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

Fresh from their Super Bowl appearance, the San Francisco 49ers will start their 2024 NFL season in a few days with a Monday Night Football against the New York Jets and hope for another successful season.

It's been a turbulent offseason for the 49ers, who have had to deal with two different contract disputes, a number of transfer rumors, and the departure of their longest-serving player.

Now that the season is underway, I thought it would be a good time to give my season predictions for each division of the NFL. Let's start with the AFC.

AFC East: Miami Dolphins

I've been excited about the Buffalo Bills over the last few seasons as they've consistently pushed for a top spot in the AFC with their winning formula and quarterback Josh Allen.

This year, however, they are going through a significant change on both sides of the ball and I think that will impact some of their success in the regular season as they face a tough schedule for first place.

With the Dolphins continuing to grow and the New York Jets adding numerous reinforcements to Aaron Rodgers, this division should be extremely competitive.

I could see any of the three teams winning the division because the Bills have the pedigree, the Dolphins have a top-notch offense, and the Jets have a Super Bowl-caliber defense.

Ultimately, I prefer Miami because a lot has changed compared to previous years.

AFC North: Baltimore Ravens

The NFC West has historically been considered the toughest division in football, but I think that could change after last year's season to the AFC North.

Three of the four teams eventually made it to the playoffs. The Cincinnati Bengals were eliminated due to numerous injuries.

Now all four teams have a chance to make the playoffs, but I still think the Baltimore Ravens have the edge despite losing their defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald in the offseason.

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

AFC South: Houston Texans

This group, one of the more entertaining divisions in the NFL, is all about the young quarterbacks with CJ Stroud (Houston), Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis), Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville) and Will Levis (Tennessee).

After their offseason trades, Houston will build on their playoff season and make a splash in the AFC in 2024. I see them at the top of the division.

The race for second place should be exciting, however, because these teams have a chance to sneak into the playoffs even in the highly competitive AFC.

Indianapolis had a winning record of 9-8 and narrowly missed qualifying. Now Richardson is back in the team and Jonathan Taylor is getting a full season. Tennessee has made some important additions. And Jacksonville still has Lawrence, who is the key to their success.

AFC West: Kansas City Chiefs

This division seems clearer than in the past, with the Chiefs the clear contender in the AFC West.

I don't think any of the other three teams will make the playoffs because Los Angeles has made a lot of changes, Las Vegas hasn't shown much improvement (aside from the signing of Christian Barmore), and Denver is playing with a rookie quarterback.

Kansas City probably also has a good chance of finishing first and is considered the favorite to reach the Super Bowl in the AFC.

NFC East: Dallas Cowboys

Last year it was a close battle and the number of top teams is likely to remain the same.

The Philadelphia Eagles made some big moves at their coordinator positions this offseason, adding running back Saquon Barkley to the team. I still expect Dallas to have the edge because of its defense, while both offenses should be strong again in 2024.

After the moves they made this offseason, Washington could be a closet playoff contender, but that all depends on how quickly Jayden Daniels develops.

NFC South: Atlanta Falcons

In the NFC South, arguably the weakest division in football, there should be an exciting race this year between three teams: the Falcons, Saints and Buccaneers.

Tampa Bay won the battle last year and brought back most of their key players, but I'm leaning towards Atlanta after they made big changes on both sides of the ball during the offseason.

It depends on Kirk Cousins’ health, but everything indicates that he will be ready for 2024.

NFC North: Detroit Lions

In another really tough and exciting division, for me the Lions narrowly beat the Green Bay Packers in the NFC North.

However, this division is likely to be highly competitive, with two of the NFC's top teams battling it out at the top, while the Chicago Bears, with rookie Caleb Williams as quarterback, could sneakily advance into the playoffs.

Minnesota doesn't seem to be in the running at the moment, but all of the other teams could still be in the running for the postseason.

NFC West: San Francisco 49ers

Unfortunately we reach the NFC West.

The big question in this division is how the 49ers will fare after all the offseason news, but they got their core back together before the season and should be ready to go in Week 1.

The 49ers have a tough schedule and the Rams are coming back as a good NFC team, but I still believe the 49ers can win the division and possibly even secure the top seed.

However, this division is good, with the Cardinals moving up (at least on offense) while the Seahawks look healthy, which could make them potential contenders for a playoff spot. That means these conference games will be more important than ever this year.