PRE-SZN NFL PREDICTIONS 25-26

CLEVELAND

BROWNS

(4-13)

4th in div.

16th in conf.

Unfortunately, to start our list, we have the team I am predicting to finish last in the AFC. This team is coming off of a bad season, and the offseason didn't provide quite enough to prove that they are going to turn it around this season. Their draft wasn't bad, but it wasn't great either. Obviously the talk with this team is who is going to be under center this season. I personally think they should play their two rookie QB's over Joe Flacco or Pickett this season. They need to see if they have their guy or not, because it is naturally going to be hard for this team to compete given their roster. As for free agency, it was also mediocre, no moves that really feel like they improve the win total for this team.

I realize that 4 wins is harsh, and I try not to be when it comes to these predictions, but this is such a rough schedule, and a rough roster to combat it. I see a ceiling of about 6, maybe 7 wins, and a floor of 2.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

(6-11)

3rd in div.

11th in conf.

This season, I predict that the Steelers will turn from their mediocre ways, but not in the direction they want. This team has been held afloat barely for the past few seasons, but I do feel after this offseason for them, it's not looking as great in Pittsburgh. For one, swapping Pickens for Metcalf does not move the needle at all. It would if they kept Pickens, but simply swapping them out is an odd choice to say the least. 

And then you have the QB fiasco this offseason. Their handling of the QB room has been atrocious. I think they would have been better off paying Russ or Fields, considering they both played well for the team, but, instead, they let both walk, drafted a QB late in the draft, and signed Rodgers. Rodgers is not going to push the needle, because he is simply too old. His mobility will be somethung that holds this team back considering they already have a lackluster offensive line. I don't think the defense is anything special either, as I don't see it as the type of unit that can carry a team to a winning record. I think this team's ceiling is 9 wins, and floor is 5.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

(10-7)

2nd in div.

7th in conf.

Compared to last season, this team is a little better. Not a ton, not worse, but just marginally better. I like their draft, I think they addressed everything they needed to, and had a decent free agency as well. This team was known as the 'amazing offense, but bad defense' team last season. I do believe that their defense has improved this offseason. If this team though wants to shoot for a title run, they need to establish one thing that should fix everything: a running game. If they can run the ball effectively, it helps the passing game, Joe Burrow's health, and the defense all in one. On paper, the defense isn't that bad. However, when the offense is only moving the ball via air, they are keeping their defense on the field longer than they should. They added a few running backs this offseason that should hopefully help, but to me, that is the X-factor for this team.

The biggest difference maker on this team is obviously Joe Burrow. You simply can't rule this team out, nor project them to miss the playoffs.

I feel that their ceiling is about 12 wins, as if everything clicks, they could obviously be dangerous. I think their floor is 8 wins.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

(12-5)

1st in div.

2nd in conf.

On paper, this is probably the best roster in the AFC. I could just stop there, tell you they are going to be 12-5, and move on. However, I can talk about this team a little more. This is, by EPA, the clear number 1 offense in the NFL, and they once again, only got better this offseason. That's right, the top offense isn't the Bengals, or the Eagles, it was the Ravens. It makes sense though, as they have the most feared rushing attack, and a top 2 QB in the NFL. As for the defense, they have a lot of super talented guys, and they added some special players to the secondary like Jaire Alexander, and Malaki Starks, among others.

That is the X-factor for this team, their passing defense. Last season, they were dead last in passing yards allowed per game. I think these additions are going to help out a lot in that end, but we will see.

Ceiling-wise, I could see this team winning 14 games, and I think their floor is about 10.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

(4-13)

4th in div.

15th in conf.

