Hello everyone! It’s time for everyone’s favorite time of year – football season!
Is anyone else excited to actually be talking about the game again? Ever since one of the most wild, unexpected Superbowls I can remember, we quickly got lost talking about suspensions, sexual orientation, and where Johnny Football likes to party. Let’s put all that behind us and get back to what matters! X’s and O’s, W’s and L’s!
As usual, some disclaimers. I don’t profess to be an expert on the NFL, I do this for fun. I don’t do any game by game picks, just a rough guess on each team’s standing, so these exact records may not be possible with the 2014 schedule. While I do try to be objective, no one can completely put aside their personal bias.
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7) – The Eagles have been anointed the kings of the East by default, as if Foles didn’t lose DeSean Jackson. They have a good chance of winning this division, only because the competition isn’t strong, but I don’t really see a lot of progression forward. Sproles is a nice change of pace, but he doesn’t replace DJax, and the defense still has questions.
2. Dallas Cowboys (9-7) – People are screaming “worst defense in history!” from the rooftops. Let’s settle down now. Yes, it was stupid to get rid of Ware, but more important, the fossil of Monte Kiffen is no longer calling the shots, which is a plus. The offense will be potent, the offensive line is strong, but will they finally learn to run the ball? Probably not. Actually utilizing Murray is what determines if this team takes the division or not.
3. Washington Redskins (7-9) – I like the Redskins on offense. Griffin should improve from last season, but I don’t think the defense will be strong enough to lift them too far.
4. New York Giants (5-11) – You have to assume Manning will be better than last year, but I don’t think that will matter. The rest of the team won’t improve with him.
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks (11-5) – Sooner or later, Marshawn Lynch is going to slow down, and when he does…they’ll still be a very good team on defense with a stadium designed to punish visitors. I do think the Seahawks will struggle to put up points, but the defense is strong enough that that might not matter.
2. San Francisco 49ers (10-6) – Did you see that tip out of Crabtree’s hands? That might have been the window closing on this team. Ok..that might be a bit dramatic, but they’re aging in key places, half the team is hurt or suspended, and Kaepernick is woefully overpaid. Not good signs.
3. Arizona Cardinals (8-8) – The Cardinals are in a tough spot. This division has inexplicably gone from the toilet to the throne, so it’s not a matter of being good…you have to be great, and I just don’t really think they Cardinals and Carson Palmer are great anymore.
4. St Louis Rams (4-12) – Take a mediocre team in a strong division. Then have your top two offseason stories be a practice squad player that ended up getting cut, and your starting QB getting injured. Not a good sign.
NFC North
1. Green Bay Packers (12-4) – Aaron Rodgers healthy is all you really need to say. If Lacy can build on what he did last year, their offense is very good, and I’ve always been a big fan of Julius Peppers – we’ll see how much he has left in the tank.
2. Chicago Bears (10-6) – The Bears might have one of the best offenses in their history – which they’ll need, because the defense doesn’t live up to historical expectations.
3. Detroit Lions (8-8) – Calvin Johnson is enough to win the Lions some games, but it won’t be enough to get them into the playoffs. Golden Tate is overrated.
4. Minnesota Vikings (5-11) – Like Mike Zimmer, but the QB situation is going to keep the Vikings from mattering. Peterson can’t do it all, and losing Jared Allen won’t be addition by subtraction on defense.
NFC South
1. New Orleans Saints (10-6) – This will be an interesting season. Brees lost some of his weapons, so we’ll see if new ones can fill the void. My vote says yes. Rob Ryan remains one of the most underrated coaches in the league and will keep the defense improving, if not stellar.
2. Atlanta Falcons (8-8) – It’s not so much that I think they did a lot in the offseason to turn things around – I just don’t think they were as bad as their 2013 record would suggest. Ryan/Jones/White is still a nice combo on offense, but the defense leaves something to be desired.
