By Matt Noonan 

Welcome to the official start date for the National Football League (NFL). 

Are you ready for some football?

Whether or not, the season – yes, a new season of professional football – begins this evening with the Houston Texans visiting the Kansas City Chiefs in what should be an intriguing matchup. 

Yet, before the defending Super Bowl champions begin their quest for a second-straight title later today, allow me to share my predictions for the upcoming season, including who I think will celebrate a championship next February in Tampa Bay, Florida. 

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Listen to our Noontime Sports 2020 NFL Season Preview (and yes, predictions, too) on Apple Podcast and Spotify! 

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Noontime’s NFL 2020 Predictions

AFC East Champions: Buffalo Bills 

AFC North Champions: Baltimore Ravens

AFC South Champions: Tennessee Titans 

AFC West Champions: Kansas City Chiefs 

AFC Wild Card Teams: Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, and Pittsburgh Steelers 

AFC Championship Prediction: Kansas City over Tennessee 

NFC East Champions: Dallas Cowboys 

NFC North Champions: Minnesota Vikings 

NFC South Champions: New Orleans Saints 

NFC West Champions: Seattle Seahawks 

NFC Wild Card Teams: Green Bay Packers, San Francisco 49ers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

NFC Championship Prediction: New Orleans over Tampa Bay 

Super Bowl Prediction: Kansas City over New Orleans 

Coach of the Year: Mike Vrabel (Tennessee Titans) 

Offensive Player of the Year: Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs) 

Defensive Player of the Year: T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Offensive Rookie of the Year: CeeDee Lamb (Dallas Cowboys) 

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Chase Young (Washington Football Team)

Comeback Player of the Year: Cam Newton (New England Patriots)

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Listen to our Noontime Sports 2020 NFL Season Preview (and yes, predictions, too) on Apple Podcast and Spotify!