The Sports Hangover: AFC Preview 2023
Welcome back to The Sports Hangover! I'm Michael Benatar, joined as always by my co-host, J-Dawg. It’s a great time to dive into some football talk as summer winds down and the excitement for the NFL season ramps up.
A Dynamic Refresh
It seems like J-Dawg had a great weekend in New York City. He even got a little advice about his background. With that summer refresh in mind, we're switching gears as we gear up for the upcoming football season. Today, we're focusing on an all-out AFC preview - perfect for gamblers, fantasy football enthusiasts, or just those looking to brush up on the latest in the NFL!
AFC Projected Win Totals
As we dive into the AFC, let’s take a look at the projected win totals. Currently, four teams have the highest projected win totals, each sitting at 11.5:
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Baltimore Ravens
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Buffalo Bills
On the flip side, we also have the five teams with the lowest totals, all below 5.5:
- Cleveland Browns
- New York Giants
- New York Jets
- Tennessee Titans
- One team yet to be named...
Breaking Down the AFC Divisions
AFC East
Starting with the AFC East, J-Dawg recognized the Buffalo Bills as the dominating force in the division. With a staggering record of 12-1 against the Dolphins in their last 13 matchups, it’s clear that the Bills have a stronghold here. The discussion regarding Josh Allen's effectiveness with a potential lack in receiving corps was lively. J-Dawg remained optimistic about Allen's abilities, stating, “He seems to thrive without the Divas Superstars.”
Tua Tagovailoa's health is the big question for Miami, while the Jets and Patriots are left fighting to stay relevant. With the New England Patriots over-under set at 7.5, it could be a rough season for fans in New York.
AFC North
Moving on to the AFC North, the Pittsburgh Steelers aren't favored to win the division but the conversation highlighted their potential. The Ravens, led by Lamar Jackson, could likely reclaim past prowess, especially following a four-game win streak to end last season. J-Dawg pointed out the historic struggles of the Ravens in big playoff moments, leaving their future uncertain.
Cincinnati Bengals fans could see a sprinkle of mixed sentiments toward their Super Bowl chances too. There's some indication that we need to bet against them earlier in the season and look for upward trends later, which aligns with Joe Burrow's performance trajectory.
AFC South
The AFC South is where things get murky. With multiple teams — including the Texans, Jaguars, and Colts — all vying for top spots, it feels like a 3-way race. J-Dawg highlighted that the division remains up for grabs and each team has its respective ups and downs marked with injury concerns and quarterback issues. The Jaguars made a smart off-season through hiring decisions, as J-Dawg was excited about their chance to make an impact.
AFC West
Finally, onto the spicy AFC West, where J-Dawg and I locked horns over the Kansas City Chiefs being crowned as the Super Bowl contenders again. While voiced skepticism highlighted their previous season's close games, I argue that this could be the motivating fire they need. Kansas City's projected over-under sits at 11.5, but our bet will see if they can indeed surpass it.
Talking about long shorts, J-Dawg surprisingly expressed some hope for the Las Vegas Raiders, citing Max Crosby's drive to succeed. This division could be a wild ride as talented quarterbacks and coaching styles collide.
The Final Huddle
As we wrap up the AFC preview, the excitement and analysis set the stage for a nail-biting season ahead. Fan anticipation, especially for the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, is palpable, while the struggles of several division rivals in both the East and North continue to intrigue us.
Join us next week when we shift our focus to the NFC Preview. Predictions, insights, and plenty of banter are sure to follow. Until then, happy football watching!