3. Carolina Panthers (8-8) – The inverse of what I said about the Falcons…it’s not that I think they got THAT much worse, I just don’t think they were as good as they looked last year. Losing Steve Smith leaves a leadership and experience void, although the defense does still remain strong.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12) – Apparently it’s a thing in the NFC to dump your best defensive player…just ask Dallas and Minnesota. It won’t help here. They added some pieces, but they’ll still struggle.
AFC East
1. New England Patriots (13-3) – A return to the Patriots of old? I’m not sure the offense will be as potent as its been, but they made some big moves to strengthen the defense. I see a big comeback year for Revis.
2. Miami Dolphins (8-8) – Moreno is a nice pickup, but I’m not sure it’s going to be enough to push the Dolphins over the hump. Not with the Patriots loading up on defense.
3. Buffalo Bills (8-8) – The defense was better than they got credit for last year, and Watkins should help Manuel’s progression along here. Not a playoff team or anything, but better than they’ve been.
4. New York Jets (6-10) – I mean….Chris Johnson? Meh. Decker with Geno Smith instead of Peyton Manning? I don’t see it.
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos (12-4) – Still hard to really fathom what happened in the Superbowl. Even the most diehard Seahawks fans didn’t see that one coming. That said, the Broncos aren’t licking their wounds, they appears to be gearing up for another shot. Despite losing some players, I think the Broncos got better on defense, and Peyton certainly showed no signs of age last season. Still the class of the AFC.
2. San Diego Chargers (10-6) – Some people are saying it was a mirage for Phillip Rivers to look so strong last season. Personally, I think the mirage was the weak season or two he had prior. The Chargers will still be respectable, but they didn’t do enough to challenge the Broncos.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9) – There’s part of me that enjoyed seeing Andy Reid succeed…in no small part due to my feelings about the Eagles. That said, they tapered off at the end of the season, and I don’t really think they’ll see that same spark again.
4. Oakland Raiders (3-13) – They added a lot of players, but most of them are past their prime. The Raiders will still be the Raiders.
AFC North
1. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6) – Not sure anything happened to make them worse, but can’t see a reason for them to be much better, either. The AFC North isn’t as strong as it once was, so that might be enough.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) – Question marks for this team. They typically draft smart on defense, and they’ll need their picks to make a difference in a hurry. Roethlisberger should lean heavily on Blount and Bell, which may wear down opposing defenses enough to keep them in the hunt.
3. Cleveland Browns (7-9) – I feel bad for Cleveland. They made some nice signing, Johnny Manziel should fit great here….and then the suspensions come crashing in. It’s a lot easier to develop into an NFL QB when you’re throwing to Josh Gordon. The Browns are headed in the right direction – but this won’t be the year.
4. Baltimore Ravens (6-10) – Ray Rice is washed up, Joe Flacco is overpaid, and the defense is a hollow shell of its former self.
AFC South
1. Houston Texans (9-7) – Last year was a fluke. They’ll bounce back this year, the defense is terrifying in the front, and just about anything is better than Matt Schaub. Whether or not they can dethrone the Colts depends on what the running game can do to support their QBs.
2. Indianapolis Colts (8-8) – It’s not that I don’t like the Colts - I do – but statistics eventually have to catch up to their aptly-named signal caller. They can’t keep winning that many close games…it just doesn’t happen in the NFL.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-9) – The Jags finished last season almost respectably ( by their standards ), and I did like what they did in the draft. They won’t scare too many teams, but they’re headed in the right direction.
4. Tennessee Titans (4-12) – Wisenhunt has a great track record, but I don’t think Jake Locker has what it takes, and there really isn’t much else worth talking about with this team.
Playoffs
Wildcard Round
Bears (5) @ Eagles (4)
49ers (6) @ Saints (3)
Steelers (6) @ Bengals (3)
Chargers (5) @ Texans (4)
Divisional Round
Bears (5) @ Packers (1)
Saints (3) @ Seahawks (2)
Chargers (5) @ Patriots (1)
Bengals (3) @ Broncos (2)
Championship Round
Saints (3) @ Packers (1)
Broncos (2) @ Patriots (1)
Superbowl
Denver over Packers
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL????
