can compete for the division but they at the same time they don’t have all the tools. The offensive line is questionable, Chase Young’s injury is still a concern and the defense is unproven (ranked 25th last year). I like Ron Rivera as a coach and he’s a great guy, but I’m not sure if this group right here can reach the playoffs.

4. New York Giants (projected record: 4-13)

Key additions: DE Kayvon Thibodeaux (draft), OL Mark Glowinski, OT Evan Neal (draft) and WR Wan’Dale Robinson (draft)

Key departures: TE Evan Engram, CB James Bradberry, S Jabrill Peppers and DE Lorenzo Carter

I am concerned for the New York Giants. New coach Brian Daboll will bring a breath of fresh air to all Giants fans. However, there isn’t much he can do this year with this team. That man in the picture above, Daniel Jones, has 65 turnovers in three years. It may not be all his fault, sometimes the situation that a player gets drafted into will permanently mess up his career. Despite that, he hasn’t shown me anything for me to take him serious and I don’t think he’ll play any better. This team will one day be successful again, but I think it’s going to require a full-team rebuild before that. Saquon is still one of my favorite running backs after Harris, Stevenson and Fournette. I still believe in him despite the injuries I know the talent is still there. Giants fans, you have Dave Gettleman and Joe Judge to thank for this current mess your organization is in.

Projected standings

1. Philadelphia Eagles: 11-6
2. Dallas Cowboys: 8-9
3. Washington Commanders: 7-10
4. New York Giants: 4-13

NFC North

1. Green Bay Packers (projected record: 12-5)

Key additions: LB Quay Walker (draft), WR Romeo Doubs (draft), WR Christian Watson (draft) and DT Devonte Wyatt (draft)

Key departures: WR Davante Adams, LB Za’Darius Smith and WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling

Would you look at that, the Green Bay Packers drafted some weapons for Aaron Rodgers. After losing arguably the best receiver in the league, Aaron Rodgers was flirting with either leaving the team or retiring. Ultimately, the four-time MVP of the league decided to give Green Bay another shot after the embarrassing home loss in the playoffs against the 49ers. Besides Rodgers and Randall Cobb, the team has gotten a lot younger and I think they can find success again. Will they win a playoff game? That’s up to big #12.

2. Minnesota Vikings (projected record: 10-7)

Key additions: LB Za’Darius Smith, S Lewis Cine (draft) and CB Andrew Booth Jr. (draft)

Key departures: LB Anthony Barr, DT Sheldon Richardson and TE Tyler Conklin

If new head coach Kevin O’Connell doesn’t completely lose the locker room this Vikings team can genuinely challenge the Packers for the NFC North title. Kirk Cousins isn’t going to win a Super Bowl, but he can definitely get to the playoffs if the weapons he currently has around him stay healthy. A healthy pass-rush duo of newly acquired Za’Darius Smith and Danielle Hunter will be a force to reckon with and the addition of both Andrew Booth Jr. and Lewis Cine to the secondary was much needed. This team needed a separation from Mike Zimmer and I think they will benefit greatly off of that.

3. Detroit Lions (projected record: 6-11)

Key additions: DE Aidan Hutchinson (draft), WR Jameson Williams (draft), WR D.J. Chark and CB Mike Hughes

Key departures: DE Trey Flowers

I love the Detroit Lions. Dan Campbell is THE ultimate football guy and Jamaal Williams is one of the most likable people in the NFL. This team has a lot of heart and I can respect that. I think that Campbell is the coach for this franchise, but it’s too early for big-time success. I think that once Aaron Rodgers either retires or gets traded I think it will be the time when the Lions will make a push for the division title. Aidan Hutchinson and Jameson Williams were incredible picks and once Williams gets healthy I think he’ll prove that to the league.

4. Chicago Bears (projected record: 3-14)

Key additions: WR Byron Pringle, CB Kyler Gordon (draft), S Jaquan Brisker (draft) and OL Riley Reiff

Key departures: WR Allen Robinson, OL James Daniels, LB Khalil Mack, DL Akiem Hicks

The Bears have left the Matt Nagy era in the past. Finally. However, it’s going to get harder from here. Justin Fields, Darnell Mooney and David Montgomery are the only three players on that offense that pose any threat. Losing Khalil Mack and Allen Robinson is huge and I don’t know if this team will be able to recover from that. If you want to look at the current state of the Bears just take a peek at the Roquan Smith situation. Prayers up for Justin Fields the Bears front office thought Byron Pringle was going to be able to replace Allen Robinson.