Unfortunately, I think the Dolphins had the worst offseason, and are not looking good outlook-wise for the 2025 season. There aren't a lot of good optics for this team. Tyreek wants out, the defense is injured, and not very good, there are still concerns about Tua, and now the weapons on offense are slowly falling apart. I think they had a pretty dissapointing draft and offseson all things considered. The key additions for this team include: Minkah Fitzpatrick, Darren Waller, and Kenneth Grant. Those aren't names that get you too excited. They had one of the worst rushing offenses last season by EPA, and it didn't get better this offseason. There just isn't much here that gets you excited. In terms of X-factor for this team, is if Tua can return to the top of his game. I think Tua is a good QB, when healthy, and was the reason for their offensive success 2 seasons ago.

I think the ceiling is about 8 wins, and the floor is 4.

NEW YORK JETS

(5-12)

3rd in div.

14th in conf.

Me personally, I am a little higher on the Jets than many. I think regardless, this team is going to be far more fun to watch than they have in a very long time. I get that there's not a ton of buzz about Justin Fields, but I think he is capable of running a great offense. Combine Fields ability with the two talened runningbacks, plus an elite reciever in Garrett Wilson, this offense could be fun. I think the defense is a little overrated, but still talented nonetheless. I'm certainly not saying this team is going to make the playoffs or anything, but I think the talent here is worth considering for more attention. As for the X-factor, it is Aaron Glenn. He made some very bold moves for his first year in the building, and he is going to need to back it up somehow. If he does,  something like 7 wins and a fun team will reignite the fan base for the future.

As for their ceiling, I can't see more than 8 wins, and their floor is about 4.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

(8-9)

2nd in div.

10th in conf.

The Patriots are an incredibly hard team to project. On one hand, they were really bad last year, and for them to have such a sharp turn-around the following year would be shocking to say the least. On the other hand, we know for a fact Vrabel is a good head coach, and that he is a culture setter. So, I decided that they will improve, only slightly. I think the main catalyst for this will be because they now have their QB and head coach, two things that are hard to get at the same time for an NFL franchise. They had a great offseason draft and free agent-wise. Thet sured up the offensive line, added strong weapons on offense, and reinforced the front 7 on defense. Everything points to this team improving their win total in 2025, which is why the X-factor is the culture change I previously mentioned. If Vrabel can accomplish that in year 1, then it will be a successful season regardless of win total.

As for ceiling, I think 10 wins is probably the ceiling, and the floor is 5.

BUFFALO BILLS

(13-4)

1st in div.

1st in conf.

The Bills are a team that were a 4th down conversion away from potentially playing in the Super Bowl, and are in a relatively easy division to win, 13 wins makes sense when you think about it. Just to gush about this team really quick, last season they were the number 2 offense by EPA, 8th best team against the run by EPA, and the best pass rush by EPA. That team, just got way better. They added some solid pieces on both sides of the ball. I think the secondary is once again the X-Factor for this team. There are a lot of weapons in the AFC, and in order for this team to take the next step to winning it all, they are going to need to step up to the caliber the rest of the team is at.

The Bills ceiling is 14 wins, and their floor is 10.

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

(6-11)

4th in div.

12th in conf.

The Raiders are one of the more talked about team in the AFC, and I can see why. however to me, this team is a mystery. I have no clue if Pete Carroll is the answer, I don't know if Geno Smith is going to work, and I don't know if there is enough good players here to eclipse the teams in the AFC West. Last season, they were the second worst offense in the NFL by EPA, and a huge reason for that is their running game. I like their approach to that this offseason, by adding Pete Carroll and Jeanty, which in my opinion will improve that area of their game. It's the rest of the issues that this team has that concerns me. I think the passing offense will be lackluster, because of the weapons. The defense also didn't get all that better either. The X-factor is the run game. If it works, this team will fight in every game, and if it doesn't, then it is going to not be a very fun season for them.

I think their ceiling is about 8 wins, and their floor is 5.

DENVER BRONCOS

(11-6)

3rd in div.

6th in conf.

