Way-Too-Early NFL Predictions & Future Bets to Make:

Although it's still just early July, it's never too early to start thinking about football. That being said, let's take a look at this upcoming NFL season. 

Cincinnati Bengals (9-8 in 2023-24) - While the Bengals were very unfortunate last season when their Quarterback Joe Burrow went down with an injury. They'll have him back this season and they should be labelled as Super Bowl contenders once again. Yes, they lost Joe Mixon to the Houston Texas in Free Agency. However, this team is still extremely talented and having Burrow back greatly improves their chances of another playoff appearance and perhaps more. // Projection: 11-6

Los Angeles Chargers (5-12 in 2023-24) - Los Angeles also had plenty of injuries last season. Mike Williams went out early in the season and Keenan Allen missed four weeks as well. Although they'll be without both of them this season again, they are much improved in the trenches. New head coach Jim Harbaugh has added a few new pieces and he'll look to keep winning like he did in Michigan last season. Even with limited receiving options, QB Justin Herbert is more than capable of making things happen. // Projection: 8-9

New York Jets (7-11 in 2023-24) - Same with the Bengals, the Jets also had a Quarterback injury cause a rough season. Unluckily for them, theirs happened to be in week 1 of the regular season to a guy by the name of Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers is back this season and ready to roll as the Jets look to get to the postseason. If you don't remember, many people were very high on NYJ going into last year before the injury happened. They picked up a fantastic tackle in Olu Fashanu in the draft. Expect some improvement. // Projection: 10-7

Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7 in 2023-24) - Pittsburgh picked up another winning season under HC Mike Tomlin last year. Don't get me wrong, he's one of the best coaches in this league right now. But, the Steelers are not a team that I expect to do all that well this season. They happen to be in what I believe to be the NFL's toughest division. With their last eight games of the season against BAL, CLE, CIN, CLE, PHI, BAL, KC, CIN, I just don't see them matching their number from last year. Expect a slight fall off. // Projection: 7-10

New Orleans Saints (9-8 in 2023-24) - New Orleans managed to do alright last season despite not having the best Quarterback play. Well, they might have to worry about the same things this year. Simply put, Derek Carr is not the answer for them. They did draft Spencer Rattler in the 5th round which could turn out to be the steal of the draft. But, don't expect him to start the season or even play all that much in his first season. // Projection: 7-10

Tennessee Titans (6-11 in 2023-24) - You may be thinking - Why am I expecting a 6-11 team to fall off? Well, I don't see them winning even five games this season. Tennessee lost their superstar running back in Derek Henry over this offseason, a move that everyone saw coming. They did manage to get Tony Pollard which should help them not be awful in that department. However, overcoming the loss of Henry and not improving offensively will be a problem. Nice addition to get L'Jarius Sneed from Kansas City though. // Projection: 4-13

These top three are all about the Colts. I'm very high on Indianapolis this season. After a season where they finished 9-8 without their starting QB, I believe that they can accomplish things this year. New Head Coach Shane Steichen is going to do wonders for this football team as Anthony Richardson is one of the best up and coming stars. He proved that he's going to be special in just a few weeks last year. The win total is way too low considering the division that they are in. They will make the playoffs and perhaps even win the division. Getting Laiatu Latu in the 1st & Adonai Mitchell in the 2nd round was massive as well. Expect a big year for Steichen and this Indianapolis team. 

While the Browns finished 11-6 last season with Joe Flacco under center for 5 games, they should be able to go "over" this mark quite easily. They'll have Deshaun Watson back and although he probably won't be as good as he was in Houston for those few years, he's more than capable at QB. The Browns will also be hoping that Nick Chubb returns sooner than later. That is probably what's causing this lower line. However, I do expect him to return at some point this season and get back to a decently high level once again. 

New York simply isn't that good. They lost their superstar running back in Saquon Barkley during the offseason. Not only did they lose him. But, they lost him to their division rival in the Philadelphia Eagles. It's going to be a rough season for them as they are still leaning to having Daniel Jones take snaps behind center again. Yes, they added who I believe to be an insane talent in Malik Nabers. But, he's going to do nothing if they can't get him the ball. Don't expect very many wins from the G-Men this season. 

Baltimore Ravens vs. San Francisco 49ers 
Score: 23-17 49ers.