Projected standings

1. Green Bay Packers: 12-5
2. Minnesota Vikings: 10-7 (wildcard)
3. Detroit Lions: 6-11
4. Chicago Bears: 3-14

NFC South

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (projected record: 13-4)

Key additions: WR Julio Jones, TE Kyle Rudolph, DE Logan Hall (draft), DL Akiem Hicks, S Logan Ryan and WR Russell Gage

Key departures: S Jordan Whitehead, TE Rob Gronkowski (retired), OL Alex Cappa, HC Bruce Arians (retired) and RB Ronald Jones II

We all thought Tom Brady was done. This man just doesn’t go away. Genuinely, I think that they’ll play for maybe two more years. And why not? He is currently 45 years-old and last year he threw for 5,316 yards and 43 touchdowns. Despite losing Rob Gronkowski to a second retirement, Brady will be joined by future HOF (Hall of Famer) Julio Jones as he agreed to a one-year deal. While his best days may be past him, we all saw how Antonio Brown was still a huge factor in this offense despite many people writing him off. The defense is still solid and will still be coached by Todd Bowles while Byron Leftwich will still be in charge of the offense. The only piece that will be missing will be Bruce Arians. While losing Arians is a huge loss, I don’t think this team loses a step.

2. New Orleans Saints (projected record: 9-8)

Key additions: S Tyrann Mathieu, WR Chris Olave (draft), WR Jarvis Landry and S Marcus Maye

Key departures: OL Terron Armstead, S Marcus Williams, LB Kwon Alexander and HC Sean Payton

The post Sean Payton era has officially begun. After coming off an ACL injury, Jameis Winston will once again be tasked with bringing this team to the playoffs. The additions of hometown heroes Tyrann Mathieu and Jarvis Landry will bring a smile to Saints fans everywhere, just like the return of Michael Thomas will. Chris Olave is another great piece to an offense that has the ability to thrive, but I don’t see Jameis Winston being the one to lead it. I know that the Saints had a great start before Winston’s injury but if you look at the games, Winston himself never had the most impressive stats.

3. Carolina Panthers (projected record: 6-11)

Key additions: QB Baker Mayfield, WR Laviska Shenault Jr., S Xavier Woods, DT Matt Ioannidis and WR Rashard Higgins

Key departures: QB Cam Newton, EDGE Haason Reddick and CB Stephon Gilmore

There are some players on the Panthers that I think have a very bright future in this league. Jaycee Horn, Derrick Brown, Jeremy Chinn and Brian Burns are all quality football players. However, they all share a common problem. They have Matt Rhule as their head coach. Despite two back-to-back five win seasons, Matt Rhule has once again returned to lead the boys at Bank of America stadium. The difference in the team now is that they have a Heisman winner at quarterback. Baker was thrown out of Cleveland in the Browns attempt for the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes but he has now found his new home. How will he do in this new offense? We will have to wait and see.

4. Atlanta Falcons (projected record: 4-13)

Key additions: WR Drake London (draft), QB Desmond Ridder (draft), DE Lorenzo Carter, QB Marcus Mariota and CB Casey Hayward

Key departures: WR Russell Gage, LB Foyesade Oluokun, WR Calvin Ridley (suspended), DE Dante Fowler Jr. and TE Hayden Hurst

A lot of era’s finished in this years off-season. And the Matt Ryan era in Atlanta was one of them. The Falcons are a project team and it will take a couple of years for them to become competitive again. Their defense needs severe improvement after finishing 29th in the league last year. The big question is, how long will it take for the Falcons fans to ask for Desmond Ridder to start in place of Marcus Mariota?