This is where my predictions get interesting to say the least. You will notice that the Broncos, Chargers, and Chiefs all have very similar record predictions. It is because all of these teams are to me, just as good as the other ones. by EPA, the Broncos are a top 3 defense in every category, and they loaded up the defense even more in the offseason. It is a direction I didn't expect considering the weapons on offense, but I think it'll make them one of the most feared units in football. In terms of X-factor, it will be playmakers on offense. Someone has to step up and be the guy to make a play on that offense.

I think this team's ceiling is about 12 wins, and their floor is 9.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

(11-6)

2nd in div.

5th in conf.

The Chargers are a lot like the Broncos, considering they had a top 5 defense last season and a mediocre offseason. However, how they differ is that the Chargers bolstered the offense instead of the defense. The Chargers offense now looks like it could be very dangerous, and if the defense doesn't take a step back from last year, this could be a top 5 offense and defense in the sport. So why are they in second, and have the same record as the Broncos? They have similar schedules, and I worry if their defense can remain top 5. That's why, the X-Factor is the defense as a whole. If they can, this team could be a serious issue.

As far as ceiling, I could genuinely see 13 wins, but I could see as low as 8.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

(11-6)

1st in div.

3rd in conf.

The Chiefs are an interesting case for me every season. Simply because they are two different teams in the regular season compared to the post season. Last year, the Chiefs won an unrepeatable amount of one score games. As far as EPA is concerned, they are mediocre on offense and defense. As for offseason, they didn't do much. I think they had a bad free agency, but an excellent draft. As of writing this, they only added 2 starters, Josh Simmons and Kristian Fulton. I think the X-Factor for this team is defensive play makers, or lack-there-of. I still have this team winning the division, simply because they have for almost a decade straight, but if you can't tell by them having the same record as the Chargers and Broncos, my confidence level in them winning the division is low.

I think their ceiling is 12, and their floor is 10.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

(6-11)

4th in div.

13th in conf.

I think the Jags will improve their win total by 2 in 2025. A bit less than many probably expect. They were arguably the worst defense in the league last season, and looking forward to this season, there doesn't feel like enough there to make me feel like the defense would be much better. I think they made quality changes on offense, as their weapons and offensive line are quite impressive, however, I see them more as a lesser version of the Bengals. A good offense, and a bad defense, compared to the Bengals great offense and okay defense. I also didn't really like the Jags draft class. Travis Hunter is cool, but the rest of their class is pretty lackluster. I think the X-Factor is Liam Coen, and if he can establish an identity to this team. Because for the past few years, this team has lacked that.

I think their ceiling is 8 wins, and their floor is 4.

TENNESSEE TITANS

(8-9)

3rd in div.

9th in conf.

The Titans were obviously bad enough to have the number one pick last year, but I have some confidence that they will improve this season. For one, there is something to work with on the defense, and that showed last season. They also are surrounding Cam Ward with a lot of veterans and doing everything you should for a rookie QB. It's not me putting some crazy expectations on Cam Ward, but he is the X-Factor. We've seen two straight seasons of rookie QB's starting hot in their rookie season, and I think Ward has the situation to do the same.

I think this is around their ceiling at 8 wins, and a floor of 5.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

(8-9)

2nd in div.

8th in conf.

This team went 8-9 last season, and I think that's what they will go this season. The Colts are just mediocre to me in 2025. They had a quiet offseason, and didn't kill it in either the draft or free agency. There is a QB battle between Richardson and Daniel Jones at the moment, and I think Richardson will win. The X-factor for them will be if Richardson plays good football. I think he can, but we haven't seen it at a consistent enough rate.

I think their ceiling is 9 wins, and their floor is 6.

HOUSTAN TEXANS

(10-7)

1st in div.

4th in conf.

Last season, the Texans were my suer bowl pick, and I missed the mark on that. This year I am aiming lower for the Texans, by just narrowly winning the division. The issue for the Texans was the offensive line, and they addressed it. I just feel offensively, they fell behind in the AFC, along with having a 1st place schedule doesn't help them out. This is still a good team, and could absolutely work out for the best in Houston. The X-factor for this team is to have a run game, to take pressure off of Stroud, as their run game has been lacking, especially when Mixon would miss time.

