June Predictions For All Six NFL Divisions

The NFL season is still months away, but it is never too early to make a few predictions. Just about every division in the NFL is legitimately up for grabs, so 2013 should be a pretty crazy year. With many of you beginning to consider draft time for your fantasy football leagues here are predictions for the eight divisions.

 

AFC East – New England Patriots

 

Once again, the New England Patriots were barely tested in their division, as they cruised to another AFC East title. Despite the departure of Wes Welker, things should stay pretty much the same in this division. The Miami Dolphins might be more of a challenge than they were in 2012, but an easy out of division schedule for the Patriots should give them 12-13 wins this season.

 

AFC North – Cincinnati Bengals

 

One might expect the defending Super Bowl champions here, but the Baltimore Ravens took too many steps back in the offseason. Meanwhile, the Bengals became better, both through the draft and in free agency. If rookies Tyler Eifert and Giovani Bernard fit in offensively, they could have the most potent offense in the NFL.

 

AFC South – Houston Texans

 

The Indianapolis Colts were a nice story in 2012, and they almost pulled off winning the division. However, the Colts should take a slight step back, while the Texans remain the class of the division with a solid nucleus. The franchise will be looking to make a statement in the playoffs for a change in 2013, so winning the division is only the first goal of the season.

 

AFC West – Denver Broncos

 

Any time an NFL team wins a division by six games, they have to be the heavy favorites the following year. Denver has a healthy Peyton Manning with a stronger arm this season, plus the addition of veteran wide receiver Wes Welker. This should be another easy division win for the Broncos.

 

NFC East – New York Giants

 

Just about everything that could have gone wrong, did go wrong for the Giants in 2012. With all that being said, they still somehow finished just a game behind Washington. The Redskins will be dealing with Robert Griffin III injury issues from the offseason, so they could very well take a slight step back. New York has won with this core before, and there is no reason to think they can’t do it again.

 

NFC North – Green Bay Packers

 

Aaron Rodgers is so good that he could probably win this division for any of the other three teams. Of course, that also proves just how balanced the division is as well. Look for Detroit to have a strong bounce back season, and Minnesota to be in the mix as well, but Green Bay wins again.

 

NFC South – New Orleans Saints

 

After Atlanta dominated this division in 2012, things should get much more competitive in 2013. All of the other three teams became better in the offseason, but the Saints still have the most firepower. They squeeze out the division title behind the steady play of Drew Brees.

 

NFC West – San Francisco 49ers

 

This is a two-team race, with the Seattle Seahawks giving the 49ers all they can handle. At the end of the day, San Francisco has a better all-around offense to go with their punishing defense. Look for them to be Super Bowl contenders yet again.