Projected standings

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 13-4
2. New Orleans Saints: 9-8
3. Carolina Panthers: 7-10
4. Atlanta Falcons: 4-13

NFC West

1. Los Angeles Rams (projected record: 14-3)

Key additions: WR Allen Robinson and LB Bobby Wagner

Key departures: WR Odell Beckham Jr., LB Von Miller, CB Darious Williams and Sebastian Joseph-Day

The defending champions are returning most of their roster from last year. Cooper Kupp and Matthew Stafford will look to keep their connection going while adding Pro-Bowler Allen Robinson to the mix. There’s no reason to pick against Sean McVay as he’s continuously shown why he’s one of the games best coaches. And with extending Aaron Donald and pairing him up with Bobby Wagner behind him, that’s a scary sight for offenses.

2. Arizona Cardinals (projected record: 11-6)

Key additions: WR Marquise Brown, OL Will Hernandez, CB Trayvon Mullen, OL Cody Ford and TE Trey McBride

Key departures: EDGE Chandler Jones, WR Christian Kirk and RB Chase Edmonds

Kyler Murray is a great quarterback. And this year will be the year that people finally starting putting him in their top five rankings. Seeing him thrive without DeAndre Hopkins for the first six weeks will put all eyes on him and Kliff Kingsbury. Reuniting with college teammate Marquise “Hollywood” Brown will be great for the former Heisman winner. Kyler came under scrutiny for a certain “film” cause in his contract. Whatever the hell that was, I think Kyler goes out and throws for 4K+ yards and runs for at least 800. It’s just up to Kingsbury to coach this team better down the stretch.

3. San Fransisco 49ers (projected record: 10-7)

Key additions: CB Charvarius Ward, DE Drake Jackson (draft), LB Oren Burks and S George Odum

Key departures: OL Laken Tomlinson, DT D.J. Jones, CB K’Waun Williams and RB Raheem Mostert

Trey Lance is now QB1 in the Bay Area. Jimmy G is the league’s highest paid backup and Elijah Mitchell is going to be anchoring that backfield as RB1. They kept Deebo Samuel after everyone thought that he was going to be traded and even added some decent pieces in the off-season. I truly Kyle Shanahan can bring out the best in Trey Lance and I’m excited to see how he does.

4. Seattle Seahawks (projected record: 4-13)

Key additions: EDGE Uchenna Nwosu, DT Quinton Jefferson, CB Coby Bryant (draft), RB Kenneth Walker III and OL Charles Cross (draft)

Key departures: QB Russell Wilson, OL Duane Brown, TE Gerald Everett and LB Bobby Wagner

Seahawks fans… look away. This is going to be a rough year. When Geno Smith is named as your QB1, you know you’re in for a long ride. There are a lot of players that have great potential on this team like Charles Cross and Kenneth Walker III, but they won’t help out to the point that they can make the playoffs. The post Russell Wilson era will be a difficult one, but all good things come to end and tough times never last. You just have to look at it that way. Also, I think this is going to be Pete Carroll’s last year as the head coach in Seattle. It’s time for this organization to do a full rebuild.

Projected standings

1. Los Angeles Rams: 14-3
2. Arizona Cardinals: 11-6 (wildcard)
3. San Fransisco 49ers: 10-7 (wildcard)
4. Seattle Seahawks: 4-13

AFC Playoff Teams

1. Buffalo Bills: 13-4
2. Los Angeles Chargers: 13-4
3. Baltimore Ravens: 12-5
4. Indianapolis Colts: 10-7
5. Cincinnati Bengals: 11-6 (wildcard)
6. Denver Broncos: 11-6 (wildcard)
7. New England Patriots: 10-7 (wildcard)

NFC Playoff Teams

1. Los Angeles Rams: 14-3
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 13-4
3. Green Bay Packers: 12-5
4. Philadelphia Eagles: 11-6
5. Arizona Cardinals: 11-6 (wildcard)
6. Minnesota Vikings: 10-7 (wildcard)
7. San Fransisco 49ers: 10-7 (wildcard)

And there it is. The official YSN NFL predictions for the 2022/23 season. Worked really hard on this one. If y’all only knew the research and time that it takes to consistently write these type of articles every year. Regardless, I do it because I love it and I want to be 40 years old looking back on my articles. Nothing good comes without hard work. Just like how the New England Patriots will work really hard and win the Super Bowl this year. In all seriousness, thank you all for tuning in. You guys responding and engaging with the articles/YouTube videos keep me coming back to do more. I’ll be doing my weekly “five things to take from…” NFL articles soon as well. This is YSN, until next time, signing out.