Red marches on to the American Football Conference – not to be confused with Lake America or the Gulf of America or any other stupidity coming out of the White House.
Buffalo – The Bills (who play in Orchard Park) have been a reasonably safe bet to make the playoffs for many years now. Winning 12 games last season despite a depleted receiving corps, a lackluster defense and some turmoil at the top. But they now have a Brady (a Joe Brady) at the helm and a new DC and a new stadium to boot. Josh Allen is still the man until proven otherwise. DJ Moore will help as WR. The defense is definitely shored up with new defense backs, an edge rusher and linebacker. On the downside, the Bills do have to play their fellow second place brethren (Rams and Texans) on the road and have relatively tough matchups playing the NFC North and less so with the AFC West. The first game in Houston may tell a lot about how the season goes. Fortunately for the Bills it looks like this may be the easiest division in the NFL to win in 2026. Bills take the crown with a mediocre 10-7 record.
New England – The most overperforming team (other than the Bears) last season overperformed their way into about the most pathetic Superb Owl performance since the Vikings sad run in the olden days. Only a late TD kept it from being a total wipeout. Drake Maye looked overmatched and outwitted in throwing 2 INTs and being sacked 6 times. The Pats face a much tougher road back to the playoffs this season. In 2025, the Pats beat exactly one count ‘em one team with a winning record. And that team – Buffalo – avenged the early season loss in week 14. Beating the hapless Chargers, perennial second-round loser Texans and the depleted Broncos in the playoffs only led to humiliation in Santa Clara. This season the Pats will play ten games against teams that have real playoff potential. Of course there are 2 games against the Bills, but they also face the Stealers, Jaguars, Bears, Packers, Lions, Chiefs and Broncos. Red calls it 9-8 for the Pats and a very narrow path to a wildcard at best.
New York – Meet the Jets, greet the Jets, step right up and beat the Jets. It’s 1973 and Red’s big brother Johnny “Rag Arm” Serruto is singing this at breakfast and it still holds true today. Red really likes Geno Smith but he did lead the league in interceptions last season and has the distinct disadvantage of playing in New Jersey. Jets are a run of the mill 8-9.
Miami – “I’ve seen teams suck before, but they were the suckiest bunch of sucks that ever sucked.” H. Simpson. Red just has to quote Homer every year at some point. Why not get it out of the way early on? It’s true that the Dophins (who do not play in Miami proper) look like a basket case and will be lucky to eke out a 5-12 record.
Let’s just get on with it. The AFC West – Last but certainly not least.
Denver – Red really likes the Broncos chances here. This was a team that should have been in the Superb Owl last season, but for missing Bo Nix and lackluster running game. The Broncos looked out of sync in the snowy conditions. All the pieces are back this season. Nix is developing behind center and the backfield is solid if certainly not spectacular. Jaylen Waddle is a key addition to the receiving corps. The Broncos defense was top tier and probably the main reason the team went 14-3 and surprisingly secured the top spot in the AFC – not that it did them much good in the AFC Championship game. Yet somehow, the Broncos are not the favorite on the road in the Monday night kickoff against the Chiefs. That game will tell a lot about both teams. Stay tuned for Red’s Week 1 predictions. The best team in the NFL looks likely to repeat as division champs. Broncos are down a bit but still finish 12-5.
Los Angeles – Red has been overly solicitous of the Chargers over the years. And they have pretty much disappointed him. Justin Herbert is back for the 3rd season of the so far lagging Jim Harbaugh era. New offensive and defensive coordinators could spell trouble out of the box with new schemes, but the good news is the first two games are against the Cardinals and Raiders at home in southern California. Then comes a tough 7 week stretch traveling across the 3-time zone hex to face the Bills, up the coast to Seattle, followed by the Broncos, Chiefs, Rams, Texans and Ravens. Even after that there are not just a whole lot of obvious wins on the schedule. The Jets at home, then another triple time zone game in Tampa Bay, and the Raiders again. Chargers will have to bring it and win some games against playoff teams, but 9-8 looks pretty good and maybe a peek at the playoffs.
