Hey!
If you didn’t know from the mugshot above, my name is Reg! An NFL fan come Sports Travel Consultant. Specifically a Green Bay Packers fan, I don’t know why but when I first following the sport, I immediately loved the green & gold. It’s been 6 months for us NFL fans, and as the NFL season is drawing closer, I have been thinking – who’s had the best off-season? Who am I most excited to see? Who do I think will flop? Who will make it to the Superbowl?
And although, I am almost destined to be wrong – I’ve put finger to keyboard so that when I am right, I can brag that I called it all season…
AFC East
One to watch: Miami Dolphins
Sure, the Bills have asserted their dominance in the AFC East in the last few years, but despite a star-studded squad and one of the best QB’s around – they have no proven Wide Receivers – and for me, that’s where they lose it this year, being edged out by the re-surged Aaron Rodgers and the NY Jets, and Miami’s outrageous offense of Hill, Waddle, Beckham Jr, Achane and Mostert. Whilst Miami’s defense may have undergone some changes recently, I think they’ll improve – but I simply think they have the tools to outscore everyone else. So, I’m tipping Miami to top the division here!
AFC North
One to watch: Baltimore Ravens
The Bengals will be back stronger than last year, with a healthy Joe Burrow they should have Ja’Marr Chase & Tee Higgins firing on all cylinders, again! However, my Superbowl favourite Baltimore are also in this division – so I can not see past them. Led by the best dual-threat QB around, Lemar Jackson and the addition of future hall of famer Derrick Henry will only aid their progress. If they can match last years defensive efforts, they will go close. The two big talking points for me in this division – will Browns again? Who will be QB1 – Russell or Fields? Thoughts?…
AFC South
One to watch: Houston Texans
I cannot see anyone in this division coming close to the Houston Texans this year. CJ Stroud found his mojo, and they’ve only added to the Roster. If Tank Dell and Nico Collins were not enough, Diggs adds experience and class – and on a mega one-year contract will for sure make a difference. Oh, and did I mention Joe Mixon and Danielle Hunter? They’re going to run away with it, with the Jags coming a not so close 2nd
AFC West
One to watch: Kansas City Chiefs
Look, the Chargers have appointed Jim Harbaugh, and Sean Payton is at the Bronco’s, Raiders still have Adams and Maxx Crosby – but Mahomes et al have just too much class, experience and skill. They will win this division, and they will do so comfortably. The reigning Superbowl Champions are simply too good, although I would not be surprised if Chargers found some form late on!
NFC East
One to watch: Dallas Cowboys
We know the Cowboys can attach, but with a new defensive coordinator – can they defend? I’m taking a punt on yes, they can. Philly will not be an easy team to topple and have a slightly favourable schedule, so they will be there until the end – I just think Dak will get the ball to CeeDee Lamb who will rack up the fantasy points again. Although, it is worth noting that I traded him last year, and he went on to be the WR1 from that point in. Ouch. Giants wont pose much of a threat, again – they could end up with the worst record in the conference. Washington? They’ll be hit and miss and not threat – if Ekeler is as elite as he was at Chargers, they may be playing play off football.
NFC North
One to watch: Green Bay Packers
As a Packers fan, I may be a little bit biased. But Jordan Love is the real deal, and although we lack experience, the wide receiver room is packed of raw talent ready to explode. Doubs was a diamond in the rough, Reed found great form and Watson had injury setbacks – the Packers will be there or thereabouts. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say it was a daunting task – Detroit will be one of the favourites to be jetting off to New Orleans for the Superbowl, Chicago could be whoever they want to be with rookies Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze, as well as experienced players Keenan Allen and D’Andre Swift. However, the Bears are not used to winning the last few years… Will they get up?
NFC South
One to watch: Atlanta Falcons
Kirk Cousins will get the points on the board, my main concern is can they keep them off the board. Although Drake London and Kyle Pitts had a very average year last year, that was with a wildly inconsistent and below average QB – now they have one of the best in the league, and have added the likes of Darnel Mooney and Rondale Moore. They will win this snooze fest of a division. The Buccs will be pushing hard with Baker Mayfield returning to what is a very stable offense, expect more of the same as last year, but they will be found out now and again. I do not have much to stay about the Saints in their home Superbowl year, and the Panthers have added Diontae Johnson and an explosive RB – but it will not be enough to turn the corner sadly.
NFC West
One to watch: San Fran, who else?
Deebo is a very good wide receiver, but if we’re being honest San Francisco do not have the best WR room, especially if they look Aiyuk. Rams have Kupp and Nacua, who could cause havoc if injury free and both find their peaks, Seattle have DK, Lockett and Smith-Njigba and Kyler Murray can now through to highly rated rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. Despite this, San Francisco has Christian McCaffrey who with a very steady Brock Purdy, could win this division alone. So keep an eye out for a surprise from Rams & Seahawks, but expect to see San Fran run away with this one again.
