This is the year the AFC gets a little crazy.
There isn’t a dominant team despite what fans want to believe. There are teams that are beginning to see a shift in their fortunes. Most of those teams play in the AFC East, which is where the root of the craziness could occur this season.
The Bills, Dolphins, and yes even the Jets are much improved teams. Especially on defense, where the Bills could have arguably the best defensive unit in the NFL. Nothing is guaranteed, and as I stated in my NFC predictions doing this leaves a lot up for debate. But I like debate, so here’s something to talk about: my 2015 AFC Division Predictions.
AFC East
1. Miami Dolphins
Do I know what I’m doing when I say the Dolphins will win the AFC East and the Patriots won’t make the playoffs? I’ll admit, you can very easily change my mind on this one (probably not very easily, just being nice). But the team the Dolphins have put together hinges on Ryan Tannehill and his ability to take a step forward. I’m betting he does and takes advantage of a really good defense behind him, even if that means betting on them to win a division they haven’t won since 2008.
2. New England Patriots
3. Buffalo Bills
4. New York Jets
AFC North
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
2. Baltimore Ravens*
Terrell Suggs was lost for the season after week one. I’m still not budging on them because I believe they are well coached, well stocked with talent, and (still) well-equipped to make a dent in the playoffs. Losing Suggs hurts, but Ozzie Newsome has drafted well and I believe it pays off big time.
3. Cincinnati Bengals
4. Cleveland Browns
AFC South
1. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have the look and feel of a dominant unit without actually being one. Andrew Luck is great, the pieces around him are nice, but I write them in only because the rest of the division isn’t as good. Houston has the best chance of catching them, but without a franchise Quarterback the Colts are benefiting from the draw more than anything else.
2. Houston Texans
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
4. Tennessee Titans
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos
2. Kansas City Chiefs*
I flip-flopped between the Chargers and Chiefs but ultimately put my faith in Andy Reid and what he’s done this offseason. Philip Rivers is a Quarterback I like more than Smith, but the Chiefs roster as a whole is just better.
3. San Diego Chargers
4. Oakland Raiders
*Represents Wild Card teams
AFC Championship Game Call: Baltimore Ravens defeat Miami Dolphins
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