The Sad Fan — AFC North, NFC North & Aston Villa's Premier League Problem

Which teams actually own the North?

This week on The Sad Fan, Frye continues his 2026 NFL division predictions by breaking down the AFC North and NFC North, two divisions filled with contenders, question marks, and teams that could completely wreck our preseason expectations.

In the AFC North, we examine Baltimore and Cincinnati's chances of finishing on top, why Pittsburgh could find itself falling behind younger and more explosive teams, and whether Cleveland has any realistic path forward. That leads to a bigger question surrounding the Browns: could the Deshaun Watson deal ultimately be remembered as one of the worst transactions in NFL history?

Then we head to the NFC North, where Green Bay and Detroit enter the conversation as potential contenders. Which team takes the division? Who's being overlooked? And which North team could become one of the NFL's biggest surprises?

Frye also crosses the Atlantic to discuss the new Premier League season and the challenges facing Aston Villa.

With Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez at the center of transfer discussions, Villa faces the difficult balancing act of developing young talent, retaining established stars, and remaining competitive under financial restrictions.

That leads to a larger conversation about money in European football. Do spending regulations actually create fairness—or have they helped preserve a system where only a handful of clubs can consistently compete at the very top?

From NFL predictions and quarterback problems to Premier League transfers and the business behind modern sports, there's plenty to debate this week.

Follow The Sad Fan as we continue breaking down every NFL division ahead of the season.

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