2016 NFL predictions: Super Bowl XLXI and more
JJ: Raiders, Ravens. We saw this past season that the Raiders are definitely on the way back up the ranks with the young, talented group they have on both sides of the ball. Next season everyone will know the Raiders are on that way back when they work themselves back into the playoffs for the first time in a while. The Ravens, not being bitten so hard by the injury bug next year, will get back into the playoffs with their healthy squad that they missed out on this past season.
MV: Raiders, Jets. Oakland is one of the more up-and-coming teams in the NFL, showcasing a very dynamic offense led by Derek Carr and Amari Cooper. The Raiders finally have a real head coach and some stability, something the organization has been lacking since the days of Jon Gruden. Meanwhile, New York went 10-6 this year and barely missed out on the playoffs. Look for the Jets to be very solid in the second year under Todd Bowles, provided Ryan Fitzpatrick doesn’t fall off a cliff.
MD: Bengals, Ravens. The Bengals shouldn’t decline and will be in the playoffs once again and with the Baltimore Ravens heading into the season healthy and reloaded it should be able to contend. It will be a tight and contested race however. Teams like the New York Jets, Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos will keep this an interesting race down to Week 17 of the season.
JH: Raiders, Bills. The AFC is a mess and that’s not going to change next season. Denver is going to take a step back and there’s a talent drop off that will allow teams like Oakland and Buffalo to take advantage. Already you have the AFC South where the Jaguars are in a prime position to win their way in. The Raiders might not be Super Bowl contenders in 2016, but they’re going ot take a big step forward from everything we saw from them this season. Ditto for the Bills, who are on the cusp of being a playoff team, if not a Super Bowl contender.
JB: Bengals, Ravens. The AFC North still has the best overall collection of teams in the division. Baltimore was snake-bitten by injuries this year and will be back and better in 2016 (hopefully in the secondary, for their sake). Cincinnati is the most balanced team in the conference and will barely lose out on the division to the Steelers. Buffalo, Oakland and the Jags are all a year away.
PA: Steelers, Raiders. The Steelers offense should continue to roll in 2016 and as long as Big Ben stays healthy, Pittsburgh should find itself back in the playoff hunt. As for the Raiders, they are the true Wild Card here. Like the Jaguars, Oakland (LA?) is really putting things together offensively. With another strong draft, the Raiders could be right in the thick of things in the AFC West. The Denver Broncos are also loaded with talented but there is a reasonable argument to be made that in 2016, Oakland will have the second-best QB in the AFC West.
It is hard to see Manning playing another year and even if he does, he likely won’t be effective and the jury is still out on Osweiler. The Colts also could sneak in here if Luck returns to form. Same could go for the Ravens when Flacco returns. But hey, these are way too early 2016 predictions so everything will be wrong anyway. Why not have some fun?
Next: NFC Wild Cards