Kansas City – All dynasties have some dips (ask any Roman emperor). The Chiefs took a big dive last season missing the playoffs with a pathetic 6-11 campaign ending an 11 year playoff run while losing 8 of 9 down the stretch. Mahomes was out after Week 15 and Gardner Minshew also went down, but by that point the season was practically over for the Chiefs. Mind you, the Chiefs were 1-9 in one possession games after setting an NFL record 12 wins in such games in 2024. But the Chiefs never really seemed that close to breaking out after an 0-2 start despite being 5-3 near the turn. The disappointing running game will get a boost with Kenneth Walker III leaving the Seahawks and the receiving corps is adequate with perhaps a budding star in X. Worthy. The defense will benefit from some new young players like Peter Woods, but defense does not win games in KC. Still it is hard to see too much improvement. Red bags the Chiefs for a 9-8 finish and a close call on the tiebreaker for the last AFC playoff spot, but you just never know when Andy Reid is in charge.
Las Vegas – Vegas Baby, Vegas! Truth be told, Red has never had much use for Las Vegas. Everyone should see it once, but once is enough and Red has had much more than enough. The worst team in the league last season is looking to rebuild behind Heisman Trophy winner and national champion Fernando Mendoza. New HC Klint Kubiak also fresh of a championship season in Seattle is a good start as well. Backup QB Kirk Cousins should steady the ship. But the big question is: Can the Raiders sad sack O line keep Mendoza from having his career killed before it ever gets started? – Think David Carr in the Texans first couple of seasons. Look for the Raiders to be the most improved team in the league in 2026, but that does not translate to much more than a mediocre 7-10 ending.
This week featured quite a few exciting down to the wire games, but for a change – Red posts his weekly rankings early.
Kansas City Chiefs – A bit of a grind to dispatch a very game Saints team, but they were ground down fine enough.
Minnesota Vikings – Probably deserve to have the top ranking, but Red has his rules. Plus a bit of the shine came off Darn Old Sam as the offense struggled.
Detroit Lions – The next 5 weeks will tell us if the Lions are really real.
Baltimore Ravens – Derrick Henry takes the team on his back and carries it to an OT win. His run on the Ravens’ first possession in OT will be featured in his Hall of Fame highlights.
Washington Commanders – We will see after the Commandos play the Ravens.
Houston Texans – Red unimpressed by the H-Town logo, helmets and end zone paint and almost coughing up a 3 score lead. Somewhat more impressed by holding off the Bills in crunch time.
Buffalo Bills – The defense is teetering. You can’t expect Josh Allen to pull a win out of the hat week in and week out. Weak out!
Atlanta Falcons – Flying high now. Cue the music. Cue the dancers. Cue the balloons.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – OT loss in Atlanta does not bode well. It bodes bad -sad.
Denver Broncos – Bo Nix, go fix, no picks, so licks – and it suddenly it falls apart.
Seattle Seahawks – A 102 yard fumble return should win you the game. But the Lions are good enough to overcome such nonsense.
Dallas Cowboys – Don’t get too excited over a very ugly win in Pittsburgh.
Chicago Bears – You beat the Panthers, Little Whoop!
San Francisco 49ers – Having yet to win a division or conference game is not what we would call a particularly good look.
Los Angeles Chargers – Bye, bye, bolts. Huh, you say?
Arizona Cardinals – Beating what figures at some point to be a real 49ers team was a big lift and a big lift.
New York Giants – Red is betting on the come here. And expecting snake eyes any moment.
New Orleans Saints – are marching out.
Las Vegas Raiders – Does anyone really know what time it is? You know they don’t put clocks in the casinos for a reason.
Miami Dolphins – Unfortunately, they cannot play the Patriots every week.
Indianapolis Colts – Can’t blame Flacco Joe for losing to the a formerly winless Jags team. The defense stunk it up.
New York Jets – Adios Coach whatever your name was.
Philadelphia Eagles – Red is certain that this week’s lowly ranking will stimulate the Eagles to better things.
Pittsburgh Stealers – Maybe everyone is focused on the election?
Los Angeles Rams – Taking top spot in the shitty teams section of this post.
Cincinnati Bengals – Sometimes it just aint your year.
