Win/Loss Predictions for Every AFC Team

The NFL Draft and Free Agency are all but over with the exception of Dez Bryant, CJ Anderson, and a few other veterans on the market; most players have filled out their respective rosters. Barring the inevitable training camp cuts and roster shakeups, we have a pretty good idea of who will play where and thanks to thousands of Madden simulations, we have a pretty good idea of how well they will do. Take that with a grain of salt, and other predictions for that matter because literally anything can happen. Below are the bold 2018 win/loss predictions for every AFC Team.

AFC

2017 Champions: Patriots

Playoff Teams: Steelers, Jaguars, Chiefs, Titans, Bills

North

Steelers 10-6: Bold prediction: after 4 straight seasons with double-digit wins, the age of Ben Roethlisberger and the youth on defense catches up to them, but with a relatively easy schedule and two of the biggest offensive weapons in the game, the Steelers barely make it 5 straight.

Ravens 9-7: The Ravens have a mismatched schedule with a heavy road schedule up front and a light home stretch down the finish. A lot of holes and question marks, especially at wide receiver, means they will most likely be playing Joe Flacco's favorite game of catch-up and barely squeezing by.

Bengals 7-9: The Bengals have a tough schedule and a rough reminder that last year's 0-3 start led to a 7-9 finish. The thought in the building is to beat 7-9 but it may prove to difficult to achieve.

Browns 5-11: The only way to go is up (or remain winless for the third year in a row and subsequently get the #1 pick again) and the addition of Tyrod Taylor and Baker Mayfield potentially gives them two QBs after a decade of not having one. The improvement of Garrett Miles and a new energy in Cleveland may make the Browns feel like they finally made it.

South

Colts 10-6: The Colts have missed the playoffs three straight years falling into all-out tank mode last year when they lost Andrew Luck. The Colts are a prideful organization, led by Jim Irsay, and they like to win. Expect a return to form.

Jaguars 10-6: Basement dwellers for years, the Jags had a breakout season due in large part to a stout defense. Expect more of the same with a relatively easy schedule and no offensive juggernauts on the scheduled horizon.

Texans 8-8: Deshaun Watson was the surprise of all last year from draft night moves to midseason jukes. However, this year the Texans are surprising no one and a tougher schedule makes it harder to improve. A middling team finds a middling result.

Titans 5-11: Last year: a playoff appearance; this year: not so much. A tough division leads to too many close games that Mariota and co. are simply under gunned.

East

Patriots 13-3: It's hard to picture Brady going anything but 13-3. The Patriots always make their schedule look easy but this year, games with the Steelers and Packers give them one of the toughest schedules of the season. Bionic Brady should prevail.

Dolphins 6-10: Tannehill returns to the helm of dysfunction, I mean the Dolphins, after tearing his ACL in training camp last year. There were already questions surrounding his longevity and durability in this league and those questions are only getting louder after a year removed. That breakout season Dolphins' brass has been patiently waiting for may never come.

Bills 5-11: The Bills surprised last year with a 9-7 finish and a playoff appearance but Tyrod Taylor was fighting for his job; now they have their long-term QB and Sean McDermott in his second season as coach. This year should be more about development and planning their rebuild to compete for years to come.

Jets 4-12: A rookie QB, lack of a plan, a tough road start, and a murderous road finish will all factor into keeping Gang Green in the bottom rungs of the NFL again.

West

Chiefs 11-5: KC has a relatively easy schedule so 11 wins may be modest but Alex Smith and Andy Reid are the most conservative men in football. 11 wins will do juuuuusssssstttttt fine.

Chargers 8-8: The Chargers have a chip on their shoulder from last year and a somewhat challenging schedule this year. An early slide for a young team may prove detrimental, especially if they have to fight their way back in. Frustration mounts and overcomes.

Broncos 8-8: John Elway's Broncos are working their way back into contention again but a tough schedule and new QB in Case Keenum shouldn't make things any easier. Keenum appears to be a bridge QB in what appears to be a very grueling search for Peyton Manning's successor. 8 wins is modest if they can overcome some of their talent deficiencies.

Raiders 6-10: Gruden returns as Coach but the Raiders still have an uphill battle in working with an underperforming defense and bringing Derek Carr back up to speed. If Derek Carr returns back healthy and to form, they may reach 7 wins.

AFC Playoff Bracket