Their ceiling is about 11 wins, and their floor is 9.

CHICAGO BEARS

(8-9)

4th in div.

11th in conf.

I get that it is really easy to get excited about this team. I love Ben Johnson, and there is a lot of weaponry to work with on offense. So, what's the hold up with this team? Well, even with some of the best offensive minds in the league, it is not very often they do a complete turnaround in their first year. I mean, look at Sean Payton, Kyle Shannahan, they didn't establish their elite offenses right out the gate, regardless of the roster inherited. Last season, they were the worst team in terms of yards per game on offense. Not saying it is impossible, but the likelihood of it turning into a top 5 offense is pretty slim. Also considering their defense is average, that won't be doing them any favors. It's just a tricky team to predict, as the obvious X-factor is Ben Johnson. This team just has too many variables for me to confidently put them well above .500 or well below, also with a relatively tough schedule.

I think the ceiling could genuinely be about 12 wins, and their floor is 6.

GREEN BAY PACKERS

(9-8)

3rd in div.

10th in conf.

The Packers are kind of the opposite of the Bears in a lot of ways. They didn't have much change this offseason, the really only move of note was finally drafting a WR in the first round. The question is though, did they get better? I mean, marginally. Considering the rest of their division made good moves, I just don't feel super inspired by this team. Last season, they were a top 10 offense and defense by EPA, so having them at 9-8 seems harsh. They accomplished this by being good at running the ball, and being good at stopping the run. I think their rushing attack can be good again, I have less faith in their run defense this season, but that is their X-Factor. If their run defense is good again this year, then they could certainly slot in 11 wins. If it falters, I think 9 feels realistic. They also have a relatively tough schedule.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

(10-7)

2nd in div.

8th in conf.

I famously missed the mark on the Vikings last year, as they held one of the best records in the league, and this season, the challenge of predicting this team doesn't get any easier. That is because we do not know anything about JJ McCarthy. He is essentially a rookie QB, yet the roster around him is very good. I feel weird predicting this team to get over 10 wins with a rookie QB, as that is a very hard feat to accomplish, but it is certainly possible. He is inheriting an elite defense, and reliable targets and options on offense. Regardless, this team had a very good offseason, and I think they are going to be competeing for a playoff spot for sure. 

I think the ceiling for this team is about 12 wins, and the floor is 9.

DETROIT LIONS

(13-4)

1st in div.

1st in conf.

The Lions are my projected 1 seed in the NFC. To be clear, I think the Eagles are likley still the best team in the NFC, I just find that the Lions schedule is a tiny bit easier. The Lions offseason was a solid one, with some quality additions, especially depth-wise, considering how the injuries hurt them last year. The key departures is the loss of the two coordinators on both sides of the ball. Will it effect them? Maybe a little bit on offense, but I don't think it's going to be too noticeable. They are also getting Hutchinson back on defense, who was playing at a DPOY level last season before he was injured. So to me, the X-Factor for this team is to stay healthy. This roster when healthy, is guaranteed a game in the divisional round at the least.

NEW YORK GIANTS

(4-13)

4th in div.

15th in conf.

I want to get one thing clear: This will go down as the hardest schedule for any team in NFL history. They start the year with 4 straight playoff teams from last season, and who I'm projecting to make the playoffs this year. Then they have the Saints, Then another 3 straight playoff teams, the defending champs being two of them. Then they have the Niners and Bears decent teams, and then another two playoff teams in the Packers and Lions. Then they go to New England, a week off, then the last 4 games of the year are against 3 playoff teams. That's around 10-12 of their games, are against playoff teams. That is insane. Now, the team itself, roster-wise, is actually a pretty solid team. The WR room has a ton of talent, running backs are pretty good, and this will be the best QB that Daboll has had to work with in New York. The line is so-so, but they have arguably the best defensive line in the league, with a mediocre secondary. It's really not a terrible team. I don't think we will see Dart this season, as there probably wouldn't be much of a point to. The Giants front office is trying to figure out if Daboll is the guy, and we will find out one way or another.

