So, a while back I wrote an article where I predicted each NFL division winner and gave my pick for the Super Bowl LI champion. Well, the Super Bowl isn't for about a month, but the regular season concluded in (as per usual) dramatic fashion, and it turns out I picked every single division winner correctly!...for the AFC. The NFC...not so much. I'm going to go over what happened in each division this year, and how my predictions fared against reality. Let's dive in, shall we?
AFC East - New England Patriots
Prediction - Patriots
As it turns out, "Picking against the Patriots in a division they win nearly every year is unsubstantiated and ridiculous," just as I said in my original article. The Pats churned out 3 victories in Brady's 4-game suspension, and only lost one more after he returned. The Dolphins were one of this year's biggest surprises by making the playoffs as a wild card. The Bills had a regular, average Bills season, and the Jets...yeah I don't know.
NFC East - Dallas Cowboys
Prediction - Eagles
Turns out Dallas' offensive line could propel just about anyone to a good season. Behind a dynamic rookie QB/RB combo, Dallas won 13 games this year and took the top playoff seed in the NFC. New York's defense proved to be stout all year, clinching them a playoff berth in the NFC wild card despite inconsistent offense. The Redskins proved that they can hang around with just about any team in the league, but won't always come out on top. Despite finishing last (in what turned out to be this season's toughest division), the Eagles have a solid base to build upon in future seasons.
AFC South - Houston Texans
Prediction - Texans
In a division that seemingly no team wanted to win, the Texans struggled their way to the AFC South title. Behind the most overpaid quarterback in the league, a strong running game and solid defense propelled Houston's successes. The Titans were another surprise team this season, putting together a balanced team. Indianapolis struggled on defense and finished third this season, while Jacksonville regressed to a poor season.
NFC South - Atlanta Falcons
Prediction - Panthers
Soooooooo Atlanta's offense...anyone see that coming? In what turned out to be the most dangerous group in the league, Atlanta scored like nobody's business which was good enough for first place and a bye this year. Tampa ended up with a winning record which was interesting, just as I predicted. New Orleans finished third as I predicted, as the defense wasn't up to snuff. Carolina couldn't put it together this year for some reason, and ended up in last place.
AFC West - Kansas City Chiefs
Prediction - Chiefs
In dramatic fashion, the Chiefs overtook the Raiders for first place in the final week of the season, albeit due to Derek Carr's broken leg. Both teams made the playoffs, though. Broncos started hot but froze in the midseason in some close finishes. San Diego did as San Diego does - finish last...AND lose to the Browns.
NFC West - Seattle Seahawks
Prediction - Cardinals
In what turned out to be a disappointing division overall, the Seahawks limped to 10 wins and a division title. Arizona regressed from last years successes due to inconsistent play overall. The Rams and 49ers both had miserable seasons and will be looking to improve mightily in the draft this year.
AFC North - Pittsburgh Steelers
Prediction - Steelers
Steelers got hot halfway through the season and never looked back, going 5-1 in the division and turning into a legitimate Super Bowl threat in the process. The defense improved its pass rushing and coverage, while the offense did as we thought it would. Baltimore surprisingly had a decent year behind a staunch defense, but fell to Pittsburgh in the ad hoc AFC North championship game. Cincinnati underperformed, but mainly due to offensive injuries. The Browns nearly had a perfect season (0-16), but San Diego prevented that from happening. Browns will be Browns.
NFC North - Green Bay Packers
Prediction - Packers
This one WAS close. Decided in the last week of the season, actually. Green Bay won their final 6 games to capture the division title and make the playoffs. The Lions, until Stafford's finger injury, were on remarkable pace to win the division, but ultimately fell to Green Bay in the ad hoc title game (still made the playoffs). Minnesota started 5-0 and looked unbeatable, then the Eagles derailed that train. Chicago did as I predicted, and finished last.
So, I did a decent job picking the winners. I guess the AFC is predictable, at least moreso than the NFC. Now, we wait for the Super Bowl.