Previous years:
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
Is anyone else excited to actually be talking about the game again? Ever since one of the most wild, unexpected Superbowls I can remember, we quickly got lost talking about suspensions, sexual orientation, and where Johnny Football likes to party. Let’s put all that behind us and get back to what matters! X’s and O’s, W’s and L’s!
As usual, some disclaimers. I don’t profess to be an expert on the NFL, I do this for fun. I don’t do any game by game picks, just a rough guess on each team’s standing, so these exact records may not be possible with the 2014 schedule. While I do try to be objective, no one can completely put aside their personal bias.
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7) – The Eagles have been anointed the kings of the East by default, as if Foles didn’t lose DeSean Jackson. They have a good chance of winning this division, only because the competition isn’t strong, but I don’t really see a lot of progression forward. Sproles is a nice change of pace, but he doesn’t replace DJax, and the defense still has questions.
2. Dallas Cowboys (9-7) – People are screaming “worst defense in history!” from the rooftops. Let’s settle down now. Yes, it was stupid to get rid of Ware, but more important, the fossil of Monte Kiffen is no longer calling the shots, which is a plus. The offense will be potent, the offensive line is strong, but will they finally learn to run the ball? Probably not. Actually utilizing Murray is what determines if this team takes the division or not.
3. Washington Redskins (7-9) – I like the Redskins on offense. Griffin should improve from last season, but I don’t think the defense will be strong enough to lift them too far.
4. New York Giants (5-11) – You have to assume Manning will be better than last year, but I don’t think that will matter. The rest of the team won’t improve with him.
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks (11-5) – Sooner or later, Marshawn Lynch is going to slow down, and when he does…they’ll still be a very good team on defense with a stadium designed to punish visitors. I do think the Seahawks will struggle to put up points, but the defense is strong enough that that might not matter.
2. San Francisco 49ers (10-6) – Did you see that tip out of Crabtree’s hands? That might have been the window closing on this team. Ok..that might be a bit dramatic, but they’re aging in key places, half the team is hurt or suspended, and Kaepernick is woefully overpaid. Not good signs.
3. Arizona Cardinals (8-8) – The Cardinals are in a tough spot. This division has inexplicably gone from the toilet to the throne, so it’s not a matter of being good…you have to be great, and I just don’t really think they Cardinals and Carson Palmer are great anymore.
4. St Louis Rams (4-12) – Take a mediocre team in a strong division. Then have your top two offseason stories be a practice squad player that ended up getting cut, and your starting QB getting injured. Not a good sign.
NFC North
1. Green Bay Packers (12-4) – Aaron Rodgers healthy is all you really need to say. If Lacy can build on what he did last year, their offense is very good, and I’ve always been a big fan of Julius Peppers – we’ll see how much he has left in the tank.
2. Chicago Bears (10-6) – The Bears might have one of the best offenses in their history – which they’ll need, because the defense doesn’t live up to historical expectations.
3. Detroit Lions (8-8) – Calvin Johnson is enough to win the Lions some games, but it won’t be enough to get them into the playoffs. Golden Tate is overrated.
4. Minnesota Vikings (5-11) – Like Mike Zimmer, but the QB situation is going to keep the Vikings from mattering. Peterson can’t do it all, and losing Jared Allen won’t be addition by subtraction on defense.
NFC South
1. New Orleans Saints (10-6) – This will be an interesting season. Brees lost some of his weapons, so we’ll see if new ones can fill the void. My vote says yes. Rob Ryan remains one of the most underrated coaches in the league and will keep the defense improving, if not stellar.
2. Atlanta Falcons (8-8) – It’s not so much that I think they did a lot in the offseason to turn things around – I just don’t think they were as bad as their 2013 record would suggest. Ryan/Jones/White is still a nice combo on offense, but the defense leaves something to be desired.
