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Season Predictions – AFC Central
Cincinnati stands heads and shoulders among the other teams in their division, and may very well secure the top seed in the AFC come playoff time.
1) Cincinnati Bengals
Why will the Bengals win the division?
The Bengals have a solid if not spectacular offense, with the ability to both run and pass behind a good OL; where Nino has really excelled is putting together a very good defense, with quality and depth across the entire starting 11. It definitely will be tough to score on this Bengal team and will be their hallmark this year
Where could the Bengals fall short?
The Bengals could use better play at the QB position, and definitely could use a better backup RB, but they are up against the cap. Also, they will be sitting quite a bit of their cap among their defensive guys, and so don’t quite have the scoring punch of Jacksonville or Buffalo.
Verdict
Given the division, it wouldn’t be a shocker to see the Bengals get the bye going into the playoffs as #1 seed; Nino should be competing for a Super Bowl this year, and trying to outscore the Jags and Bills when it comes playoff time.
2) Pittsburgh Steelers
How could the Steelers manage to sneak past the Bengals?
Honestly…they can’t. The 3 bottom teams in the division are in the midst of rebuilding and Nino is too good of a coach to have too many upsets. That said, I don’t think the Steelers will be in the cellar this year, which is a move in the right direction
Why the Steelers may be in the cellar again?
The defense is not very good, and may find it painful when going against even a decent offense. Meanwhile the offense has a few tools, but next season is when the talent starts to show up and in two season, the Steelers should be competing for the playoffs and the division
Verdict
Pittsburgh benefits by Indy going rebuild as well as Tennessee; 3 of the 4 lowest salaried teams are in this division. While that pretty much hands the division over to the Bengals, it should make for some competitive games in the division. In a way, this is bad as someone will probably lose a draft position or two by an “inopportune” win, but I also believe that you gain a whole lot more coaching to win, and Pittsburgh can use that. Jason has rebuilt other teams and will surely do it again here.
3) Indianapolis Colts
How can the Colts stay out of the basement?
Bob is an excellent coach, and will use the talent that he has while still looking towards the future. His QB is Sam Howell, and while not top-tier tosser of the football, he has Sam Darnold waiting to explode next year, along with Saquon.
Why will the Colts finish behind Cincy and Indy?
We all know what talent is on its way in Indy…it’s just not there yet. Bob has made it an artform to find creative ways to lose close games, and that was when he was a solid contender. If he paints on that same canvas this season, falling to the basement is all too possible.
Verdict
The bottom 3 teams make for an interesting case study of how coaching will play a major role. While I don’t expect any other team in this division to make the post-season, the fight for 2nd will be interesting nonetheless.
4) Tennessee Titans
How could the Titans get out of the basement?
Whichever team manages to avoid last place will not be doing so with consistent defensive help, but life in football rests on coaching and luck; since Calvin is currently running this team, that part is secured, with luck just a RNG away.
How could the Titans finish last?
I’m not sure if the previous ownership could have done a worse job of long-term team building, and that’s all I’m going to say about that. It probably won’t get better soon, as their long-term solution at QB (JJ McCarthy) will not play next year either; that said, they will be adding talent in other positions, so the team will be better next year
Verdict
The bottom 3 teams are their own interest story in a fishbowl, so to speak. IMHO, the Colts and Steelers are about a year further along in their rebuilds, but all 3 will still have to get past Cincinnati, who is well coached and well situated for long-term success.
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