TEAM predictions
Division Winner
Baltimore - 12-5
2025 Power Rank: 3rd 2024 DVOA: 1st 2025 Schedule: 21st
Baltimore scored 12 wins after 13 in '23 behind the 3rd ranked offense & 9th ranked D. They were among the top 3 teams even after losing 2 o-linemen & star LB Queen. Boasting the 5th ranked defense (PFF), a top-4 QB plus improved WR's & top end TE's bodes well for a deep playoff run. LT Stanley & the o-line have regressed & rank 17th (B/R) which is a concern. The Ravens & Bills are the new class of the AFC but we prefer the Bills who we bet in the Super Bowl with the Rams, 53-1.
2nd Place Finish
Cincinnati - 9-8
2025 Power Rank: 15th 2024 DVOA: 13th 2025 Schedule: 17th
Even top-3 QB Burrow couldn't save the Bengals after a 4-8 start dispite a 5-0 finish. But we expect they won't go 4-7 in 1-score games again. Resigning Chase & Higgins bodes well for '25 but the bottom fishing o-line in '24 should be no better where PFF now ranks them 31st. The defense overachieved in '23 that regressed to 25th in '24 is ranked 25th for '25. They miss the production of '24 departed RB Mixon. We are sellers here due to the porous o-line & issues on defense.
3rd Place Finish
Pittsburgh - 9-8
2025 Power Rank: 20th 2024 DVOA: 15th 2025 Schedule: 24th
Another 10-7 surprise in '24, but lost their last 5 games & managed only a +33 in point +/-. Rodgers is an upgrade at QB. His '24 was quietly a stats success. But beyond Metcalf/Freiermuth the receivers are weak. We like Steeler-esque 3rd round pick RB Johnson. But their 9th ranked o-line in the '24 preseason is now 21st (PFF). Even the PFF 13th ranked defense may have trouble preserving Tomlin's 17-year winning record streak given the league's 29th toughest schedule.
4th Place Finish
Cleveland - 5-12
2025 Power Rank: 28th 2024 DVOA: 32nd 2025 Schedule: 31st
The Browns once mighty o-line is now ranked 27th & it showed in '24 where the offense ranked 31st in +/- points. RB Chubb is gone & the WR room is bare beyond Jeudy. The QB room is stacked, or maybe clogged, with questionable talents Flacco, Pickett, Gabriel & Sanders. We loved the #2 pick trade where they got DT stud Graham at #5. We think Sanders starts by mid-season. Brutal 2nd toughest schedule.