With the 2018-19 NFL season kicking off a week from Thursday with an NFC matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, the staff from Eastern Maine Sports have made their season predictions. Marc Calnan, Chris Lessner, Jeff Hoak, and Anthony Delmonaco have picked both AFC and NFC division winners, wild card teams, conference championship game, and of course the Super Bowl. They have also added their MVP, offensive and defensive rookie of the year, and coach of the year. Below are how our staff sees the season playing out:
American Football Conference-
AFC East- Marc- Patriots (11-5), Anthony and Jeff- Patriots (12-4), Chris- Patriots (10-6)
AFC North- Marc- Steelers (10-6), Anthony and Jeff- Steelers (11-5), Chris- Steelers (12-4)
AFC South- Marc, Chris, and Jeff- Texans (11-5), Anthony- Jaguars (10-6)
AFC West- Marc and Chris- Chargers (12-4), Jeff- Chargers (10-6), Anthony- Chiefs (11-5)
Wild Card teams: Marc- Jaguars, Chiefs Jeff- Jaguars, Titans Anthony- Texans, Raiders Chris- Chiefs, Colts
AFC championship- Marc- Chargers over Patriots, Jeff- Patriots over Texans, Anthony- Jags over Patriots, Chris- Steelers over Chargers
National Football Conference-
NFC East- Marc- Eagles (10-6), Jeff and Anthony- Eagles (13-3), Chris- Cowboys (11-5)
NFC North- Marc and Anthony- Packers (13-3), Chris- Packers (12-4), Jeff- Vikings (11-5)
NFC South- Marc and Chris- Saints (12-4), Jeff and Anthony- Falcons (11-5)
NFC West- Marc- Rams (12-4), Jeff and Anthony- 49ers (12-4), Chris- Rams (11-5)
Wild Card teams: Marc- Vikings, Cardinals Jeff- Rams, Saints Anthony- Cowboys, Vikings Chris- Eagles, 49ers
NFC championship- Marc- Packers over Saints, Jeff- Rams over Eagles, Anthony- Eagles over Falcons, Chris- Packers over Rams
Super Bowl: Marc- Packers over Chargers Jeff- Patriots over Rams Anthony- Jags over Eagles Chris- Steelers over Packers
League MVP- Marc- Aaron Rodgers Jeff- Carson Wentz Anthony- Tom Brady Chris- Ben Rothleisberger
Offensive Rookie of Year- Marc- Saquan Barkley Jeff and Anthony- Baker Mayfield Chris- Sam Darnold
Defensive Rookie of Year- Marc and Chris- Bradley Chubb Jeff- Derwin James Anthony- Roquan Smith
Coach of Year- Marc- Anthony Lynn Jeff- Kyle Shanahan Anthony- Bill Belichik Chris- Mike Tomlin