2015 NFL Playoff Predictions: The AFC

The new season is almost among us, so what better time to reveal my 2015 NFL playoff predictions than now?

The list is simple; I’ll go by division, predicting the winners of each, as well as the placing of all four teams in that respective division. Today it is the turn of the AFC.

And remember, just because your team isn’t on my list does not mean they won’t make the playoffs.

You can find the NFC predictions here.

2015 NFL PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS: THE AFC

AFC EAST

The AFC East has usually been a no-brainer, but with the Dolphins, Bills, and Jets upgrading on defense and offense, it appears that the Patriots’ road to the playoffs will finally get a bit of a challenge. In addition, Tom Brady will be missing the first four games of the season, so 2014 draftee Jimmy Garoppolo will get his chance to prove why he’s the future of the franchise.

Frankly, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that I’m picking the defending champion New England Patriots to win the AFC East again. Bill Belichick has created a team that can win in many, many kinds of ways, so losing Brady for four games shouldn’t be that much of a deal. The loss of Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner at cornerback stings, but not as badly as people would like to think. New England has long dominated the Yards After Catch (YAC) style of play as well, with the game’s best tight end in Rob Gronkowski, fresh in his prime.

The Miami Dolphins went big in free agency by signing, former Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, and significantly upgraded their receiving core, adding Greg Jennings, Jordan Cameron, and Kenny Stills to the mix to compete with Jarvis Landry and rookie Devante Parker. Lamar Miller has been a solid running back, and quarterback Ryan Tannehill is coming off a career year. They might not give New England a run for their money, but I see enough for a Wild Card spot.

In third place comes the Buffalo Bills. Rex Ryan’s defense, in addition with the underrated receiving corps of Sammy Watkins, Robert Woods, Percy Harvin and Charles Clay, make this a scary non-quarterback roster, but that’s just it. Buffalo does not have a quarterback to elevate this team of potential, their best bet should be to start Tyrod Taylor. They acquired LeSean McCoy, but he’s coming off a decline in production from 2014.

Still, I’d put Buffalo over the New York Jets, who come in last place for the division. The strong defense aided with the return of Darrelle Revis and the addition of Brandon Marshall would help, but the loss of Geno Smith for 6-10 weeks drops my ranking of them. While Geno hasn’t molded into a good quarterback, he’s a very talented one, showing off incredible mobility and excellent arm strength. Everyone knows Ryan Fitzpatrick’s limits, so let’s try and see what rookie Bryce Petty can do.

AFC NORTH

At one point last season, the AFC North was the top division in the league, with all four teams above a .500 win record and much in playoff contention. Then the Cleveland Browns realized they’re the Cleveland Browns and choked away their last five games.

As for the other three teams, it’s tough to choose who’s on top. But ultimately, I think the Pittsburgh Steelers win the division for a second straight year. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is coming off his finest season yet, and Antonio Brown has established himself as a top five receiver with perhaps the best route running out of anyone currently in the NFL. The loss of star back Le’Veon Bell for two games isn’t good, but his return should spark a much-needed fire into the offense. Martavis Bryant’s talent will also help Roethlisberger further his career numbers, and the acquisition of cornerback Brandon Boykin from the Eagles helps a declining defense.

Coming in second place is trickier, but the Cincinnati Bengals win this battle. They might have the best non-quarterback roster in the NFL. You have A.J. Green at receiver, Tyler Eifert at tight end, running backs Jeremy Hill and Giovanni Bernard, special teams ace Adam Jones, a great offensive line, and a strong defense. I’d be a lot more sold on them if quarterback Andy Dalton showed any signs of progression, but since 2011 he’s been the same mediocre signal caller that the team seems to win in spite of and not because of. He must show progression in 2015. Still, Cincinnati has enough talent to make this list as a wild card team once again, and Dalton giving his receivers chances will certainly help.

In third place comes the Baltimore Ravens. Like I said, choosing second place in the AFC North was not easy, but the Ravens lack the all-around depth the Bengals have, and while quarterback Joe Flacco is a quality starter, and certainly better than Dalton, he still has consistency issues that he’ll have to prove me wrong on. The receivers are either too old or too young, and can we expect running back Justin Forsett at age 30 to continue on his breakout season? This might be a season where Baltimore sits out in January.