I think if this team really plays well against good teams, I think they could get 7 wins. I could also see them win as many as 3.

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

(10-7)

3rd in div.

6th in conf.

The Commanders are coming off a shockingly good season, that not many saw coming. However, I predict that they will win 2 less games than they did last season. I think one of the key contributors as to why I may be lower than others, is that I really don't love the weapons, especially if Terry McLaurin won't be playing for them. McLaurin does a lot of heavy lifting in that receiver room and has for a long time, so his absence would be felt, and even if he's there, he still feels like the only real threat outside of Jayden's legs. They also had a bottom of the barrell run defense last season, and didn't do much to get better in that department this offseason. Their lacking run defense is a large part as to why they got stomped by the Eagles in the NFC Championship game. I still think this is going to be a fun team to watch, as I think Daniels is a legit QB. The obvious X-factor for this team is stopping the run, because if they can, they have the sort of energy to be a Super-Bowl-Caliber team, but if they can't stop the run, they have to win a certain way, which worked last season, a lesser chance it works this season.

I have a ceiling of around 12 wins, and a floor of about 8.

DALLAS COWBOYS

(10-7)

2nd in div.

5th in conf.

Sometimes, narratives are a good thing. They make something more interesting than maybe it actually is, and many sports fall victim to creating narratives. However, some narratives are either dated, or no longer true. I think the narrative around the Cowboys and their fans are both dated and untrue. Do they have playoff success? Maybe not, but so do at least 29 other NFL teams in the league. They are consistent in the regular season, and they consistently punch their ticket to the playoffs. This season, I have them going to the playoffs again. This is a very good roster on defense, and I love the acquisition of George Pickens to take the top off the defense. I don't really care about the Schotty head coaching situation, it's just going to be more of the same formula on both sides. I think they will probably get the Parsons situation handled, and all should be well there. A healthy Dak is arguably a top 5 QB in the sport, and this defense can single-handedly win them games if they need them to. Obviously the X-factor is Micah Parsons, who is again, arguably the best defensive player in the sport.

As for their ceiling and floor, they are respectively high and floor. I think this team can win 12 games, but I think they can win as low as 6.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

(12-5)

1st in div.

2nd in conf.

The Eagles had one of the best seasons in recent years a team could have. They constantly were in blow-out victories, including the Super Bowl. The Roster was stacked from top to bottom, and there wasn't much area of weakness on the team. Now, did that change over the offseason?

In short, no. They retained most of the roster, except for a few guys on defense, and maybe substituting some role players. As of this moment, there is no reason to not have this team running it back this season. The only thing you could knock them for, is they didn't really get all that much better this offseason, however, there was little room for them to get better in the first place. I think the X-factor for me is Jalen Hurts. Not that he hasn't proved himself as a good quarterback, but let's be honest here, he's had it on easy mode for awhile now. He hasn't had to run a 2 minute drill, or come from behind in a game in a very long time. Now I'm not saying he is incapable of those things, but this team is so designed to blow out other teams, I'm curious to see how Hurts would lead the offense if they find themselves losing a game.

I think the Eagles ceiling is honestly 16 wins, and this is their floor at 12.

ARIZONA CARDINALS

(5-12)

4th in div.

14th in conf.

This feels harsh. I really don't dislike this team at all, and looking back, they do feel like there is a chance they improved from last season, where they went 8-9. However, I think this is a tough schedule, and a tough division. To me, it was a little lucky that they won 8 games last season, as they likely overperformed. They were good at running the ball last season, 5th in the leage by EPA, but they couldn't stop the run either. Overall, they were decent enough on offense, and relatively bad on defense, and their offseason reflected that. I do think they will be better on defense this season. I liked their draft, and I liked their free agency. So what's the deal with being so low on the Cardinals?