Tennessee Titans – This team may not be as bad as Red suspects. But talk to Red after trips to Buffalo and Detroit.
Cleveland Browns – Is Deshaun Watson the black Johnny Manziel?
Jacksonville Jaguars – Sucking just a little bit less last week.
Los Angeles Rams – You cannot believe how satisfying it is for Red to type “30” and then put the Rams next to it.
Carolina Panthers – Red Rifle backfires.
New England Patriots – Red has waited a long time for this.
Red used to refer to the AFC South as “The Division of Excellence” or something like that because like Rodney Dangerfield it “got no respect” from most of the pundits despite frequently having among the best collective records of any division in the NFL. Of course, the AFC South has all of one – count it one – NFL Championships coming with the Colts win over the Bears in 2006. The Colts accounted for the division’s only other AFC Championship but lost to the Saints in the 2009 Superb Owl.
Last season, the division was dominated by two excellent squads with Tennessee and Indianapolis both posting 11-5 records while the Texans (4-12) and Jaguars (1-15) soiled the bed linens. Neither the Colts nor the Titans could make it out of the Wild Card round as the Titans lost a tough game against the Ravens while the Colts almost knocked off the Bills.
Moving on to this season, Red doesn’t see much reason for change at the top or the bottom of this division.
Tennessee Titans (11-6). Red picks the Titans to repeat as division champs. Admittedly, it is hard to look at the Titans 2021 schedule and not wonder how exactly 10 wins will be forthcoming. Other than the 4 games against the Texans and Jaguars there appears to be only one soft spot on the schedule in week 4 against the Jets. But with loyal fans like Jana (originally from Germany but now woefully ensconced somewhere in Florida) who had her car “wrapped in the Tennessee Titans logo” and whose “biggest wish is for the team to autograph my car” – how can this team miss? With the amount of offensive firepower Coach Mike Vrabel and new OC Todd Downing have at their disposal, this team should easily be among the AFC leaders in points scored if not for the fact that they play in the same conference with the Chiefs, Bills, Ravens and Browns. Geez guys you got A J Brown, Derrick Henry and Julio Jones. Even All-Mediocre QB Ryan Tannehill should be able to do something with that bunch. Red also likes the addition of wily veteran Jackrabbit Jenkins to the secondary and Bud Dupree to linebacking corps. JRJ earns the wily designation because he has scored 10 career touchdowns ranking first among active defensive players (JJ Watt may beg to differ). If Dupree is fully recovered from his torn ACL he gives the Titans another legit edge rusher.
Indianapolis Colts (9-8). The most exciting news out of the Colts training camp does not involve who will replace P. Rivers under center, but rather the Throwback Game on November 28 against the NFL Champion Buccaneers. The big feature of the throwbacks will be the double horseshoes on the back of the helmet. Red for one can hardly wait to see the ghosts of Weeb Eubank, Jonny Unitas , Don Ameche and Tom Matte rallying the Colts to an OT win over the hated Buccaneers. And for Dad, the Colts Cheerleaders (claiming to be the NFL’s first cheer squad) will also be sporting throwbacks. Sorry no pictures available. As for the team, who knows? Sam Ehlinger from Texas could be the starting QB by Week 13 when the Colts come to Houston. Ehlinger is undefeated at NRG having trounced Rice in 2019 and Missouri in the 2017 Texas Bowl. The Colts could do worse. As with the Titans, the Colts don’t have a favorable schedule and one that is possibly harder than the Titans with the matchup against the aforementioned defending champion Bucs. Other than the weaklings of the AFC South and the Jets, every game looks like a toss-up.
Jacksonville Jaguars (6-11). No team in the league has tried harder to get better with fewer results than the Jags. Given the current pathetic state of London’s favorite team, it is hard to believe that the Jags were one touchdown away from playing in the Superb Owl in 2017. Things do change fast in this era. In the biggest news since Donald Trump professed his undying love for North Korean Dictator Kim Jung Un, new Jaguars Head Coach Urban Meyer recently declared, “I love Bobby Bowden” while mourning the death of his long-time Florida football rival at age 91. Oh yeah, and in addition to adding the second most successful college coach of the last 20 years, the Jags have a new QB who is the latest in a long line of “can’t miss” top of the draft class rookies. Red thinks the book is out on Trevor Lawrence until at least a couple of chapters are written. Ask Jonny Manziel, Sam Bradshaw, Jamarcus Russell, David Carr, Vince Young, Andre Ware and Joey Harrington about this. Coming into a sad-sack franchise often plays a role in the transformation from an NFL career back to being a working stiff (albeit a rather wealthy stiff) in civil society – and the sacks don’t get much sadder than they do in Jacksonville.