The Cleveland Browns at the bottom of the AFC North should surprise no one, but until they get ACTUAL QUARTERBACK play, they’ll continue to stay down there, no matter how good their defense is.

AFC SOUTH

The Indianapolis Colts do not have the best roster of all four AFC South teams, but quarterback Andrew Luck, who has dragged a severely flawed team in the playoffs in his first three seasons, makes up for that. Indy also upgraded the receiving corps adding veteran Andre Johnson and drafting Phillip Dorsett. The running game improved by getting rid of Trent Richardson and adding Frank Gore. The franchise locked up receiver T.Y. Hilton before the inevitable Andrew Luck extension as well.

Coming in second place are the Houston Texans once again. J.J. Watt is coming off an MVP-caliber season, but even an amazing talent can’t hide that Houston lacks a quarterback. We already saw what Brian Hoyer could do and Ryan Mallet fails to impress whenever he did start. Star running back Arian Foster is injured once again, and the club lost a veteran in receiver Andre Johnson. This was somewhat mitigated by receiver DeAndre Hopkins being poised to have an elite season in his third year, and the acquisition of talented wideout Cecil Shorts. Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney’s health has to be considered too, coming off a disappointingly short rookie season.

In third place come the Jacksonville Jaguars. While not a playoff team yet, the young talent in players like, quarterback Blake Bortles, receivers Allen Hurns and Marqise Lee and tight end Julius Thomas, along with the veteran presence of tight ends Clay Harbor and Mercedes Lewis suggest a step in the right direction. The defense also shows promise, but this is something that will have to wait and see for now.

The Tennessee Titans come in fourth place. Losing receiver Justin Hunter after he was arrested for being involved in a bar fight is critical. The drafting of quarterback Marcus Mariota and receiver Dorial Green-Beckham suggests brighter things to come. There’s just nothing spectacular about this group of players, so like the Jaguars, things might have to wait.

AFC WEST

This might be the toughest division to pick from. A healthy Peyton Manning always equals a clear-cut division winner, but his arm strength has declined so much that we wonder if he can still rely on his famous football IQ.

Ultimately, I can’t count out quarterback Payton Manning, so the Denver Broncos come out on top this year. We’ve seen Manning come back from a neck injury to have the best old quarterback play since former Baltimore Colt Y.A. Tittle. The emergence of undrafted star running back C.J. Anderson will help the Broncos offense, and stud receivers Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders return in their prime. The defense is filled with promising talent, including linebacker Von Miller and the undrafted corner Chris Harris Jr. New head coach Gary Kubiak debuts in Denver, and it’s to be determined if he can do a better job than John Fox.

In second place return the Kansas City Chiefs.The Chiefs managed to upgrade their wide receiver depth, adding Jeremy Maclin to the team and promoting talented tight end Travis Kelce to starter. At running back having Jamaal Charles fresh and healthy helps as well, and Knile Davis isn’t half-bad as a backup. The Chiefs locked up Justin Houston, one of the best defensive players not named J.J. Watt, so the playing field is pretty even. Could this be the year Alex Smith decides to take the ever-so-crucial-risky passes? We shall see, and that’s where my doubts come in.

In third place are the San Diego Chargers. Recently, the club locked up quarterback Philip Rivers, who when healthy, will keep the team competitive in December. Losing future Hall Of Fame tight end Antonio Gates for the first four games damages the veteran presence, but it also gives an opportunity for the young Ledarius Green to shine. Outside of safety Eric Weedle and cornerback Brandon Flowers, there’s not much reason to believe in the defense containing the tough schedule, and the offensive line is coming off a second half struggle in 2014. Drafting running back Melvin Gordon doesn’t hurt, and this will be a team that will at least stay competitive in the dying weeks of the season.

The Oakland Raiders are in last place again, but the club upgraded at wide receiver, drafting Amari Cooper to give Derek Carr some help at separation. Carr’s inconsistency as a rookie quarterback was maddening, but he also showed signs of great play last year. Khalil Mack has become a star linebacker, and should continue to grow. Latavius Murray gave the club hope at the running back position, and should be poised as the starter. Stepping stone for something better, Raider Nation.