February 5th 2017 and Superbowl LI in Houston seems a distant memory now. But, who could forget the Patriots with their epic comeback! 28-3 down to the Falcons in the 3rd quarter yet coming back to win in OT (the first ever Superbowl to be decided in OT).

So, it all starts again this weekend (Pats vs Chiefs being a tasty starter on Thursday). 32 teams, 16 games each all with the aim of reaching Superbowl LII at the US Bank Stadium on the 4th of February 2018. Home of the Minnesota Vikings.

The Patriots start as massive favourites to retain their title but the Seahawks, Steelers and Packers may have a say in that. And, who knows a surprise package like the Falcons last year could come from nowhere (Raiders?). The bookmakers certainly make the Pats clear favourites.

The League is split into 4 divisions within the NFS & AFC. Each team will play 16 games to determine who reaches the post-season. Playoffs will determine who wins the AFC Championship and NFC Championship, who will then meet in the Superbowl.

AFC East

Patriots to win

Patriots: Current champions and clear favourites to win everything with some even contemplating a possible 16-0 season! They will easily win this division and probably with the AFC but maybe the Raiders will shock them during post season?

Bills: LeSean McCoy will always win a few games for the Bills on his own but there isn’t much there to make an impact. Probably looking at a 8-8 season perhaps

Dolphins: Continue to improve each season and will do again this season. If their rushing department clicks, they could reach 11-5 or even 12-4.

Jets: Umm, what can you say about the Jets? It will be a very long season for the Jets, lucky to reach 3 wins.

AFC North

Steelers will win

Steelers: If Ben Rothlisberger stays injury free when it matters and Bell plays a whole season but especially there at the end, anything is possible. Steelers will reach postseason and could test the Patriots on a good day.

Ravens: The rushing department will always let the Ravens down this season. If Joe Flacco gets injured too, it will be the defence only that will win games. Its an epic defence but not enough

Browns: The offence of the Browns is okay but their defence really need to turn up and influence games as they can’t simply score more than the opposition to win.

Bengals: The nearly men of the NFL in a way. The pass and defence is very strong but a weak rushing could mean a decent season only. If rushing clicks, could challenge the Steelers for the division.

AFC West

Raiders likely to sneak it

Raiders I fancy the Raiders to surprise a few people this season and could they go all the way to the Superbowl? Derek Carr has the ammunition to make an impact but the Patriots stand in their way in the AFC.

Chiefs: Another strong contender in the AFC but Alex Smith must exceed potential and I don’t think their defence can keep their TD recoveries from last season.

Chargers: Weird to say this, but the Los Angeles Chargers will have a decent season of maybe 9-7 or 8-8 due to Philip Rivers. But he doesn’t have a whole lot of options and questions marks against the defence.

Broncos: The defence will win a few games on their own by grinding teams down and simply stop them playing. But the offence will not score massive amounts of points.

AFC South

Titans will win

Titans: I don’t know why, but I really enjoy watching the Titans play football. Marcus Mariota and his offence will 100% do some damage with Decker and Henry. If the defence steps up and if the Titans can actually beat the poor teams, they will have a good season.

Texans: JJ Watt has to stay healthy for the Texans to have any chance of a decent season. The running backs need to click as the QB has no hope. 8-8 season I imagine.

Jaguars: Average across the board. Nothing special in any department really but will win a few games but nowhere near enough.

Colts: They could have a decent season IF Andrew Luck's shoulder can stay intact after surgery. He could have the support of Gore in terms of a decent RB but those legs are getting on. Lots of IF's with the Colts.

NFC East

Cowboys or Giants too close to call

Cowboys: The 1st 6 games of their season will determine whether they win the division or not. Ezeniel Elliott, their star RB is absent. If they do well, they win the division, if not, they wont.

Giants: I fancy them to win the division as I can see the Cowboys struggling early. Eli Manning keeps going (how?!) but he needs the defence to contribute too.

Eagles: Carson Wentz will make a few things happen but their season will be simply okay as they lack consistency but their defence will support Wentz win a few.

Redskins: Just like the Eagles in a way. Can be brilliant, can be awful. Will need less of the awful to do anything decent.

NFC North

Packers territory!

Packers: Aaron Rodgers and his offence will always score points. How many their defence stop will determine their season. If it does, could win NFC maybe.

Lions: Wow, they love a drama in Detroit! How many games did Stafford pull out of the fire in the 4th quarter last year! Surely he can’t dig them out again, but most games should be close. How many of those they win will determine if they make postseason.

Vikings: Their home stadium will host the Superbowl so should be added motivation. This team has potential, and if everyone clicks – this season’s Falcons?

Bears This could be an awful season for the Bears. Everything has to go well for it to be a decent season. Can’t see it, and throw in a few injuries and it will be a long season.

NFC South

Panthers will win it

Panthers: The Panthers have been together as a team for what seems like years and years. Very strong in every division and if Cam Newton becomes a team player, they can win the division.

Falcons: Last year’s runners up and wow, were they entertaining or what!! But, I think teams will have worked them out this year and losing Kyle Shanahan is a massive blow. Matt Ryan and Julio Jones will still ensure a great season, but 2nd to the Panthers I reckon.

Saints: Adrian Petterson will add a new dimension to the Saints and give Drew Brees options to his game. But the Saints will be bullied and concede shed loads of points as well so expect high scoring games but they will probably end on 7-9.

Buccs: They can achieve something this year IF they play smart football and avoid making stupid errors. The team has potential but have tendencies to lose focus.

NFC West

Seahawks will win it

Seahawks: Will easily win the division and could reach Championship game. They are a very machine like team with a fierce home crowd.

Cardinals: One player will determine this season for the Cardinals – David Johnson. If he clicks, Carson Palmer has variety. If he doesn’t, it’s the kicking game and field goals that will win games.

Rams: The defence is quite good but offence will probably grind to a halt and the defence isn’t that good to win games. Long season ahead with a few surprise wins.

49ers: Kyle Shanahan will provide a lift to the 49ers but there is no talent there to make an impact.

Summary:

Patriots are certainly favourites to win the Superbowl but the Raiders will definitely push them hard in the AFC alongside the Steelers. In the incredibly competitive NFC, the Seahawks will bring their A game to challenge the Packers.

Superbowl finalists – I love a fairy tale so I’m going for Raiders vs Seahawks final!! And, if sober… probably Patriots vs Packers!!

By Swanny Jack - Superbru's 2016 NFL Global Champion

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