So let’s talk about the AFC.  After last year’s victory by the Broncos, the AFC has now won 3 of the last 4 Super Bowls.  In total, the NFC leads the AFC 26 – 24 in the 50 Super Bowls played to date.  Last year the typical cast of characters made the playoffs, teams like the Steelers, Patriots, Broncos, Bengals, and Texans.  Joined by the Kansas City Chiefs who went on an 11-game win streak to close out the season as the hottest team in the league.  But the AFC title game came down to two familiar foes in the Patriots and Broncos, with the Broncos winning out and going on to win the 3rd Super Bowl in franchise history.

So what’s in store for the AFC this season?  With the retirement of Peyton Manning, and Brock Osweiler leaving in free agency, there is a lot of uncertainty at the QB position for the defending champs this season.  Mr. Butt Fumble himself, Mark Sanchez, is currently the starting QB and recently drafted rookie Paxton Lynch is not ready for prime time.  Last season’s league leading defense is still intact, but the issue is going to be whether or not they can score.  Time will tell.

The AFC front runners should continue to be the Patriots, Broncos, Steelers, and Bengals.  But there are a couple of teams that are expected to make a pretty big splash due to some great off season moves in free agency and the draft.  In addition to the front runners, expect to hear noise from the Raiders, Jaguars, Colts, and Texans.

The Raiders made some real progress last season.  Derek Carr continued to improve as the teams franchise QB.  The drafting of Amari Cooper lived up to its billing with him breaking several franchise rookie receiving records.   The addition of Michael Crabtree added to Carr’s arsenal of weapons.  Khalil Mack became the first player to be named all-pro at two positions, OLB and DE.  The sky’s the limit for the Silver and Black this season.  With the free agent signings of Kelechi Osemele, Bruce Irvin, and Sean Smith, the Raiders have solidified the defensive side of the ball, and are primed to break their 13 year post season draught.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are poised for a breakout year this season.  Blake Bortles made some real progress as the Jags’ franchise QB.  And the Allens (Hurns and Robinson) showed signs of becoming one of the most prolific pass catching duos in the league.  TJ Yeldon showed signs of becoming a go to RB, and the signing of Chris Ivory in free agency has solidified that backfield.  Telvin Smith is healthy and the steal of the draft, Myles Jack, make the Jags a force to be reckoned with.

With Andrew Luck battling injury for most of the season, the Colts struggled throughout the season on offense.  However, 2016 should be different in many respects.  Luck is healthy, and the core of the team returns.  Matt Hasselbeck though injured himself, was able to guide the Colts to a respectable 8-8 record.  With a healthy Luck and the return of last year’s team intact, I expect the Colts to be playoff bound once again.

They still have JJ Watt and DeAndre Hopkins.  And they signed Brock Osweiler, and Lamar Miller in free agency.  They also drafted speedster Will Fuller.  The Texans appear to be in good shape.  The biggest question for them is whether or not they can finally get past the first round of the playoffs.  I have a strong feeling that this is their year to make a breakthrough.  Will they win it all?  NO.  But they definitely win a first round game.