- The Denver Broncos Win the AFC West
- The Sean Payton Year 3 Bump and Bo Nix’s Development: Sean Payton has spent the last two years rebuilding both the culture and the offensive identity of the Broncos. Historically, Payton-led teams have taken a noticeable leap once his system is fully implemented — think New Orleans in 2009. Enter Bo Nix, who exceeded expectations as a rookie by throwing for 3,775 yards and 29 touchdowns. If Nix avoids the dreaded sophomore slump and continues to progress, the Broncos could have found their franchise quarterback — one capable of leading them to a division title. His poise, accuracy, and fit in Payton’s system make this a realistic scenario.
- Defensive Turnaround Could Fuel Close Wins: Denver’s defense was one of the worst in the NFL during the first half of 2024, but they flipped the script down the stretch. From Week 10 onward, the Broncos ranked near the top in several defensive metrics, including takeaways and third-down conversion rate. If that level of performance continues for a full season, Denver could become a team that grinds out wins in low-scoring, tight matchups — something they struggled with in previous years. In the 2024 NFL season, the Denver Broncos had a record of 1-6 in one-score games. They lost close games to the Seahawks, Steelers, Chargers (twice), Chiefs, and Bengals, and won a one-point game against the Jets. Despite this, they still managed a 10-7 record overall and made the playoffs.
- Chiefs Vulnerable for the First Time in Years: Kansas City is still Kansas City — as long as Mahomes is upright, they’re a threat. But cracks are showing. Travis Kelce, while still productive, is no longer the unstoppable force he once was, and the wide receiver room remains a question mark. In 2024, no Chiefs wideout cracked 1,000 yards, and there was constant shuffling due to injuries and inconsistency. If those issues linger and Kelce’s age continues to show, Mahomes may find himself carrying too much of the load — even for someone as gifted as he is.
- Raiders Add Geno Smith, but Ceiling Still Looks Low: The Raiders added veteran quarterback Geno Smith in the offseason, giving them more stability under center compared to 2024. Smith is a clear upgrade over the inconsistent quarterback play they had last year, and his leadership could help keep the offense afloat. However, at this stage in his career, Smith likely represents a short-term bridge rather than a game-changer. With questions on the offensive line and a defense that, outside of Maxx Crosby, still lacks high-end talent, the Raiders feel more like a middle-of-the-pack team than a true contender. Denver should be able to handle them in head-to-head matchups.
- Chargers Still Can’t Get Out of Their Own Way: Every year it seems the Chargers have the pieces on paper, and every year something goes wrong — injuries, blown leads, coaching mishaps. Jim Harbaugh brings renewed discipline and credibility, but the roster is still top-heavy, and the team let go of several key veterans. It’s likely a year of growing pains, and the Broncos are better positioned to capitalize now.
- . The Cincinnati Bengals Will Win the Super Bowl
- Joe Burrow: Assuming full health, Burrow is one of the top 3 QBs in football and elevates everyone around him. In 2024, he threw for 4,918 yards and 43 touchdowns, both of which led the league.
- Elite Wideouts: Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins (tagged and then extended) is widely considered the best wide receiver duo in the league.
- Burrow’s/Bengals Motivation: After missing time in 2023, and the Bengals not making the playoffs in 2024 even with Burrow having the season he did, the Bengals could be playing with a chip on their shoulders, fueling a deep postseason run.
- The Chicago Bears Make It to the NFC Championship Game
- Caleb Williams Shines Early: He’s one of the most hyped QB prospects in a decade. If he can make adjustments in Year 2 and take a leap, the offense could be elite.
- WR Duo: D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze is arguably a top-10 duo. If the line holds up, this offense could be explosive.
- Defense: Montez Sweat transformed the pass rush in 2023. He regressed a bit in 2024 with only 5.5 sacks, but if he can get back to his 2023 level that will be big for the pass rush. If young DBs like Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker take a step, this unit can win games.
- Momentum: If they sneak into the playoffs and start hot, they could be this year’s version of the 2021 49ers or 2019 Titans.
- Tet Will Lead the League in Receiving Years
- Elite Production & Proven Output: McMillan posted back-to-back seasons with more than 1,300 receiving yards (1,402 in 2023, 1,319 in 2024), ranking him among only a few Power Five receivers to do so since 1996. He left college as Arizona’s all‑time leader in career receiving yards (3,423) and with standout performances such as a school-record 304 yards in a single game.
Physical Tools & Matchup Dominance: At 6′4″, 219 lbs, McMillan possesses size and length that enable him to win nearly every contested catch and dominate press coverage. PFF metrics reinforce his strength against tight coverage, with success rates around 70%+ vs. man and zone, and 73% vs. press, placing him in the 80th percentile and above.
Opportunity: He will be the clear #1 for targets in Carolina.
- Elite Production & Proven Output: McMillan posted back-to-back seasons with more than 1,300 receiving yards (1,402 in 2023, 1,319 in 2024), ranking him among only a few Power Five receivers to do so since 1996. He left college as Arizona’s all‑time leader in career receiving yards (3,423) and with standout performances such as a school-record 304 yards in a single game.
- A Rookie Running Back Will Lead the League in Rushing Yards
- Ashton…Jeanty. That’s it. That’s the entire reasoning.
Let me know what you think. 5 more predictions coming soon.