As we reach the mid-way point of the NFL season, the playoff picture is starting to sort itself out. Some of the divisions have a clear-cut winner, while others are up for debate. Here are my predictions for the winners of each division.
AFC North: Ravens
After starting the season with a 0-2 record, the Baltimore Ravens racked up five consecutive wins and currently lead the AFC North. The Ravens are led by reigning MVP Lamar Jackson, who’s thrown for fifteen touchdowns with only two interceptions. One of the NFL’s biggest free agency moves in the off-season was the Ravens signing of accomplished running back Derrick Henry. There were questions about Henry’s longevity, as many believed he was reaching the tail end of his career, but Henry proved the doubters wrong as he’s been the NFL leader in rushing yards and touchdowns. As the division currently stands, only the Steelers look to be competition for the AFC North. Still, over the next few weeks, I believe Jackson and the Ravens offense will continue their dominant run and prove themselves dominant to the rest of the AFC North.
AFC East: Bills
The Buffalo Bills currently have a 6-2 record and are leading the AFC East by three games. The Jets, Patriots, and Dolphins are all playing poorly, so this pick feels like a no-brainer. Josh Allen is playing at an elite level, throwing for twelve touchdown passes with zero interceptions and a passer rating of 108.3. To give Allen another weapon, the Bills recently traded for Amari Cooper, adding depth to their offense and allowing emerging players such as Tight End Dalton Kincaid to thrive, with defenses focusing on Cooper. There’s much to like about the Bills offense with young stars such as James Cook and Keon Coleman. They should win this division comfortably and are a major threat in the AFC.
AFC West: Chiefs
The Chiefs remain the only undefeated team in the NFL with a record of 8-0. The back-to-back Super Bowl champions have put the league on notice once again. Statistically, Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes isn’t having his best year but is playing winning football. The Chiefs offense, which was in question after a season-ending injury to star receiver Rashee Rice, is proving doubters wrong. They’ve scored twenty or more points in seven games this season, and with the recent acquisition of veteran receiver DeAndre Hopkins, they look to continue their winning ways. Defensively, the team has talent, including Cornerback Trent McDuffie, Linebacker Nick Bolton, and Defensive Tackle Chris Jones, and can match up against top offenses in the NFL. Surely, Mahomes’ stats will improve as the season goes on, as this Chiefs team remains the best in the league as they continue their conquest for a third consecutive Super Bowl victory.
AFC South: Texans
Since the Houston Texans selected C.J. Stroud as the number two pick in 2023, their franchise has been turned around. The Texans have done well to support Stroud, adding weapons such as Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Joe Mixon, and recently Stefon Diggs. The Texans look like one of the stronger teams in the NFL, with a top offense. Their defense has been performing well, to the surprise of many. The AFC South is weak this year, and looking at the other teams in the division, I’m confident the Texans will win it and possibly make a deep playoff run.
NFC North: Lions
The Lions have found major success under head coach Dan Campbell, showing a well-rounded offense led by Jared Goff and the best running duo in the NFL with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Amon-Ra St. Brown has become one of the most consistent wide receivers in the NFL, and paired with the electric Jameson Williams; this offense is one of the best in the league. An unfortunate leg injury to Superstar Defensive End Aidan Hutchinson will hurt their defense. Still, I’m confident that other defensive players, such as Cornerback Brian Branch and veteran Linebacker Alex Anzalone, will step up to fill the gap. The combination of this team’s intensity and talent will win them this division.
NFC East: Commanders
The Commanders have flipped the narrative of their franchise with former LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels at the helm. Daniels is a sure bet to win Rookie of the Year and is even in the conversation for MVP. The emergence of Daniels has also benefited their offensive stars like Terry McLaurin, Austin Ekeler, and Zach Ertz, who have performed week in and week out. However, the defense of the Commanders is a question mark, with issues in the secondary that will hurt them come playoff time. Currently, the Commanders are ahead of the Eagles, but I’m betting on the continued success of Jayden Daniels in leading the Commanders to their first NFC East title in the past 4 seasons.
NFC West: 49ers
San Francisco’s roster is stacked on both sides of the ball. With running back Christian McCaffrey returning soon, the Niners’ offense should be one of the best in the league. Third-year Quarterback Brock Purdy has been efficient with the overload of receiving talent he’s been given in George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, and Brandon Aiyuk. The defense, led by superstar Defensive End Nick Bosa and Three Time All-Pro Linebacker Fred Warner, is one of the toughest in the league and has definitely been performing. The Niners would’ve liked a better start than a 4-4 record, but I believe their talent will emerge later in the season, and they should win what looks to be a weaker division with ease.
NFC South: Falcons
During the offseason, the Atlanta Falcons traded for Quarterback Kirk Cousins in a blockbuster trade with the Vikings. Cousins has made an impact right away, and the Falcons are sitting atop the division by two games. He came into a favorable situation with young offensive weapons such as Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson. He has taken advantage of it, throwing for 2328 yards and seventeen touchdowns through nine games this season. The Falcons have won five out of their last six games and are improving weekly. Their division rivals, the Panthers, Saints, and Buccaneers, are all .500 or below, so it’s evident Cousins will lead this team to an NFC South title.
