CAPACCIO: AFC Better or Worse
Over the past two weeks on Sports Talk Saturday (11am-2pm Saturdays on WGR) I went through every team in the NFL and said if their record will be “Better or Worse” this season than last. In case you missed it – which you shouldn’t because you should always be listening to the show! – here they are again for you. But, this time, I added one sentence for each team to either explain or just for the heck of it.
The rule: I was not allowed to say “same” for any team. Only “better” or “worse.”
Here are my AFC picks. You can read my NFC picks here .
AFC East
Patriots (13-3 last season) – Worse
Altough still the AFC East favorites, 14 wins is a lot to ask for an aging offense and a very young defense.
Jets (8-8) - Worse
How can anyone expect that offense to score enough to win nine games?
Dolphins (6-10) - Worse
This team might not win six games in the CFL.
Bills (6-10) - Better
Improved roster and favorable schedule should mean at least 2 more wins than last year.
AFC North
Ravens (12-4) – Worse
Still a very good team, but schedule makes it tough to get to 13 wins.
Steelers (12-4) - Worse
Health and identity issues on offense will hold them back.
Bengals (9-7) - Better
Much closer to Ravens and Steelers now than they’ve been in a long time.
Browns (4-12) – Worse
They might not get even half the win total they did last year.
AFC South
Texans (10-6) - Better
One of the most well-balanced teams in the league on both sides of the ball.
Titans (9-7) - Worse
Very tough call, but QB will hold them back from improvement.
Jaguars (5-11) – Worse
Passing offense may be historically bad.
Colts (2-14) – Better
Andrew Luck will be good for 2 wins himself.
AFC West
Broncos (8-8) - Better
Easiest call on the board with (a healthy) Manning at QB.
Raiders (8-8) - Worse
Organization finally headed in right direction but still in transition.
Chargers (8-8) - Better
No way Philip Rivers “struggles” the same way he did last year.
Chiefs (7-9) - Worse
I like almost everything about them except coach and QB.
--Sal Capaccio
Follow me on twitter: @SalSports