The 2024 NFL Season is rapidly approaching. The season kicks off on Thursday, September 5 and every day through Monday, September 2 we’ll be going team-by-team as we preview the new season. Be sure to come back here every afternoon as we look at a new team and get your ready for the 2024 season. We’ll cover off-season changes, the fantasy prospects, and the prediction for how the team will fare this season.

The 2024 NFL Season is upon us, kicking off Thursday with the Baltimore Ravens at the Kansas City Chiefs. Before the season begins, it’s time for me to offer my final playoff predictions. I’ve been thinking and refining all off-season, and here’s where I stand heading into the regular season.

AFC Playoffs

AFC South Winner: Houston Texans

AFC East Winner: Miami Dolphins

AFC North Winners: Cincinnati Bengals

AFC West Winner: Kansas City Chiefs

AFC Wild Cards: Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets

About: The AFC is deep, and I think it will take at least 10 wins to get into the playoffs. I could see it potentially taking 11 wins. There are a couple divisions that are loaded, too, with the AFC North and the AFC East producing a lot of good teams. I think the Dolphins take a step and win the East, while the Texans are again strong. Finally, I think the return of Aaron Rodgers is enough for the Jets to make the field.

NFC Playoffs

NFC North Winner: Detroit Lions

NFC West Winner: San Francisco 49ers

NFC East Winner: Philadelphia Eagles

NFC South Winner: Atlanta Falcons

NFC Wild Cards: Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams

About: I still like the Lions, and I think along with the 49ers and Eagles they’re the class of the NFC. The Falcons, with a new coach and Kirk Cousins, I think have a great chance to win the South and make the playoffs. Among Wild Cards, my biggest change of thinking the past few weeks has surround the Bears, who I have making it, and the Cowboys, who I have out now. Dallas has had a bad off-season and I think it will lead to a lesser season. The Bears, meanwhile, seem poised to make the leap.

AFC Championship: Texans over Dolphins
About: The Dolphins are locked into winning a playoff game. I think they get that done. In fact, I think they win a couple. The Texans, meanwhile, feel poised to take things a step further. I think these two are ready to make the leap and this will make for a heck of an AFC title game.

NFC Championship: Lions over Eagles
About: The Lions were a bad half away from the Super Bowl in 2023 and this time I think they get it done. I also like the Eagles to bounce back after a disappointing season in 2023 and make it back to the NFC Championship Game, overcoming the 49ers to do it. I still like the 49ers, but I think the Eagles and Lions are loaded.

Super Bowl: Lions over the Texans
About: These were two of the hottest young teams in 2023, making some moves. I think in 2024, after an off-season spent building up weaknesses, the teams are ready to go further. I’m in on the Lions in 2024.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.