By: Kipp Branch

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

It’s that time of year again where men retreat to their man caves and marriages get put on hold for football season.

College football kicked off in force this past weekend and now the NFL kicks this week.

My fantasy team is set with Aaron Rogers as my QB and Julio Jones is my top WR. I should be in contention for my 4^th Brunswick Fat Boys League Championship. Did I mention that I have won my fantasy league three times in its’ 12-year existence?

The Atlanta Falcons are poised to have the best offense in the NFL. Can Matt Ryan get back to MVP form? Is Julio about to become the NFL’s first $200 million man? If the Falcons play enough defense they may capture the AFC South.

My NFL Predictions.

AFC East:

New England: This division is garbage and Brady even at 41 years of age will lead the Patriots to another AFC East title

Miami: QB is an issue in Miami. Decent defense, but can they score points?

NY Jets: Rookie Sam Darnold will be the youngest QB in the NFL.

Buffalo: From playoffs to the cellar in 12 months.

AFC North:

Pittsburgh: Big Ben’s last chance?

Baltimore: QB controversy may be brewing in Baltimore.

Cincinnati: I hope AJ Green gets traded to a winner before his skills start to deteriorate

Cleveland: Hue Jackson needs to go. Baker Mayfield will find out quickly that the Big 12 was like playing recreation ball in Glynn County.

AFC South:

Jacksonville: This team is a Super Bowl contender. Can you know who not mess it up?

Houston: How do Watson and Watt bounce back from injuries?

Tennessee: Could Colin Kaepernick help the Titans at QB?

Indianapolis: All this team has is Andrew Luck and he is coming off a shoulder injury.

AFC West:

San Diego Chargers: I’m not calling them Los Angeles. Philip Rivers and a very good defense.

KC: Andy Reid teams are always in contention.

Denver: Will get Broncos get good enough QB play to make playoffs?

Oakland: You pay a coach $100 million who won a SB with Tony Dungy’s players and you can’t find money to pay Khalil Mack? Really Oakland?

Playoffs: Jaguars, Steelers, Patriots, Chargers, Ravens, Chiefs

AFC Champ: Jaguars

NFC East:

Philadelphia: The champs need Carson Wentz back healthy because Nick Foles is like fool’s gold.

Dallas: if Zeke stays healthy the Cowboys will push the Eagles.

NY Giants: This team is in rebuild mode

Washington: I don’t think the Redskins are very good.

NFC North:

Minnesota: Vikings have a better defense than Green Bay.

Green Bay: Aaron Rogers is the best QB in football.

Detroit: Where is the pass rush? Will contend for a wild card.

Chicago: The pieces are being put into place for 2019 and beyond.

NFC South:

New Orleans: The Saints have the most overall talent in the NFC and they have Drew Brees.

Atlanta: Falcons will make playoffs as a wild card.

Carolina: Can they protect Cam in 2018?

Tampa Bay: Could start 0-3 without Jameis, and not get much better when he returns.

NFC West:

Los Angeles: The Rams are a Super Bowl contender

Seattle: Big drop from Rams to Seahawks.

San Francisco: I’m not drinking the 49er Kool-Aid.

Arizona: Long season in the desert.

Playoffs: Eagles, Vikings, Saints, Rams, Packers, Falcons.

NFC Champ: Saints

Super Bowl: New Orleans vs. Jacksonville

Super Bowl Champ: Jacksonville Jaguars