Houston Texans (3-13-1). Hey Bill, how many games do you think the Texans will win this year without your brilliant leadership skills? See photo above for answer. Well the Texans would be right in claiming that “Bad luck and trouble -my only friends.” Perhaps the Texans were born under a bad sign. Red won’t recount his personal travails with the franchise (like the 1422 days after the franchise opening win against the Cowboys and attending another game in which they eked out a win). The fallout from the Bill O the Clown era will be with the team for a good while. If there has been a more incompetent team leader, Red sure can’t summon up the name. BO the C routinely gave the store away in trades, ran off good players, pissed off the media and the fans, repeatedly showed his incompetence in game management and yet, somehow managed to win four AFC South division titles and two playoff games. Notably, BO the C only had one season with more than 10 wins in 2017 but then his team got gobsmacked by the Colts in the Wild Card round. Admittedly, some blame has to be placed on the shoulders of Team President (and leading candidate for starring in a Captain Kangaroo revival) Cal McNair whose only qualification for the job is being winner of the lucky sperm club. Oh enough whining Red. Last year it took Red about 2 seconds to take the Texans up on their generous offer to defer purchasing season tickets. This year it took Red at least 5 minutes to pull the plug on his 20 year run as season-ticket holder. All that said, Red thinks the Texans will surprise a few teams. Make that embarrass. Oh, and Red hears there is some news about DeShaun Watson. Do tell.
But first – a recap of Red’s playoff picks from the beginning of the season.
In the AFC – Red had Titans, Chiefs, Ravens and Patriots as division champs with the Chargers and Browns getting wild card spots. So 4 out of 6 actually made the playoffs and the Titans had a shot at division crown until week 16. Not bad, but the picks of the Chargers and Browns look comical now. Red should have known better with the Chargers as they always disappoint him and play 16 road games. The Browns – fool Red twice, shame on Red.
In the NFC – Red had the Cardinals, Bears, Eagles and Saints as division winners with the Packers and Seahawks as wild cards. Again 4 out of 6 make the playoffs, but Red’s division winner picks were more than a little lame. Red really believed in Kliff Kingsbury and the Kardinals (sounds like a 60’s British invasion group) but should have known better and Da Bears’ season went down the tubes in week one with an awful loss to Green Bay in an awful start to NFL’s 100th season.
Wild Card Weekend Picks
Texans over Bills – Having a defensive end playing at quarterback presents challenges for any defense. Josh Allen will prevail on almost any [insert down here] and short situation. His running ability allows the Bills to set up in multiple, interesting formations (like the Wing-T and somewhere Billy Kilmer is smiling). And he can be an effective passer at times. The Texans need to worry less about pass rush and concentrate on tight coverage to force Allen to make tough throws into coverage. This will be a challenge since Romeo Cremel’s defensive scheme seems oddly designed to allow a variety of receivers to run openly and freely through the Texans’ secondary. Which means this game probably comes down to the Texans’ offense putting enough points on the board to make up for what has become a Shit Bowl quality defense. If Fulller V is healthy it probably all works out. If not, . . . Houston 31 Orchard Park 27.
