The 2017 NFL kicks off this week in Foxboro as the defending champion New England Patriots host the Kansas City Chiefs. But before the Pats raise another Super Bowl banner I have to tell you how I think the road to Minnesota and Super Bowl LII will look like.
These are my picks for Division winners and playoff teams for this year. Embed from Getty Images
Division WinnersAFC East: New England Patriots
I mean this was a virtual layup. The champs didn't rest on their laurels, they stockpiled on talent for Brady and Co. to be the odds on favorites to bring a 6th Lombardi to Foxboro. It also helps that 2 of the division teams are essentially tanking and rebuilding (Jets and Bills) and the Dolphins are breaking in a new QB.
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AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers
I wanted to pull a shocker and pick the Bengals, but my gut tells me the Steelers are on a mission to dethrone the Pats. Their offense is as explosive as any in the NFL and their defense I feel has a good balance of youth and experience.
AFC South: Houston Texans
I went back and forth between the Texans and Titans, but I went with Houston because that defense will get stronger with the return of Watt and their always revolving QB situation will get solved sooner rather than later, plus they always seem to win in spite of it.
Embed from Getty ImagesAFC West: Oakland Raiders
By far the toughest division to pick, I went with last years darlings to take the crown in the West this year. If you didn't think Derrick Carr was worthy of his new contract, I just point you to the Raiders pre and post injury of Carr and see that this team goes as he goes. They still have questions on defense even with reigning DPoY Khali Mack but with that offense I see them overcoming such deficiencies.
NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles
My shocker of my division picks is the Eagles. In short I feel that the drama in Dallas and a tougher schedule will cause them to take a step back, and the Giants while still good on defense their offensive line will be that high powered offenses undoing. Those circumstances along with the editions on offense for 2nd year QB Carson Weintz, has me going with Philly to take the NFLs glamour division
Embed from Getty ImagesNFC West: Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks have been an off team since their Super Bowl XLIX defeat, but since that game have still managed to make the playoffs. With a dominate defense returning to health and the "rumored" locker room dysfunction behind them, I wouldn't be surprised if the road to the Super Bowl in the NFC goes through Seattle. My main concern is the same its always been for them and that's can their O-line hold up.
NFC North: Green Bay Packers
I don't even think the Packers have the best roster in their own division, but they do have Aaron Rodgers and I (and probably 20 other teams) will take that any day of the week. I think the Vikings and Lions will push Green Bay for the NFC North crown but in the end I think 12 will once again put the team on his back and carry them to the postseason once more.
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NFC South: Carolina Panthers
Ok I should start by saying I am a Panthers fan but making this pick subjectively. The "Super Bowl hangover" is real and that epic collapse the Falcons suffered in last years game is gonna take some time to get over. Most pundits think the Falcons are too talented not to bounce back but I put my stock in the team who was in the game the year before them. Carolina gets its MVPs on both offense and defense back healthy. I also like their infusion of speed on offense and veteran leadership on defense.
Wild Card
AFC: Kansas City Chiefs, Tennessee Titans
I knew when having to pick for a AFC wild card one of them would come from the AFC West. The Chiefs have arguably one of the best rosters in the NFL, if their QB was more than just the "ultimate game manager" I would have had them repeat as division champs but I think with the growth of Carr in Oakland that pushes Kansas City down a peg.
I wouldn't be shocked if the Titans won the AFC South. With Marcus Mariotta taking the next step with and the additions they made on offense its very much possible. I see them and the Texans fighting for the division title till the final weeks of the season but I ultimately take 2nd to Houston and start the postseason on the road.
NFC: New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Giants offensive line still gives me pause and a lack of a running game is an issue but that defense will be top 3 in the league and will win them some games and get them into the postseason. I picked them over Dallas not only because they have their number but the Cowboys face a tougher schedule and life without their start RB for the first 6 weeks of the season.
My pick of the Bucs hangs solely on the performance of Jameis Winston. Tampa has fitted their 3rd year signal caller with an assortment of weapons. If he can cut back on the turnovers that have plagued him his first few years in the league, he can lead the Bucs to the playoffs for the first time in a decade.
Conference Championships
AFC: Oakland vs New England
I honestly think if it weren't for Carr's injury this would have been last years AFC title game. For the first time since the infamous "Tuck Rule" game the Raiders return to Foxboro for a playoff game and get a chance to exercise the demons of that game.
NFC: Green Bay vs Seattle
Speaking of exercising demons, the Packers will return to the Pacific Northwest to try and right some their wrongs of seasons past against the Seahawks.
Super Bowl LII: New England Patriots vs Green Bay Packers
We've been so close too this matchup the last few seasons, but the Packers could never hold up their end of the bargain. But with Brady now 40 and Rodgers at the height of his powers I think this is the year the 12s meet on the sports biggest stage.
Embed from Getty ImagesChampion: Green Bay Packers
AFC: Oakland vs New England
I honestly think if it weren't for Carr's injury this would have been last years AFC title game. For the first time since the infamous "Tuck Rule" game the Raiders return to Foxboro for a playoff game and get a chance to exercise the demons of that game.
NFC: Green Bay vs Seattle
Speaking of exercising demons, the Packers will return to the Pacific Northwest to try and right some their wrongs of seasons past against the Seahawks.
Super Bowl LII: New England Patriots vs Green Bay Packers
We've been so close too this matchup the last few seasons, but the Packers could never hold up their end of the bargain. But with Brady now 40 and Rodgers at the height of his powers I think this is the year the 12s meet on the sports biggest stage.
Embed from Getty ImagesChampion: Green Bay Packers
Brady's legacy is set if he wins this game or not, he's basically padding his resume at this point but for Rodgers its another story. He is the best QB in the NFL and most believe the best passer in league history but most believe 1 Super Bowl is good but multiple Lombardi trophies gives you good footing in the all time great conversation. I think this is the year he gets back to the big stage and outduels Brady in an instant classic.
