We are a little over three weeks from the start of the 2016 NFL regular season. Week 1 will kickoff Thursday, Sept. 8 with a Super Bowl rematch between the Broncos and Panthers.
Over the last month I have spent hours researching all 32 teams. In fact, you can look at my individual team previews using the links at the bottom of this page.
Predicting the NFL is no easy task. Every year there are teams that come out of nowhere to surprise and others who fail to live up to expectations. It’s what makes the NFL so great. The majority of teams in the league believe they have what it takes to win it all.
Last year, it was the Carolina Panthers who shocked the league with a near perfect regular season. Carolina road that success to a Super Bowl appearance.
Who will be that team in 2016? Only time will tell. Chances are it will come out of the AFC, as the NFC is absolutely loaded at the top. In fact, I have the New York Giants missing the playoffs at 10-6.
Outside of the New England Patriots, it’s really anyone’s guess who will emerge in the AFC. There’s at least 3 teams in the North, South and West that have a legit shot at winning their division.
Here’s a look at how I see all 8 divisions playing out this season plus all of the current NFL odds as of early August.
Plus, if you want to bet the Super Bowl futures I give my prediction on who will be team celebrating at NRG Stadium (home of the Houston Texans) on February 5.
AFC East
| Rank | Team | Record | Division Odds | AFC Odds | Super Bowl Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | New England Patriots | 11-5 | -217 | +330 | +785 |
| T-2nd | New York Jets | 9-7 | +630 | +3000 | +6500 |
| T-2nd | Buffalo Bills | 9-7 | +570 | +2000 | +4800 |
| 4th | Miami Dolphins | 5-11 | +825 | +3450 | +9000 |
AFC North
| Rank | Team | Record | Division Odds | AFC Odds | Super Bowl Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Pittsburgh Steelers | 10-6 | +127 | +480 | +1100 |
| 2nd | Cincinnati Bengals | 9-7 | +183 | +825 | +1950 |
| 3rd | Baltimore Ravens | 8-8 | +335 | +1650 | +3900 |
| 4th | Cleveland Browns | 3-13 | +2400 | +8000 | +23500 |
AFC South
| Rank | Team | Record | Division Odds | AFC Odds | Super Bowl Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Indianapolis Colts | 10-6 | +142 | +1025 | +2025 |
| T-2nd | Houston Texans | 8-8 | +190 | +1900 | +4000 |
| T-2nd | Jacksonville Jaguars | 8-8 | +325 | +2300 | +5400 |
| 4th | Tennessee Titans | 5-11 | +1025 | +4400 | +12000 |
AFC West
| Rank | Team | Record | Division Odds | AFC Odds | Super Bowl Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Kansas City Chiefs | 11-5 | +188 | +975 | +2200 |
| T-2nd | Denver Broncos | 9-7 | +198 | +925 | +2200 |
| T-2nd | Oakland Raiders | 9-7 | +280 | +1725 | +3800 |
| 4th | San Diego Chargers | 8-8 | +675 | +3700 | +9000 |
NFC East
| Rank | Team | Record | Division Odds | NFC Odds | Super Bowl Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-1st | Dallas Cowboys | 10-6 | +180 | +1075 | +2450 |
| T-1st | New York Giants | 10-6 | +218 | +1550 | +3500 |
| 3rd | Washington Redskins | 7-9 | +335 | +2000 | +4700 |
| 4th | Philadelphia Eagles | 6-10 | +475 | +3000 | +7000 |
NFC North
| Rank | Team | Record | Division Odds | NFC Odds | Super Bowl Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Green Bay Packers | 12-4 | -148 | +490 | +925 |
| 2nd | Minnesota Vikings | 11-5 | +218 | +1075 | +2450 |
| 3rd | Chicago Bears | 8-8 | +1125 | +3200 | +7500 |
| 4th | Detroit Lions | 5-11 | +1400 | +3000 | +7000 |
NFC South
| Rank | Team | Record | Division Odds | NFC Odds | Super Bowl Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Carolina Panthers | 11-5 | -227 | +490 | +950 |
| 2nd | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 7-9 | +680 | +3700 | +9800 |
| T-3rd | Atlanta Falcons | 6-10 | +620 | +3100 | +7300 |
| T-3rd | New Orleans Saints | 6-10 | +745 | +3500 | +8800 |
NFC West
| Rank | Team | Record | Division Odds | NFC Odds | Super Bowl Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-1st | Seattle Seahawks | 12-4 | -113 | +490 | +950 |
| T-1st | Arizona Cardinals | 12-4 | +152 | +640 | +1300 |
| 3rd | Los Angeles Rams | 5-11 | +1000 | +3800 | +10000 |
| 4th | San Francisco 49ers | 4-12 | +2475 | +4300 | +12000 |
Playoffs Predictions
Wild Card Round
(3) Steelers defeat (6) Jets
(5) Broncos defeat (4) Colts
(3) Panthers defeat (6) Vikings
(5) Cardinals defeat (4) Cowboys
Divisional Round
(1) Patriots defeat (4) Broncos
(2) Chiefs defeat (3) Steelers
(1) Seahawks defeat (5) Cardinals
(2) Packers defeat (3) Panthers
Conference Championship
(1) Patriots defeat (2) Chiefs
(1) Seahawks defeat (2) Packers
Super Bowl
Seahawks defeat Patriots