Titans over Patriots – A guy can dream can’t he. The Pats looked disorganized and sad in the final game loss to the Dolphins (led by the redoubtable R. Fitzpatpick). The Titans have looked very respectable since ditching Red’s one time favorite M. Mariota for one of the most amazing quarterbacks in NFL history – Ryan Tannehill. Here is a guy who couldn’t solidify a spot as quarterback at Texas A&M until his senior season. He had a decent season – but not good enough to keep the respected Mike Sherman from getting axed. Then he more or less stumbled around in Miami for 6 seasons having a winning record in games started one time (8-5 in 2016) before catching something in a bottle this season to lead the Titans to a 7-3 record over the last 10 games of the season. Is this a guy who has finally found the formula (i.e. play with the NFL’s leading rusher in Derrick Henry) or is this a one season wonder? Who knows, Red sure doesn’t. The aforementioned Mr. Henry presents a huge problem for any defense and then combined with possibly emerging superstar A.J. Brown making huge play after huge play at WR, the Titans offense can play with anybody – except maybe the Pats truly outstanding defense. Meanwhile in the huddle, the Pats offense continues to unimpress. TB 12 has looked tired and old much of the season and has been bailed out by Pats defense repeatedly this season. When facing the weak sisters, the Pats offense has looked completely respectable in dispatching the lame and infirm. Against playoff teams, the Pats offense has put up 16, 20, 17, 22, 16 and 24. Of course, that has been enough to go 3-3 beating the Bills twice and the then floundering Eagles. By Red’s reckoning that means the Titans are at least a 50/50 shot to win. The naysayers will remind Red that the Titans (then Oilers) have not won in Foxboro since 2003. Red says BFD. Tennessee 20 New England 19
Seahawks over Eagles – This is the toughest call of the week. At reasonably full strength, Red could see this game going either way and might lean towards the Eagles at home. But the Eagles are so beat up right now, that it tips slightly towards Pete the Cheat’s crew. Red would like to see Carson Wentz actually win a playoff game for his team, but when down to the wire, he would bet on R. Wilson. Seattle 24 Philadelphia 20
Saints over Vikings – Saints are out for revenge and it doesn’t matter who is in their way. This week it is the unfortunate Vikings – the team that Red believes is most undeserving of the playoffs. The Vikings beat one playoff team all season (the then floundering Eagles – is there a pattern here?). Other than that, they did not beat a team with a winning record all season. Yes, they were close in games against the Packers, Chiefs and Seahawks (losing all by one score or less), but those are the proving ground games and the Vikings are unproven to date. The Saints meanwhile have had trouble in games that they are supposed to win (remember the loss to the 7-9 division winning Seahawks in 2010). Curiously, the Vikings have been the Saints most frequent playoff opponent with 4 matchups beginning with the Saints first ever playoff appearance in 1987. And the Saints are 1-3 versus the Vikings having beaten them only in the 2009 Superb Owl winning season in the NFC championship game. The Saints are loaded on offense but depend entirely too much on M. Thomas (an amazing 149 receptions for 1725 yards!!!!). They need Cook and Ginn to take some of the load and Kamara to have a decent game. The Vikings have Diggs and Cooks and some other guys including the overrated Kirk Cousins. Red will take Drew Brees in his closing window of opportunity for at least one more week. New Orleans 35 Minnesota 20.
Red gets to cheat a bit on this one as he ran out of time before the season started to make his selection in the former NFL Division of Excellence. Oh yes, there was a time when the AFC South routinely put up the best numbers of any division in football. That has long since passed. The AFC South did post two play-off teams last season – that is, if you considered the Texans to actually be a playoff team after getting rolled and smoked by the Colts in January. Jacksonville regressed to recent form and perhaps the Titans did not get the love they deserved for their close to the play-offs 9-7 record last season under new coach Mike Vrabel. So with the benefit of Week One under his belt, Red goes all in.
Tennessee Titans – Again, yet another pick that Red will likely regret. The Titans were at best erratic last season. They started 3-1, then lost three in a row (including 2 one-point losses to the Bills and Chargers before blowing out the Cowboys and Patriots in back to back weeks to seemingly right the ship at 5-4. Then they get smacked by the Colts and Texans before winning four in a row against the weakest of the weak sisters last season (Jets, Jags, Giants and OTNA’s) and then blew amy shot at the playoffs in the last game to the surging Colts. The Colts probably had all the tie-breakers anyway, but . . . The Titans bring basically the same team back – with a few additions. Derrick Henry leads the league in rushing and M&M proves that he is a serviceable NFL QB if not a star. Tennessee is 10-6 and back in the mix.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Losing Nick Foles in the first quarter of the first game might not be the end for the Jags. They still have a rough-house defense (ask Patrick Mahomes how he feels this week) and strong running game. Rookie QB Tyler Minshew made an impressive and record-setting debut (completing his first 13 NFL passes in a row) before the Jags simply could not keep up with the Andy Reid show feature Patrick Mahomes and the Powerhouse Chiefs Offense Band (words that will be written many times this season). Jags will win low scoring ugly games and just enough for an 8-8 finish.
