AFC Playoff Teams Preview and Prediction
- SportsmanHunter
- Sep 7, 2017
- 10 min read
Here are the final six AFC team previews and predictions, in order of my predicted finish for the upcoming season. The NFC playoff teams will be released on Sunday, Sept. 10.
#1 Seed - New England Patriots
Preview - Going into the 2017-18 NFL season, the New England Patriots are the favorites to win it all after a dramatic comeback win over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI. Quarterback Tom Brady will again lead the way and should be in the running for the Most Valuable Player award again. He will need to find some new weapons to throw to after the injury to Julian Edelman and acquisitions of Brandin Cooks and Phillip Dorsett. Look for 2016 fourth-rounder Malcolm Mitchell to have a breakout season. The return of tight end Rob Gronkowski will ensure the Patriots again have a solid passing game, although I think Brady could turn just about any wide receiver/tight end/running back group into a formidable unit. The Patriots will likely use a running back committee this season, riding the hot hand and playing to their strengths. I like James White to enjoy a breakout season with Edelman out for the year. They may not boast the most lethal unit, but with Brady at the helm, the Pats will always be in a game, regardless of the deficit.
On defense, a stacked secondary got even better with the addition of Stephon Gilmore. Dont'a Hightower highlights a linebacker core that now includes former New York Jet David Harris, a solid veteran pickup who has new life on a Super Bow contender. The Patriots lone weakness may be on the defensive line, especially after an injury to 2017 third-rounder Derek Rivers. 2015 draft picks Malcolm Brown and Trey Flowers development will determine how strong the d-line can truly be.
Schedule
1 - vs Kansas City Chiefs (W)
2 - at New Orleans Saints (W)
3 - vs Houston Texans (L)
4 - vs Carolina Panthers (W)
5 - at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (W)
6 - at New York Jets (W)
7 - vs Atlanta Falcons (W)
8 - vs Los Angeles Chargers (W)
9 - BYE
10 - at Denver Broncos (W)
11 - at Oakland Raiders (W)
12 - vs Miami Dolphins (W)
13 - at Buffalo Bills (W)
14 - at Miami Dolphins (W)
15 - at Pittsburgh Steelers (L)
16 - vs Buffalo Bills (W)
17 - vs New York Jets (W)
Season Prediction - 14-2, 6-0 AFC East, AFC East Title
The Patriots only competition in the AFC East was the Miami Dolphins, who already lost their QB for the season. I expect the Patriots to breeze through the division, and most of the regular season for that matter. Even after the loss of Edelman, I'd expect the Pats to lock up home-field advantage for the playoffs and secure the top seed. The AFC will again run through New England.
#2 Seed - Oakland Raiders
Preview - The Oakland Raiders were on the verge of a special season before the injury to quarterback Derek Carr last year. In the upcoming 2017-18 campaign, Carr is now healthy and the Raiders should again have a stellar season. The offense will have more balance after the acquisition of running back Marshawn Lynch. Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper will again lead the wide receiver corps while newly-acquired tight end Jared Cook adds another weapon for Carr to throw to. The passing game could use another target but if Cooper and Crabtree can put up over 1,000 receiving yards each, the team should have no problem moving the ball up and down the field.
On defense, 2017 third-round defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes and fifth-round linebacker Marquel Lee will help bolster the Raiders' front-seven while first-round cornerback Gareon Conley should help out the secondary. Khalil Mack (11 sacks) and Bruce Irvin (7 sacks) will wreak havoc on opposing passing games while Karl Joseph, Reggie Nelson and David Amerson all return in the secondary. After allowing over 375 yards per game (26th in NFL) and over 24 points a game (20th) as a unit last year, I think the rookie picks could really help the defense improve. If they do, look out New England.
Schedule
1 - at Tennessee Titans (W)
2 - vs New York Jets (W)
3 - at Washington Redskins (W)
4 - at Denver Broncos (L)
5 - vs Baltimore Ravens (W)
6 - vs Los Angeles Chargers (W)
7 - vs Kansas City Chiefs (W)
8 - at Buffalo Bills (W)
9 - at Miami Dolphins (W)
10 - BYE
11 - vs New England Patriots (L)
12 - vs Denver Broncos (W)
13 - vs New York Giants (W)
14 - at Kansas City Chiefs (L)
15 - vs Dallas Cowboys (W)
16 - at Philadelphia Eagles (W)
17 - at Los Angeles Chargers (W)
Season Prediction - 13-3, 4-2 AFC West, AFC West Title
I really like this Raiders' team heading into the NFL season. They play in what I think will be the best division in football and have a brutal five-game stretch following their bye week. As I hinted at before, I think the defense takes a big leap forward, making the job even easier for a loaded offense. I think the week 11 matchup with the Patriots will determine who gets the top seed, and I just don't see the Raiders overtaking the Patriots for that spot this season. Still, the Raiders will be one of more fun teams to watch this season and are a serious Super Bowl contender.
