NFL Roundup: The Polygon Breaks it Down
As we near the end of the NFL regular 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
The Ravens are led by reigning MVP Lamar Jackson, who’s thrown for 29 touchdowns with only two interceptions. The Ravens’ signing of accomplished running back Derrick Henry was one of the NFL’s biggest free agency moves in the off-season. There were questions about Henry’s longevity, as many believed he was reaching the tail end of his career, but Henry proved his doubters wrong as he’s been the NFL leader in rushing touchdowns and is second in rushing yards. As the division currently stands, the Steelers are on top of the AFC North, but over the next few weeks, I predict the Ravens will overtake this division.
AFC East: Bills
The Buffalo Bills currently have a 10-3 record and are leading the AFC East by five 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 20 touchdown passes with five interceptions and a QBR rating of 74.5. To give Allen another weapon, the Bills traded for Amari Cooper, which added depth to their offense and allowed emerging players such as tight end Dalton Kincaid and running back James Cook to thrive, with defenses focusing on Cooper. There’s much to like about the Bills’ offense with playmakers such as wide receivers Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir, combined with their consistent offensive line and, of course, the current favorite for NFL MVP Josh Allen. They should win this division comfortably and are a major threat to win the entire conference.
AFC West: Chiefs
The Chiefs sit at 12-1. 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 20 or more points in 10 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 the top offenses in the NFL. Recently, Mahomes’ stats have improved, and the Chiefs remain one of 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 second overall in the 2023 draft, their franchise has been turned around. The Texans have done well to support Stroud, adding weapons such as young receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell, veteran running back Joe Mixon, and recently, the former All-Pro wide receiver Stefon Diggs from the Bills. The Texans look like one of the stronger teams in the NFL, with a top-tier offense. Also, 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 are 11-2 and have found major success under head coach Dan Campbell, showing a well-rounded offense led by quarterback Jared Goff and the best rushing duo in the NFL, 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, the dynamic abilities of this offense make it 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 young linebacker Jack Campbell, 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 contender 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 wide receiver Terry McLaurin, running back Austin Ekeler, and tight end 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 behind the Eagles by three games, but I’m betting on the continued success of Jayden Daniels in leading the Commanders to their first NFC East title in the past four seasons.
NFC West: Rams
The Los Angeles Rams have played better once games began to matter significantly, winning five of their last seven. Veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford has been efficient with the receiving talent he’s been given in the returning superstar wide receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. The Rams would’ve liked a better start than a 1-4 record, but I believe their talent will emerge later in the season. Currently in second place in the division at 7-6, they should win what will be a very close division.
NFC South: Falcons
During the offseason, the Atlanta Falcons traded for Quarterback Kirk Cousins in a blockbuster deal with the Vikings. Cousins immediately made an impact, and the Falcons are sitting neck and neck with the Buccaneers for the NFC South title. Cousins 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 3052 yards and 17 touchdowns through 11 games this season. The Falcons have lost four in a row now, but I see them turning back to their beginning-of-season form to take home the NFC South. Their division rivals, the Panthers, Saints, and Buccaneers, are all .500 or below. I believe Cousins will lead this team to an NFC South title.
