Inexplicably, the NFL season is already due back this week after it being what feels like only yesterday that the Eagles won their first Super Bowl ever in Minneapolis. This season shapes as to being the most intriguing in recent memory, with the NFC being wide open with up to six legitimate Super Bowl teams while the AFC could be even more open, thanks mainly to a lack of depth in the real contenders. Let's preview the 2018 season.
Big improvers:
AFC: Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers came so close to reaching the playoffs in the 2017 season and will rue close losses at the beginning of the season. Should Philip Rivers show the form he did last season along with star wide receiver Keenan Allen along with a significantly improved defence which includes two great edge rushers they may be a smokey to win the entire AFC.
Honourable mention: Houston Texans
A returning Deshaun Watson, who was an MVP candidate before injuring his ACL makes this team so much more dangerous.
NFC: New York Giants
The Giants became a much better team as soon as they sacked Ben McAdoo, then went and improved their roster in the off season. They drafted Saquon Barkley, maybe the most hyped prospect within his draft class and added Nate Solder at Left Tackle, a two-time Super Bowl Champion with the Patriots. Combine that with Odell Beckham Jr who just got paid, this defensively sound team should be pushing for the playoffs this season at least.
Honourable mention: Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers is back, meaning they will more than likely win their division and be a serious threat in the NFC, hopefully his teammates decide to help him out this season.
Drop offs:
AFC: Buffalo Bills
The Bills' fairytale playoff berth last season (they still worship Andy Dalton) will be the best memory in Buffalo for a long time based on this roster. Two below average quarterbacks, with McCarron being a backup at best and rookie Josh Allen proving inaccurate in the pre-season. Star running back LeSean McCoy may also miss time during this season for issues off the field.
Dishonourable mention: Oakland Raiders
Traded their best player Khalil Mack right on the edge of the season and reek of dysfunction with the appointment of Jon Gruden, a smokey for the worst record in football.
NFC: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In line to be the worst team this season, probably being in the toughest division in the league will not help them with three potential playoff teams in their division. Jameis Winston has not exploded into the star that was anticipated and he will not play until at least week four.
Dishonourable mention: Seattle Seahawks
Did not improve their offensive line and lost star corner back Richard Sherman, it would take a Wilson miracle to get this team to the playoffs in the NFC.
MVP candidates:
AFC: Antonio Brown (Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Patriots may have left the AFC's crown wide open after failing to make any moves during the off-season. Brown came hard late for MVP discussions last season due to his historic numbers, showing a change in the guard in how people view the MVP. If the Steelers wrestle control of the AFC, Brown's pure numbers could make him a good bet.
NFC: Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers)
The superstar is back and now he's been paid (and I mean PAID) he will be on a mission to add to his one Super Bowl ring and his two MVP awards. No man is as important to his team in the league as Rodgers is. They are an NFC Championship team with him and nowhere close to the playoffs without him.
Playoff teams:
AFC: Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers, New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs.
NFC: Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings.
Championship games:
AFC: Pittsburgh Steelers def. New England Patriots
Even at 41, Tom Brady can still do enough to get his team to an AFC championship game however the weapons are just not there anymore across the board. The Steelers should take the AFC with the all time talent they have on the offensive side of the field, big Ben Roethlisberger, Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown can finally kill the King of the AFC.
NFC: Los Angeles Rams def. Philadelphia Eagles
The up and coming Rams team has everything on its roster to take the league by storm. LA's quarterback Jared Goff showed why he was a number one pick and Todd Gurley was the Offensive Player of the Year. On the other side of the field, they have the Defensive Player of the Year in Aaron Donald and added a beast in Ndamukong Suh to partner him.
Super Bowl prediction: Los Angeles Rams def. Pittsburgh Steelers
As stated, the all around strength of the Rams should be enough to beat the Steelers come Super Bowl 53 in New Orleans.