Houston Texans – Disorder be an easy one. The problem starts riot at the top. What is up with Cal “the Idiot Son of Deceased former owner and once-hailed Houston football savior Bob” McNair? Is he stupid or just morass than previously thought? Here’s Red’s tangle on the situation. Janice McNair needs to cut discord with Idiot Son and find a real person to ruin the franchise. Otherwise, Red will be one pandemonium all season about the Texans. The trouble will travel from the owner’s box down to the sideline and into the muddle on the field before plays. Before the season is over, attendance drops, ticket resale lags, and tickets will be free for all practical purposes. Even turning tumult-iple formations on the field doesn’t revive fan interest. Disarray of different offensive schemes can’t cure the problems with management. The problems compound and even moving the bollix a problem for the offense. In the last game of the season, angry maelstrom the field and call for Cal’s sizeable head on a pole. Has Red made his chaos? Texans tough schedule and rudderless front office lead to anarchy on South Main 7-9 rat’s nest.
Indianapolis Colts – Red hates the Colts. The Colts would hate Red if they ever thought about him – which of course they don’t. Red tempers his hate by season end and gets some much needed help. Indianapolis is lucky to finish 7-9 as well.
Usually a tough division to pick (with the notable exception of the Cleveland Browns for about two decades). This season is no different. One betting site refers to the AFC North as “one hell of a puzzle box for NFL bettors.” Fortunately for you, Red is pretty damn good at puzzle boxes.
Baltimore Ravens– The Ravens have traditionally featured a ferocious defense, decent special teams and an offense just good enough to win close games. The Ravens are now an offensive juggernaut. Discount QB Lamar Jackson’s poor in the playoff game against the Chargers who lined up 7 defensive backs at times. LJ is a better passer than anyone knows right now and his legs will keep defenses honest. The additions of RB Mark Ingraham and rookie Justice Hill (Red’s pick for All Rookie Team) will add to a triple headed rushing monster for the Ravens. The Ravens ran more than any team last season and that clock-eating offense only helps what is still a very good defense – now shored up with Earl Thomas. Baltimore shocks a lot of folks going 12-4. Cleveland Browns – The Browns were Red’s off the dung heap pick to make the playoffs last season and they almost pulled it off despite blowing at least 3 winnable games with questionable play calling and clock management. New Head (and former interim) Coach Freddie Kitchens won’t be making those same mistakes. He has lots of talent to work with in Baker Mayfield, OBJ and Nick Chubb and a decent O-line. Browns are 3-3 before their week 7 bye. They turn season around by beating Pats in Foxboro in week 8. A bit of a sugar high, but they hold on against the Broncos and Bills to be 6-3 and facing the easier part of their schedule. Cleveland is 10-6 and in as a Wild Card. Cincinnati Bengals– Will not be as bad as expected. But won’t be very good either. They have an easy schedule but not easy enough. Cincinnati is 6-10 and continues league worst streak for lack of playoff wins. Pittsburgh Stealers– The window is closed. Ben is tired and old and his main weapons are gone. JuJu will still be spectacular but it won’t be enough. The pathetic defense of last season did not get any better (15 takeaways in a division filled with turnover machines). They get drubbed by the Pats in week 1 and it is downhill from there. Pittsburgh brings up the rear at 5-11.
Since Red is making NFL predictions, he is technically obligated to pick a winner in the AFC East. For 16 of the last 18 seasons, that has not exactly been a particularly taxing chore. Here goes again – Damn it.
