NFL division winners predictions

With any new season, there are going to be predictions for who will win what. Here are our picks on who we believe will win each division.

Carlin’s Picks:

AFC North: Cincinnati Bengals

In reality, any team could win the AFC North because it is just that competitive but something tells me it will be the Bengals.

They are coming off a lackluster 9-8 season, finishing last in the division, partially due to star quarterback Joe Burrow being out for some time from a wrist injury.

With Burrow back along with shoring up some players on offense and defense, Cincinnati has a shot this year.

They have proven to do good things with a healthy team and will make it their third division title in four seasons.

NFC North: Detroit Lions

The Lions were one of the best teams last year and it will remain that way for the 2024 season.

They are rocking a similar squad as last year with some key departures on both sides of the ball. However, they made sure to fill those positions with notable players to keep an edge over their division rivals and the rest of the league.

If they played anything like they did last season, the Lions should have no problem winning back-to-back division titles.

Jon’s Picks:

AFC East: Miami Dolphins

Speed, speed and more speed. The Dolphins unequivocally had the fastest offense in the league last season, and they only added to it in this year’s draft by selecting running back Jaylen Wright.

Wright joins speedsters Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert in this electric offense that also added Odell Beckham Jr. during the offseason.

There’s no shortage of weapons in Miami’s offense, and the Buffalo Bills (reigning AFC East champions) did little to upgrade their defense and traded their top playmaker Stefon Diggs to the Texans. Expect the Dolphins to win the AFC East for the first time in over a decade.

NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles ended last season on a sour note, losing six of their last seven games after a blistering 10-1 start. Despite their late-season struggles, they were still only a game out of first place.

Their struggles prompted a complete overhaul at the coordinator positions, as Kellen Moore and Vic Fangio were brought in as the new offensive and defensive coordinators. Both are considered among the best in the NFL and are major upgrades for the team heading into the 2024 season.

The Eagles also added Saquon Barkley to their offense and addressed their need at defensive back by selecting both Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in this year’s draft. With added talent and improved play callers on both sides of the ball, the Eagles should rise to the top of the NFC East once again.

Ashley’s Picks:

AFC West: Kansas City Chiefs

The reigning back-to-back Super Bowl Champions Chiefs are hungry for a three-peat. After finishing last year’s regular season 11-6 and still winning the Super Bowl, they have proven that you can never count out KC.

Patrick Mahomes does not touch any of the other quarterbacks in this division, and adding veteran wide receivers Marquise Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster to their roster will help them on the receiving side.

Five-time All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones signed a massive five-year, $158.75 million extension to become the highest-paid defensive tackle in history this offseason. Bringing Jones back to Kansas City will help keep their defense at the top of their game.

With all the talent the Chiefs have on both sides of the ball, no other team in the AFC West will be able to take their throne.

NFC West: San Francisco 49ers

After just coming up short of a Super Bowl victory, the 49ers have something to prove: and that all starts with winning their division.

One of the biggest questions of the offseason was where Brandon Aiyuk would land, and just over a week ago, he signed a four-year, $120 million extension to stay in San Francisco. Left tackle Trent Williams also signed a three-year, $82 million reworked contract.

Running Back Christian McCaffrey had one of his best seasons ever last year, scoring 21 touchdowns, which was one shy of breaking the franchise record of most touchdowns scored in one season set by Jerry Rice in 1987.

With a star-studded offense, the 49ers should not have any trouble rising to the top of the NFC West once again.

Antonio’s Picks:

AFC South: Houston Texans

The Houston Texans put together a strong opening statement for rookie quarterback C.J Stroud in his NFL debut.

The Texans stand as the clear “team to beat” in the division, and with new additions like wide receiver Stefon Diggs and rookie tackle Blake Fisher; the Texans offense is on course to take another step further.

Houston’s defense played over par under head coach DeMeco Ryans. Despite a weaker roster, the Texans were tied for 16th in takeaways with 24, and allowed the 11th most points per game. (20.8)

Despite the solid stats, the Texans took a heavy emphasis on bolstering defensive personnel. Draft picks Kamari Lassiter and Calen Bullock will add defensive back support opposite of standout CB Derek Stingley Jr.

Free agency pickups DE Danielle Hunter, DE Denico Autrey, and LB Azeez Al-Shaair will add much-needed support in the box for the Texans. Expect head coach DeMeco Ryans to become even more aggressive with his defensive play calling, all while second-year QB C.J Stroud has more toys to pass the football to.

NFC South: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The 2023 Tampa Bay Buccaneers came out of nowhere. From looking like a team looking to “sell the farm” in the offseason, the Bucs found a new direction in the form of Baker Mayfield.

Tampa Bay was able to make a strong playoff push, almost beating the Detroit Lions in the Divisional round of the playoffs. With security and another year under his belt, the “Bake Show” is primed and ready to distribute the football all across the field.

The other reason why Tampa Bay will win the South is because the competition is still razor-thin. No other team has been confident to load up a squad to properly contest for the division.

With no other quarterbacks to trust in the division, it’s ultimately the Buccaneers to lose.

Carlin Whalen is a fourth-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email cjw6426@psu.edu.

Jonathan Hartley is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email jdh6293@psu.edu.

Ashley Mascaro is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, please email aem6398@psu.edu.

Antonio Fondacaro is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email adf5400@psu.edu.