Amateur Hour: NumberNine’s Guide to the 2021-22 NFL season

It’s almost that time of year again when, the winter gets warmer, the days a bit longer and Gridiron fans in our country finish work Early on Friday and Mondays. With the preseason going on, I thought it is now time to bring out the next edition of the 9642 NFL preview. Let’s see how wrong I am this time.

AFC East

A competitive division with last year’s AFC conference finalist Bills rounding an a few contenders of the New York Jets.

Buffalo Bills – Rightfully favourites go to back-to-back AFC Conference Championships, but they face still competition in a heavy competitive division. I don’t think they are good enough to beat Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes.

New England Patriots – Never doubt the genius of head clack and subway spokesman Bill Bellichek, but this pats offense is still lacking, even with 3 wild card slots they are probably going struggle to make the play off

Miami Dolphins – The Fins have a stout defence which was improved in the draft, but I’m still not sure about their QB situation. I don’t think they will make the play offs this year but will probably be good next season

New York Jets – Another season, another new coach and new quarterback. Yeah so, no play offs, probably finishing last.

AFC North

My favourite division in the entire league. I always somehow end up watching almost every game involving these teams and the off-field drama. Boy will there be drama. That said they are probably the toughest division in the AFC.

Baltimore Ravens – My second favourites to win the AFC. I expect Lamar Jackson to go even further after breaking his play off duck last season. This defence has the potential to be the best in the league, and if the offense clicks only KC will match them on that front.

Cleveland Browns – The perennial loser of the sport has finally put a team together worthy of their rich heritage and great fans. Despite the criticism he gets expect more from Baker Mayfield (and not just commercials, though expect those too), who has a star-studded line of weapons around him and an incredibly strong offensive line. Kevin Steffanski was rightfully named the coach of the year in his debut season expect him to get better. Play offs for sure

Pittsburgh Steelers – The six-time super bowl champions face a hard time, being in a very competitive division with an aging if still mercurial Ben Roethlisberger. I don’t expect the Steelers to repeat their regular season performance from last year but I think they will make the play off again.

Cincinnati Bengals – Unfortunately someone has to come last in the division though.

AFC West

The Kansas City Chiefs face no real competition from their division and are good shot at sweeping their division. But don’t be surprised if Justin Herbert and the Chargers have something to say about it.

Kansas City Chiefs – The team with one of the best coaches and arguably the best player in the league, and rightfully the favourite to make the Superbowl a 3rd time. Who doesn’t want to see Patrick Mahomes vs Tom Brady again?

Los Angeles Chargers – The red headed step child of LA sports might finally get to something to attract fans in their controversial home city. The Chargers have backed Rookie Sensation Justin Herbert, and if this incredible talent doesn’t have 2nd season syndrome the Bolts should make the playoffs.

Las Vegas Raiders – Another season where John Gruden will show some promise till he eventually leads the Raiders nowhere. No play offs no good draft pick.

Denver Broncos – Let me qualify this statement by saying if Deshaun Watson were to move to the mile high city. ALL BETS ARE OFF. That said without him I don’t have much hope from the Broncos.

AFC South

Arguably the worst division in the conference, may be even the league. Someone will quality for the 4th seed from here. Probably the Colts.

Indiana Colts – Bad news for the Colts Carson Wentz is injured again good new the rest of the teams in this division are terrible

Jacksonville Jaguars – The team will be better than last year (not hard), but it’s going to take rookie Trevor Lawrence and Legendary College coach Urban Meyer time to get used to the big time.

Tennessee Titans – The titans have improved their offense but they face tough schedule of team and their defence was worked out towards the end of the season

Houston Texans – I don’t know if this team will win a single game

NFC East

Oh, wait forget what I said above these guys are the worst division in the league. If only nostalgia won you games.

Washington Football Team – In the kingdom of the Blind, the one-eyed man rules. In a terrible division the mediocre team will come on top. That said very good defence so even if they are lucky to get into the play off, they may make waves there.

Dallas Cowboys – More injuries they aren’t telling us about and they still haven’t fixed the defensive issues, or the offensive line, and their coach seems to be out of his depth.

New York Giants – Another team with a stout defence but their offense is hamstrung by a QB who is clearly out of his depth.

Philadelphia Eagles – One of the teams competing with the Texans for last place.

NFC North

The oldest division in the league set to have another fiery season, with lots of off field drama already happening and rivalries being stoked.

Green Bay Packers – Aaron Rodgers Last dance? Maybe? Either way expect this team to make another NFC Championship Game.

Chicago Bears – Coach Matt Nagy is in the last chance saloon, but they have drafted the right personal and the defence is still very good. Expect another playoff berth.

Minnesota Vikings – Despite having a stellar offense the Purple People Eaters haven’t done much to sort their defence out, and in a competitive division it’s going to be hard to make it to the post season.

Detroit Lions – Another year another fourth poor season. No changes here folks

NFC West

Rightfully considered the best division in the league. Honestly, it’s a crapshoot deciding how they will finish. Potentially every team in this division is a play off contender.

San Francisco 49ers – The 9ers have drafted the long-term heir to Full-time good-looking man and part time football player Jimmy G. Surely, they won’t have the same injury lack as last season, right? The only team I think are a credible threat against Tom Brady’s Buccs.

Los Angeles Rams – If Cooper Kup hadn’t gotten injured this team would be my favourite to win. Don’t be surprised if they sign a free agent even if it’s for half a season. Wait they don’t have cap space never mind. That said Matthew Stafford should be lifting the offence which will complement arguably the best defence in the league. This team even has a deadly punting unit that consistently makes the opposition start in their 5-yard line.

Seattle Seahawks – Even if I am right and this team finishes 3rd, expect them in the play offs. Russell Wilson will be his usual brilliant self.

Arizona Cardinals – There is some internal divisions in this team and I’m not sold on their coach. Kyler Murray is a stud though so expect him to win a few games.

NFC South

Other than the Champion Buccs every team in this division is rebuilding so… yeah, no prizes for guessing who will win.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Everyone’s favourite to repeat their win. Incredibly managed to bring every one back from the champion team without hurting their salary cap. TB12 is the Goat for a reason.

Atlanta Falcons – Willy Matt Ryan is as classy as ever, and he has a few new targets to play with. But nowhere near good enough to challenge the Buccs.

New Orleans Saints – The saints are rebuilding after the retirement of legendary QB and all-round good dude Drew Brees. Unfortunately, it will take them a few seasons to become a contender again.

Carolina Panthers – A team that to my eyes seems to be tanking but I don’t know if they are bad enough to beat the Texans or Broncos for last place.