New England Patriots – Almost every year, Red writes, “It is cowardly and spineless to pick New England year after year. And Red will keep doing it until he is proved wrong. (Hey, this is about the point Red has trouble coming up with new material – so excuse me).” (Hey, this is about the point where Red has trouble coming up with new material – so buzz off). Barring catastrophic injury to TB-12 or early onset of dementia or the possibility of Trump taking a Sharpie and making a mess of Bellicheat’s game plan, the Pats should ride into the playoffs. But it won’t be quite as comfortable a ride as usual because go-to target Rob Gronkowski will be celebrating his new physique somewhere other than the friendly confines of Insert Corporate Name Here Stadium. Every other team in the division will be better than last season, but not better enough. As always, Red hopes that he is wrong and the loyal readers can shout from the hilltops, “Red, you were cowardly and spineless to pick New England yet again.” But Red doesn’t hear the fat lady warming up yet. New England slogs to a 10-6 record but still repeats as division champ.
Buffalo Bills – The Bills have made improvements on offense shoring up the O-line with five signings. They give LeSean McCoy a new lease on life and provide some breathing room for second year QB Josh Allen – who got way too much OJT last season. The Bills actually played decently after a 2-7 start. If they can keep that pace a winning record will be in sight. The defense is solid, the return game could be interesting and if you haven’t read about Stephen Hauscha’s back story and rise from kicker for the Middlebury College Panthers who play in the NESCAC, then you are missing out. It’s quite a story. Look it up. At any rate, he is the tallest kicker in the league. Buffalo bulls its way to a 9-7 record and as for the playoffs – hmmm.
New York Jets – After a 1-9 finish to the 2018 season, a real house cleaning was in order with a new head coach, new offensive and defensive coordinators and the hopefully fresh legs of LeVeon Bell who sat out last season and middle-of-the-pack wideout Jamison Crowder. Darn Old Sam is still the QB and that is the biggest limitation on the Jets prospects this season. Although the house may be clean, the hedges still need trimming and there are a lot of weeds in the backyard. And when you are getting your new head coach from the Miami Dolphins – well you are getting new head coach that was fired from the Miami Dolphins. Let Red repeat – Fired by the Miami Dolphins. At least the Jets finish ahead of the Dolphins but 6-10 is the ceiling here.
Miami Dolphins – Tanks to their many off-season moves, it looks like a long season for the Aquatic Mammals. Expect a lot of dive plays from the offense. Red is disgusted and must quit now. Oh, did Red say that every team in the AFC East will be better? He meant every team that is actually trying to field a team. Someone has to suck and its Miami at 1-15.
This division seems like the easiest of calls in 2019. That is exactly what worries Red. So here he is calling for the biggest upset of 2019. Overall this division probably has the toughest schedule with games against the loaded NFC South and the AFC North. Fasten your seat belts. Arizona Cardinals – Every season one team rises from the dung heap and makes the playoffs. This season it just might be the Cardinals. New coach Kliff Kingsbury’s Air Raid offensive scheme is going to catch some offguard early in the season. It may not work over the long haul, but it just might work for one season. He has the guns to do it with Kyler Murray throwing to possession receiver and ageless wonder Larry Fitzgerald and deep threat Christian Kirk – not to mention KK’s Red Raider buddy and still effective Michael Crabtree. A refreshed David Johnson rounds out the offense The Cards start 3-0 with wins over the Lions, Ravens and Panthers. They are 6-2 and the talk of the league at mid-season. Then they rip off another 3-4 wins before the challenging back to back roadies in Seattle and LA to end the season. If the Cards can win one of those they clinch a hard fought division title. You read it here first Cardinals go 10-6 and win the West. Seattle Seahawks – The Seahawks are another team that Red frequently discounts frequently to his disadvantage in this prediction game. Red’s visceral dislike of Pete the Cheat has overwhelmed his judgment at times. The offensive line is very good and will make R. Penny look like the second coming of Walter Payton at times this season. Russell Wilson could use some more help from the receiving corps but as long as he is under center, the Seahawks offense is more than capable of scoring just enough points to win close games. The defense isn’t exactly the Son of the Legion of Boom, but it is more than adequate to keep the Hawks in most games. Seattle probably makes the playoffs at 10-6 but loses the division title on a tie-breaker with the Cards.