#3 Seed - Pittsburgh Steelers
Preview - The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2017-18 season with one of the most dynamic offenses in the entire NFL. Led by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who contemplated retirement in the offseason, the Steelers ranked seventh in yards per game (372.6) and tenth in points per game (24.9) last season. Patient running back Le'Veon Bell is ready to roll after recently signing his franchise tender. Stud wide receiver Antonio Brown will again be Big Ben's top target, but the return of Martavis Bryant will take the offense to another level. If 2017 second-round pick JuJu Smith-Schuster can quickly develop into a reliable target, it will be incredibly hard to slow down the Steelers' offense.
There are still some questions on defense, although the addition of 2017 first-rounder T.J. Watt could be just what the unit needs to step up its play. A fully-healthy Ryan Shazier and improvement from Vince Williams and Bud Dupree could turn the linebacker core into one of the more imposing ones in the league. The Steelers could use better pass rush from the defensive line, but the addition of Joe Haden will already make the secondary better, regardless of how much time they need to cover opposing receivers.
Schedule
1 - at Cleveland Browns (W)
2 - vs Minnesota Vikings (W)
3 - at Chicago Bears (W)
4 - at Baltimore Ravens (L)
5 - vs Jacksonville Jaguars (W)
6 - at Kansas City Chiefs (L)
7 - vs Cincinnati Bengals (W)
8 - at Detroit Lions (W)
9 - BYE
10 - at Indianapolis Colts (W)
11 - vs Tennessee Titans (W)
12 - vs Green Bay Packers (W)
13 - at Cincinnati Bengals (L)
14 - vs Baltimore Ravens (W)
15 - vs New England Patriots (W)
16 - at Houston Texans (L)
17 - vs Cleveland Browns (W)
Season Prediction - 12-4, 4-2 AFC North, AFC North Title
The Steelers are the third and final team that I believe could represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. I like the Steelers defense to improve across the board and the offense should also improve from last year. Pittsburgh should get off to a 3-0 start before the team faces some tough tests on the road before a week nine bye. The bye week should give the Steelers' veteran-heavy roster some much-needed rest and allow the team to run away with the AFC North title.
#4 Seed - Tennessee Titans
Preview - The Tennessee Titans are on the rise as they enter the 2017-18 NFL season, led by improving quarterback Marcus Mariota. With another season under his belt, I think Mariota could be in for his biggest year yet, especially after the selections of Corey Davis and Taywan Taylor in the 2017 NFL Draft's first and third rounds, respectively. Rishard Matthews and Eric Decker give the wide receiver unit some experience to lean on while DeMarco Murray is primed for another 1,000-yard season as the team's lead back. I think Derrick Henry could also garner some carries as the year goes on, allowing Murray to stay fresh for the stretch run. Tight end Delanie Walker will serve as a red zone threat after a seven-touchdown season last year.
On defense, the Titans did some serious work, signing former Denver Bronco Sylvester Williams, Jacksonville Jaguar Johnathan Cyprien and New England Patriot Logan Ryan. If the group can gel with returning starters, Tennessee should improve its yards allowed per game (357.5) and points allowed per game (23.6). Among the returning players are leading tackler Avery Williamson, veteran pass rushers Derrick Morgan and Brian Orakpo and Pro Bowl d-lineman Jurrell Casey.
Schedule
1 - vs Oakland Raiders (L)
2 - at Jacksonville Jaguars (W)
3 - vs Seattle Seahawks (W)
4 - at Houston Texans (W)
5 - at Miami Dolphins (W)
6 - vs Indianapolis Colts (W)
7 - at Cleveland Browns (W)
8 - BYE
9 - vs Baltimore Ravens (L)
10 - vs Cincinnati Bengals (L)
11 - at Pittsburgh Steelers (L)
12 - at Indianapolis Colts (W)
13 - vs Houston Texans (W)
14 - at Arizona Cardinals (W)
15 - at San Francisco 49ers (W)
16 - vs Los Angeles Rams (W)
17 - vs Jacksonville Jaguars (W)
Season Prediction - 12-4, 6-0 AFC South, AFC South Title
With the uncertainty surrounding Indianapolis Colt QB Andrew Luck, the Titans are the favorites to win the AFC South, if they were not already, heading into the season. I like the Titans to go a perfect 6-0 in division games but to struggle against some of the middle-of-the-pack teams (Baltimore/Cincinnati). I still think the Titans are a year off from taking down the likes of the Steelers, Raiders and Patriots, but they certainly won't be blown out if any of those matchups were to occur in the postseason. Tennessee is a dark horse team in the AFC, but the lack of recent playoff experience could ultimately be a factor in how far the team advances.