Honestly, it is just a matter of the NFC this season feels really, really strong. This is a tough conference to predict, because outside of a couple teams (Saints, Giants) every team feels like they have a genuine shot at winning their division or just being really good in general. It just comes down to for me, if I like this team's chances of being good over other teams. And when it comes to the Cardinals, there isn't enough here for me to pick them over other NFC teams. My main concerns are their run defense, and if Marvin Harrison makes a leap in year 2. Because if he doesn't, the passing game is not the strongest, and then they are relying on their defense. There is a lot to like here, and there is a lot to be scared of. I hope I am wrong, and I hope they prove everyone wrong.

As for now though, I have this team's ceiling at 10 wins, and this being their floor at 5.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

(6-11)

3rd in div.

13th in conf.

This one may be more bold than the Cardinals prjection, but I feel more confident in it than the Cardinals one. Let me put it this way: The injuries weren't holding this team back. Their roster construction, and who they chose to pay is what is the reason for all of this. Last season, they had the 30th ranked defense in the league by EPA, and then this offseason they lost pieces. Sure, they replaced them, and I like Mykel Williams, but it doesn't really feel like an overall improvement. As for their draft class as a whole? Not very good. The offense feels like it's held together by tape and glue, as if McCaffrey misses time, or Aiyuk, or anyone else who has injury history for that matter, it is going to hurt them. I don't think Purdy is a bad quarterback, but I don't think he has the talent to make something out of nothing, he needs weapons. Also same with the Cardinals: this is a tough conference to be good in this year, and I don't really love what this team did in the offseason. If this team stays 100% healthy, then sure, I think they are capable of being dangerous, but I can't say that I honestly expect that out of them.

I think this team's ceiling is 10 wins, and their floor is 5.

LOS ANGELES RAMS

(9-8)

2nd in div.

9th in conf.

It was a pretty quiet offseason for the Rams, in terms of total roster turnover. Not many players were lost, and not many were added. So, I am aiming for them to win about the same amount they won last season, only just missing out on the playoffs. Realistically, looking at areas they needed to improve on this offseason, they need to run the ball better, and stop the run better. The only problem with that is, they only added depth pieces in those respective areas. That doesn't hurt, but that's also not going to make a huge impact on those issues either. I take no note in the loss of Cooper Kupp and addition of Davante Adams, as they are both solid receivers, and I think they both would serve the same purpose in the offense. I just think there isn't much new stuff here, so there's not much to really be excited about, but also nothing to be pessimistic about. They feel about middle of the road.

I have their ceiling being 11 wins, and their floor being 7.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

(12-5)

1st in div.

3rd in conf.

Now, I am feeling bold about this team. I think this team could be really special. The first thing to note is the replacements made on offense, and I honestly love them. Nothing against Geno, DK, or Lockett, but the guys they acquired are going to fit the scheme a lot better, and I personally think Darnold is more talented than Geno. Regardless, their passing offense is going to look a lot more like a well-oiled machine, and if Kenneth Walker stays healthy, he is a top 5 most talented running back in the league. Their offensive line was the catalyst for a lot of their issues last season, and they really fixed it this offseason. They were good on defense last year, and with the additions of Demarcus Lawrence and Nick Emmanwori, they look nastier. I think regardless of if they win more games, this is going to be a more fun team. The X-factor to me is obviously Darnold. He was bad, then he was good, then he couldn't win a big game. He is still young, so the narrative can still change, but if he excels or not is determinate of this team's season, and honestly his job. I'm high on the Seahawks as oppose to the rest of the NFC West because the ceiling is that of a top tier team.