3. Carolina Panthers (8-8) – The inverse of what I said about the Falcons…it’s not that I think they got THAT much worse, I just don’t think they were as good as they looked last year. Losing Steve Smith leaves a leadership and experience void, although the defense does still remain strong.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12) – Apparently it’s a thing in the NFC to dump your best defensive player…just ask Dallas and Minnesota. It won’t help here. They added some pieces, but they’ll still struggle.
AFC East
1. New England Patriots (13-3) – A return to the Patriots of old? I’m not sure the offense will be as potent as its been, but they made some big moves to strengthen the defense. I see a big comeback year for Revis.
2. Miami Dolphins (8-8) – Moreno is a nice pickup, but I’m not sure it’s going to be enough to push the Dolphins over the hump. Not with the Patriots loading up on defense.
3. Buffalo Bills (8-8) – The defense was better than they got credit for last year, and Watkins should help Manuel’s progression along here. Not a playoff team or anything, but better than they’ve been.
4. New York Jets (6-10) – I mean….Chris Johnson? Meh. Decker with Geno Smith instead of Peyton Manning? I don’t see it.
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos (12-4) – Still hard to really fathom what happened in the Superbowl. Even the most diehard Seahawks fans didn’t see that one coming. That said, the Broncos aren’t licking their wounds, they appears to be gearing up for another shot. Despite losing some players, I think the Broncos got better on defense, and Peyton certainly showed no signs of age last season. Still the class of the AFC.
2. San Diego Chargers (10-6) – Some people are saying it was a mirage for Phillip Rivers to look so strong last season. Personally, I think the mirage was the weak season or two he had prior. The Chargers will still be respectable, but they didn’t do enough to challenge the Broncos.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9) – There’s part of me that enjoyed seeing Andy Reid succeed…in no small part due to my feelings about the Eagles. That said, they tapered off at the end of the season, and I don’t really think they’ll see that same spark again.
4. Oakland Raiders (3-13) – They added a lot of players, but most of them are past their prime. The Raiders will still be the Raiders.
AFC North
1. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6) – Not sure anything happened to make them worse, but can’t see a reason for them to be much better, either. The AFC North isn’t as strong as it once was, so that might be enough.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) – Question marks for this team. They typically draft smart on defense, and they’ll need their picks to make a difference in a hurry. Roethlisberger should lean heavily on Blount and Bell, which may wear down opposing defenses enough to keep them in the hunt.
3. Cleveland Browns (7-9) – I feel bad for Cleveland. They made some nice signing, Johnny Manziel should fit great here….and then the suspensions come crashing in. It’s a lot easier to develop into an NFL QB when you’re throwing to Josh Gordon. The Browns are headed in the right direction – but this won’t be the year.
4. Baltimore Ravens (6-10) – Ray Rice is washed up, Joe Flacco is overpaid, and the defense is a hollow shell of its former self.
AFC South
1. Houston Texans (9-7) – Last year was a fluke. They’ll bounce back this year, the defense is terrifying in the front, and just about anything is better than Matt Schaub. Whether or not they can dethrone the Colts depends on what the running game can do to support their QBs.
2. Indianapolis Colts (8-8) – It’s not that I don’t like the Colts - I do – but statistics eventually have to catch up to their aptly-named signal caller. They can’t keep winning that many close games…it just doesn’t happen in the NFL.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-9) – The Jags finished last season almost respectably ( by their standards ), and I did like what they did in the draft. They won’t scare too many teams, but they’re headed in the right direction.
4. Tennessee Titans (4-12) – Wisenhunt has a great track record, but I don’t think Jake Locker has what it takes, and there really isn’t much else worth talking about with this team.
Playoffs
Wildcard Round
Bears (5) @ Eagles (4)
49ers (6) @ Saints (3)
Steelers (6) @ Bengals (3)
Chargers (5) @ Texans (4)
Divisional Round
Bears (5) @ Packers (1)
Saints (3) @ Seahawks (2)
Chargers (5) @ Patriots (1)
Bengals (3) @ Broncos (2)
Championship Round
Saints (3) @ Packers (1)
Broncos (2) @ Patriots (1)
Superbowl
Denver over Packers
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL????
Previous years:
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
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