AFC East Winner:
New England Patriots
The reigning Super Bowl champions are one of the most talented teams in the NFL. With Tom Brady and Bill Belichick at the helm, the Patriots are the team to beat, not only in the East, but in the entire AFC.
The Pats may face some early struggles with Bradys favorite target, Julian Edelman, going down for the entire season with a torn ACL. However, the offseason acquisitions of Brandin Cooks and Rex Burkhead will help to fill Edelmans role. On the other side of the ball, New Englands defense proved to be just as strong as they led the league last year in fewest points allowed.
AFC South Winner:
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are poised to win their division after just missing out on the playoffs last year. The Titans posted a 9-7 record last season and seemed to be destined for a playoff berth until Marcus Mariota suffered a season-ending fractured fibula in week 16.
Now fully recovered, Mariota is ready to be a leader for his team. Tennessees front office brought in some offensive talent as well to help their quarterback by taking wideout Corey Davis in the draft and signing Eric Decker in free agency. Their defense needs some work, but with a breakout year from Mariota, the Titans will be able to play with the best of them.
AFC West Winner:
Oakland Raiders
When the Oakland Raiders announced they would be relocating to Las Vegas in the near future, Marshawn Lynch decided to come out of retirement and sign with the team. Lynchs decision was based on a single goal: bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to his hometown of Oakland. Along with Lynch in the backfield, quarterback Derek Carr has one of the best wide receiver tandems in Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree to throw the ball to.
With Khalil Mack leading the defense, this Raiders team will be exciting to watch no matter who is on the field. Even Oaklands special team unit keeps viewers captivated with fan-favorite Marquette King booting punts.
AFC North Winner:
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers, led by their high-powered offense, will capture the AFC North for the second consecutive year. Pittsburgh was able to finish with an impressive 11-5 record last season, despite missing some of their top talent. Star running back LeVeon Bell was sidelined for the first three games, and Martavis Bryant missed the entire season as the pair dealt with suspension issues.
The Steelers are reloaded, having all their playmakers back to join an offense that torched opposing defenses last season, thanks to the leagues top wide receiver Antonio Brown. Pittsburghs defense was exposed by the Patriots in the AFC championship game last season, which cost them a trip to the Super Bowl. While slightly improved, the Steelers defense is still lacking, but their offense is dominant to the point it may not matter.
