1. Buffalo Bills 

Record Prediction: (14-3)

After a heartbreaking end to last season, Buffalo is poised to make that last step in their quest for an elusive super bowl. Quarterback Josh Allen may arguably be the best in the league after finishing top 10 in both passing yards (4,407) and touchdowns (36). His favorite target, Stefon Diggs, who was thrown to 158 times last season, should still be in full force after putting up his fourth consecutive 1,000 receiving yard season. The team also made noise in the offseason by signing veteran edge rusher Von Miller to a huge deal. Miller, who is coming off a super bowl victory with the Rams, brings championship experience to a defense that was already a top 10 unit in the league, adding to the overall potency of this team.

2. Kansas City Chiefs 

Record Prediction: (13-4)

The Chiefs have enjoyed consistent success in the past few years, and despite suffering some key losses, the core team that won the Super Bowl in 2019 is still there, aided by some new stars. While fan favorite wide receiver Tyreek Hill is now on the Dolphins, quarterback Patrick Mahomes is of course still there, coming off yet another season at the top of the passing leaderboard, showing no signs of slowing down. Tight end Travis Kelce remains a part of the offense after posting nine receiving touchdowns, tied for the most in the league at his position, contributing to a passing offense that had 500 more passing yards than all of their opponents combined. While the defense was a weaker point to start last season, they grew stronger as the year progressed, headlined by defensive lineman Chris Jones, who recorded an impressive 10 sacks. Overall, there is no reason to think the Chiefs shouldn’t be at the top of the league yet again this season.

3. Cincinnati Bengals 

Record Prediction: (12-5)

After coming up just short in the Super Bowl against the Rams, you’ve got to believe the Bengals are out for revenge. As USA Today writer Nate Davis points out, “​​The last time a team returned to the Super Bowl the year after losing it? New England in 2018, and the Pats won.” It’s safe to say the Bengals definitely have a shot. Quarterback Joe Burrow seems to be coming into his own after leading the NFL in completion percentage (70%) and finishing sixth in passing yards (4,611). His favorite target Ja’Marr Chase won offensive rookie of the year and placed 3rd in receiving touchdowns (13). Throw in running back Joe Mixon (3rd in rushing yards) and a solid defense, and the Bengals could very well find themselves back in the super bowl. 

4. Los Angeles Chargers

Record Prediction: (11-6)

The Chargers made some big moves this offseason, and are looking like they might be on the verge of a breakout season after missing the playoffs last year. The offense is relatively unchanged but still loaded. Quarterback Justin Herbert is one of the best young talents in the league after being only one of two players to post over 5,000 yards passing last season. Running back Austin Ekeler and wide receiver Keenan Allen are seemingly this unit’s biggest weapons after combining for 26 total touchdowns last season. The defense may be the best in the league after trading for Khalil Mack from the Chicago Bears (six sacks in seven games) and picking up cornerback JC Jackson from Free Agency (AFC best eight interceptions). 

5. Baltimore Ravens 

Record Prediction: (11-6)

The Ravens are an intriguing team. They haven’t had deep playoff runs in a while, and yet they always seem right on the cusp of a breakout year. Quarterback Lamar Jackson has never quite been as good as his 2019 MVP season, but if he reverts back to that form, Baltimore is deadly. Tight end Mark Andrews tallied 1,361 receiving yards last season, fifth in the league, and cornerback Marlon Humphrey is the face of the defense. While these guys bring excitement, it’s still unclear whether the Ravens can overcome weaknesses in other areas, especially defensively, to find playoff success. As Scott Kacsmar writes for Book Makers Review, “The Ravens were poor at creating splash plays on defense last season, finishing with just 34 sacks and 15 takeaways despite having a 17th game. Baltimore has played 26 seasons, and 2021 is only the third time the defense had fewer than 20 takeaways.” That being said, Baltimore still shouldn’t be slept on.

6. Tennessee Titans 

Record Prediction: (10-7)

After a string of disappointing playoff losses, the Titans are hoping this is the year they can make that last push towards a super bowl. Standout running back Derrick Henry missed most of last year with an injury, but if he returns to full form, Tennessee’s chances improve greatly. Safety Kevin Byard (5 interceptions) and defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons are the anchors of the defense. However, the guy with clearly the most to prove is quarterback Ryan Tannehill. After some subpar performances in key games the past few years, he needs to show that he can be the franchise quarterback for this team before they start shopping for his replacement. 

7. Indianapolis Colts 

Record Prediction: (10-7)

While the Colts missed the playoffs last season, there is excitement surrounding the team this year and aspirations for a deep playoff run. Veteran quarterback and 2016 MVP Matt Ryan joins the team, and can hopefully put up some solid seasons before his inevitable retirement. Running back Jonathan Taylor is the star of the offense, coming off a season where he led the league in rushing yards (1,811) and was arguably the most dominant running back in the sport. The defense has some question marks, however. They added veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore, but he has never quite produced at the rate he did in 2019 when he won Defensive Player of the Year. Intangibles like this may be the difference in whether or not this team succeeds.

8. Denver Broncos 

Record Prediction: (9-8)

After yet another mediocre Broncos season, Denver finally added intrigue by obtaining quarterback Russell Wilson via a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. Wilson has consistently been a top-tier quarterback in the NFL, and while he missed the majority of last season to an injury, if he gets back to form the Broncos could very well outperform this prediction. They have some talent defensively in the form of All-Pro safety Justin Simmons and up-and-coming young cornerback Patrick Surtain II. The potential problem is the supporting cast surrounding Wilson. While many are young and have room to develop, you have to wonder if the growing pains will be too much to make Denver competitive. 

9. Las Vegas Raiders 

Record Prediction: (9-8)

The Raiders are coming off of an odd year. Multiple controversies and tragic circumstances surrounding members of the team perhaps tainted a solid season that yielded a playoff appearance, albeit a brief one. However, if the Raiders put last season behind them, they can continue to be competitive. Quarterback Derek Carr continued to put up great numbers, finishing 5th in passing yards (4,804), and defensive end Maxx Crosby had a career-high eight sacks as well as a pro bowl appearance. Tight end Darren Waller missed the last half of the season with an injury, but he returns alongside new acquisition Davante Adams. Adams, who was traded from the Packers this offseason, is arguably the best receiver in the NFL, finishing top three in receiving yards (1,553) last season. Despite all of this talent, keep in mind that the Raiders are in what most consider to be the toughest division in football, and having to play the Chiefs, Chargers, and Broncos twice this season could take a toll on their record. 

10. Miami Dolphins 

Record Prediction: (8-9)

The Dolphin’s success this year likely hinges on the production of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Since being drafted 5th in 2020, Tagovailoa has been underwhelming as a starter and might have to improve if Miami is going anywhere. There is excitement surrounding this team after trading for the Chief’s star wide receiver Tyreek Hill and signing offensive lineman Terron Armstead. Hill racked up 1,239 yards receiving last season, but the question remains as to whether his quarterback can get him the ball consistently. The defense was surprisingly strong last season, with impressive production from then-rookie safety Jevon Holland, and proven stars like cornerback Xavien Howard (who will miss the beginning of the season due to injury). This unit will have to step up to give its team a shot.