I am going to do my AFC playoff predictions, seeds 1-6. These choices are my personal opinion and thoughts of who I think will be in the thick of the AFC playoffs next season. I have put my schedule prediction in parentheses.

Here it is:

1. New England Patriots (12-4)

This should not be too shocking, as I am picking the Pats to retain their throne at the top of the AFC. It seems that this team only needs Brady and Belichick to succeed to the top, despite injuries sporadically to Edelman and Gronkowski. They have addressed their weak defense with signing Adrian Clayborn and Marquis Flowers as well as RBs Jeremy Hill and Sony Michel. I expect experience and their easy division wins to keep the Pats in this spot.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (11-5)

The Jaguars are excited for this upcoming season and so am I. After boasts from players such as Telvin Smith and Malik Jackson about the Jags invincibility, I see them landing a solid 2 spot in the conference behind the Pats. The key reason here is they are returning an elite defense from last season with very minimal losses. In addition to that, several upgrades on the offense should help an already growing confidence for QB Bortles. This includes OG Andrew Norwell, TE Austin Seferian Jenkins and WRs Marqise Lee and Donte Moncrief. I believe the defense and cockiness in Duvall County will dominate.

3. Los Angeles Chargers (11-5)

This represents an unfamiliar spot for the unlucky Chargers. Though the injury bug hit them again with CB Verrett out for the season, I see the Chargers using their experience and talent to pull out the division crown. The offense is electrifying when clicking, with Rivers, Gordon, and Allen representing a great trio. The defense has blossomed into a force with Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram, and Derwin James. They fixed their kicking woes by signing Caleb Sturgis. With the Broncos, Chiefs, and Raiders still uncertain at one unit in their team, the Chargers represent the most complete team in this division. The Chargers are my definition of sleepers.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)

I fully expect the Steelers to win their division again, but this time the Ravens will be a tough out with that stout defense. Nevertheless, the Killer B’s will play extraordinary assuming Bell will play. As evidence from last year’s divisional round, the Steelers defense needs some work, as Shazier remains out. Though the Steelers have signed S Morgan Burnett, there remains a weak defense. I expect the offense to carry the load enough to at least win the division, with the other three offenses not so elite.

5. Houston Texans (10-6)

I believe the Texans will get a wild card spot because that is how much I believe in Deshaun Watson, who last year, tore through his opponents with absurd stats. Ravaged by injuries last year, the Texans return Watson and Hopkins on offense. On defense, they return many elite players, with new additions, and I think this defense can return to form. S Tyrann Mathieu, CB Aaron Colvin, and the return of JJ Watt and Whitney Mercilus should make this defense formidable again. Though I don’t see them overcoming the Jags in this division, they can at least earn a wild card spot in a weaker conference.

6. Baltimore Ravens (9-7)

Though the Ravens have been lacking on offense, I see their defense pulling some weight into a wild card spot. With a reignited Joe Flacco, and the signing of Crabtree, Brown, Snead, and Hurst, I expect this Ravens offense to take a step forward. This defense remains stout, with Brandon Williams, Suggs, Weddle, and Mosley leading the charge. I don’t believe they will be able to overcome the Steelers, but they should give other teams plenty of problems with this defense to earn enough wins to get a wild card spot.