10 AFC predictions for Week 1 of 2018 NFL season

Week 1 of the 2018 NFL season has finally arrived. The AFC kicks off on Sunday, and we have 10 predictions for how the opening weekend will unfold.

The anticipation of the offseason reached its peak after 53-man rosters were set last weekend. The NFL regular season is back, starting with the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles hosting the Atlanta Falcons. But we’re going to the AFC for this prediction piece.

The AFC hasn’t been nearly as deep as the NFC the last few years. While the New England Patriots are still considered favorites to reach the Super Bowl, that’s more of a referendum on the conference than it is the team’s status as an elite roster.

There will be surprises this year that will shake up the conference that we’ve gotten used to. Young, upstart quarterbacks will start to change the landscape of the league.

Let’s dive in with 10 Week 1 predictions for the AFC.

10. Cincinnati Bengals will outplay expectations

The Cincinnati Bengals are viewed as one of the bottom-feeders in the AFC by Vegas this year as only one team has lower odds to win the conference. Their expectations shouldn’t be that lofty, but they’re a talented enough team to win a Wild Card spot. That’s why it’s shocking that they’re considered three-point underdogs against the Indianapolis Colts.

The Bengals indeed have a limited upside with quarterback Andy Dalton, but we’ve also seen him be an average signal-caller when he’s surrounded by legitimate talent. He has that again this year, as his offensive line looked much improved in the preseason, and young receivers Tyler Boyd and John Ross will be bigger factors.

It’s not all about the offense, though. Cornerback William Jackson and defensive end Carl Lawson are legitimate stars to go with Geno Atkins as anchors of the unit. They have a deep rotation of pass-rushers and secondary players, and the Week 5 return of Vontaze Burfict will give them another boost.

They’ll have to start strong against the Colts because the next few weeks against the Ravens, Panthers, and Falcons will test their mettle.