ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

This post is a little late because I know the season did officially kick off on Thursday with my Patriots defeating the Steelers 28-21.

But for most football fans though, the season really begins on Sunday as it is synonymous with the NFL.

Here are my predictions on how each team will finish this season as well my picks for who will make the playoffs and win the Superbowl!

AFC

North

1. Baltimore
2. Cincinnati
3. Pittsburgh
4. Cleveland

East

1. New England
2. Buffalo
3. Miami
4. NY Jets

South

1. Indianapolis
2. Houston
3. Jacksonville
4. Tennessee

West

1. Denver
2. San Diego
3. Kansas City
4. Oakland

Wild Card Teams: Houston & Cincinnati

AFC Championship Game: Indianapolis over New England

Analysis: As much as it pains me to say this as a Patriots fan, I think Andrew Luck will finally be able to get over the hump this time as the Patriots defense won’t be as strong compared to last season. I’m also predicting that the Colts will finish at the top of the AFC and get home field advantage which will be another big factor in why they advance to the Super Bowl.

NFC

North

1. Green Bay
2. Detroit
3. Minnesota
4. Chicago

East

1. Dallas
2. Philadelphia
3. NY Giants
4. Washington

South

1. New Orleans
2. Carolina
3. Atlanta
4. Tampa Bay

West

1. Seattle
2. Arizona
3. St. Louis
4. San Francisco

Wild Card Teams: Philadelphia & Arizona

NFC Championship Game: Green Bay over Seattle

Analysis: The loss of Jordy Nelson for the season is a devastating blow for the Packers, but I believe they will be able to rally around it and use it as extra motivation to get them over the edge. The Packers still have plenty of talent even without Nelson and I think this time around they will be smarter and be able to close out the game. The Seahawks still have the best team on paper, but I think this is the year where they may slow down in the regular season and not get home field advantage as the top seed. I’m predicting the defense will not be as dominant as the past two seasons and it is also likely the injury bug could play a bigger factor as key guys including Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman are coming off major injuries. The Seahawks offense has improved, but they may be under more pressure to score more points which could lead to taking more risks and more turnovers as a result.

Super Bowl 50: Green Bay over Indianapolis 

Analysis: Both teams have an average defense and an explosive offense. I think the Packers will have just a bit more experience and composure to make a few more plays and get by the Colts in what should be a very high scoring and exciting game!