#5 Seed - Kansas City Chiefs
Preview - The Kansas City Chiefs enter the 2017-18 NFL season coming off a 12-4 season a year ago. Despite the strong finish, the Chiefs lost in the Divisional Round of the playoffs for a second straight year. The Chiefs boast an elite defense, led by linebacker Derrick Johnson, cornerback Marcus Peters and safety Eric Berry. Dee Ford broke out for a 10-sack campaign last season, and with Justin Houston returning, the Chiefs' pass rush could be deadly. 2017 second-rounder Tanoh Kpassagnon could also carve out a role as a pass rusher. This defensive unit should be among the league's best this season.
The team's offense still has lots of question marks, most of which are centered on the play of quarterback Alex Smith. The Chiefs selected Patrick Mahomes II in the first round of the NFL Draft to not only pinpoint their future starter but also have insurance in case Smith is injured or underwhelms. I actually believe Mahomes is the starting quarterback down the final stretch of the season. Third-round pick Kareem Hunt should pick up a majority of the carries after veteran Jamaal Charles left for Denver. Electric wide receiver Tyreek Hill leads a wide receiver core looking to replace Jeremy Maclin. Tight end Travis Kelce should be in line for a big season with a lack of proven targets in the passing game.
Schedule
1 - at New England Patriots (L)
2 - vs Philadelphia Eagles (W)
3 - at Los Angeles Chargers (W)
4 - vs Washington Redskins (W)
5 - at Houston Texans (L)
6 - vs Pittsburgh Steelers (W)
7 - at Oakland Raiders (L)
8 - vs Denver Broncos (W)
9 - at Dallas Cowboys (L)
10 - BYE
11 - at New York Giants (L)
12 - vs Buffalo Bills (W)
13 - at New York Jets (W)
14 - vs Oakland Raiders (W)
15 - vs Los Angeles Chargers (W)
16 - vs Miami Dolphins (W)
17 - at Denver Broncos (L)
Season Prediction - 10-6, 4-2 AFC West, AFC Wild Card
The Chiefs need better quarterback play if they hope to win the AFC West again, and I just don't think Smith or Mahomes can provide that. The defense is going to be superb in keeping the Chiefs in games, giving them chances to win just about every matchup. As I mentioned before, I think Mahomes takes over as the starting QB (I'd predict in week 13) and helps the Chiefs into the playoffs. If you like low-scoring games where an elite defense makes things miserable for their opponents, the Chiefs are the team to watch.
#6 Seed - Indianapolis Colts
Preview - The Colts enter the season with a big question mark around their franchise quarterback Andrew Luck. Luck will not play in week one and the shoulder injury he has could keep him out for a majority of the season. I made my predictions thinking Luck would start the regular season, so if the team has to play multiple weeks without him, the team's playoff hopes decrease significantly. Scott Tolzien will line up behind center for now. The running back duo of Frank Gore and 2017 fourth-rounder Marlon Mack will each receive carries and try and help make up for the lack of Luck. Donte Moncrief and TY Hilton form a formidable 1-2 punch at wide receiver; it will be interesting to see how the team creates ways to get the ball in their hands if Luck misses extended time.
The Colts' defense has been the reason the team missed the postseason the past two seasons, but a draft class that featured six defensive players should help at least a bit. The additions of linebacker Jabaal Sheard, lineman Johnathan Hankins and linebeacker Jon Bostic give the Colts some veterans to fall back on. Still, expect rookies Malik Hooker, Quincy Wilson, Tarell Basham, Grover Stewart, Nate Hairston and Anthony Walker to all see plenty of snaps on the gridiron.
Schedule
1 - at Los Angeles Rams (W)
2 - vs Arizona Cardinals (W)
3 - vs Cleveland Browns (W)
4 - at Seattle Seahawks (L)
5 - vs San Francisco 49ers (W)
6 - at Tennessee Titans (L)
7 - vs Jacksonville Jaguars (W)
8 - at Cincinnati Bengals (W)
9 - at Houston Texans (L)
10 - vs Pittsburgh Steelers (L)
11 - BYE
12 - vs Tennessee Titans (L)
13 - at Jacksonville Jaguars (W)
14 - at Buffalo Bills (L)
15 - vs Denver Broncos (W)
16 - at Baltimore Ravens (L)
17 - vs Houston Texans (W)
Season Prediction - 9-7, 3-3 AFC South, AFC Wild Card
As mentioned before, these predictions were made thinking Luck would be the starting QB. The team does have some wiggle room as the schedule offers some winnable games to open the season. If the team wants any shot of reaching and advancing in the postseason though, Luck will need to return and be healthy.
Next - NFC Playoff Teams Preview and Prediction/ Week 1 Predictions/ Postseason Predictions
Sources not listed in article: ESPN - stats; Ourlads - depth chart; Playoff Predictors - schedule/record projections.
Comments