NFL Division predictions: Will the 49ers have a Super Bowl hangover?

Fresh off a Super Bowl appearance, the San Francisco 49ers are set to start their 2024 NFL season off on Monday Night Football against the New York Jets in just a few days, looking to have another successful season.

It has been a whirlwind of an offseason for the 49ers, who dealt with two different contract disputes, a number of trade rumors, and the departure of their longest-tenured player.

Now, it’s time for the actual season to begin, so I thought it was a good time to give my season predictions for every division in the NFL. Let’s start with the AFC.

AFC East: Miami Dolphins

I’ve been high on the Buffalo Bills for the last few seasons, as their formula has consistently seen them push for a top seed in the AFC with quarterback Josh Allen.

This year though, they’re undergoing a significant change on both sides of the ball, and I think that’ll impact some of their regular-season success, as they’ll face a tough first-place schedule.

This division should be ultra-competitive with the Dolphins continuing to grow and the New York Jets adding a number of pieces to support Aaron Rodgers.

I could see either of the three teams winning the division, as the Bills have the pedigree, the Dolphins have the high-octane offense, and the Jets have a Super Bowl caliber defense.

Ultimately, I give the edge to Miami, switching things up from years past.

AFC North: Baltimore Ravens

The NFC West has been deemed the toughest division in football in the past, but I think that might be changing to the AFC North after their season last year.

Three of the four teams ended up making the playoffs, with the Cincinnati Bengals missing out due to a multitude of injuries.

Now, all four teams have a shot to make the playoffs, but I still have the Baltimore Ravens coming out on top, despite them losing defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald in the offseason.

Cincinnati has a few losses/injuries, Cleveland has uncertainty with Deshaun Watson back at quarterback, and the Steelers are good, but to what extent? So, Baltimore is the pick.

AFC South: Houston Texans

One of the more fun divisions in the NFL, this group is all about the young quarterbacks with C.J. Stroud (Houston), Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis), Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville), and Will Levis (Tennessee).

After their moves this offseason, Houston is bound to build off their playoff season and make some noise in 2024 in the AFC. I have them atop the division.

The race for the No. 2 spot though should be intriguing, as these teams do have a chance to sneak into the playoffs, even in a highly-competitive AFC.

Indianapolis had a winning record at 9-8 and just missed out, but now return Richardson back to the fold, while also getting a full season of Jonathan Taylor. Tennessee made a number of big additions. And Jacksonville still has Lawrence, who is the key to their success.

AFC West: Kansas City Chiefs

This division feels more straightforward than in the past, with the Chiefs being the clear contender in the AFC West.

I don’t see either of the three other teams making the playoffs, as Los Angeles underwent an overhaul of changes, Las Vegas didn’t improve much (outside of adding Christian Barmore), and Denver is going with a rookie quarterback.

Kansas City probably has a strong shot at the No. 1 seed as well and seem to be the favorites to reach the Super Bowl out of the AFC.

NFC East: Dallas Cowboys

This one was a tight battle last year, and the top two teams should remain the same.

The Philadelphia Eagles did make some big changes this offseason at their coordinator spots, while adding running back Saquon Barkley to the fold. I still go with Dallas for the edge due to their defense, while both offenses should be strong in 2024 once again.

Washington could be a sneaky playoff contender after the moves they made this offseason, but that’s all dependent on how quickly Jayden Daniels develops.

NFC South: Atlanta Falcons

Arguably the weakest division in football, the NFC South should be a competitive race between three teams this year: the Falcons, Saints, and Buccaneers.

Tampa Bay won the battle last year and return most of the main pieces to their team, but I lean towards Atlanta after the major moves they made this offseason on both sides of the ball.

That’ll depend on the health of Kirk Cousins, but all indications are that he’s set for the 2024 year.

NFC North: Detroit Lions

Another really tough and intriguing division, I have the Lions edging out the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North.

This division should be competitive though with two of the top teams in the NFC duking it out at the top, while the Chicago Bears could make a sneaky playoff push with rookie Caleb Williams under center.

Minnesota seems out of the picture for now, but all of the other teams could in the race come the postseason.

NFC West: San Francisco 49ers

Alas, we reach the NFC West.

The big question surrounding this division is how the 49ers will come out after all of their offseason news, but they’ve got their core back together before the season and should be ready to roll come Week 1.

The 49ers have a tough schedule and the Rams return as a good NFC team, but I still have the former winning the division and potentially even earning the No. 1 seed.

This division is good though, as the Cardinals are ascending (at least on offense), while the Seahawks look healthy, which could make them potential contenders for a playoff spot. That means those conference games will be as important as ever this year.