I think the ceiling win total is 13 wins, and their floor is 9.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

(3-14)

4th in div.

16th in conf.

I want to make myself clear, I do not think the Saints will be bad because their team is bad, I think there are 2 sole reasons that this team will fail. The first and less obvious is the loss of Klint Kubiak. The bright spot of the whole team last season, was their offensive coordinator, and instead of promoting him, they got rid of him. That to me makes no sense. The other more obvious reason is their QB situation. It was a weird one to handle with the Derek Carr stuff, but there should have been plans to move off him anyways. I just guarantee you, that Tyler Shough is not the answer, in any shape or form. I think there is a list of nearly 40 QB's I'd rather have starting than him. Now, in defense of the Saints, they were severely injured last season, to an extent that in some ways, we will see a totally different team this year. However, the defense still isn't very good, and with the worst QB in the league, how can this team comfortably win games? The X-factor is Tyler Shough, because there is a chance he can prove me wrong.

Their ceiling is about 5 wins, and 2 being their floor.

ATLANTA FALCONS

(7-10)

3rd in div.

12th in conf.

Trust me, I get why many are excited about this team. Michael Penix Jr is going to be fun to have for a full season with all of the weapons that are on this offense. However, the determinate of this team was never how good their offense is, it was the defense that often let them down last season. As for this offseason, it was questionable to say the least. They drafted two edge rushers in the first round, and neither are starters on the depth chart as of writing this. I think their defense will improve, because they invested a lot into it this offseason, but the Falcons are counting on a lot of different things in order to be successful this season. They need: Penix to be the guy, the defense to improve, their offensive line to stay healthy, and for the rest of their division to not be very good. It's a lot of different things to count on. I think the Falcons could have a bright future, but as for this season, I think we need to see how a lot of different things play out.

I think their ceiling is 10 wins, and their floor is 6.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

(10-7)

2nd in div.

7th in conf.

Okay, you may be shocked to see me not have the Bucs winning the division. I get the confusion, because they are a good team, that's why I have them still making the playoffs. I think their offense is elite, and they have a solid enough defense to win more games than they lose. So why are they only at 10 wins, nor are they division winners? Well, firstly, I like the first place team a little more this season, and secondly, I was left a little confused by their offseason. They kind of stayed where they were, didn't really get better, didn't really get worse. I really didn't understand their first round choice in Egbuka, as they have 3 good receivers. Sure, two of them are hurt right now, but you don't invest in paying 2 receivers, have a breakout player in McMillan, and then turn around and draft another WR with a first round pick. It's a poor allocation of resources. They were pretty good at stopping the run last season, but they were bad against the pass, so they drafted two DB's, which I like. I think there could be some growing pains early in the season with two WR's out and a rough first 7 weeks of the season. now, I think they will obviously turn it around, but overall, this feels like the same team as last season, which won 10 games, so I don't think it's ridiculous that they repeat that win total.

As for the ceiling, it's about 12 wins, and the floor is 9.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

(11-6)

1st in div.

4th in conf.

Saved maybe my boldest for last. I think Bryce Young will lead the Panthers to the NFC South title this season. Is this piggybacking off of how Bryce ended the year last year? Absolutely it is. The biggest risk I am facing here is that their defense was dead last in EPA last season. They could not stop the run. However, they stacked up their front seven this offseason in a huge way. They added 5 potential new starters to add along that defensive front, the only non-new one is Derrick Brown. They also improve the secondary and got more talented back there. I think they have a legit rushing attack with arguably one of the best running back rooms in the NFL, and now have a true WR1 in Tet McMillan. Sure they were bad last season, but if you believe in Bryce Young, and you acknowledge that they acknowledged the holes on the team in the offseason, then you can see where I am finding this hope for them. Obviously, I know this is a risk, and not seen as the status quo, but I can personally see this Panthers team winning the division.

I will acknowledge that this is their ceiling at 11 wins, and their floor is 6.