2016 NFL Predictions: AFC East is Best Division

Which division will reign supreme this season? From top to bottom only one is a cut above. The AFC East is best. 2016 NFL Predictions.

Dan Salem and Todd Salem debate in today’s NFL Sports Debate. Two brothers from New York yell, scream, and debate sports.

TODD:

Every year, we attempt to determine what will be the best division in football for the coming season. It normally turns into a misguided attempt at predicting that which cannot be predicted. Last year, no one had Carolina going 15-1, Kansas City winning ten straight games, or all of Indianapolis, Green Bay, Baltimore and Seattle underachieving to varying degrees. The NFL swings wildly just over the course of one offseason.

Nevertheless, let’s put ourselves out on a limb yet again and pick what will be the best division in the sport. Last year, even looking back, the answer is not exactly clear. The AFC East and NFC North can both make cases as being the most talented from top to bottom. The AFC West also had a case as the best in the spots that mattered.

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For 2016, there are a number of contenders, including all three of those divisions. I would also throw the AFC North into the discussion if we concentrate on the skill of the top three teams. Everyone else seems to be ruled out. They either don’t have a high enough ceiling from more than one team or have too many average squads. Someone like the AFC South could surprise and have the best last-place team in football, but I don’t see any one of the four contenders being elite, thus removing it from this debate.

Along that same mindset and to whittle this down, I am tossing out the NFC North. I expect Green Bay to bounce back into elite territory, but even if Minnesota remains good, I don’t see Detroit or Chicago being any better than average. Half the division has to have higher upside than that.

I suppose I will also immediately toss back out the AFC North. The best division can’t have the Cleveland Browns, even if the other three franchises combine for 30+ victories. That leaves me with a debate for the crown between the AFC’s East and West.

Now to the tale of the tape:

Best team – East (Patriots). Even without Brady for four games, this seems like the best of the eight teams, since I expect small steps back from both Denver and KC.

Best worst team – East (take your pick). Any of the remaining three teams could finish last, which speaks to the talent here. I think San Diego will be much improved this season, but I would still slot the Chargers just behind whoever brings up the rear of the East.

I think all four squads in the West could finish with between 7 and 12 wins, which would be a feat that no one accomplished last season, but I suppose I have to pick the East as my champion. Essentially all four teams there seem above average or better. I know they can’t all finish that way because of the schedule, but this is the best division.

Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) is tackled by Denver Broncos free safety Josh Bush (20) and inside linebacker Danny Trevathan (59) in the second half in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

DAN:

This is probably the toughest question in all of football as we begin a new season. My instincts tell me that both conferences are fairly even top to bottom, but that’s simply not true. The AFC is far and away better on a division-by-division basis than the NFC. Last year this was certainly true, despite the two most dominant teams being in the NFC, and it’s still true in 2016. Before I label an AFC division as the fairest of them all, I have a few words on our also-rans.

If there’s a sleeper pick in this debate, it’s the NFC West. Arizona may be the best team in football this season and will certainly net double-digit wins, barring injury. If Seattle bounces back to become a force once again and the Rams live up to their potential early, we have ourselves some real power here. Unfortunately the 49ers are likely to hold things back. Moving on.

Our other three NFC divisions are either mediocre or top-heavy. None of the last place teams will be anything close to dominant. The only division with a real chance at being strong top to bottom is the NFC South. Drew Brees can elevate the Saints, as can Matt Ryan in Atlanta and Jameis Winston in Tampa Bay. Unfortunately, all three will not come through this season.

Back to the AFC where many more teams are going to record a lot of victories. You gave some serious thought to the AFC West, but there’s just not enough pop for me to fall in love with that division. Denver will be hampered by its offense. The Raiders and Chargers will likely be hampered by their defenses. I don’t see it. The same is true for the AFC North, where I don’t believe in Baltimore or Cleveland. I’m also waiting for a reality check to hit the Bengals. How long can this team be that good?

Personally I love the AFC South. That division is due to be really, really good. But I’ve been feeling this way for several seasons, so I’m not putting money on it. It’s the AFC East which is the best and most dominant division in football. I don’t see a losing record among the four teams that call it home. Miami is probably pulling up the rear once again, but they could easily win eight or nine games. I’m not convinced they don’t overachieve.

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I still love the Patriots and no matter how the season begins, they are good for 11 or 12 victories. New York is also putting up double digits in the wins column for a second straight year with Fitzpatrick back under center. Only Buffalo leaves me wondering, but their defense was really tough last season and I only see it improving. No one in the East will be easy to face, and nearly every team has a top-ten defense. For the second straight season, they are the best division in football.

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