Los Angeles Rams– Despite putting on the worst Superb Owl performance since the Vikings in the 1970s or the Patriots in the 1985 (those were the days), the Rams would have to be considered the favorites in the NFC West. But Red has to pick at least one upset. Red thinks the Rams are going to have that all too familiar Superb Owl hangover that befalls teams that performed as poorly as the Rams did in the Big Show (may Red refer you to the Falcons here). The Sean McVay miracle lasts but two seasons. More importantly, the Rams play a tough schedule. An 0-3 start is not out of the question with games on the road in Carolina and Cleveland and the revenge-seeking Saints at home. At some point in the season Todd Gurley is going to out of action. If it comes at the worst time, then the Rams will also rack up losses to the Stealers, Bears and Ravens for another 0-3 stretch. After losing to the Cowboys on the road, the season is all but over and the Cardinals put a bullet between the horns in the season finale. Disappointment reigns in Los Angeles as the Rams slog to a 7-9 finish.
San Francisco 49ers – The Niners will be better. Unfortunately for them better is still not very good But fear not, better days are on the way – if you have a time machine that will take you back to the 1980’s. San Francisco brings up the rear at 6-10.
As he has mentioned more than a couple of times over the years, this is Red’s least favorite division when it comes to preseason picks. All four teams have made the playoffs in the past three seasons and there have been three different division winners during that stretch. If Red could skip this one he would, but that is not how the game is played. And he has to pick it today because the NFC North has the honor of kicking off the 100th NFL season with the two oldest franchises still playing. The Bears host the Packers in the Thursday night opener much to the chagrin of NFL Champion Patriots who are denied that traditional spot because of the 100 year anniversary. Oh, to be at Soldier Field tonight. Chicago Bears – Da Bears are da team to beat in this division. Red expects Bears to come out of the box strong with win over the Pack in the historic season opener. By mid-point they should be 6-2 with a possible 5-0 start with a win over the Packers. The mid stretch of the season is the toughest with challenges from Saints, Chargers, Eagles and Rams. After that a break and then the Cowboys, Packers and Chiefs before a season ending laugher in Minnesota. If Da Bears win the games they should win and split the tougher match-ups they are in driver’s seat in what some are calling the best division in football this season. The only troublesome spot remains the redoubtable Mitch Trubisky who can be a turnover machine. The Bears won several games despite his lowlights. Look for the Bears defense to be even better and keep the team in enough close games to pull out more than a few. This could be Red’s best pick or his worst. Chicago has a solid season and wins division with 11-5 record.
Green Bay Packers – Things are not happy in northern Wisconsin. The Pack was in the hunt at mid-season in 2018 and then . . . Well, they didn’t quite fall off the radar, but the Bears put them in the rear view mirror. Remember when A-Rodg was the second coming of Joe Montana? That was a while back. Rodgers cannot carry a team like he used to. Fortunately he has help in a very good O-Line, Davonte Adams, Jimmy Graham (not quite tired and old yet – but check in with Red in November) and the all NFL Name Team wideout combination of Marquez Valdes-Scandling and Equanimeous St. Brown (Red picked him for fantasy on name potential alone). But it probably isn’t enough given the suspect situation at running back. Red likes Aaron Jones but can he play a full season without getting injured or suspended. If the Packers are going to have any success it will be because of an upgraded defense. Green Bay has seen better days (in the 1960s) 9-7 maybe works and maybe not.
Minnesota Vikings –Lots of pundits are going all in for the Vikings. Red will hold his chips for now. Red could never quite see what all the Kirk Cousins hype was about and if 2018 is any measure, Red was right. Red thinks the Vikings may play one of the toughest schedules in the league this year. They could lose to the Falcons, Packers, Bears (twice), Eagles, Chiefs, Cowboys, Seahawks and Chargers. If they don’t beat the Sad Sacks (Lions, Redskins, Giants and possibly Broncos), it will be a long season in the hinterlands. Minnesota misses out on chance to lose another Superb Owl at 8-8.
Detroit Lions – For more or less irrational reasons, Red has never liked the Lions. He is buying Detroit real estate however. Unfortunately for the Lions, the most exclusive real estate (their opponents’ end zone) will remain off limits for much of the season. Detroit wonders if Bobby Layne might still be available when it finishes 4-12.
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Paradise in Hell 